Hackaday Podcast · 12 Jul 2024 · 51m · Episode 279
Hosts Elliot Williams and Al Williams discuss the bankruptcy of Shapeways, analyzing how falling capital costs for metal 3D printing and competition from cheap PCB services eroded its niche. They review several hacks, including Robert Heaton's 'Pi Sky Wi-Fi' which smuggles data via airline frequent flyer name fields, and a candle-powered LED lantern using Peltier elements. The episode also covers cavity filters, thermite iron casting, and long-form articles on the Solar Dynamics Observatory and flash memory technology.
makers and hobbyists
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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.
Mohit Bhoite, a senior hardware engineer at Particle, discusses his hobby of creating functional free-form circuit sculptures using brass wire and passive components. He explains his process of using templates, EAGLE CAD for schematics, and specific tools like Xuron pliers and CircuitWorks flux to build intricate structures like a TIE interceptor alarm clock. Bhoite also shares insights on material selection, soldering techniques for lead-free solder, and the balance between engineering precision and artistic expression.
Jeff Keyzer of MightyOhm.com joins Dave Jones and Chris Gammell to discuss the challenges of hardware engineering, including the disruptive nature of context switching and the potential for internal technical sabbaticals. The hosts critique a spray-on RF antenna product for its lack of technical data and discuss the business models of 3D Systems and MakerBot, specifically regarding the pricing of 3D model files. They also debate the viability of selling electronics kits versus pre-assembled units, citing the MakerBot Cube and EEVblog power supply as examples.
Hosts Amelia Cook and Christopher White reunite with guests Star Simpson and Jen Costillo to reflect on the evolution of the hardware hobbyist landscape over the two years since their first appearance. Star Simpson, who works at Orion, discusses her wearable device project and her open-source FPGA toolchain initiative called Balboa, while also recounting the challenges of crowdfunding the Octopart reference card. The group analyzes the shifting attitudes toward privacy and security in the Internet of Things, the rise of accessible prototyping tools like 3D printing and Crowd Supply, and the changing ecosystem of development boards including the Odroid and Arduino.
Hosts Chris Gammell and Dave Jones discuss the Boeing 787 battery fires, analyzing the failure of the Tally's battery system and the complexities of aerospace systems engineering. They review CircuitHub, a Y Combinator-backed startup that syncs PCB footprints via Dropbox, and evaluate FounderDating.com as a tool for finding startup co-founders. The episode also covers the consolidation of the chip industry, the low power consumption of the Fluke 27 multimeter, and the manufacturing ecosystem in Shenzhen.
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