Bob Cassette Rewinder: Hacking Detergent DRM (github.com)

Article summary

The article discusses how the author hacked the Bob Dishwasher's detergent cartridge system, known as Bob Cassettes, to refill them at a significantly lower cost. The author discovered that the cassettes use a simple EEPROM chip to track the number of washes left and found a way to reset the counter. By refilling the cassettes with commercial detergents, the author achieved a 98% cost saving compared to buying new cassettes. The article also explores the composition of the detergents used in the cassettes and finds suitable substitutes.

Main themes

• Dishwasher detergent hacking
• Proprietary cassettes
• Detergent composition
• Dishwasher design
• Cleaning effectiveness
• Cost savings

What commenters say

• Some commenters question the need for proprietary cassettes and prefer using standard all-in-one tabs or powder detergent.
• Others share their positive experiences with using tablets or powder detergent in their dishwashers, citing effective cleaning results.
• There is disagreement about the design of dishwashers and the use of pre-wash compartments, with some arguing that modern dishwashers are designed to work with tablets only.
• The effectiveness of cheap dishwasher tablets is disputed, with some commenters finding them ineffective and others satisfied with their performance.
• Some commenters appreciate the convenience of rinse aid and its impact on cleaning results, while others are skeptical about its necessity.
• The discussion also touches on the quality and durability of different dishwasher brands, with some commenters expressing satisfaction with their machines and others reporting issues.
• The use of proprietary cassettes is seen as a way for manufacturers to profit from recurring sales, and some commenters are happy to find ways to circumvent this system.