# Ep 375: Rebuilding Tech on Our Terms and the Hero Nerd

- Show: [Hackaday Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast)
- Published: 2026-06-26
- Length: 1h 23m
- Episode: 375
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-06-26-ep-375-rebuilding-tech-on-our-terms-and-the-hero-nerd
- Listen: https://hackaday.com/2026/06/26/hackaday-podcast-episode-375-rebuilding-tech-on-our-terms-and-the-hero-nerd/

## Summary

Hackaday editors Elliot Williams and Tom Nardi discuss the shutdown of the RPiLocator.com tool, a nostalgic time capsule from the chip shortage era. They review listener hacks including a fake bike counter, a graphics upgrade for the Nintendo Entertainment System using a second Picture Processing Unit, and building dynamic RAM from discrete components. The episode also covers a drop-in replacement PCB for the Casio G-Shock watch, DIY robot actuators, and the evolution of the 'hero nerd' archetype in film.

## Chapters

- [0:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-06-26-ep-375-rebuilding-tech-on-our-terms-and-the-hero-nerd#t=1) Introduction and RPiLocator Shutdown
- [3:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-06-26-ep-375-rebuilding-tech-on-our-terms-and-the-hero-nerd#t=217) Listener Mailbag: Home Assistant and Privacy
- [15:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-06-26-ep-375-rebuilding-tech-on-our-terms-and-the-hero-nerd#t=937) Hacks: Bike Counter and NES Graphics Upgrade
- [28:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-06-26-ep-375-rebuilding-tech-on-our-terms-and-the-hero-nerd#t=1693) Hacks: Discrete Dynamic RAM and Casio G-Shock Mod
- [38:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-06-26-ep-375-rebuilding-tech-on-our-terms-and-the-hero-nerd#t=2322) Hacks: DIY Robot Actuator and Laser Marking
- [50:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-06-26-ep-375-rebuilding-tech-on-our-terms-and-the-hero-nerd#t=3018) Quick Hacks: Telescope Rancher and Smart Bulb Server
- [1:01:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-06-26-ep-375-rebuilding-tech-on-our-terms-and-the-hero-nerd#t=3669) Can't Miss Articles: Hero Nerd Archetype and OpenWRT Routers

## Topics

- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Connected products & IoT](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/connected-products-and-iot)
- [Maker community & events](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/maker-community)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- RPiLocator.com (other)
- Nintendo Entertainment System (product)
- Casio G-Shock (product)
- Sensor Watch (product)
- Mini Cheetah (product)
- OpenWRT (other)
- ESP32 (chip)
- Raspberry Pi (product)
- Home Assistant (other)
- Valetudo (other)
- Dreamy Z 10 (product)
- Casio F91W (product)
- Wii U (product)
- Bernoulli 5 (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [033 - All Over the Place](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2020-04-27-033-all-over-the-place) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)
- [069 - Canned Cheese and Onion Rings](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2024-04-17-069-canned-cheese-and-onion-rings) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)
- [The Spark Gap - Episode 24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-01-07-the-spark-gap-episode-24) (The Spark Gap)
- [Mystery Raspberry Pi hardware, beautiful ESP32 ZX Spectrum, Stretchy PCBs and MUCH more!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2024-10-09-mystery-raspberry-pi-hardware-beautiful-esp32-zx-spectrum-stretchy-pcbs-and-much) (The Electromaker Show)
- [Hacked E-Paper Price Tags, Raspberry Pi MCU Dev HAT, Arduino Robot Arm, and More!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2023-01-18-hacked-e-paper-price-tags-raspberry-pi-mcu-dev-hat-arduino-robot-arm-and-more) (The Electromaker Show)

## Citing this page

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