Hackaday Podcast · 29 Jul 2022 · 1h 13m · Episode 179
Hackaday editors Elliot Williams and Dan Maloney review a week of hardware hacks, starting with Danger Chess, a robot that broke a child's finger due to a lack of safety interlocks, and a high-voltage corona motor by LaserSaber that generates useful torque. They analyze a 60-GHz phased array antenna teardown by Shariar, which reveals the extreme miniaturization required for RF ASICs, and discuss James Bruton's omnidirectional walker that combines strider mechanisms with omni-wheels. The episode concludes with a deep dive into the James Webb Space Telescope's solid-state recorder and high-gain antenna, highlighting the manual labor still required for automotive wire harnesses.
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Hosts Chris Gammell and Dave Jones discuss the recent Antares rocket explosion, the Hackaday Prize space trip controversy, and the passing of Tom Maglioli from Car Talk. They also cover U-beam's wireless charging technology, Dr. Greg Shaver's ultrasound chip startup, and DIY projects including a Tony Stark Halloween costume and reflow oven modifications.
Hosts Dave Jones and Chris Campbell discuss the ongoing semiconductor component shortage, detailing how it forces designers to source from overseas distributors like LCSC and adopt modular designs to mitigate risk. They analyze the James Webb Space Telescope's complex deployment sequence, using it as an example of high-stakes engineering where single points of failure are unacceptable. The conversation shifts to the history of connectors, the release of KiCad 6, and the rising influence of RISC-V architecture in low-cost microcontrollers from companies like WCH.
Hosts Chris Gammell and Dave Jones discuss a DIY drone crash video, the ADE 651 bomb detection scam, and rumors of Texas Instruments selling its OMAP processor line. They also cover Tektronix's new oscilloscope launch, a Kickstarter scam involving the Tech Sync Power System, and the future of personal robots like the Willow Garage PR2.
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.
Mohit Bhoite, a Senior Hardware Engineer at Particle, discusses his hobby of creating free-form circuit sculptures using brass wire and passive electronic components. He explains his process of using BEAM robotics principles, EAGLE CAD for schematics, and specific tools like Xuron pliers and CircuitWorks flux to build functional art like his TIE interceptor alarm clock. Bhoite details the challenges of soldering lead-free solder, managing heat dissipation in complex structures, and balancing his day job with his artistic output without commercializing the hobby.
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