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PODCAST · leisure

Technology Connections

by fret

Technology Connections is a technology-focused podcast that explores the fascinating details behind everyday devices, electronics, engineering, and modern technology. Each episode examines how things work, why they were designed the way they are, and the practical ideas or innovations that have shaped the technology people use every day. Perfect for curious listeners interested in technology, engineering, electronics, inventions, and the hidden mechanisms behind familiar products.

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Episodes

  1. My water heater is cooler than yours

    Cooly hot. Or hotly cool. Follow-up video: https://youtu.be/fHPCS8j3cRM Other stuff: Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Technology Connections on Mastodon: https://mas.to/@TechConnectify Have you ever noticed that I\'ve never done that whole...

  2. Ceiling fans: the simple idea we keep forgetting about

    Make it breezy. Dan\'s video on Moss Ceiling Fans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVv5vWjwCx8 Other stuff: Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Technology Connections on Mastodon: https://mas.to/@TechConnectify Have you ever noticed that I\'ve...

  3. Nobody understands the point of hybrid cars

    It\'s a really good idea and everyone hating on it probably doesn\'t understand it. Links \'n\' stuff: Here\'s Prof. John Kelly\'s excellent demo of the eCVT (the mentioned Weber Auto YouTube Channel) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppyK3ZlUbtM And I linked in a card to Engineering Explained\'s...

  4. The disappearing and unappreciated art of audible alerts

    A proverbial one, anyway. links \'n\' stuff If you\'re interested in the resurrection of the Pebble, here\'s more info: https://repebble.com/ The Slow Whoop promo record: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2_kt7RW9bI My old video on elevator chimes: https://youtu.be/48hW-K7fQTM Technology…

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  5. Oil pressure is the only thing keeping an engine alive

    What really grinds my gears is a lack of sufficient lubrication. links \'n\' stuff The catalytic converter video (once there\'s a third video I\'ll make a true playlist) https://youtu.be/Aytf6ARcs8s Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Technology...

  6. You are being misled about renewable energy technology.

    Let\'s learn and grow. New things are cool! Links \'n\' stuff down below. Lots of links. First, the \"clean version.\" Please pass that around. https://youtu.be/Zgxb8I1nk2I Jerry Rig Everything\'s video on battery recycling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2xrarUWVRQ If you\'d like a legal…

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  7. I made my whole-home humidifier slightly less terrifying

    mm mm moist links \'n\' stuff The HVAC sizing video https://youtu.be/DTsQjiPlksA My original video on humidifiers https://youtu.be/oHeehYYgl28 Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Technology Connections on Mastodon: https://mas.to/@TechConnectify...

  8. It\'s the Christmas light video again - 2025 edition

    It\'s the most wonderful time of the year. https://tru-tone.com https://merryco.com Other stuff: Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Technology Connections on Mastodon: https://mas.to/@TechConnectify Have you ever noticed that I\'ve never done…

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  9. My car charger can boil water really fast

    That title might be the best effort I can pull off. Other stuff: Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Technology Connections on Mastodon: https://mas.to/@TechConnectify Have you ever noticed that I\'ve never done that whole influencer thing?…

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  10. This cassette player is built into an 8-track cartridge

    Cool tapes. Other stuff: Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Technology Connections on Mastodon: https://mas.to/@TechConnectify Have you ever noticed that I\'ve never done that whole influencer thing? That\'s all thanks to people like you! Viewer...

  11. I was right about dishwasher pods, and now I can prove it

    Some \"innovations\" really are gimmicks after all. https://good.store/products/dishwasher-powder 2nd channel video: https://youtu.be/WnBb3DLlVPw Other stuff: Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Technology Connections on Mastodon:...

  12. Video projectors used to be ridiculously cool

    Three of them. That\'s three times more than usual! Other stuff: Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Technology Connections on Mastodon: https://mas.to/@TechConnectify Have you ever noticed that I\'ve never done that whole influencer thing? Well,...

