Hardware Podcasts

Ep 354: Firearms, Sky Driving, and Dumpster Diving

Hackaday Podcast · 23 Jan 2026 · 1h 04m · Episode 354

What this episode covers

Hackaday editors Elliot Williams and Al Williams discuss a Washington State bill attempting to ban 3D printing of firearm parts, analyzing the technical impossibility of software-based detection and the potential for a blueprint database. They review several hardware hacks, including a 128-segment articulated mirror using surplus cell phone linear actuators, a continuous 3D printing bed cycler for Bambu Lab printers, and an ultrasonic audio array. The episode also covers the history of the FAA's IBM 9020 air traffic control system, low Earth orbit 'skimmer' satellites, and the modern practice of dumpster diving for electronic components.

Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Time Sync Studios, Bamboo Lab, IBM, FAA, JAXA, ESA
Products
Gyrus, TRS 80
Also
Washington State, TR80

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast · 1h 28m

    058 - Technically Met the Specs

    Eric Schlaepfer and Windell Oskay discuss their book 'Open Circuits,' detailing the process of cutting components in half with sandpaper and grinding wheels to reveal internal structures, while Jacob Creedon, Spencer Moss, Ken, and Will McGuiness share their perspectives on reverse engineering tools like IDA Pro and Ghidra, and the legal and social implications of technology. The group debates the future of AI, the validity of NFTs, and the importance of right-to-repair legislation, with Spencer Moss from Google and Ken from Somerset Recon highlighting the increasing complexity of hardware security. Mike Ryan from Ice 9 Consulting joins to discuss Bluetooth security, the obsolescence of passwords, and the dual-use nature of technology in the context of government regulation.

    Debugging & failure analysisSecurity & privacy
    7 chapters

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 08m

    Vecordious Vacation Variorum

    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.

    Careers & educationPricing, margins & unit economics
    7 chapters

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 06m

    Multicopter, DIY drones & Tektronix - Zappy Zendik Zoilism

    Hosts Chris Gammell and Dave Jones discuss a DIY drone crash video, the ADE 651 bomb detection scam, and rumors of Texas Instruments selling its OMAP processor line. They also cover Tektronix's new oscilloscope launch, a Kickstarter scam involving the Tech Sync Power System, and the future of personal robots like the Willow Garage PR2.

    Debugging & failure analysisChips, FPGAs & semiconductors
    10 chapters

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 17m

    Spacing Out On Space - Dave's Dongle Designing

    Dave Jones and Chris Gammell discuss the Hackaday Prize, which offers a trip to space, emphasizing that open-source documentation and novel ideas are more important than polished hardware. They explore the concept of a portable lab, debating the use of makeup cases, Android-based scopes like the Aussie Prime, and handheld scopes from Handtech. The conversation also covers Altium's strategic failure in China and subsequent move to San Diego, changes to Eagle's licensing model, and the consolidation of the audio chip market through Serious Logic's acquisition of Wolfson.

    Crowdfunding & preordersPCB design & layout
    8 chapters

  • Embedded.fm · 1h 08m

    100: Unintentional Radiator

    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.

    Crowdfunding & preordersChips, FPGAs & semiconductors
    10 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by Hackaday Podcast. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.