The hottest Electronics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Advanced sun reproduction

Metabolic Repair • 19 implied HN points • 26 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Lighting Electronics Home Automation Photography
  1. To make your indoor lighting like the sun, consider using bicolor lights that can change color temperature throughout the day. This can help your space feel more natural, but they can be more expensive and may not be as bright as daylight lights.
  2. Using an LCD HDR monitor can enhance your viewing experience, allowing for brighter images and better color matching with outdoor light. This can be especially useful if your current monitor seems washed out with your new lighting setup.
  3. If you want your lights to match outdoor brightness, consider measuring the light levels in your space with a lux meter. You may need to upgrade to higher wattage lights or adjust your room's surfaces to increase reflected light.

Custom KiCad Silk Screen

atomic14 • 173 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Electronics PCB Design DIY Projects Software Development
  1. You can easily add custom designs to the silk screen of your PCB in KiCad. It’s a simple process to import images, opening up creative possibilities for your designs.
  2. Remember that KiCad only supports black and white for silk screen designs, so any colors or shades will need to be converted. This can affect how your graphics look when you import them.
  3. To get the best results, it's helpful to turn off anti-aliasing in your graphics software. This way, what you see is what you get in KiCad, making it easier to control the final look.

Designing your own PCBs

lcamtuf’s thing • 2652 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Electronics PCB Design Manufacturing Tools Prototyping
  1. Designing your own PCB allows for faster iteration on new designs compared to ordering custom circuit boards.
  2. KiCad is a recommended tool for designing hobby PCBs due to its extensive library of footprints and open-source nature.
  3. Consider important factors like component placement, trace widths, and manufacturing constraints for successful PCB layout.

Maxell's MF 2-DD Floppies

Computer Ads from the Past • 256 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Computers Electronics History Innovation Advertising
  1. Maxell started in 1960 as a battery company and later became well-known for making storage devices like audio cassette tapes.
  2. The MF 2-DD floppies from Maxell were a product in their lineup, showcasing the evolution of computer storage over the years.
  3. Maxell has a rich history of innovation, being the first to produce certain types of batteries and tapes in Japan.

Discwasher SpikeMaster

Computer Ads from the Past • 128 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Gadgets History Hardware Electronics Computing
  1. The Discwasher SpikeMaster was designed to protect computers from electrical surges. It featured multiple outlets and surge protection to keep devices safe.
  2. Discwasher was a well-known company for computer and audio accessories, but it dissolved in 1983. Despite this, its products continued to be mentioned in various publications years later.
  3. The SpikeMaster was marketed for its ability to filter interference and manage power safely. It made it easier for users to power multiple devices without the worry of damaging surges.
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Old School Tape Loading

atomic14 • 173 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Computers Software Programming Electronics
  1. Old school tape loading is a nostalgic experience for those who grew up using classic computers like the ZX Spectrum. It brings back memories of how we waited for games to load, often with characteristic sounds.
  2. Using modern technology, like the ESP32, makes it possible to load audio data directly instead of using tapes. This method is faster and more reliable, ensuring a better experience than the original tape loading.
  3. To protect newer devices from the risks of playing audio signals, a simple circuit can be set up. This prevents damage from high voltages while allowing the audio to be used effectively.

Easy Robotics with a 3D Printer and Raspberry Pi

Messy Progress • 59 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Robotics 3D Printing Programming DIY Projects Electronics
  1. Making a robot with a 3D printer and a Raspberry Pi is fun and can be done on a budget. You can create many different designs without limits.
  2. A modular design is helpful because it allows for easy changes and quick fixes. This makes it easier for kids to participate and experiment.
  3. Using a Raspberry Pi for controlling your robot opens up many possibilities, like adding cameras or other fun components. You can even use simple coding to operate it.

How Far Can Moore's Law Go?

