Supercon Wrapup with Tom and Al, The 3DP Brick Layering Controversy, and How To Weld in Space

·1 hr 10 min·5 clips

A 1969 British satellite has moved from its orbit, and no one knows who moved it or when.

The episode begins with hosts Elliot Williams, Tom Nardi, and Al Williams introducing the show and its topics. They first discuss Skynet 1A, a 1969 British communication satellite that has inexplicably moved from its orbit, with missing records from the US and UK control periods. The conversation shifts to a 3D printing technique called brick layering, which staggers layers for increased strength, and a patent controversy involving Adman Intermediate Holdings and prior art from Stratasys in 1995. The hosts then talk about Node's free ebook, '1000 useful things to make,' which features clickable links to project pages and includes both DIY and open hardware projects. Next, they explore Bitlooney's Nipco disc display project, a DIY early TV technology that uses a spinning disc with holes and a blinking LED, and speculate on its potential for video transmission. The episode covers NASA's announcement of new trials for in-space laser welding, referencing historical experiments by the Soviets in 1969 and NASA in 1973, and discusses the challenges of building in space. It also mentions the closure of Oncel, a company that contributed to FreeCAD's development, and reflects on the difficulties of monetizing open-source software. Other topics include the Saturn V's use of kerosene as hydraulic fluid, quick hacks like a wind gauge and retro computer peripherals, and a wrap-up of Hackaday Supercon 2024, focusing on SAO badges and soldering challenges. The hosts share personal highlights from the event, including expanded soldering challenges and SAO creativity, and discuss future plans for badge design.

As heard by us

Skynet 1A, old-school video tubes, and NIPCO disc cameras anchor a loose but engaging Supercon wrap-up.

Hackaday Podcast episode 296 opens on Skynet 1A, Britain's first communication satellite, then drifts into old-school video tubes, NIPCO disc cameras, and the familiar pull between transmission and reception.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want a hacker radio hour that starts with a missing 1969 satellite and ends with a Supercon wrap-up.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Hackaday Podcast