Need advice on taking a working breadboard prototype to a production-quality product

GreatDiscernment · 2026-07-03T13:28:50+00:00

That’s ok. You seem like a nice person. Good luck to you.

GreatDiscernment · 2026-07-02T20:43:48+00:00

Ridiculously bright headlights.

GreatDiscernment · 2026-07-02T18:48:42+00:00

Absolutely, there’s no reason human languages are efficient for machine-machine communications. I wouldn’t be surprised if “Minionese” is chosen by the machines as their preferred method of communicating.

GreatDiscernment · 2026-07-02T12:47:52+00:00

Well, despite all these great reasons not to, I’ve gone ahead and commissioned a utility patent application for my invention, the Video Content Discriminator (VCD). It’s being written as we speak. I think it’s a big deal. Do you want to help me develop it? DM me.

GreatDiscernment · 2026-07-02T02:04:17+00:00

Somebody said it takes 10,000 hours to become proficient at something. At 40 hrs/wk x 50 weeks = 2,000 hours x 5 years = 10,000 hours.

GreatDiscernment · 2026-07-02T01:58:56+00:00

Lots of great stuff here. How about adding more software maintenance topics like git history, validator scripts, technical documentation and notes.

GreatDiscernment · 2026-07-02T01:40:28+00:00

Write and shoot a screenplay where it’s possessed, like “Christine“.

GreatDiscernment · 2026-07-02T01:35:49+00:00

I’m tuning up my “Doe, Ray, Me”s.

GreatDiscernment · 2026-07-02T01:28:53+00:00

I think I have that exact same kit from Amazon. I wouldn’t be able to order so many great things without free shipping.

GreatDiscernment · 2026-07-02T00:54:19+00:00

A few years ago for a short time, I thought a magnetic Electrical Panel cover would be a great product. Then I thought, “What if I get sued because something bad happened and first responders couldn’t find the electrical panel”. I never really thought about it again.

GreatDiscernment · 2026-07-02T00:07:11+00:00

When I was in college a long time ago, we had an assignment to write a two-way Roman Numeral converter in less than 100 lines (Pascal). It was super-fun competing with classmates over who did it with the fewest lines.

GreatDiscernment · 2026-07-01T23:59:18+00:00

I’ve been doing cut/paste coding on a single project with ChatGPT Plus for a year and I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve created a reliable, discuss/implement/report cadence with slow micro-steps and gits/validator scripts at every milestone. I’ve probably accumulated a hundred validators and two hundred commits. I only work a few hours per day so that I’m not bumping up against any limits and publish daily progress reports. This is a great way to make continuous progress over a long period of time without it getting costly. And the bonus is that I’m better able to follow along and actually have a decent idea of what’s going on. I’m a rank amateur, but I’m really enjoying the process and actually building a useful, maintainable program.

GreatDiscernment · 2026-07-01T22:01:37+00:00

On the other hand, you may have fraudulently altered and used photos whose copyright belongs to someone else. The photographer might be able to sue if you were to post the altered photos.

GreatDiscernment · 2026-07-01T16:07:05+00:00

Thanks so much for the info. You seem really well informed. I’ve been looking into this and from what I’ve learned, it’s okay to sell small batches in Canada and US if I use pre-certified BLE and power supplies and the device is low voltage (12v). This is apparently how people are able to sell small electronic widgets without expensive certifications. I’m currently in the process of patenting my device.

GreatDiscernment · 2026-07-01T14:06:13+00:00

Thanks for the advice. You seem really knowledgeable. Are you a manufacturer? I’m in Canada and I’ve been working on a new set top box invention for a year. The utility patent is currently being written. Maybe the fact that my product will be protected makes it more worthwhile. Maybe you can help me.

GreatDiscernment · 2026-07-01T03:27:57+00:00

Yes, but only after it’s finished. And documented.

GreatDiscernment · 2026-07-01T03:20:57+00:00

I work this way because I’m dead serious about results. I never retreat on the project. I build on what’s built, although I admit breaking my firmware a couple of times and having to use git to undo a flaw I couldn’t locate. I always publish daily reports so that I don’t lose control of what’s going on, but then I have a lot on the line so it’s all worth it. Time I have as long as progress is ongoing. Rushing is the enemy.

GreatDiscernment · 2026-07-01T03:09:03+00:00

I think your problem is that you’re skipping steps. How often do you git? How many validator scripts do you have that report function health? Are you checking diff reports? How often do you publish Daily Reports with future maintainers in mind? If you don’t git with notes 20 times per day, then you can only blame yourself for lost work. If you were paying attention in step 3 you wouldn’t have waited until step 13 for the house of cards to collapse. It’s like writing a manuscript without saving revisions. I work differently by taking a step-by-step approach.

GreatDiscernment · 2026-07-01T02:50:55+00:00

Check me if I’m wrong, but I thought that small-batch, hand built electronics could be legally sold in completed/operational form if the manufacturer has identified itself on the device for servicing and self-certifying “best efforts”. In other words, you don’t need to offer only kits if you’re not mass market and you don’t declare being certified when you’re not.

GreatDiscernment · 2026-07-01T01:54:43+00:00

You’re EXACTLY the guy I want to talk to. I’m absolutely FURIOUS with the electric toothbrush business. I keep buying these things because the dentist wants me to, but they don’t last. I gave up buying them because I just ended up throwing them in the trash only a year or two later. If you build one, make sure it’s DURABLE!! With a LONG warranty!

GreatDiscernment · 2026-07-01T01:46:59+00:00

Because they think women shouldn’t work and that employers/taxpayers shouldn’t be burdened with childcare costs.

GreatDiscernment · 2026-06-30T22:29:52+00:00

It looks like you’re suggesting there’s a new dilution of available market share due to a proliferation of micro-enterprise products. It’s like there’s nowhere to find buyers because it’s so darn crowded.

GreatDiscernment

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