# Ep 354: Firearms, Sky Driving, and Dumpster Diving

- Show: [Hackaday Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast)
- Published: 2026-01-23
- Length: 1h 04m
- Episode: 354
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-01-23-ep-354-firearms-sky-driving-and-dumpster-diving
- Listen: https://hackaday.com/2026/01/23/hackaday-podcast-episode-354-firearms-sky-driving-and-dumpster-diving/

## Summary

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.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-01-23-ep-354-firearms-sky-driving-and-dumpster-diving#t=0) Introduction: Washington State 3D Printed Firearms Bill
- [4:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-01-23-ep-354-firearms-sky-driving-and-dumpster-diving#t=287) Sound Guess: Gyrus Arcade Game
- [7:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-01-23-ep-354-firearms-sky-driving-and-dumpster-diving#t=477) Articulated Mirror with Surplus Actuators
- [16:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-01-23-ep-354-firearms-sky-driving-and-dumpster-diving#t=981) Triacs for AC Switching and Continuous 3D Printing
- [25:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-01-23-ep-354-firearms-sky-driving-and-dumpster-diving#t=1537) Ultrasonic Audio Array and Self-Powered Top
- [36:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-01-23-ep-354-firearms-sky-driving-and-dumpster-diving#t=2202) FAA IBM 9020 Air Traffic Control History
- [43:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-01-23-ep-354-firearms-sky-driving-and-dumpster-diving#t=2598) Quick Hacks: Linux UI, Binary Clock, and Wii Pizza
- [47:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-01-23-ep-354-firearms-sky-driving-and-dumpster-diving#t=2831) Low Earth Orbit Skimmer Satellites
- [57:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-01-23-ep-354-firearms-sky-driving-and-dumpster-diving#t=3429) Dumpster Diving and Component Salvage

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)
- [Maker community & events](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/maker-community)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Washington State (other)
- Time Sync Studios (company)
- Bamboo Lab (company)
- IBM (company)
- FAA (company)
- JAXA (company)
- ESA (company)
- TR80 (other)
- Gyrus (product)
- TRS 80 (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [058 - Technically Met the Specs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2022-06-15-058-technically-met-the-specs) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)
- [Vecordious Vacation Variorum](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2012-02-14-vecordious-vacation-variorum) (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)
- [Spacing Out On Space - Dave's Dongle Designing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-05-07-spacing-out-on-space-daves-dongle-designing) (The Amp Hour)
- [100: Unintentional Radiator](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-05-06-100-unintentional-radiator) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

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