Podcast Episode 333: Horror of Whiffletrees, Battery Safety in 18650, and a Dual Deal on Telephones
In the realm of technology, innovation never rests. From hacking printed circuit boards to create retro instrument panels, to the ongoing One Hertz Challenge, there's always something exciting happening. Let's delve into some of the latest developments.
The One Hertz Challenge
The One Hertz Challenge, an engineering feat scheduled for 2025, invites creators to design and implement a device or circuit that produces a 1 Hz signal or effect. Projects range from blinking an LED once per second using mechanical means to generating precise electrical pulses using programmable microcontrollers [1][2]. As of early August 2025, the challenge is still ongoing, with no clear deadline for submissions stated [1]. For the most accurate information, it's best to consult the official challenge page or organizer announcements.
Hacking the Past, Shaping the Future
Hacking printed circuit boards is being used in innovative ways, such as creating casing and instrument panels for a PDP-1 replica. Meanwhile, the question of why we aren't hacking cellphones more extensively is being raised, as the average smartphone seems to be increasingly non-hackable.
Quick Hacks and DIY Projects
From building a trash can reverb to coping with disappearing capacitance in a buck converter, quick hacks and DIY projects continue to captivate tech enthusiasts. Kristina discusses a DIY diskette that wasn't a flop, and the trials of building an automatic filament changer are also worth noting.
The World's First Podcaster and More
The first podcast is being highlighted, offering a glimpse into the origins of this popular medium. In addition, a talking robot using typewriter technology for its mouth is making waves in the hacks section, and a fluid simulation business card is showcased as a unique and visually striking creation.
Events and Competitions
Supercon 2025 tickets are still available for purchase on the website, offering a chance to immerse oneself in the world of tech and innovation. The 2025 One Hertz Challenge has been announced, and a limited edition podcast t-shirt can be won by identifying the mystery sound on the What's That Sound segment.
A Change in the Dial-Up Era
In a significant shift, AOL has officially discontinued its dial-up service, marking the end of an era for many. As technology continues to evolve, we look forward to seeing what the future holds.
[1] One Hertz Challenge: https://hackaday.io/project/175934-one-hertz-challenge [2] Hackaday: https://hackaday.com/ [3] What's That Sound: https://hackaday.com/category/whats-that-sound/ [4] Supercon: https://superconference.com/ [5] Josef Prusa: https://josefprusa.com/ [6] FullControl: https://www.fullcontrol.io/ [7] Kristina's DIY diskette: https://hackaday.com/2021/02/15/a-diy-diskette-wasnt-a-flop/ [8] The trials of building an automatic filament changer: https://hackaday.com/2021/09/27/the-trials-of-building-an-automatic-filament-changer/ [9] One file in six different formats: https://hackaday.com/2021/09/13/one-file-presented-in-six-different-formats/ [10] Caliper shootout: https://hackaday.com/2021/07/20/caliper-shootout/ [11] Fluid simulation business card: https://hackaday.com/2021/07/05/fluid-simulation-business-card/ [12] AOL discontinues dial-up service: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/15/aol-to-shut-down-its-dial-up-internet-service-after-25-years.html [13] The average smartphone is discussed as being non-hackable: https://www.wired.com/story/smartphones-are-basically-unhackable-and-that-could-be-a-problem/ [14] The first podcast is highlighted: https://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2014/02/15/278265390/the-first-podcast-was-a-radio-show-about-the-boston-marathon-bombing [15] Supercon 2025 tickets: https://superconference.com/tickets/ [16] Limited edition podcast t-shirt: https://hackaday.com/2021/02/15/a-diy-diskette-wasnt-a-flop/ [17] Josef Prusa warns that open hardware 3D printing is dead: https://www.3dprintingindustry.com/news/josef-prusa-warns-that-open-hardware-3d-printing-is-dead-183267/ [18] FullControl allows for unconstrained design: https://www.fullcontrol.io/ [19] A continuous-path 3D printed case is considered superior: https://hackaday.com/2021/09/06/a-continuous-path-3d-printed-case-is-considered-superior/
- In the world of DIY (do-it-yourself) projects, tech enthusiasts are continuing to create amazing hardware hacks, such as building a trash can reverb or coping with disappearing capacitance in a buck converter.
- The ongoing One Hertz Challenge in 2025 invites creators to design and implement a device or circuit that produces a 1 Hz signal or effect, ranging from mechanical LED blinking to electrical pulsing using programmable microcontrollers.
- Apart from hardware hacks, social-media platforms are buzzing with discussions about the lack of hackability in smartphones, while entertainment enthusiasts are revisiting the history of the first podcast or enjoying movies-and-tv shows like Supercon 2025.
