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AI Engineering
Hacker News·17d ago·5 min read
What I learned selling 2,500 MIDI recorders: Hardware is not so hard
TL;DR
Creating a fully automated MIDI recorder, the Jamcorder, was a surprising success, selling 2,500 units. The project combined software expertise with hardware development, leading to a viable business.
✦ Why It Matters
Engineers should consider exploring hardware projects to diversify their skills and create new business opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Keep your bill of materials (BOM) simple.
- Partner with reliable assembly houses for production.
- Aim for a gross margin of at least 70%.
- Conduct final quality assurance in-house.
Full Summary
After launching Jamcorder, a fully automated MIDI recording device, the creator discovered that building hardware was not as difficult as commonly believed. Despite concerns about electronics design, manufacturing, and component shortages, the process was relatively smooth.
The real challenge lay in the software, which comprised around 200,000 lines of code and took over three years to develop. The simplicity of Jamcorder's design, with minimal components and assembly requirements, contributed to its success.
The experience suggests that hardware development can be manageable, especially for simpler products, and that the perceived difficulties may be overstated. This insight encourages others to pursue hardware projects without fear.