Tapa’s Substack • 79 implied HN points • 07 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Computing Hardware Engineering AI Electronics
  1. Moore's Law shows that the number of transistors on chips grows, but the real limit to performance is how efficiently we can use power. Even if we add more transistors, we might not get better performance without better power management.
  2. We need to consider the costs of power and cooling when designing chips, not just the cost of the hardware itself. Cooling efforts can be more complex and expensive as we push for higher performance.
  3. New technologies and materials like photonics, 3D chip designs, and even concepts like spintronics might help enhance computing performance, especially for memory-related tasks, but there are many challenges to overcome.

QuantumSi - Routes Forward

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Semiconductors Electronics Chemistry Data processing
  1. QuantumSi has recently laid off employees as they restructure due to poor sales. This is tough for those affected, and it's hoped they find new jobs soon.
  2. To reach billions of reads, QuantumSi is exploring chip reuse but it's tricky since they might need to clean the chip quickly and keep it working well after many uses.
  3. They are also looking at using multiple imaging regions to help with throughput instead of reusing chips, which could be a more practical solution for their counting goals.

Space Advantages for Electronics Production: Microgravity & Extreme Temperatures & Vacuum

Space Ambition • 179 implied HN points • 18 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Space Tech Electronics Manufacturing Semiconductors AI
  1. Space offers unique conditions like microgravity and extreme temperatures that can help create better electronic materials. This can lead to higher purity materials and improved processes that are hard to achieve on Earth.
  2. The cost of launching materials into space has decreased significantly, making space manufacturing more accessible. New startups are emerging to support in-space production, which enhances the potential for innovations in microelectronics.
  3. To truly benefit from manufacturing in space, the economics need to prove that it's cheaper than Earth-based production. First, companies will focus on small-scale projects that can show clear advantages before scaling up.

Mixed News on iPhone 15 Models

CIRP - Apple Report • 78 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Mobile Electronics Sales Apple
  1. First full quarter results for iPhone 15 models showed decent sales shares compared to iPhone 14 models in the previous quarter.
  2. iPhone 15 Pro Max was the leading model, accounting for 26% of all iPhone sales in the quarter.
  3. Base and Plus models of iPhone 15 had differences in sales performance compared to the Pro and Pro Max models.

January 2025 Update

Maker News • 22 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Engineering Electronics AI Innovation Software
  1. There are some cool upgrades and hacks in 3D printing, like using a camera to see inside the printer's nozzle. This can help fix printing problems.
  2. You can now easily update your thermometer's software without needing extra cables by using a simple hack. It's convenient and makes the device more user-friendly.
  3. AI tools are becoming helpful for people who want to create projects but may not have coding skills. This can make technology accessible to more people.

Signal reflections in electronic circuits

lcamtuf’s thing • 185 HN points • 25 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Electronics Circuits
  1. Signal reflections in electronic circuits can cause echoes of previously-transmitted signals due to impedance discontinuities.
  2. Electronic signals do not propagate through wires instantly, but travel at high speeds, around 80% of the speed of light in vacuum.
  3. Matching the characteristic impedance of the transmission line to the transmitter helps avoid issues with signal reflections in high-speed digital electronics.

HyperX Topology for Photonic Wafer Scale Integration

Tapa’s Substack • 59 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Networking Electronics Optics Computing Engineering
  1. Using the HyperX topology can be a good choice for connecting photonic wafer-scale systems, helping to improve efficiency and lower costs. It focuses on making connections quicker and cheaper in long-distance scenarios on wafers.
  2. Photonic wafer-scale integration offers benefits like reduced energy use and lower latency compared to traditional electrical methods, but the right network setup has been a challenge. Finding a suitable layout is important for maximizing performance.
  3. The HyperX design has advantages like fewer layers and a straightforward layout, which can help minimize complications in building these systems. It's a simple yet effective way to boost the performance of interconnects in photonic setups.

Oscilloscope measurements

Only Wonder Knows • 78 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Electronics Equipment Measurements Tools
  1. Oscilloscopes have been crucial tools in electronics for a long time, helping engineers understand and test signal changes.
  2. Digital oscilloscopes offer advanced features like horizontal position adjustment, holdoff function, and memory segmentation for better measurement control.
  3. Trigger modes on oscilloscopes, like 'auto' and 'normal,' serve different purposes in displaying and analyzing traces.

