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Ask HN: Any hardware startups here?

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Re: Ask HN: Any hardware startups here?

#271

Earlier quoted context omitted.

For the same price one can buy a 10.5" Galaxy Tab A8. But still, very cool. I wish e-paper wasn't expensive as hell and so dreadfully slow to update, it would cut down on energy usage in so many applications.

But the Galaxy Tab doesn't have a paper-like screen ;)

True, but it can also do almost anything instead of just being a calendar and a picture ;)

Any chance of having mini HDMI input to use it as something like an Onyx Boox Mira?

Re: Ask HN: Any hardware startups here?

#273
Hand-blown titanium crystal glassware for whisk(e)y and spirits.

Produced in Europe by a glass factory that has been operating since the late 1700's.

PG's mantra "do things that don't scale" has been a great inspiration.

I wanted something comparable to high-end wine stemware and it shockingly did not exist, so I designed it during COVID. This is my first physical goods venture and my goodness, it comes with a lot of challenges (as an American I've intimately learned the difficulties of Brexit, for example) but I wouldn't change anything for the world. It's so satisfying to see people use a shining piece of glassware made by real human craftsmen.

The speed at which the glassware been welcomed in the community is overwhelming (both emotionally and from a pure business logistics perspective) and I couldn't be more grateful. Now, just 18 months post-launch, it's used in distilleries ranging from Scotland to Jamaica and Michelin starred restaurants.

For the HN friends, use the code HACKER for 10% off glassware :)

https://www.bennuaine.com/

Re: Ask HN: Any hardware startups here?

#274

I'm building trading cards made with e-ink displays. https://www.wyldcard.io/blog/introducing-wyldcard https://www.crowdsupply.com/wyldcard/wyldcard-devkit

I had an idea that you might be able to build, now that I see 'you' again: Would you ever design an E-Ink "Life and token counter" aimed at people who play Commander format MTG? Given the amount of time and effort it would take me to DIY, I'd easily pay $50ish for a standalone device of the type.

Seconding this, then I wouldn’t have to use my phone all the time.

Re: Ask HN: Any hardware startups here?

#275

We are building the world's highest temperature heat pump. It can reach 1000℉, when other commercial heat pumps usually reach a maximum of 320 ℉. It is a big deal because factories have to rely on polluting natural gas to produce their process heat. We estimate that it represents 3% of the world’s annual CO2 emissions and a $10B+ annual market opportunity. We are currently building a 5kW prototype at 480℉/250C to coo…

What is the COP of a heat pump operating against this temperature gradient?

Quoting from their linked website:

> Our heat pump can generate up to 3 times as much heat as a resistor, using the same amount of electricity.

Though it doesn't mention the temperature at which this is achieved, only that the range is from 160 to 550°C.

Re: Ask HN: Any hardware startups here?

#276
post #52

We make tiny Linux servers packed with real devops tools (but also sporting a somewhat-easy-ish-to-use UI) for home-hosting and self-teaching: https://pibox.io - works great with Jellyfin!

I'll look into purchasing one. My Jellyfin system drive failed on an old Dell Optiplex. I just need to replace and re-image the hdd, but this looks fun. Is it well ventilated?

Re: Ask HN: Any hardware startups here?

#277
Hardware is hard:founding hardware engineer, we were acquired 4 years ago by a corporate. We place WiFi sensors around your network that behave like typical clients. We report on user experience and show when there are issues in your network. WiFi technician in a box.

The fact that it’s subscription based is what made us float.

The initial capital outlay, supply chain, compliance and design work is so funding intensive but can we done on budget if you are wise about it.

We had to build a full web app and rich backend to report the results, a device team to write the sensor software and of course hardware design.

About 50% of our funding went into supply chain costs just to get the first units out the door. The rest into staffing. Without the hook into the large hardware manufacturers/China we had a pretty heavy BOM cost.

It was rough but the Saas portion once it was up allowed us breathing room.

It’s critical to design for compliance in your target markets and critical to manage your spend on components. A minor design mistake in your hardware will destroy your brand - where with software it’s a patch away.

Shipping and tax costs are another killer which add so much cost overhead and are often over looked.

It was stressful I’m glad we found a corporate home as it allowed us some breathing room to focus and redesign things with a budget safety net.

Re: Ask HN: Any hardware startups here?

#278
We're working on riderless and balance-assisted bicycles and motorcycles. We're working to ship our flagship bike and we're about to launch a balance-bike for kids that helps them learn faster and sets up virtual bumpers while they learn.

Cool video of moto carrying stuff (just like the 2016 google prank vid) https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sqyjag9yRUA

Re: Ask HN: Any hardware startups here?

#279
Hey :)

I'm fullstack dev at Sencrop.com, we help farmers take better decisions for their crops with the help of IOT: connected rain gauge, temp sensor, hygrometry sensor, anenometer, pyranometer.

And yes, hardware is hard :) but i'm proud to say that we cover a big part of west europe with more than 20k stations deployed and really help people on their field

Re: Ask HN: Any hardware startups here?

#280
post #52

We make tiny Linux servers packed with real devops tools (but also sporting a somewhat-easy-ish-to-use UI) for home-hosting and self-teaching: https://pibox.io - works great with Jellyfin!

I'll look into purchasing one. My Jellyfin system drive failed on an old Dell Optiplex. I just need to replace and re-image the hdd, but this looks fun. Is it well ventilated?

It does have a small noctua fan which is usually overkill, and several users have added low profile heatsinks. I don’t have any heat problems and mine are stacked in a big pile :P
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