The hottest Electronics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Bicycles: An Antidote To Throw-Away Culture

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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.

Maker News - July 2025 Update

Maker News • 15 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. Using hotkeys in KiCad can make designing faster and more efficient. Small changes can save a lot of time when working on circuits.
  2. Crowdfunding hardware projects involves a lot of hidden costs and calculations. It's important to understand these details to avoid losing money.
  3. New technologies like AI and ESP-NOW are changing how we build hardware. They help make projects easier and more connected without traditional setups.
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Fight to Repair Weekly: November, 28 2022

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 30 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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
  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.

January 2025 Update

Maker News • 22 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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.

November 2024 Update

Maker News • 22 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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.

Episode 31: Better Built By Burkhard

burkhardstubert • 39 implied HN points • 01 Dec 22
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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.

Maker News - June 2025 Update

Maker News • 7 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. People are doing amazing DIY projects, like printing kayaks on treadmills. It's exciting to see creativity in unexpected ways!
  2. There are new tech hacks, like using a simple device to control washing machines or turning basic circuits into complex gadgets. This shows how accessible technology has become.
  3. Invention is all about trying new things and learning from failures. Making things doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to be fun and inventive.

Just how much battery is needed by China alone?

TP’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🕹 Technology 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.

Fight to Repair Weekly: Week of November 14, 2022

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 16 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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.

QuantumSi - Routes Forward

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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.

Would You DEFINITELY Buy A Sequencer That Was...

ASeq Newsletter • 65 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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.

Maker News - May 2025 Round Up

Maker News • 7 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. There are innovative DIY projects that show how creativity can lead to amazing results, like a cheap instant camera made with basic parts and clever wiring.
  2. Some makers are pushing the boundaries of technology, like transmitting data over long distances or programming DIY CPUs to run games in unique ways.
  3. Community projects, such as open-source hardware and hackable devices, encourage sharing knowledge and tools, making it easier for anyone to get involved in building cool stuff.

Fight to Repair Daily: Monday, September 12, 2022

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 13 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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 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.

October 2024 Update

Maker News • 7 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Electronics
  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.

MakerNews - June 2023

Maker News • 22 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. June 2023 newsletter is packed with exciting video content
  2. Learn about analog to digital conversion and chip scanning
  3. Discover innovative DIY electronics projects and advancements in technology

Satellite receivers

Only Wonder Knows • 2 HN points • 12 May 23
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. Satellite receivers use a device called Low Noise Block (LNB) to amplify signals from satellites.
  2. Satellite reception projects involve intricate components like amplifiers, mixers, and oscillators.
  3. The functionality of a satellite receiver is controlled by factors such as polarization selection and band choice.

March 2023

Maker News • 7 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. Spring is bringing a fresh sense of inspiration and renewal
  2. Explore interesting projects like MEMS, VGA upgrades, and 3D printing
  3. Read about human augmentation with robotic body parts and DIY tech projects

Making Hard PCBs At Home?

atomic14 • 2 HN points • 16 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. DIY nickel plating on PCBs can be a surprisingly simple process, but attention to detail is crucial for successful results.
  2. Using a hard wearing coating like nickel plating on copper PCBs can improve durability and scratch resistance.
  3. Experimenting with electroplating at home requires careful setup, attention to details like cleanliness and voltage, and may lead to interesting results and improvements in PCB toughness.

Silicon Carbide: A Power Electronics Revolution

The Asianometry Newsletter • 3 HN points • 29 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. Silicon carbide is a powerful semiconductor with unique properties like wide bandgap and high temperature tolerance.
  2. Silicon carbide-based power electronics are revolutionizing the industry by enabling higher voltages and frequencies with lower power loss.
  3. Challenges in producing silicon carbide wafers have limited its adoption, but recent advancements are making it more commercially viable.

Russia’s Nesting Satellite Problems

Ill-Defined Space • 1 HN point • 29 Feb 24
🔬 Science Electronics
  1. Russia's space industry faces challenges in meeting satellite production goals due to financial losses, lack of imported electronics, unclear strategies, resource obstacles, and conflicting priorities from top officials.
  2. Russian satellite manufacturers struggle with access to modern electronics, impacting their ability to scale up production and meet industry goals, possibly leading to prioritization of military satellite programs over commercial or civil ones.
  3. Plans for conveyor production to increase satellite output face obstacles such as scarcity of space-rated electronics, conflicting objectives between government wishes for a space station and the need for smallsat production expansion, and funding issues.

