New The Amp Hour episode dives into reverse engineering and wild DIY hacks

The latest episode of The Amp Hour podcast covered a wide mix of engineering and hacking topics. Hosts Dan and Elliot explored everything from reverse-engineered appliances to unusual DIY projects. Their discussion also included recent tech news and standout entries from a hardware competition.

Dan and Elliot began by examining the reverse engineering of a Miele washing machine’s diagnostic interface. They then shifted to historical tech, reviewing the tools used by WWII secret agents for covert operations.

Among the standout projects, Dan highlighted a LEGO-based sorting machine and high-altitude rocket photography. Elliot, meanwhile, showcased a solar-powered coffee maker and a humane mousetrap design. The pair also discussed an ultra-compact ESP32 board, built using the smallest available components. The episode touched on metal casting techniques using household appliances, like microwaves. They also explored the development of a basic ultrasound sensor module. A recent controversy—Hyundai’s decision to restrict brake pad replacement instructions behind a paywall—was another key talking point. Finally, they reviewed the winners of the 2025 Component Abuse Challenge, a contest celebrating creative (and often destructive) uses of electronics. The episode wrapped up with a mention of the Internet Archive reaching a milestone: one trillion archived web pages.

The podcast episode blended technical deep dives with lighthearted hacking projects. Listeners heard about both niche engineering feats and broader industry controversies. The hosts’ mix of historical context, DIY innovation, and competition highlights offered something for every electronics enthusiast.