027 - The Box

Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast · 8 Sept 2019 · 32m

What this episode covers

Alvaro interviews contestants Alex, Gina, and Phil, who have competed in 'The Box' tamper-evident challenge at DEFCON 27, discussing their use of sensors like magnets and IR detectors to disarm the device. Datagram, the contest creator, explains the rules, the evolution of themes from Indiana Jones to Batman, and the psychological aspects of the competition. The guests detail their systematic approach, using the scientific method and low-cost tools like compasses and tape to bypass electronic triggers without causing damage. The episode highlights the collaborative yet competitive nature of the event, where teams often share discoveries as the weekend progresses.

Mentioned

Products
The Box
Also
DEFCON, Tamper Evident Village, Datagram, Alex, Gina, Phil, Slava, DG, Alvaro, TeknoAxe, Indiana Jones, The Rock, Batman, Unthinkable, Two-Face, Riddler, Joe Grand, John King, Sak Norris, Chuck Norris, Sonic Entails, Parental Disappointments, DEFCON fluffer committee

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 01m

    Our First Call In Show

    Hosts Dave Jones and Chris Gammell attempt their first call-in show, fielding questions from listeners on electronics design and ethics. They advise a caller on protecting low-level analog sensors from high-voltage induction in substations, troubleshoot I2C bus issues for a rocket stabilization prototype, and discuss the ethics of responsible disclosure for hardware security vulnerabilities with former guest Brandon Harris. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of through-hole components for education and the challenges of judging the Hackaday Prize.

  • Embedded.fm · 1h 10m

    205: Questions about Dumplings

    Addie and Whisker of Toymakers discuss their CypherCon conference badge, a cube-shaped device featuring a text adventure game, a custom time-sharing operating system, and IR-based hacking mechanics. They explain how they designed the hardware to withstand physical tampering by hackers and created multiple tiers of engagement, from simple LED patterns to complex privilege escalation puzzles. The conversation also covers their Tindie store, highlighting best-selling kits like the Amplify Me amplifier and the Protosynth Midi synthesizer, and their philosophy on making accessible, complete products for learners.

  • The Amp Hour · 41m

    #456.2 - Crossover Camp with Hackaday and Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcasts

    Chris Campbell hosts a crossover episode with Alvaro Prieto of the Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast, Mike Szczys, and Elliot Williams of the Hackaday Podcast, discussing their experiences at Chaos Communication Camp. They describe the camp's unique infrastructure, including a GSM/DECT phone network, a working post office, and various DIY hardware projects like hoverboard-powered trains and a bartender robot. The group highlights the community-driven nature of the event, noting how attendees build and share quirky, functional art and technology, such as a GPS-based generative music player and POV displays.

  • Embedded.fm · 1h 04m

    73: That's a Waste of Bits

    Hosts Christopher and Elecia White discuss their recent experiences judging the Hackaday Prize, highlighting finalists like the Ramen Spectrometer and Chip Whisperer, and review the rapid success of Darma Kickstarter campaign. They also cover the logistics challenges faced by Light Up and the upcoming Peep camera project, while critiquing the technical accuracy of the TV show Scorpion versus the novel The Martian.

  • Embedded.fm · 1h 10m

    74: All of Us Came in Sixth

    John Shook, a manufacturing engineer and hobbyist, discusses his experience as a semifinalist in the Hackaday Prize with a remote water consumption monitor. He details the technical challenges of sensing municipal water meters using a 3-axis magnetometer and the necessity of rigorous documentation to win over judges. Shook also reflects on his past wins in the Mouser 500 Challenge and Circuit Cellar contests, emphasizing the value of open-source hardware and public domain releases for community learning.

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.