January Round Up

Maker News • 1 HN point • 26 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. The January Round Up features clever hacks, homebrew projects, and deep dives into retro and cutting-edge tech.
  2. There are engaging videos to watch, such as driving WS2812B LEDs from scratch and repurposing an old mouse into a 3D mouse.
  3. Interesting reads include building a bed occupancy sensor and exploring vintage silicon-on-sapphire technology.

Children of the Geissler Tube

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 1 HN point • 17 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. Heinrich Geissler invented the Geissler tube, a crucial technology that led to the development of modern world technologies.
  2. Geissler tubes were originally sold as novelty items before becoming important for lighting, including fluorescent and neon lights.
  3. The Geissler tube's descendants include the cathode-ray tube used in TVs, computers with vacuum tubes, transistors, and even diodes, impacting numerous aspects of our daily lives.

August 2023 Round Up

Maker News • 1 HN point • 31 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. The newsletter features a variety of interesting content like effects pedals and LED bead curtains.
  2. There are recommendations for articles and projects related to hardware development and DIY electronics.
  3. Encouragement to share the newsletter with other tech enthusiasts and embrace the creativity during the upcoming winter months.

Project Tempest

Barn Lab • 0 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. Project Tempest originated during the Cold War for protecting electronic equipment from eavesdropping and intercepting enemy electromagnetic emissions.
  2. The concept has evolved into current-day Air-Gap Attacks, where data is transported from secure locations without network use.
  3. Through tools like TempestSDR, capturing unintentionally emitted RF signals can allow eavesdropping on computer screens.

Fight to Repair Daily: August 3, 2022

Fight to Repair • 0 implied HN points • 04 Aug 22
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. Electronics are designed with hidden 'death dates' and often lack longevity, urging users to demand longer-lasting products.
  2. Samsung and iFixit have collaborated to offer genuine parts and repair programs for Galaxy devices, enabling users to conduct self-repairs.
  3. The Right to Repair legislation, if passed, would require electronics manufacturers to provide repair information to independent repair providers, potentially fostering innovation and sustainability in the industry.

Fight to Repair Daily: August 24, 2022

Fight to Repair • 0 implied HN points • 24 Aug 22
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. Apple's Self Service Repair program reveals prices for MacBook parts, ranging from generous to expensive, like a logic board costing $4,222.
  2. Tesla customers face challenges with service including long wait times and parts availability, despite the simplified maintenance of electric vehicles.
  3. Community initiatives like 'The Repair Revolution' in New Zealand aim to reduce waste by fixing broken items, highlighting the benefits of repair over replacement.

April 2023

Maker News • 0 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. Watch interesting tech videos like building with microcontrollers and exploring assembly code.
  2. Read about diverse topics like the science behind album covers and custom ESP32 bootloaders.
  3. Stay curious, inspired, and keep tinkering with new projects!

The Week in Repair: Dec 6-12

Fight to Repair • 0 implied HN points • 14 Dec 21
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. Activists worldwide are pushing for the 'right to repair' movement to combat expensive and environmentally damaging obsolescence of electronics and appliances.
  2. Big companies like John Deere and Facebook are being called out for restricting repair options, while others like Microsoft and iFixit are working to make repair tools more accessible.
  3. Efforts are being made to make products more repairable, reduce e-waste, and shift towards a circular economy model for environmental, financial, and supply chain benefits.

Right to Repair: Taking it to the Streets with Louis Rossmann

Fight to Repair • 0 implied HN points • 30 Apr 21
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. Louis Rossmann is a significant figure in the right to repair movement with over 1.5 million YouTube subscribers. He sheds light on how manufacturers create challenges in repairing devices independently.
  2. Louis Rossmann is actively advocating for the right to repair and has initiated efforts like a GoFundMe campaign to make right to repair laws.
  3. Louis Rossmann emphasizes the importance of pushing for the right to repair to combat manufacturers' monopolies on parts and services.

May 2023

Maker News • 0 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🕹 Technology Electronics
  1. May edition includes delightful projects, videos, and articles to explore.
  2. Featured projects highlight creative tech endeavors from various content creators.
  3. Newsletter encourages sharing with others to spread the excitement of technology innovations.