Hackaday Podcast · 3 Sept 2020 · 57m
Hackaday editors Mike Szczys and Elliot Williams review recent community hacks, including a custom Xbox controller built from an RC remote using an ATmega32U4, and a privacy vulnerability in the Apple/Google COVID tracing Bluetooth framework. They also discuss the engineering of the Mars Helicopter (Ingenuity), highlighting its counter-rotating carbon fiber blades and deployment mechanism, and showcase a 3D-printed flight simulator joystick using Hall effect sensors. The episode concludes with a deep dive into the Mars 2020 mission's helicopter, noting its testing in JPL's vacuum chamber and unique motor winding techniques.
makers and hobbyists
Other shows on the same ground, closest first.
Hosts Elecia White and Christopher White discuss listener emails covering Bluetooth 4.2 security, the definition of masked ROM, and the use of the volatile keyword in C. They review Elecia's work on precision mice feeders and bike lights, and detail their disassembly of BB-8 robots for competitive analysis of their BLE and inertial sensors. The episode concludes with commentary on Amazon's work culture and drone regulations.
Robb Walters, co-founder and CTO of Flybrix, explains how his company builds LEGO-based multicopter kits to teach aerial robotics, leveraging the NXP Kinetis K20 microcontroller and MPU-9250 IMU. He details the engineering challenges of designing a cascade PID control system, the decision to use real LEGO bricks glued into the PCB for structural integrity, and the supply chain complexities of sourcing parts from secondary markets like BrickLink. Walters also discusses the transition from alpha to beta production, the use of modern C++11 in the open-source firmware, and his background in nanotechnology at Integrated Plasmonics.
Hosts Dave Jones and Chris Gammell discuss a wide range of hardware topics, starting with Chris's preparation for Embedded World using FreeCAD and KeyCAD. They delve into Bluetooth Low Energy history and standards, then analyze the industry shift toward plug-in hybrids, citing Toyota's strategy. The conversation covers new silicon from Espressif, the TinyTapeOut project by Bitlooney, and Pete Bevilacqua's PowerMole Kickstarter, before concluding with a look at BeagleBoard.org's new Raspberry Pi-compatible board and a discussion on popular hobbyist components.
Hosts Dave Jones and Chris Gamble discuss the open-source RC controller from Gizmo For You, highlighting its complex injection-molded cases and 8-layer PCB. They review Ken Lumbard's 'Reading Jim Williams' project, which curates and analyzes the application notes of legendary analog engineer Jim Williams. The hosts also cover rumors of a DARPA humanoid robot grand challenge and share experiences using CircuitLab for SPICE simulation.
Bruce Simpson, creator of the XJet and RC Model Reviews YouTube channels, discusses his background in electronics and his controversial 2000s project to build a DIY cruise missile using pulse jet engines. He details the technical evolution of RC flight controllers from thermopile-based systems to modern MEMS sensors, the rise of open-source firmware like BetaFlight, and the regulatory battles with New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority. Simpson also covers the impact of DJI's geofencing, debunks various pseudoscientific scams, and shares his personal experience managing Parkinson's disease.
The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by Hackaday Podcast. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.