CATL

Tech Buzz China Insider • 79 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🕹 Technology Energy Innovation Market Analysis Electronics Automotive
  1. CATL's Qilin batteries are positioned for high-end vehicles and currently target about 15% of the domestic EV market due to their high cost and superior range.
  2. CATL's Qilin battery faces competition from Tesla's 4680 battery, which is still working through production issues affecting its yield rate.
  3. By 2025, the battery industry landscape is expected to greatly favor incumbent manufacturers with CATL's capacity projected to exceed 700 GWh, and laminated products anticipated to increase to over 60% of the market.

November 2024 Update

Maker News • 22 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🕹 Technology DIY Projects Gadgets Engineering Electronics Software Development
  1. There are many fun DIY projects you can try, like making a cheap ultrasonic humidifier or upgrading old tools with USB-C. It's a great way to learn and create something useful.
  2. A variety of innovative gadgets are available to buy, like a ZX Spectrum recreation that brings back nostalgic 8-bit computing. It can be a fun treat for anyone who loves tech.
  3. Exploring new technologies, like vocoders, can be exciting. Understanding how they work may inspire new projects and creative ideas in sound and music.

Just how much battery is needed by China alone?

TP’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Energy Automotive Sustainability Manufacturing Electronics
  1. China needs a huge amount of batteries for electric cars, with estimates suggesting around 1.3 terawatt-hours just for passenger vehicles. This shows a big shift towards electric cars in the country.
  2. The demand for batteries isn't just from cars; commercial vehicles also need a lot, with predictions of roughly 1 terawatt-hour for all types of trucks and other commercial vehicles. This means a lot of growth in the electric vehicle sector.
  3. To support a greener energy grid, China might need around 10 terawatt-hours of battery storage for renewable energy. This highlights that as they move to renewable energy, battery production has to increase significantly to meet these needs.

California Legislature Passes Electronics Right To Repair

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Electronics Design Sustainability Renewable Energy
  1. California Legislature passed a Right to Repair Act, a big win for consumers, small repair shops, and the environment, following years of lobbying resistance from tech firms.
  2. Designer Ollee Means breathes new life into old chairs by restoring and revitalizing them, highlighting the importance of repair and sustainability in modern design.
  3. Google agrees to 10 years of Chromebook support and sustainability measures like adaptive charging, saving costs, reducing waste, and promoting longer-lasting devices.

Lab notebooks

Only Wonder Knows • 58 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Electronics Note Taking Debugging Tools
  1. Recording funny things in lab notebooks can save time and provide valuable insights for future work.
  2. Using a notebook for design work, organizing content, and including references can help centralize information.
  3. Taking oscilloscope captures, naming signals, and recording measurement values are important steps for effective debugging.

Fuses

Only Wonder Knows • 39 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Electronics Devices Components Circuits Design
  1. Fuses are essential components for providing protection in electronic circuits by blowing up when the current exceeds a certain threshold.
  2. Fuses have specific ratings like amperage and voltage, and their behavior can be affected by factors like temperature and pulse energy.
  3. Understanding the details of fuses is crucial for designing reliable circuit boards and ensuring proper functionality.

Transmission line explorations - deeper investigations

Only Wonder Knows • 39 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Electronics Manufacturing Materials Simulation Engineering
  1. Establish a close relationship with the PCB manufacturer to discuss concerns and ask for expected ranges.
  2. Consider ordering a PCB carefully as design complexity increases, requiring more aspects to be taken into account.
  3. Copper roughness, dielectric materials, and DK uniformity are crucial factors to consider in PCB design for high-speed signals.

Bicycles: An Antidote To Throw-Away Culture

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Repair Sustainability Right-to-repair Electronics Environment
  1. Bicycles can serve as a model for repairing and reusing items, fostering community connections, and resisting over-consumption.
  2. Understanding how to repair objects we rely on makes us more self-reliant, teaches us to help others, and deepens our respect for the materials and work that go into creating these objects.
  3. Promoting intentional ownership and repair of items, like bicycles, can help shift our global consumption habits, build community through repair organizations, and reduce waste in our society.

