# Ep 377: Parallel Pixels, Wiggly Consoles, and Seven Segments

- Show: [Hackaday Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast)
- Published: 2026-07-10
- Length: 1h 11m
- Episode: 377
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-07-10-ep-377-parallel-pixels-wiggly-consoles-and-seven-segments
- Listen: https://hackaday.com/2026/07/10/hackaday-podcast-episode-ep-377-parallel-pixels-wiggly-consoles-and-seven-segments/

## Summary

Jenny List and Elliot Williams discuss [Bitluni]'s massive GPU project, which uses 8,192 CH570 microcontrollers to drive RGB LEDs, highlighting the extreme power consumption (2 kW) and manufacturing hurdles like PCB panelization limits and programming logistics. They also cover a home-made die casting machine using graphite molds, a DIY Raman spectrometer built with 3D printed parts, and an open-source Kei truck design by Andy Diderossi. The episode concludes with a deep dive into the history of 7-segment displays and a critique of engineering education regarding design for manufacturing, based on List's article.

## Chapters

- [0:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-07-10-ep-377-parallel-pixels-wiggly-consoles-and-seven-segments#t=2) Introduction: Bornhack and Mailbag
- [6:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-07-10-ep-377-parallel-pixels-wiggly-consoles-and-seven-segments#t=393) What's That Sound: High Speed Shaft
- [7:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-07-10-ep-377-parallel-pixels-wiggly-consoles-and-seven-segments#t=450) Bitluni's 8,192 MCU GPU Project
- [16:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-07-10-ep-377-parallel-pixels-wiggly-consoles-and-seven-segments#t=1003) Home Die Casting with Graphite Molds
- [19:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-07-10-ep-377-parallel-pixels-wiggly-consoles-and-seven-segments#t=1177) DIY Raman Spectrometer Build
- [28:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-07-10-ep-377-parallel-pixels-wiggly-consoles-and-seven-segments#t=1734) Open Source Kei Truck Design
- [34:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-07-10-ep-377-parallel-pixels-wiggly-consoles-and-seven-segments#t=2071) 1986 Standard Telephone and Cable Display
- [40:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-07-10-ep-377-parallel-pixels-wiggly-consoles-and-seven-segments#t=2401) Wiggly Consoles and Video Timing
- [48:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-07-10-ep-377-parallel-pixels-wiggly-consoles-and-seven-segments#t=2905) Quick Hacks: Soldering, Distillation, and Neon Logic
- [57:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-07-10-ep-377-parallel-pixels-wiggly-consoles-and-seven-segments#t=3440) 7-Segment Display History and Engineering Education

## Topics

- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Bitluni (other)
- CH570 (chip)
- CH32V003 (chip)
- Raman spectrometer (product)
- Kei truck (product)
- Standard Telephone and Cable (company)
- Bornhack (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [LEDs Everywhere with Tim from Mitxela](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2025-07-08-leds-everywhere-with-tim-from-mitxela) (The Amp Hour)
- [Meracious Mike Manuduction](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-11-12-meracious-mike-manuduction) (The Amp Hour)
- [3 Cent Micros And 1000s of LEDs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-10-21-3-cent-micros-and-1000s-of-leds) (The Amp Hour)
- [LED Designs, Last Minute Designs and Board Designs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2010-11-09-led-designs-last-minute-designs-and-board-designs) (The Amp Hour)
- [44: Light Up Strikes Back](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-03-26-44-light-up-strikes-back) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

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