# Ep 282: Saildrones, a New Classic Laptop, and SNES Cartridges are More Than You Think

- Show: [Hackaday Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast)
- Published: 2024-08-02
- Length: 1h 10m
- Episode: 282
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-08-02-ep-282-saildrones-a-new-classic-laptop-and-snes-cartridges-are-more-than-you-thi
- Listen: https://hackaday.libsyn.com/ep-282-saildrones-a-new-classic-laptop-and-snes-cartridges-are-more-than-you-think

## Summary

Hackaday editors Elliot Williams and Tom Nardi discuss the fragility of modern infrastructure following the CrowdStrike outage, then highlight Saildrones' autonomous robotic sailboats for hurricane research and Michael Meyer's 3D-printed 'Pi 84' laptop. They analyze the complex electronics inside Super Nintendo cartridges, including the Super FX chip, and review the history of the Alpha Smart word processor. The episode concludes with practical hacks like reading smart meters via SDR, laser cleaning paintings, and multi-design PCB panelization.

## Chapters

- [0:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-08-02-ep-282-saildrones-a-new-classic-laptop-and-snes-cartridges-are-more-than-you-thi#t=1) Introduction: Infrastructure Fragility and CrowdStrike
- [7:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-08-02-ep-282-saildrones-a-new-classic-laptop-and-snes-cartridges-are-more-than-you-thi#t=431) What's That Sound: Doctor Who Audio Puzzle
- [9:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-08-02-ep-282-saildrones-a-new-classic-laptop-and-snes-cartridges-are-more-than-you-thi#t=563) Saildrones: Autonomous Wing-Sail Boats for Hurricane Research
- [15:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-08-02-ep-282-saildrones-a-new-classic-laptop-and-snes-cartridges-are-more-than-you-thi#t=945) Michael Meyer's Pi 84: 3D Printed Retro Laptop
- [20:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-08-02-ep-282-saildrones-a-new-classic-laptop-and-snes-cartridges-are-more-than-you-thi#t=1225) SNES Cartridge Electronics: Super FX and CIC Chips
- [29:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-08-02-ep-282-saildrones-a-new-classic-laptop-and-snes-cartridges-are-more-than-you-thi#t=1798) The Alpha Smart: History of Dedicated Word Processors
- [37:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-08-02-ep-282-saildrones-a-new-classic-laptop-and-snes-cartridges-are-more-than-you-thi#t=2255) Reading Smart Meters via SDR and Home Assistant
- [40:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-08-02-ep-282-saildrones-a-new-classic-laptop-and-snes-cartridges-are-more-than-you-thi#t=2454) Laser Cleaning Paintings: George Washington Conservation
- [47:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-08-02-ep-282-saildrones-a-new-classic-laptop-and-snes-cartridges-are-more-than-you-thi#t=2840) Quick Hacks: E-Ink Folio, Fuel Injector Tester, RC Robot
- [56:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-08-02-ep-282-saildrones-a-new-classic-laptop-and-snes-cartridges-are-more-than-you-thi#t=3396) Undersea Cable Repair and Multi-Design PCB Panelization

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies, founders before launch, makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Saildrones (company)
- CrowdStrike (company)
- Microsoft Azure (company)
- Pi 84 (product)
- Super Nintendo (product)
- Super FX (chip)
- CIC (chip)
- Alpha Smart (product)
- RTLSDR (tool)
- Home Assistant (tool)
- Julian Bumgardner (other)
- JLCPCB (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [The Automation Amish](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2017-07-10-the-automation-amish) (The Amp Hour)
- [Multicopter, DIY drones & Tektronix - Zappy Zendik Zoilism](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-08-30-multicopter-diy-drones-tektronix-zappy-zendik-zoilism) (The Amp Hour)
- [Discovering Cursed Connectors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2023-06-19-discovering-cursed-connectors) (The Amp Hour)
- [233: Always the Wrong Way](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-02-09-233-always-the-wrong-way) (Embedded.fm)
- [Microfichery](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-04-09-microfichery) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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