Would You DEFINITELY Buy A Sequencer That Was...

ASeq Newsletter • 65 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Innovation Electronics Market research Survey Community Building
  1. The post discusses a poll for what people want in a sequencer, without vendors guiding the surveys.
  2. Considerations in the polls include the idea of a sequencer being identical except for one magical different feature from a new vendor.
  3. The poll asks if you would definitely buy the sequencer, potentially changing a planned purchasing decision.

Fight to Repair Weekly: November, 28 2022

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 30 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Environment Legislation Electronics Advocacy
  1. EU is implementing new repair rules for electronics to reduce environmental impact, but advocates feel it falls short of a true "right to repair" needed to extend device lifespans.
  2. Upcoming EU policy changes will require access to parts, maintenance for devices after retiring, durability standards, and repair labeling, but critics push for stronger policies.
  3. Samsung is working on a new mobile app called 'Self Repair Assistant' to boost DIY repairs, while Apple seeks to restrict repair through patents. Advocacy efforts continue to push for right to repair laws.

Chopper amplifiers: history and present

Only Wonder Knows • 19 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🔬 Science Electronics Engineering Physics Circuits Amplifiers
  1. Chopper amplifiers are a technique to reduce DC offset and low frequency noise in amplifiers.
  2. Historically, chopper amplifiers have been implemented using innovative methods like optical chopping with cadmium sulfide light-dependent resistors.
  3. Contemporary engineers can refer to Jim Williams' design for an ultrahigh performance instrumentation amplifier that resembles the old chopper amplifier concept.

October 2024 Update

Maker News • 7 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Electronics DIY Projects Gadgets Engineering Software
  1. This October update includes fun Halloween-themed projects like a DIY smart pumpkin and an anti-social pumpkin.
  2. There are interesting articles to read about reverse engineering tech like a fighter plane's indicator and headphones.
  3. The update encourages sharing the newsletter with friends and highlights various tech projects to explore.

Episode 31: Better Built By Burkhard

burkhardstubert • 39 implied HN points • 01 Dec 22
🕹 Technology Electronics Innovation Mobility Software Automotive
  1. Trade shows can be exciting, especially if you find innovative products, like the microbial fuel cell that uses plants to generate power.
  2. Companies should focus on creative solutions for mobility beyond cars, as seen with the interesting Podbike design, which can help with short trips.
  3. New technology offerings, like the i.MX 8ULP and i.MX 93 processors, show advancements in power efficiency and connectivity, useful for various applications.

Fight to Repair Weekly: Week of November 14, 2022

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 16 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Repair Circular Economy Right-to-repair Electronics Recycling
  1. France is offering cash bonuses to consumers to repair their electronics, leading the way towards a circular economy.
  2. Washington D.C. has launched an interactive map to promote repair, reuse, and second-hand shopping, showing a commitment to reducing waste.
  3. Repair initiatives like these show a shift towards prioritizing sustainability and waste reduction over convenience and consumerism.

Fight to Repair Daily: Monday, September 12, 2022

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 13 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Repairs Copyright E-commerce Electronics Fashion
  1. The DMCA Section 1201 is facing a trial for potentially violating the 1st Amendment, as it imposes restrictions on free speech regarding digital locks and copyrighted work.
  2. iFixit outlined six key factors that influence the repairability of products, such as ease of access to batteries and overall repairability, which can impact whether a product is repairable or not.
  3. Steam Deck repair centers are now open for users to send in their devices for covered warranty repairs at no additional cost, following provided instructions and diagnostics.

The Week in Repair: Jan 25-Feb 1

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 03 Feb 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Circular Economy Right-to-repair Sustainability Electronics
  1. Germany is introducing a repairability index to encourage companies to build products that are easier to repair, rather than replace.
  2. Legislation like House Bill 1810 and right to repair laws aim to make tech products more durable and repairable, reducing e-waste.
  3. A circular economy approach is needed for electric vehicles, emphasizing reuse, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling to tackle environmental issues.