  13. Catalytic converters are simple, but getting them to work is not

    It\'s catalactually a pretty cool idea. Other stuff: Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Technology Connections on Mastodon: https://mas.to/@TechConnectify Have you ever noticed that I\'ve never done that whole influencer thing? That\'s all…

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  14. Desiccant dehumidifiers are fascinating... but not for everyone

    A whole new meaning to \"spin dry\" Connextras experiment: https://youtu.be/0xLzDF7PZW8 Original video: https://youtu.be/j_QfX0SYCE8 Other stuff: Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Technology Connections on Mastodon…

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  15. VHS-C: a lazy idea that\'s also perfect

    Never underestimate the usefulness of compatibility. Links \'n\' stuff Technology Connextras (the second channel where I put stuff sometimes) https://www.youtube.com/@TechnologyConnextras Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Technology Connections...

  16. Induction lamps: fluorescent lighting\'s final form

    Magnets. OPEN SAUCE: https://opensauce.com/ Technology Connextras (the second channel where I put stuff sometimes) https://www.youtube.com/@TechnologyConnextras Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Technology Connections on Mastodon:...

  17. The \"standard\" car charger is usually overkill—but your electrician might not know that

    Seriously, make your life easier and don\'t go overboard for no reason. Links \'n\' stuff: OPEN SAUCE: https://opensauce.com/ Technology Connextras (the second channel where I put stuff sometimes) https://www.youtube.com/@TechnologyConnextras Technology Connections on Bluesky:...

  18. Closed captions on DVDs are getting left behind

    Clearly a lot of people forgot about those pesky captions. OPEN SAUCE: https://opensauce.com/ The 2018 video on Closed Captioning (and FYI - the video on Teletext isn\'t happening anytime soon...) https://youtu.be/6SL6zs2bDks Want to learn more about the CED?...

  19. Dehumidifiers are confusing. Here\'s why.

    A dry subject that\'s not so cool. Links \'n stuff: HVAC system sizing: https://youtu.be/DTsQjiPlksA Technology Connextras (the second channel where I put stuff sometimes) https://www.youtube.com/@TechnologyConnextras Technology Connections on Bluesky:...

  20. Power is not energy: why the difference matters

    Thinking is fun, actually! Links \'n stuff: HVAC system sizing: https://youtu.be/DTsQjiPlksA Technology Connextras (the second channel where I put stuff sometimes) https://www.youtube.com/@TechnologyConnextras Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social...

  21. Algorithms are breaking how we think

    This surely won\'t make me seem like a crank. Further watching: @HGModernism on addiction to scrolling and the Skinner box mechanism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNOol5OTasw @acollierastro on the AI hype cycle and how professionals understand there\'s nothing new here...

  22. The clever feature that makes cheap heaters safe — and why they\'re actually dangerous

    It\'s best to know what you actually need to be worried about. Technology Connextras (the second channel where I put stuff sometimes) https://www.youtube.com/@TechnologyConnextras Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Technology Connections on...

  23. I tricked my car charging station into powering a 7.5 kW heater

    And it wasn\'t hard at all! links \'n\' stuff: Technology Connextras (the second channel where I put stuff sometimes) https://www.youtube.com/@TechnologyConnextras Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Technology Connections on Mastodon:...

  24. LED Christmas lights which don\'t hurt the eyes: it finally happened!

    At last I see the light. links \'n\' stuff: VINTAGLO: https://www.seasonsreflection.com/vintaglo Tru-Tone: https://tru-tone.com/ Technology Connextras (the second channel where I put stuff sometimes) https://www.youtube.com/@TechnologyConnextras Technology Connections on Bluesky:...

  25. How much thrust does a ceiling fan produce?

    These are some of my biggest fans. links \'n\' stuff: Dan \"Spiffy\" Neuman\'s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCSW_TR-OxXTAN-p8LtrbjOQ Technology Connextras (the second channel where I put stuff sometimes) https://www.youtube.com/@TechnologyConnextras Technology Connections on Bluesky:...

  26. Balafire: when a light bulb goes wild

    Goodness gracious, great balls of fire. links \'n\' stuff: link to Simflame: https://www.simflame.com/ Technology Connextras (the second channel where I put stuff sometimes) https://www.youtube.com/@TechnologyConnextras Technology Connections on Bluesky:...

  27. Air fryers are simpler than you think, but still pretty neat

    It\'s full of hot air. links \'n\' stuff: Technology Connextras (the second channel where I put stuff sometimes) https://www.youtube.com/@TechnologyConnextras Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Technology Connections on Mastodon:...

