Hackaday Podcast · 16 May 2025 · 1h 08m · Episode 321
Hackaday editors Elliot Williams and Tom Nardi review a week of hardware hacks, starting with best practices for FDM 3D printing by Ra Hicks, which emphasizes shell strength over infill. They discuss repurposing Chromeboxes into Linux PCs via Mr. Chromebox scripts, creating a Star Wars-themed holographic chess table using Oscar 3D film, and reverse-engineering Philips smart lights with an ESP32-based replacement board. The episode also covers designing a high-end replacement motherboard for vintage ThinkPads, the history of Pong chips, and a deep dive into the libogc license controversy involving RTEMS and the Linux kernel.
makers and hobbyists
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Chris Gammell returns from Maker Faire to discuss the proliferation of 3D printers, the Intel Edison development board, and low-cost pick-and-place machines. Dave Jones addresses viewer complaints about his YouTube content, analyzes the technical specs of the Intel Edison, and reviews the new Altium cloud-based design tool. The hosts also touch on the challenges of open-source test equipment and the future of hardware kits.
David Picciuto, Jimmy Diresta, and Bob Clagett discuss their current projects and New Year's resolutions. David Picciuto details his experience in Greg Pennington's Windsor chair class and his experiment using an X-Tool P2 laser to create a veneered end table. Bob Clagett explains his process for upgrading shop lighting using 3D-printed brackets, while Jimmy Diresta shares his plans to organize his shop with an A1 3D printer and his strategy to reduce digital consumption.
Hosts Elecia White and Christopher White discuss the value of show transcripts, compare NumPy and MATLAB for computational work, and detail Christopher's 3D printed Star Wars lightsaber and Elecia's Python-based origami seashell modeling. They also address listener questions regarding career transitions into embedded systems, emphasizing the importance of internships, open-source contributions, and building tangible projects like using Rust or Linux tools. The episode concludes with commentary on the hardware ecosystem, including ARM Macs and GPU shortages.
Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the balance between researching and figuring things out on the fly. Bob Clagett details his work on a Buddha head using fairing compound and an oscillating tool, while David Picciuto shares lessons from dyeing wood for a pizza table. Jimmy Diresta demonstrates creating a chrome Star Wars thermal detonator prop, highlighting the challenges of finishing 3D prints. The hosts debate the value of deep research versus experimental prototyping in maker projects.
Hosts Jen Castillo and Alvaro Prieto discuss their pandemic-era projects, including Alvaro's recreation of his father's 7400-series digital clock, a USB-C power adapter using a Cypress chip, and a t-shirt quilt. Jen details her reverse engineering of a greeting card chip, her exploration of Chinese manufacturing via Alibaba, and her choreography of a remote dance piece. They also cover the cancellation of hardware conferences like Hackaday Supercon and HackRF, and recommend movies such as 'Mood Indigo' and '3 Idiots'.
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