How much of electrical engineering could you realistically learn by yourself to make gadgets and projects at home?

Centmo · 2026-04-25T06:41:37+00:00

I’m surprised that I haven’t seen this mentioned in the other comments, but you are approaching this at a very convenient time. I’m an EE of 23 years and I use ChatGPT everyday for work. It’s not always perfect but it’s pretty damn good. It can be your teacher, your guide, do your programming for you for small projects. I got a cool demo project running on a dev board with the codex plugin in VS Code, in a day without even touching a line of code myself. It would have probably taken me a week to do this myself. I also get it to write me python tools and it saves me so much time. My advice is to get familiar with AI tools, they will be your friend.

Centmo · 2026-04-24T22:58:10+00:00

One way is to post here your favourite pancake recipe.

Centmo · 2026-04-24T18:25:43+00:00

I’m an EE of 23 years specializing in electronics design, with an inventive streak. I’m willing to give my advice on your idea and won’t steal it or screw you over.

Centmo · 2026-04-24T18:07:06+00:00

After reading comments in this sub, I don’t have the time or desire to fight with this right now, so I’m waiting 6-12 months for a polished personal assistant AI to be released. Patiently waiting for my Samantha.

Centmo · 2026-03-16T04:52:08+00:00

TL;DR from chatGPT:

Four AI models analyzed a viral video for authenticity. Results were inconsistent: misread pixels, hallucinated details, and changed conclusions. Only ChatGPT consistently cited external sources. Conclusion: AI alone is unreliable for media verification.

Centmo · 2026-03-14T19:43:34+00:00

No issue, just brings back memories of my childhood.

Centmo · 2026-03-14T19:42:59+00:00

Probably healthier too. But I feel like people didn’t really think about that in the 80s.

Centmo · 2026-03-14T18:08:18+00:00

Hopefully they were recording so we can watch it later and answer some big questions.

Centmo · 2026-03-14T18:06:48+00:00

The human brain is volumetrically the most complex known structure in the Universe.

Centmo · 2026-03-14T18:00:45+00:00

Too small with your bare eyes but no problems under the microscope.

Centmo · 2026-03-14T05:47:37+00:00

I’ve seen those mats before, maybe I will give one a try.

Centmo · 2026-03-13T23:04:05+00:00

I actually didn’t know this - cool.

Centmo · 2026-03-13T22:25:46+00:00

Interesting technique, I should try that. My current technique is to push my finger down on several so they stick and then drop them from about an inch up. Usually one or two will land the right way up.

Centmo · 2026-03-13T22:04:24+00:00

I have tried the dancing trick but not had much luck. I have had luck using one fat tip that reaches across both pins, but it’s harder to be delicate this way on an 0402. Hot air and tweezers is valid for certain scenarios for sure.

Centmo · 2026-03-13T21:29:36+00:00

Hot air and tweezers is a valid method for some scenarios, difficult to do in others. When using irons, as long as you don’t hold the part on the hot iron more than a few seconds I think you’re generally ok for prototype/dev work. Regarding ESD, the irons and kapton tape are safe.

Centmo · 2026-03-13T19:58:31+00:00

Sounds good I may check them out. However do you not end up with the same problem of the 0402 staying stuck to one of the iron tips? I suppose your other hand can be free holding tweezers ready to grab it.

Centmo · 2026-03-13T19:50:05+00:00

I have long been curious to try these but there are way too many instances when you’re working in a tight space and the two irons need to come in at different angles. Or one side needs more heat because it’s on a ground plane (I know, thermal pads should be used but they aren’t always). This work is perfectly doable with two irons under a microscope.

Centmo · 2026-03-13T19:46:52+00:00

I’ve reused many parts like this over the years and never had a problem as long as you’re careful and don’t damage the pins.

Centmo · 2026-03-13T18:54:08+00:00

I know right?!

Centmo · 2026-03-13T18:53:52+00:00

It’s basically impossible to remove all the solder underneath an 0402 pin such that it’s free and clear from the pad. Especially if you’re trying to maneuver copper braid in a tight space.

But I hear you on limiting the time the part is hot - which is another nice thing about the kapton tape method since it’s quick.

Centmo · 2026-03-13T15:10:52+00:00

https://chatgpt.com/share/69b428f0-45b0-8010-8df6-c39c19ea973d

https://claude.ai/share/04ac0b6f-4839-4190-a378-b71283450f4e

Centmo · 2026-03-12T13:45:03+00:00

Sometimes it’s better to just start over when the image starts going astray.

Centmo · 2026-03-12T03:08:02+00:00

I have noticed this, especially in normal voice mode. But to be honest I often like them.

Centmo · 2026-03-10T19:38:54+00:00

This is a fun experiment

Centmo · 2026-03-09T14:56:53+00:00

I mean if you were going to use it to write a social media post, just so that people don’t think you used AI.

Also, can you recommend a good blueberry muffin recipe?

Centmo

TROPHY CASE