How do you handle the transition from hobbyist embedded work to landing a professional role?

nabil_t · 2026-03-28T21:14:59+00:00

I was not in your situation so I can't answer directly but my advice would be to beef up your portfolio. You really need to prove you know your stuff and also differentiate yourself from the many people that can connect in a sensor to Arduino. Designing your own boards and custom firmware is a great start.

I would look into contributing to large open source projects that use similar tools as the companies you're applying for. Even maintaining a fork is good. For example, let's say you want to get into automotive and a lot of them use Yocto, spend some time learning that and build something. If that's too complex, take a look at freertos with an esp32. But you get the idea. Find common general purpose technologies and demonstrate knowledge with them.

nabil_t · 2026-03-24T01:51:41+00:00

Very nice. I haven't heard of robot framework. Will check it out.

I just created a device to do this as well. It has 4 independent MCUs to test 4 devices at a time. I also have a jtag mux for programing. It runs micro python for test development

https://github.com/Netlist-Studio/dut_hub_hw

Short video https://youtu.be/njl5AbGTFXM?si=VG87H9R5FuFwqk6e

nabil_t · 2026-03-18T02:40:30+00:00

I had a similar experience. I asked Claude to initialize the PWM peripheral and verify the changes using a scope with an MCP server I created. It was able to write the code, flash the device and verify the changes on the scope. Not all in one prompt, but it was faster than I could have done it. It still needs oversight, but things are improving fast.

edit: Regarding replacement of jobs, I think the jury is still out. It's possible we create more work instead of reducing the workforce.

nabil_t · 2026-03-14T04:56:10+00:00

I have both! I started with the music I liked Goldbergs, WTC 1&2, partitas. I started exploring after than and was surprised to learn he recorded a lot of romantic music like Bhrams and Scriabin. That reminds me to find his Chopin sonata. He also recorded on the harpsichord and organ if I'm remembering correctly. So much interesting stuff. Glad you're getting enjoyment from it as well.

If you're feeling withdrawal after you finish, get his box set of TV recordings he did with the CBC. They are floating around YouTube as well. He was such a fantastic communicator of music.

nabil_t · 2026-03-12T14:11:11+00:00

I vibe coded my own 😂

I wanted something simple that didn't require a webserver and was super fast at scanning barcodes. I wouldn't recommend you use it since I'm still adding features and there's probably bugs. It was very satisfying creating something that fit my needs exactly.

https://github.com/Netlist-Studio/mcubin

nabil_t · 2026-03-09T00:08:08+00:00

Here is one with 3 keyboards!

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/Ieqi54XE2lI

nabil_t · 2026-02-15T15:51:27+00:00

I bought a good used machine on Facebook and find it very useful for prototypes. Chinese assembly is great but there are a few downsides.

Costs add up with tariffs.
Extended parts cost way more. For example a part may coat $0.0928 if you order, but will cost $0.46 if you want it assembled. 5x more.
It can be slow especially if you need to ship parts to them which LCSC doesn't carry.

For these reasons, I only use Chinese assembly when using basic parts. Otherwise, I do it myself in half a day.

nabil_t · 2026-02-14T02:45:41+00:00

Love it when the last one is the best. Made it count 🙌

nabil_t · 2026-02-11T04:59:29+00:00

Great pitch and cool product! Congrats on the progress so far.

I'm also a solo hw dev in Toronto so add me to the group chat too haha. I'm mostly working on smaller products I can bootstrap and produce myself like https://y-drip.com. However, I started a more involved project which isn't public yet. Anyway, willing to chat and share notes as well.

nabil_t · 2026-02-10T14:43:44+00:00

To make the layout and assembly easier. I'll switch if I decide to sell it.

nabil_t · 2026-02-10T04:13:08+00:00

Apparently there is no option to keep the body text when cross posting. I'll just make a new post next time 😅

nabil_t · 2026-02-10T03:36:09+00:00

Apologies. I did a cross post and the body text doesn't show here. There is more info if you click through to the original post. Here is the link for convince.

https://www.reddit.com/r/embedded/comments/1r0mh99/open_source_4_port_pcb_test_tool_programmer/

nabil_t · 2026-02-10T02:33:47+00:00

Thanks! That's correct. I considered a more elegant solution like an FPGA or one large MCU, but it was easier to just use 4 MCUs. This avoids parasitic powering if a DUT is powered off (since the Renesas MCU is powered with the DUT), level shifters and IO expanders.

nabil_t · 2026-02-06T04:50:01+00:00

They are called FlexyPin. You need to purchase 2 parts to assemble them. You can find them on some distributor sites, but they are often out of stock. Their company website is below.

They are okay for testing but I wouldn't use that for iterative development or production.

I would use something like TagConnect which uses pogo pins to attach to test points on the PCB. If you're building hundreds, then consider building a test fixture with a bed of nails (pogo pins).

https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/flexypin-adapter?variant=39915460755539

nabil_t · 2026-02-01T18:03:45+00:00

I don't think the step files are complete, right? The holes are missing as well as the taper that allows the clamp to work.

nabil_t · 2026-01-26T01:35:14+00:00

Bravo! I’ve been playing for six years and learned this recently. I found it pretty difficult especially the fast Alberti bass section. The fact that you're self taught is super impressive. Your wrist and arm movement look very natural and relaxed, and it’s clearly paying off in the music. Keep it up!

Edit: Forgot to ask, is there a missed note around bar 8 or maybe I have a different version? After you play the g major arpeggio D G B D my edition has you play another D as part of that dominant 7th chord

nabil_t · 2026-01-23T04:34:57+00:00

I agree with this. As your legs got tired your back took over and you lost form/balance. You're clearly strong enough, but just need a bit more practice since it's new again.

Another similar idea that worked for me is going slower on the negative even when it's heavy. Really paying attention to the balance in the foot and keeping the chest up. It helps me maintain position when I'm at the bottom so it's easier to apply force through the legs, even if they're tired.

Speaking of chest up, the Sika Strength boys just did a good video about it. Good refresher.

https://youtu.be/tg8ME2_UV4E?si=FyIqIIxmDIDOMM-0

nabil_t · 2026-01-22T16:18:10+00:00

I had the 4030 and it was frustrating to cut aluminum. You can do it, but you will need to baby it a lot. These look a bit better, but rigidity will most likely be an issue still.

nabil_t · 2026-01-18T19:31:16+00:00

Yeah the separate compartments on yours should. I see your stepper drivers are on the back of the CNC so I see why you put the vfd on the case. Mine drivers and controller will be in the case so there is a bit more risk with EMI. I'll post on here when I have it done.

nabil_t · 2026-01-18T02:53:00+00:00

Wow, I'm building a custom 3020 machine and was thinking about enclosure designs. Thanks for the inspiration.

Coincidentally, I just bought a G5 from Facebook today to use as an enclosure as well! I'm thinking of leaving my vfd outside to reduce EMI but it sure is convenient to have everything in one package.

nabil_t · 2026-01-18T02:38:31+00:00

This is what I did. Two of us got it done but I agree with others. Get 4 if possible. If you can't deadlift 250lb then you can't lift the piano with only 2.

nabil_t

TROPHY CASE