Hardware Podcasts

078 - Séance Mode - An Interview with Michael Ossmann

Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast · 9 May 2026 · 1h 32m · Episode 78

What this episode covers

Michael Ossmann of Great Scott Gadgets discusses the release of the HackRF Pro, a complete redesign of the original HackRF1, and the Cynthion, a high-speed USB analyzer and emulator. He explains how Cynthion’s Python-based FaceDancer framework enables 'seance mode' reverse engineering by emulating missing USB devices, and details the HackRF Pro’s ability to receive signals down to 100 kHz using non-direct sampling techniques. The conversation also covers the company’s strategic rejection of LLM-generated code contributions, their reactive approach to global regulatory compliance, and the severe impact of recent chip shortages on their product roadmaps.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Great Scott Gadgets
Products
HackRF Pro, Cynthion, Beagle480, FaceDancer, Packetry
Tools
Saleae Logic, MSO
Also
Embassy.dev

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