# Ep 172: Frickin' Laser Beams, Squishy Stomp Switches, and a Tiny but Powerful DIY Loom

- Show: [Hackaday Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast)
- Published: 2022-06-10
- Length: 41m
- Episode: 172
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2022-06-10-ep-172-frickin-laser-beams-squishy-stomp-switches-and-a-tiny-but-powerful-diy-lo
- Listen: https://hackaday.libsyn.com/ep-172-frickin-laser-beams-squishy-stomp-switches-and-a-tiny-but-powerful-diy-loom

## Summary

Hackaday editors Elliot Williams and Kristina Panos review a diverse range of hardware hacks, including a security bypass of Master Lock safes by Etienne Salon and durable stomp switches by Wannabe Mad Si. They discuss industrial 3D printing technologies, specifically sand mold printers, and showcase community projects like Dimitar's breadboard game controller and Ildaron's laser mosquito zapper. The episode concludes with deep dives into laser propulsion for spacecraft and the culture of the demoscene.

## Chapters

- [0:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2022-06-10-ep-172-frickin-laser-beams-squishy-stomp-switches-and-a-tiny-but-powerful-diy-lo#t=1) Intro and Hackaday Prize Updates
- [2:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2022-06-10-ep-172-frickin-laser-beams-squishy-stomp-switches-and-a-tiny-but-powerful-diy-lo#t=170) Library Maker Spaces and Public Resources
- [7:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2022-06-10-ep-172-frickin-laser-beams-squishy-stomp-switches-and-a-tiny-but-powerful-diy-lo#t=474) Master Lock Security Research by Etienne Salon
- [10:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2022-06-10-ep-172-frickin-laser-beams-squishy-stomp-switches-and-a-tiny-but-powerful-diy-lo#t=630) Squishy Stomp Switches by Wannabe Mad Si
- [12:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2022-06-10-ep-172-frickin-laser-beams-squishy-stomp-switches-and-a-tiny-but-powerful-diy-lo#t=776) Industrial 3D Printers and Sand Mold Casting
- [17:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2022-06-10-ep-172-frickin-laser-beams-squishy-stomp-switches-and-a-tiny-but-powerful-diy-lo#t=1040) Breadboard Game Controller and Laser Mosquito Zapper
- [23:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2022-06-10-ep-172-frickin-laser-beams-squishy-stomp-switches-and-a-tiny-but-powerful-diy-lo#t=1427) 3D Printed Power Loom and LTspice Tips
- [26:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2022-06-10-ep-172-frickin-laser-beams-squishy-stomp-switches-and-a-tiny-but-powerful-diy-lo#t=1583) Quick Hacks: Under-Door Security and Lego Data Storage
- [32:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2022-06-10-ep-172-frickin-laser-beams-squishy-stomp-switches-and-a-tiny-but-powerful-diy-lo#t=1921) Laser Propulsion and the Demoscene

## Topics

- [Security & privacy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/security-and-privacy)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Maker community & events](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/maker-community)
- [Energy & climate tech](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/energy-and-climate-tech)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Master Lock (product)
- Etienne Salon (other)
- Wannabe Mad Si (other)
- 3DP (company)
- Black Buffalo (company)
- Dimitar (other)
- Game Bug (product)
- Ildaron (other)
- YOLO (other)
- LTspice (tool)
- Raspberry Pi Pico (chip)
- MSP430 (chip)
- WDC (other)
- Game Boy (product)
- Jenny List (other)
- Hackaday Prize (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Psst...Hey buddy, wanna buy an Octopus?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2025-10-09-psst-hey-buddy-wanna-buy-an-octopus) (The Amp Hour)
- [Space Difficulties and Lost Heroes - Wanzing Workshop Whemmle](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-11-06-space-difficulties-and-lost-heroes-wanzing-workshop-whemmle) (The Amp Hour)
- [527: The Answers Are IN The Work](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-05-29-527-the-answers-are-in-the-work) (Making It)
- [205: Questions about Dumplings](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-06-22-205-questions-about-dumplings) (Embedded.fm)
- [100: Unintentional Radiator](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-05-06-100-unintentional-radiator) (Embedded.fm)

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