# Ep 309: Seeing WiFi, A World Without USB, Linux in NES in Animal Crossing

- Show: [Hackaday Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast)
- Published: 2025-02-21
- Length: 1h 02m
- Episode: 309
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2025-02-21-ep-309-seeing-wifi-a-world-without-usb-linux-in-nes-in-animal-crossing
- Listen: https://hackaday.libsyn.com/ep-309-seeing-wifi-a-world-without-usb-linux-in-nes-in-animal-crossing

## Summary

Hackaday editors Elliot Williams and Tom Nardi discuss the EsparGos project, an ESP32-based array that visualizes Wi-Fi signals for direction finding and passive radar. They cover Amazon's decision to disable direct Kindle book downloads, the history of the Access Bus as a pre-USB alternative, and a multi-layered hack running Linux inside Animal Crossing. The episode also features discussions on 3D-printed active electronic components, East German Severit glass, and the limitations of modern voice control systems.

## Chapters

- [0:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2025-02-21-ep-309-seeing-wifi-a-world-without-usb-linux-in-nes-in-animal-crossing#t=1) Introduction: Hackaday Europe and 3D Benchy License Saga
- [9:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2025-02-21-ep-309-seeing-wifi-a-world-without-usb-linux-in-nes-in-animal-crossing#t=540) What's That Sound: Guessing Electronics Sounds
- [10:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2025-02-21-ep-309-seeing-wifi-a-world-without-usb-linux-in-nes-in-animal-crossing#t=600) EsparGos: Seeing Wi-Fi with ESP32 Arrays
- [18:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2025-02-21-ep-309-seeing-wifi-a-world-without-usb-linux-in-nes-in-animal-crossing#t=1100) Amazon Disabling Kindle Book Downloads
- [22:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2025-02-21-ep-309-seeing-wifi-a-world-without-usb-linux-in-nes-in-animal-crossing#t=1353) A World Without USB: The Access Bus History
- [26:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2025-02-21-ep-309-seeing-wifi-a-world-without-usb-linux-in-nes-in-animal-crossing#t=1605) Running Linux in Animal Crossing on an NES
- [33:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2025-02-21-ep-309-seeing-wifi-a-world-without-usb-linux-in-nes-in-animal-crossing#t=1993) Magnetostriction Sensors and 3D Printed Electronics
- [42:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2025-02-21-ep-309-seeing-wifi-a-world-without-usb-linux-in-nes-in-animal-crossing#t=2561) Quick Hacks: Fonts, Magnetic Fields, and KiCad 9
- [48:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2025-02-21-ep-309-seeing-wifi-a-world-without-usb-linux-in-nes-in-animal-crossing#t=2885) East German Severit Unbreakable Glass
- [52:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2025-02-21-ep-309-seeing-wifi-a-world-without-usb-linux-in-nes-in-animal-crossing#t=3174) The Failures of Modern Voice Control Systems

## Topics

- [Wireless & RF](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/wireless-and-rf)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Security & privacy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/security-and-privacy)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- EsparGos (product)
- ESP32 (chip)
- Prusa Research (company)
- Kindle (product)
- Animal Crossing (product)
- NES (product)
- KiCad (tool)
- Severit (product)
- Alexa (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Giant Lego 3D Printing, Self Soldering PCBs, new ESP32 C6 modules, and more!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2023-01-26-giant-lego-3d-printing-self-soldering-pcbs-new-esp32-c6-modules-and-more) (The Electromaker Show)
- [Analog Clock goes Digital, Nordic goes WiFi, Espressif goes NO-WIFI?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2023-02-01-analog-clock-goes-digital-nordic-goes-wifi-espressif-goes-no-wifi) (The Electromaker Show)
- [Linux on Arduino, Raspberry Pi Upcycling, LoraWAN Kickstarter, and more!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2023-08-23-linux-on-arduino-raspberry-pi-upcycling-lorawan-kickstarter-and-more) (The Electromaker Show)
- [Amazing Jumperless Breadboard, ESP32 Screens, Zimablade Servers and RISCV EVERYTHING](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2023-08-30-amazing-jumperless-breadboard-esp32-screens-zimablade-servers-and-riscv-everythi) (The Electromaker Show)
- [Simulating doors falling off](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2024-04-04-simulating-doors-falling-off) (The Amp Hour)

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