# Ep 271: Audio Delay in a Hose, Ribbon Cable Repair, and DIY Hacker Metrology

- Show: [Hackaday Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast)
- Published: 2024-05-17
- Length: 54m
- Episode: 271
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-05-17-ep-271-audio-delay-in-a-hose-ribbon-cable-repair-and-diy-hacker-metrology
- Listen: https://hackaday.libsyn.com/ep-271-audio-delay-in-a-hose-ribbon-cable-repair-and-diy-hacker-metrology

## Summary

Hackaday editors Elliot Williams and Al Williams discuss a software bug in Tandem Diabetes Care's T:Link app that caused insulin pumps to drain batteries and trigger a recall, highlighting the critical need for robust error handling in medical devices. They explore creative audio hacks, including a garden hose delay line and historical mercury delay lines, alongside a Z80 computer built on perfboard and a ribbon cable repair using a vinyl cutter. The episode also covers adaptive technology, such as a 3D-printed assistive knife handle and a vibrating Braille display, while emphasizing the value of DIY metrology and open-source hardware access.

## Chapters

- [0:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-05-17-ep-271-audio-delay-in-a-hose-ribbon-cable-repair-and-diy-hacker-metrology#t=2) Introduction: Insulin Pump Recall and Software Bugs
- [4:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-05-17-ep-271-audio-delay-in-a-hose-ribbon-cable-repair-and-diy-hacker-metrology#t=271) What's That Sound: Audio Delay in a Garden Hose
- [15:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-05-17-ep-271-audio-delay-in-a-hose-ribbon-cable-repair-and-diy-hacker-metrology#t=939) Z80 Perfboard Computer and Ribbon Cable Repair
- [27:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-05-17-ep-271-audio-delay-in-a-hose-ribbon-cable-repair-and-diy-hacker-metrology#t=1677) Adaptive Tech: Assistive Knife and Braille Display
- [37:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-05-17-ep-271-audio-delay-in-a-hose-ribbon-cable-repair-and-diy-hacker-metrology#t=2231) Quick Hacks: MOSFETs, Ham Radio, and Toast Typewriter
- [43:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-05-17-ep-271-audio-delay-in-a-hose-ribbon-cable-repair-and-diy-hacker-metrology#t=2618) DIY Metrology and Measurement Tools
- [49:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-05-17-ep-271-audio-delay-in-a-hose-ribbon-cable-repair-and-diy-hacker-metrology#t=2960) Bit Slice Computing and Access to Documentation

## Topics

- [Medical & health devices](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/medical-devices)
- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Fabrication & craft](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/fabrication-and-craft)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Tandem Diabetes Care (company)
- T:Link (product)
- Z80 (chip)
- RP2040 (chip)
- FreeRTOS (tool)
- Mercury Delay Line (other)
- SI5351 (chip)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [434: I Love It, It's Exhausting](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-11-11-434-i-love-it-its-exhausting) (Embedded.fm)
- [It Works With Option Number 5](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2025-06-19-it-works-with-option-number-5) (The Amp Hour)
- [Our First Call In Show](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2015-11-06-our-first-call-in-show) (The Amp Hour)
- [Pneumatic Tubes, Straight To The Home](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2024-01-22-pneumatic-tubes-straight-to-the-home) (The Amp Hour)
- [121. Power Up Your Wearable Devices with Blood Sugar!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-05-09-121-power-up-your-wearable-devices-with-blood-sugar) (The Next Byte Podcast)

## Citing this page

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