# Ep 383: QR Codes, Caving Gear, and the Old School Way to Learn Electronics

- Show: [Hackaday Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast)
- Published: 2026-08-21
- Length: 1h 27m
- Episode: 383
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-08-21-ep-383-qr-codes-caving-gear-and-the-old-school-way-to-learn-electronics
- Listen: https://hackaday.com/2026/08/21/hackaday-podcast-episode-383-qr-codes-caving-gear-and-the-old-school-way-to-learn-electronics/

## Summary

Hackaday editors Elliot Williams and Tom Nardi discuss the 2026 Retrocomputing Challenge, laser-assisted 3D printing, and an open-source firmware project for a Master Built Gravity 800 grill. They also cover Phil Underwood’s open-source cave surveying hardware, QR code compression techniques, and the legacy of Radio Shack electronic kits. The episode concludes with a look at over-the-counter hearing aids and the Motorola MC14500 one-bit CPU.

## Chapters

- [0:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-08-21-ep-383-qr-codes-caving-gear-and-the-old-school-way-to-learn-electronics#t=1) Introduction: 2026 Retrocomputing Challenge
- [5:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-08-21-ep-383-qr-codes-caving-gear-and-the-old-school-way-to-learn-electronics#t=301) Mailbag: Ultrasonic Knives and Video Podcasting
- [14:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-08-21-ep-383-qr-codes-caving-gear-and-the-old-school-way-to-learn-electronics#t=860) Laser-Assisted 3D Printing and Overhangs
- [17:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-08-21-ep-383-qr-codes-caving-gear-and-the-old-school-way-to-learn-electronics#t=1071) Open Source Firmware for Master Built Grill
- [28:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-08-21-ep-383-qr-codes-caving-gear-and-the-old-school-way-to-learn-electronics#t=1713) Open Source Cave Surveying Hardware
- [39:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-08-21-ep-383-qr-codes-caving-gear-and-the-old-school-way-to-learn-electronics#t=2384) PVC Solar Lights and QR Code Compression
- [54:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-08-21-ep-383-qr-codes-caving-gear-and-the-old-school-way-to-learn-electronics#t=3282) Radio Shack Kits and Quick Hacks
- [1:06:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-08-21-ep-383-qr-codes-caving-gear-and-the-old-school-way-to-learn-electronics#t=3987) Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids and One-Bit CPU

## Topics

- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Medical & health devices](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/medical-devices)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Hackaday (company)
- Digiki (company)
- Ali Express (company)
- Master Built Gravity 800 (product)
- ESP32 (chip)
- Phil Underwood (other)
- Shetland Attack Pony (product)
- Tactical Frog (product)
- Technocraft Studio (company)
- Portal Runner (other)
- MakeStream (other)
- NCodec (tool)
- Radio Shack (company)
- Samsung (company)
- Apple (company)
- Motorola MC14500 (chip)
- Z80 (chip)
- RP2040 (chip)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [197: Smell the Transistor](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-04-26-197-smell-the-transistor) (Embedded.fm)
- [MNT Pocket Reform, Apple E-Ink display, Pi Pico Midi Step Sequencer, and more!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2022-09-28-mnt-pocket-reform-apple-e-ink-display-pi-pico-midi-step-sequencer-and-more) (The Electromaker Show)
- [523: Bad Experience With Donuts](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-04-02-523-bad-experience-with-donuts) (Embedded.fm)
- [016 - Supercon 2018 Part 1](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2018-11-10-016-supercon-2018-part-1) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)
- [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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