64 karma · joined November 20, 2013
As for asking for help - it is a struggle. Anyone have advice?
Typically open source projects have only a handful of core developers - with a large majority being pass-by contributors interested in fixing their problems/use case. Characterizing it to sound like all these developers are being slighted is strange.
Not being able to reap what you sow is a problem with open source. I don’t doubt we are seeing less great software being shared in the open because of it. If we want more useful software shared as open source we should fix this. The Amazon problem doesn’t help. I’m with Elastic.
The relationship we've created with time makes us want to rush through things quickly. This is where the "time flies" feeling can come from. It actually makes us less resourceful and less productive. By placing less of a premium on time we widen our options in all things - life and work included.
Sounds like a fun project more than anything, I'll explore it.
After searching a bit it seems many stitch together their own solution at home. And others use cloud exclusively. Seems like a nice big problem to solve.
Any considerations you'd recommend before deciding on kicad versus the other software available for pcb design?
The feeling lost bit is probably common but when that's the case focus on your end goal. Here's my general approach so far.
- I got a personal project that I have no choice but to see through to the end. Having this as an end goal helps direct my focus.
- I avoid most rabbit holes - especially when it comes to learning theory. The rabbit holes are endless. I focus only on the rabbit holes that help me meet my end goal even if that means skipping fundamental stuff. This is really hard sometimes but if it's fundamental it'll come up again and again until ignoring it is not an option or maybe you just become curious enough to explore. My curiosity is dangerous here so I try to curb it the best I can. (maybe I should block time off specifically for exploring my curiosities and go deeper on concepts that may not be immediately relevant)
- I work on some aside prototypes to build an understanding of fundamental circuit components/concepts e.g. LEDs, resistors, voltage, current, resistance. Once I put something together I read a little bit of theory behind the components. Or sometimes it's the other way around - I read the theory then I put a simple circuit together using a breadboard and some wires.
- I bought tools based on advice I found in Books, YouTube, HN, and Reddit. For me this meant buying passive components, a breadboard, pre-cut wires, 22-gauge wire spools, soldering station (and various soldering equipment), hand-held tools (e.g. wire cutters, multimeter, tape measure), a power supply, safety equipment, and a 3d printer. I went on a spree. With that said I bought tools aligned with my goals.
- It also helps when I recognize that it takes time. Picking up and mastering a skill or at least becoming competent is a multi-year process. More importantly - I have that time. I have today, tomorrow, next week, next year to keep getting better. So there's no pressure. Man what a gift.
- I look to people that have the expertise and listen to what they have to say. That either means watching youtube lectures by people like bunnie, dave jones, authors of books. And just reading books like the Art of Electronics, Hacking the Xbox. Or finding material online and reading some more.
What an awesome time to be alive. Resource are endless - it's just a matter of paring stuff down based on your goal. Good luck on the projects.
It's people like you, Dave Jones, bunnie, and folks at adafruit that make this stuff accessible and feel approachable . YouTube University is real. Thanks man.
All while those initial visitors have come and gone - how do you replicate traffic? I think OP needs to take a hand to hand combat route and just find those initial users himself while he searches for at least a semblance of interest.
> If I have the fight those bozos then I lose my passion for the project and even to wake up in the morning.
Second this definitely.
What are you working on now?