What I learned selling 2,500 MIDI recorders: Hardware is not so hard
Building and selling 2,500 MIDI recorders, the author argues hardware is "not so hard," counter to popular belief, especially when intentionally simplified. This perspective sparks significant debate among Hacker News readers, who either validate or critique the author's experience based on their own hardware journeys. The success story also offers practical advice for aspiring hardware entrepreneurs, drawing attention to aspects like software complexity and manufacturing strategy.
The Lowdown
The article "What I learned selling 2,500 MIDI recorders: Hardware is not so hard" details author Chip Weinberger's journey with Jamcorder, a fully automated MIDI recording device. Having sold 2,500 units, Weinberger contends that hardware development is not as daunting as its reputation suggests, provided one prioritizes simplicity and smart manufacturing choices. His biggest surprise was finding software, not hardware, to be the most challenging aspect of the project.
Key takeaways and lessons from his experience include:
- Intentional Simplification: The Jamcorder was designed with minimal complexity, featuring only 25 unique components and a single-screw assembly. Unnecessary features like ambient light detection or USB-C were deliberately cut to maintain simplicity.
- Software Complexity: Despite hardware simplification, the software (firmware, app, and manufacturing tooling) amassed 200,000 lines of code and took over three years to develop, proving to be the project's true bottleneck.
- Manufacturing & Sourcing: Weinberger successfully partnered with Chinese assembly houses and suppliers found on Alibaba, advocating for a simple Bill of Materials (BOM) and avoiding single-manufacturer components.
- Financial Strategy: Recommendations include aiming for 70%+ gross margins, keeping the company lean, and starting with smaller production runs (e.g., 500 units) to validate the market.
- Quality Control & Logistics: He suggests performing final QA in-house, holding inventory locally, requesting samples before production, and providing detailed assembly guides.
- Anti-Counterfeit: Though not fully detailed in the article, the author emphasizes a strong anti-counterfeit strategy, primarily app-enforced and utilizing security ICs and per-device IDs.
Weinberger concludes by encouraging others to pursue hardware development if they can protect their margins, emphasizing that "hardware is as hard as you make it" rather than inherently difficult. He acknowledges his product's scale and complexity are modest but believes the core principles apply broadly.
The Gossip
The "Hardness" of Hardware: A Contested Claim
Many commenters, particularly those with deep hardware experience, challenged the author's assertion that hardware "is not so hard." They argued that the Jamcorder's deliberate simplicity and reliance on pre-certified modules (like the ESP32) made it an "easy" hardware project, akin to a software "hello world." Critics highlighted the typical complexities of hardware, such as compliance testing, emissions, dealing with component obsolescence/shortages, and scaling to higher volumes, all of which the author largely circumvented or has yet to fully confront. They suggested the takeaway should be "If you keep things simple, hardware doesn't have to be as hard."
Anti-Counterfeit & Certification Conundrums
A recurring point of interest was the author's brief mention of a "strong anti-counterfeit strategy" and how he navigated compliance testing. Users pressed for details, recognizing these as significant challenges in hardware. The author clarified his anti-counterfeit involves app enforcement, firmware encryption, and a security IC (STSAFE chip) with per-device IDs, and that he chose FCC only with CE self-certification, using pre-certified radio modules. Commenters warned about the risks of self-certification if a product gains significant traction, attracting regulatory scrutiny or competitive interference.
Software's Unexpected Dominance & the LLM Debate
The author's statement that software (200,000 lines across firmware, app, and tooling) was "by far" the hardest part resonated with some but also sparked a tangential debate about programming in a "pre-LLM world." Some agreed that firmware and drivers are often the true pain points in hardware. The mention of LLMs led to a discussion on whether AI removes the "fun" from programming, with some arguing it enhances problem-solving by reducing tedious typing, while others felt it diminishes the craftsmanship and elegance of code, turning programming into a managerial task.
Customer Endorsements & Entrepreneurial Inquiries
Many commenters were either happy Jamcorder customers, praising its flawless operation and utility, or aspiring hardware entrepreneurs seeking practical advice. Questions ranged from marketing strategies to detailed inquiries about injection molding, sourcing, and managing financial aspects like Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs). The author engaged by sharing insights, such as starting with small production runs and the surprisingly accessible nature of injection molding for certain volumes.