  28. I bought a freeze dryer so you don\'t have to

    Just understand what you\'re signing up for. links \'n\' stuff Technology Connextras (the second channel where I put stuff sometimes) https://www.youtube.com/@TechnologyConnextras Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Technology Connections on...

  29. MP3 CDs: a hybrid \"format\" that never existed, yet was surprisingly common

    It\'s like, free real estate. links \'n\' stuff Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Technology Connections on Mastodon: https://mas.to/@TechConnectify Have you ever noticed that I\'ve never done a brand deal? That\'s all thanks to people like…

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  30. Duracell PowerCheck: A genius idea which didn\'t last that long

    Press dots to check. The referenced Tedium article: https://tedium.co/2021/01/20/on-battery-power-meter-history/ other links \'n\' stuff Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Technology Connections on Mastodon: https://mas.to/@TechConnectify Have…

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  31. Thermoelectric cooling: it\'s not great.

    Not such a cool idea after all. Links \'n\' stuff: Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Technology Connections on Mastodon: https://mas.to/@TechConnectify Have you ever noticed that I\'ve never done a brand deal? That\'s all thanks to people like...

  32. Induction cooking - but what about woks?

    Don\'t tell Fozzie Bear about this. Links \'n\' stuff: That test I mentioned that I did with my car: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yO5fJ8z66Z8 Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Technology Connections on Mastodon…

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  33. Door closers: ubiquitous, yet unloved and often maladjusted

    Shut the front door. Links \'n\' stuff: Link to Deviant Ollam\'s talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtHpiNBzPsk Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Technology Connections on Mastodon: https://mas.to/@TechConnectify Have you ever noticed that...

  34. Passive infrared motion sensors: a two-bit camera powered by crystals

    Not that kind of crystal. Links \'n\' stuff: Technology Connections on Mastodon: https://mas.to/@TechConnectify Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Have you ever noticed that I\'ve never done a brand deal? That\'s all thanks to people like you!...

  35. Awnings: a simple cooling tech we apparently forgot about

    Seriously - where\'d they go? Links \'n\' stuff: Technology Connections on Mastodon: https://mas.to/@TechConnectify Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social Have you ever noticed that I\'ve never done a brand deal? That\'s all thanks to people like…

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  36. The Numitron: An obvious idea that wasn\'t very bright

    The numbers don\'t look good, Jim. Links \'n\' stuff: Fran Blanche\'s video on Nimo tubes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmWg7CtN0Ac (there are plenty more videos to discover on her channel, too!) Technology Connections on Mastodon: https://mas.to/@TechConnectify Technology Connections on...

  37. Your dishwasher is better than you think (tips, tricks, and how they work)

    Let your dishwasher do the work for you! Links \'n\' stuff: The Connextras video on my dishwasher\'s program change-up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Kp3bjm55xw The original dishwasher videos: https://youtu.be/_rBO8neWw04 https://youtu.be/Ll6-eGDpimU Technology Connections on Mastodon:...

  38. Tilting, taking turns, and winning free games: the many tricks inside old pinball machines

    Tilt! Links \'n\' stuff: The Pinball Playlist (it\'ll getcha to parts 1 and 2) https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv0jwu7G_DFVAUoqtVxFVIu2oZc2GGyDf This is the video on Bally Gay Time, a bingo machine from the 1950\'s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY4JvwWd7Ck Technology Connections on...

  39. The simple, clever sensor behind automatic windshield wipers

    When it\'s wet it wipes. Links \'n\' stuff: The video I just did on stovetops: https://youtu.be/ff04ecF9Dfw Technology Connections on Mastodon: https://mas.to/@TechConnectify Technology Connections on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techconnectify.bsky.social This channel is supported through...

  40. Simmerstats: The genius old tech that controls your stovetop

    Hehe. Doody cycle. Links \'n\' stuff: My video on turn signal flashers https://youtu.be/2z5A-COlDPk The US electrical system and that 120/240V stuff https://youtu.be/jMmUoZh3Hq4 The Pinball Machine video (part one) https://youtu.be/ue-1JoJQaEg Technology Connections on Mastodon:...

