A Virginia DEF CON community
We’re eight classes in on our MicroPython & PCB Design series, and I got the urge to give some stuff away to drive more eyeballs to our content. So from now until the end of December, I’m tracking new subscribers to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbN6uet3koyKkKs5W8CoCxQ
Five of you will win prizes:
(1) Tarot Badge from DC30
(1) Tree of Life Badge from DC29
(3) Random DIY PCB kits from our collection
Maybe you’ll even learn something!
Meeting at the usual place this evening. Sorry for the late notice. Was traveling, got in late last night, really wasn’t sure what I was up for. But I got hot tweezers and I’m dying to try them out. And some folks who didn’t go to vegas might be interested in badge&stickers show&tell. Also there may be some front-side badge soldering.
Meeting will be hybrid on Discord as well. But you can’t taste Malört through a screen.
Or maybe you can.
If you’re new to the group, hit me up via DM on the Discord or on Twitter if you’re interested in attending. If I met you in LV, mention that. Otherwise, generally we like to get to know people a little bit before inviting them to the private space.
Just waiting on lanyards and firmware now. Started acquiring parts for batch #2, so don’t give up on your FOMO. We’re here for you!
Better to find out you have a faulty OLED before it’s soldered to a PCB, right?
All of ours passed testing. These are the things you fill your time with to ease anxiety while waiting for the boards to show up from across the sea.
Ordering ESD bags. Designing custom lanyards. Making sure you have enough header connectors. Testing components. Ordering battery holders or LIPOs. Figuring out battery logistics. Can you take the batteries you chose on the plane?
Packing materials. Did you know you can get free flat-rate shipping boxes from USPS?
Stickers. It’s always cool to throw some stickers in there for good measure.
I remember when I got my Hak5 kit, one of the things I thought was a nice touch was the custom flight tags — “REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT” on one side and “TRUST YOUR TECHNOLUST” on the other.
Anyone who knows me knows I have a fetish for storage solutions, both permanent and portable/mobile. I really like the idea of everything in its place. When done right, finding things in the heat of the moment becomes a breeze. I wasn’t always like this.
So when I started enhancing my Proxmark3 RDV4 with accessories, most of which aren’t used at the same time, I realized I would have to assemble a kit and contain it somehow, because when going out and about for RFID research purposes, I might need any of the accessories. I happened to have a zipper bag similar to the Hak5 kit, so the thought came to me, “Hey, I wonder if custom flight tags are affordable in low quantities.” Turns out they are!
I found this on Amazon — two tags, two sides of messaging, choose your colors, under $10.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085772MFD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I figured at $10 it was worth a shot. For a moment I struggled with what the second tag would be for, then I realized I could use it with my locksport Pelican.
I think they came out fabulous. 10/10 will purchase again.
So Katelyn from The Badass Army posted last month-ish that she had procured a PO Box. I took the opportunity to send a couple of batches of stickers and other trinket swag, mostly DC540-branded, because I love their mission and I enjoy Katelyn’s twitter persona.
What I wasn’t expecting when I checked the DC540 box today (POB 2861, Dulles VA 20146, btw) was a similar gift. Some great stickers, a magnet and a nice card. If you follow Infosec Twitter, you’re probably aware of some recent drama that caused a potential threat to the very existence of BADASS. I just want to take a moment to say I hope that doesn’t happen.
I bought some used Def Con USB sticks on ebay. They contain official presentations. I didn’t buy them for the presentations, though — those are available online on Def Con’s media site. I bought them because they are pretty cool Def Con branded swag.
Since I won three separate auctions (DC27, DC26, and one from Blackhat), I got a refund from the seller for a combined shipping discount. When I saw the seller’s name, I did a double-take.
I just bought USB sticks from one of the most well-known hackers on the planet.
This should be fun. And not scary at all.
In my haste, in my rush, in my frazzled excitement over our first meeting, I 100% COMPLETELY SPACED on bringing the SWAG. Yes, I had swag beyond the silly little stickers. Remind me next month.
…pieces of cultural apparel…
(and SDRs)
(and Pi/Arduinos)
(and solder irons)
(and storage bins)
(and hotel cards)