Episode 331 of our site: Smart Manufacturing Equipment, Data Storage in Birds, and the Ultimate Cyberdeck
The latest episode of the Hackaday Podcast, released on August 1, 2025, delves into a fascinating world of innovation and creativity. Host Elliot and his guest, Jenny List, explore a wide range of topics that are sure to captivate the hearts and minds of tech enthusiasts.
One of the highlights of the podcast is the discussion on a groundbreaking selective electroplating technique. This method allows for the transfer of bitmaps directly onto metal surfaces, offering a novel approach to merging digital image data with traditional metal finishing. The process, which involves controlling metal deposition spatially, opens up possibilities for advanced customization and marking metal components with intricate designs or encoded information[1].
The podcast also touches upon the topic of CNC techniques, featuring new and exciting methods that are reshaping the landscape of metalworking. Jenny picks a non-Sony PlayStation motherboard replacement for discussion, highlighting the importance of these components even in older systems like the original PlayStation, which, according to the podcast, are now old enough to need replacement motherboards[1].
In addition to metalworking, the podcast also delves into other exciting areas. For instance, a synth that makes sounds from Ethernet packets is featured, adding a unique twist to the world of music technology. The podcast also introduces AVIF, an avian image format, and a cable modem's proper mounting method is discussed, providing practical advice for tech enthusiasts.
Listeners are also treated to a unique hack involving skateboard wheels and plasma cutters, as well as a bird that can store images in its song. The podcast concludes with a new sound featured in the week's episode, encouraging listeners to guess its origin.
The podcast was recorded after Jenny returned from BornHack hacker camp in Denmark, providing a fascinating insight into the latest developments in the hacker community. The episode also features Human In The Loop: Compass CNC, a discussion that redefines workspace limits.
Tune in to the Hackaday Podcast for a weekly dose of innovation, creativity, and all things tech!
[1] Source: Hackaday Podcast Ep 331, released August 1, 2025.
The discussion on the selective electroplating technique in the Hackaday Podcast reveals its potential use for merging digital data with traditional metal finishing, opening up possibilities for advanced customization and marking metal components with intricate designs or encoded information[1]. In the realm of music technology, a synth that creates sounds from Ethernet packets is showcased, adding a unique element to the podcast.
The presentation of a cable modem's proper mounting method and insights from Human In The Loop: Compass CNC, which redefines workspace limits, ultimately highlights the various aspects of data-and-cloud-computing, gadgets, and technology covered in the podcast.
