# Ep 373: GPS, Danger In Space, and Robby the Robot

- Show: [Hackaday Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast)
- Published: 2026-06-12
- Length: 53m
- Episode: 373
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-06-12-ep-373-gps-danger-in-space-and-robby-the-robot
- Listen: https://hackaday.com/2026/06/12/hackaday-podcast-episode-373-gps-danger-in-space-and-robby-the-robot/

## Summary

Hosts Elliot Williams and Jenny List discuss Stephen Murdoch's research revealing that GPS satellites have been broadcasting secret, encrypted messages in the 'special messages' field of subframe 4 for decades, effectively acting as a modern numbers station. They then cover several hardware hacks, including an ATtiny85 emulating an Intel 8080, techniques for embedding magnets in 3D prints, and the debunking of the myth that all modern cassette mechanisms are identical. The episode concludes with home automation projects integrating linear tracking turntables and car diagnostics, and a 3D-printed Robbie the Robot costume.

## Chapters

- [0:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-06-12-ep-373-gps-danger-in-space-and-robby-the-robot#t=1) Introduction: Elliot Williams and Jenny List
- [3:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-06-12-ep-373-gps-danger-in-space-and-robby-the-robot#t=237) GPS Satellites as Secret Numbers Stations
- [14:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-06-12-ep-373-gps-danger-in-space-and-robby-the-robot#t=893) ATtiny85 Emulating an Intel 8080
- [15:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-06-12-ep-373-gps-danger-in-space-and-robby-the-robot#t=949) Embedding Magnets in 3D Prints
- [20:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-06-12-ep-373-gps-danger-in-space-and-robby-the-robot#t=1245) Modern Cassette Mechanisms and Audio Quality
- [24:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-06-12-ep-373-gps-danger-in-space-and-robby-the-robot#t=1492) Home Automation: Turntables and Car Diagnostics
- [32:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-06-12-ep-373-gps-danger-in-space-and-robby-the-robot#t=1968) 3D Printed Robbie the Robot and Quick Hacks
- [36:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-06-12-ep-373-gps-danger-in-space-and-robby-the-robot#t=2178) Artemis 3 Mission and ISS Leak Drama

## Topics

- [Wireless & RF](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/wireless-and-rf)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Connected products & IoT](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/connected-products-and-iot)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Stephen Murdoch (other)
- ATtiny85 (chip)
- Intel 8080 (chip)
- CP/M (other)
- Home Assistant (other)
- ESP32 (chip)
- Robbie the Robot (product)
- Artemis 3 (other)
- ISS (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Space Age Bluetooth with Alex Haro](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-07-09-space-age-bluetooth-with-alex-haro) (The Amp Hour)
- [498: To Consume Stickers](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-04-04-498-to-consume-stickers) (Embedded.fm)
- [117: In as Much as Which](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-09-09-117-in-as-much-as-which) (Embedded.fm)
- [Optimization Beast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-02-10-optimization-beast) (The Amp Hour)
- [053 - It's Hammer Time!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2021-12-16-053-its-hammer-time) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)

## Citing this page

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