# Ep 370: Softer Cyberdecks, a Simulated Clutch, and an Overstuffed Mailbox

- Show: [Hackaday Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast)
- Published: 2026-05-22
- Length: 1h 16m
- Episode: 370
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-05-22-ep-370-softer-cyberdecks-a-simulated-clutch-and-an-overstuffed-mailbox
- Listen: https://hackaday.com/2026/05/22/hackaday-podcast-episode-370-softer-cyberdecks-a-simulated-clutch-and-an-overstuffed-mailbox/

## Summary

Hosts Elliot Williams and Al Williams discuss recent Hackaday projects, including 'girly' cyberdecks like Boss Brat's Mermaid Clutch Purse and Kati's PinkPad, which repurpose toys into Linux laptops. They analyze Raccoon Lab's 3D-printed circuit boards using copper tape and a Honda patent for a simulated clutch on electric motorcycles that mimics the feel of internal combustion engines. The episode also covers safety concerns regarding 3D printing emissions, specifically the need to vent VOCs from materials like ABS and polycarbonate, and reviews software tools like KiCad and KDE Connect for local file sharing.

## Chapters

- [0:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-05-22-ep-370-softer-cyberdecks-a-simulated-clutch-and-an-overstuffed-mailbox#t=1) Introduction: Hackaday Europe Recap and CERN KiCad Libraries
- [3:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-05-22-ep-370-softer-cyberdecks-a-simulated-clutch-and-an-overstuffed-mailbox#t=224) Mailbag: Pebble Watches, Transistor Matching, and Compilation Environments
- [9:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-05-22-ep-370-softer-cyberdecks-a-simulated-clutch-and-an-overstuffed-mailbox#t=570) Mailbag: Environmental Monitoring Projects and Seismometers
- [18:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-05-22-ep-370-softer-cyberdecks-a-simulated-clutch-and-an-overstuffed-mailbox#t=1083) What's That Sound: Yo-Yo Bearing Mystery
- [21:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-05-22-ep-370-softer-cyberdecks-a-simulated-clutch-and-an-overstuffed-mailbox#t=1297) Girly Cyberdecks: Mermaid Clutch and PinkPad
- [26:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-05-22-ep-370-softer-cyberdecks-a-simulated-clutch-and-an-overstuffed-mailbox#t=1607) Raccoon Lab 3D Printed Circuit Boards
- [33:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-05-22-ep-370-softer-cyberdecks-a-simulated-clutch-and-an-overstuffed-mailbox#t=2034) Honda Simulated Clutch Patent for Electric Motorcycles
- [39:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-05-22-ep-370-softer-cyberdecks-a-simulated-clutch-and-an-overstuffed-mailbox#t=2347) Casio Boss Repurposed with Raspberry Pi Zero
- [42:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-05-22-ep-370-softer-cyberdecks-a-simulated-clutch-and-an-overstuffed-mailbox#t=2566) 3D Printing Safety: UFPs, VOCs, and Ventilation
- [49:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-05-22-ep-370-softer-cyberdecks-a-simulated-clutch-and-an-overstuffed-mailbox#t=2996) Electroplating 3D Prints and Quick Hacks
- [59:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-05-22-ep-370-softer-cyberdecks-a-simulated-clutch-and-an-overstuffed-mailbox#t=3589) Zoe Skyforest on LAN File Sharing and KDE Connect
- [1:06:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-05-22-ep-370-softer-cyberdecks-a-simulated-clutch-and-an-overstuffed-mailbox#t=4010) Al Williams on the History and State of Vacuum Tube Tech

## Topics

- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Connected products & IoT](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/connected-products-and-iot)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- KiCad (tool)
- CERN (company)
- Pebble (product)
- Raspberry Pi (chip)
- Boss Brat (company)
- Honda (company)
- KDE Connect (tool)
- Next Cloud (tool)
- ABS (material)
- PLA (material)
- Polycarbonate (material)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [474: The Doublemint Gum Remote Control](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2025-03-07-474-the-doublemint-gum-remote-control) (Making It)
- [#440.2 - Interviews with Greg Davill and Michael Ossmann](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-05-01-440-2-interviews-with-greg-davill-and-michael-ossmann) (The Amp Hour)
- [#440.3 - Interviews with Anool Mahidharia, AJ Keller, Uriel Guy, Ste Kulov, and Craig Bishop at KiCon 2019](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-05-04-440-3-interviews-with-anool-mahidharia-aj-keller-uriel-guy-ste-kulov-and-craig-b) (The Amp Hour)
- [3D Printed Shark Jumps - Edifying Edison's Energy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-09-24-3d-printed-shark-jumps-edifying-edisons-energy) (The Amp Hour)
- [Chaffered Chocolate Coemption](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2012-04-09-chaffered-chocolate-coemption) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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