Shifting Away From DIY - Pedetentious PnP Progress
Chris Gammell of Contextual Electronics and Dave Jones of EEV Blog discuss the shifting landscape of hardware development, moving from DIY hobbyism to professional manufacturing. They review Maker Faire exhibits, including Volterra circuit printers, Cartesian Co routers, and various pick-and-place machines, debating their practical utility. The hosts analyze the impact of new software tools like Altium's CircuitMaker and the rising cost of components, arguing that while entry-level hardware is becoming commoditized, professional board design and manufacturing remain essential for successful products.