Hackaday Podcast

Ep 364: Clocks, Cameras, and Free Will

Apr 3, 2026
They chat news like Artemis launch coverage and the Green Power Challenge deadline. Mystery sound nostalgia and April Fool’s hijinks get a laugh. Hands‑on hacks include non‑3D-printed enclosures, lo‑fi Raspberry Pi and ESP32 cameras, and clever SMT tape taming. Quirky projects range from a math‑fact clock and a pressed‑cardboard guitar to converting soda into mead and balcony solar power trends.
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ANECDOTE

Saturnix Retro Camera Uses Pi Zero And Film Modes

  • Yutani's Saturnix retro open-source camera uses a Raspberry Pi Zero and Arducam 16MP sensor with film-simulation filters to create nostalgic imagery.
  • Elliot Williams praises the 3D-printed rounded shell and software modes like S-Gold, VHS, and monochrome to craft lo-fi looks.
ANECDOTE

ESP32 Pixel Camera For Game Boy Style Photos

  • A low-res pixel camera uses an ESP32 and OV3660 (240x176) to produce Game Boy–style images by applying dithering and palette reduction live on a touchscreen.
  • Elliot Williams highlights the LilyGo T-Display S3 Pro as the platform to preview different bit depths and dithering in real time.
INSIGHT

Momentous Clock Turns Minutes Into Facts

  • Momentous Clock maps every minute to a mathematical or historical fact, turning time into a stream of meaningful mini-notes.
  • Christina Panos and Elliot Williams note examples like 1:27 showing Roman numerals and 8:27 being prime plus dual cubes (8 and 27).
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