On this episode, Hackaday editors Elliot Williams and Tom Nardi discuss their love of electronic paper, clunky cartridges, and keeping old games alive by any means possible. You’ll also hear about getting the most out of the sensors in our 3D printers, playing with X-rays at home, a ring that runs Java, and a roulette wheel that outgrew its 555 timer. Stick around to the end to learn about a different sort of IRC that’s even more niche than the one you’re probably familiar with, as well as the logistical challenges and potential benefits of catching rockets with a giant net.

Check out the links if you want to follow along, and as always, tell us what you think about this episode in the comments!

Direct download in DRM-free MP3.

Episode 379 Show Notes:

News:

• 2026 Hackaday Supercon: Call For Proposals
• Remembering The Zilog Z80 As It Turns Fifty Years Old

What’s That Sound:

• We’re putting What’s That Sound on hold while we sort out new prizes. Stay tuned.

Interesting Hacks of the Week:

• 20 FPS On E-Paper Display Without Help
  • E-ink Display Driven DIY
  • Clever E-Ink Driver Does 32 Levels Of Grey, Avoids Update Flicker, And More
  • Behold A 60 Hz Refresh Rate E-ink Monitor
• Old SSDs Find New Life As Game Cartridges
• 60 FPS NES Emulator On ESP32
• Automated Pressure Advance Using A Bed-Leveling Sensor
  • Direct Pressure Advance Measurement For Fast Calibration
• Old TV Vacuum Tube Turned DIY X-Ray Machine
  • X-rays with a DY86 – BOGIN, JR.
• Dress Up Your YubiKey With This Web-Based Tool

Quick Hacks:

• Elliot’s Picks:
  • Echolocation For Drones
  • Java Ring Restored After Nearly 30 Years
  • Tired Of Xargs?
• Tom’s Picks:
  • Seven Ways To Install Magnets Into Your 3D Prints
  • ESP32-driven Roulette Wheel Could Have Used A 555, But That Didn’t Have WiFi
  • Flex Filament Stuck To Your Build Platform? Reach For The Isopropanol

Can’t-Miss Articles:

• Postal IRCs Are Almost A Thing Of The Past
• Launching Rockets Is Hard, Bring Them Back Is Harder