# 078 - Séance Mode - An Interview with Michael Ossmann

- Show: [Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast)
- Published: 2026-05-09
- Length: 1h 32m
- Episode: 78
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2026-05-09-078-seance-mode-an-interview-with-michael-ossmann
- Listen: https://unnamedre.com/episode/78

## Summary

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.

## Chapters

- [0:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2026-05-09-078-seance-mode-an-interview-with-michael-ossmann#t=28) Introduction: Michael Ossmann and Great Scott Gadgets
- [2:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2026-05-09-078-seance-mode-an-interview-with-michael-ossmann#t=124) HackRF Pro and Cynthion Product Overview
- [4:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2026-05-09-078-seance-mode-an-interview-with-michael-ossmann#t=295) Cynthion as a USB Emulator and FaceDancer Platform
- [12:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2026-05-09-078-seance-mode-an-interview-with-michael-ossmann#t=742) Reverse Engineering Missing Devices (Séance Mode)
- [15:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2026-05-09-078-seance-mode-an-interview-with-michael-ossmann#t=902) Adoption of Rust and Rejection of LLM Contributions
- [26:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2026-05-09-078-seance-mode-an-interview-with-michael-ossmann#t=1619) HackRF Pro Design: Low Frequency and Component Shortages
- [35:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2026-05-09-078-seance-mode-an-interview-with-michael-ossmann#t=2131) Regulatory Compliance and Tariff Challenges
- [49:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2026-05-09-078-seance-mode-an-interview-with-michael-ossmann#t=2982) HackRF Pro Applications: Time Transfer and Doppler Tracking

## Topics

- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Wireless & RF](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/wireless-and-rf)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Great Scott Gadgets (company)
- HackRF Pro (product)
- Cynthion (product)
- Beagle480 (product)
- FaceDancer (product)
- Packetry (product)
- Embassy.dev (other)
- Saleae Logic (tool)
- MSO (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [486: A Nice Rainbow Dream](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-10-03-486-a-nice-rainbow-dream) (Embedded.fm)
- [Interview with Michael Ossmann - Gifted Grimgribber Grokker](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-09-04-interview-with-michael-ossmann-gifted-grimgribber-grokker) (The Amp Hour)
- [Feed the Mouse](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2021-07-26-feed-the-mouse) (The Amp Hour)
- [Conning with Michael Ossmann](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2017-07-18-conning-with-michael-ossmann) (The Amp Hour)
- [Impedance Matching with Michael Ossmann and Dmitry Nedospasov](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-10-07-impedance-matching-with-michael-ossmann-and-dmitry-nedospasov) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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