  41. Bright from the Start: GE\'s CFL with an incandescent trick up its sleeve

    A pretty bright idea. At least at first. Links \'n\' stuff: https://opensauce.com/ is where you should go for info on the event. Last year was pretty cool! Technology Connections on Mastodon: https://mas.to/@TechConnectify Technology Connections on Bluesky:...

  42. Old HVAC industry practices are holding us back and costing us money. But we can fix it.

    More Pumping More Now Looking for that condensed version? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hAuKtoRxJI Links \'n\' stuff: How heat pumps actually work: https://youtu.be/7J52mDjZzto The video I did on home electrification: https://youtu.be/CVLLNjSLJTQ Technology Connections on Mastodon:...

  43. Flash photography used to be pretty wild

    I see spots. Many thanks to Gav @theslowmoguys for making this video possible! Links \'n Stuff: If you haven\'t seen that video of the speed of glass, go do that now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIMVge5TYz4 My Photography playlist:...

  44. The step-by-step, mechanical logic of old pinball machines

    ch ch ch ch ka CHUNK ch ch ka-CLACK-Y bomp The last video: https://youtu.be/ue-1JoJQaEg Other videos of electromechanical marvels: https://youtu.be/NmGaXEmfTIo https://youtu.be/o1qRzKuskK0 Technology Connections on Mastodon: https://mas.to/@TechConnectify (I\'m also trying out BlueSky on the same...

  45. LED Christmas lights still annoy me. Let\'s try some more fixes.

    (sigh) here we go again Links! If you\'re interested in checking on Tru-Tone: https://tru-tone.com/ That one where I made those IKEA lamps better: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed8QTKtLxKs Videos from years past: https://youtu.be/cQgcTkXacAc https://youtu.be/ebkD6DzZDlA...

  46. What\'s the deal with the popcorn button?

    Try it. You know you want to. Referenced Videos: The Antique Microwave Oven that\'s Better than Yours https://youtu.be/UiS27feX8o0 And the follow-up to that one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBD1NyabTt4 The Clapper https://youtu.be/TBPVJtGBf8Y Technology Connextras (the second channel where I…

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  47. The Clapper: Yes, that one.

    Oh boy! You should give Tedium a look, by the way. Lots of cool stuff there: https://tedium.co/ Technology Connextras (the second channel where I put stuff sometimes) https://www.youtube.com/@TechnologyConnextras Technology Connections on Mastodon: https://mas.to/@TechConnectify This channel is...

  48. Back-up beepers: Obnoxious, but getting better - and spreading!

    BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP Technology Connextras (the second channel where I put stuff sometimes) https://www.youtube.com/@TechnologyConnextras Technology Connections on Mastodon: https://mas.to/@TechConnectify This channel is supported through viewer contributions on Patreon. Thanks to the…

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  49. Old pinball machines are amazingly complex

    Shoot for the magic trunk! PART 2: https://youtu.be/E3p_Cv32tEo Technology Connextras (the second channel where I put stuff sometimes) https://www.youtube.com/@TechnologyConnextras Technology Connections on Mastodon: https://mas.to/@TechConnectify This channel is supported through viewer...

  50. Power outlets are topsy turvy - but does it matter?

    The answer may surprise you! Here\'s that follow-up I talked about at the end https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmKL3pgPQhY Technology Connections on Mastodon: https://mas.to/@TechConnectify This channel is supported through viewer contributions on Patreon. Thanks to the generous support of people...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Technology Connections is a technology-focused podcast that explores the fascinating details behind everyday devices, electronics, engineering, and modern technology. Each episode examines how things work, why they were designed the way they are, and the practical ideas or innovations that have shaped the technology people use every day. Perfect for curious listeners interested in technology, engineering, electronics, inventions, and the hidden mechanisms behind familiar products.

HOSTED BY

fret

CATEGORIES

leisure

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Technology Connections have?

Technology Connections currently has 232 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Technology Connections about?

Technology Connections is a technology-focused podcast that explores the fascinating details behind everyday devices, electronics, engineering, and modern technology. Each episode examines how things work, why they were designed the way they are, and the practical ideas or innovations that have...

How often does Technology Connections release new episodes?

Technology Connections publishes regularly with 232 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Technology Connections?

You can listen to Technology Connections on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Technology Connections?

Technology Connections is created and hosted by fret.
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