Why does every one need to reinvent the wheel??

Question

First I have a civil engineering degree with a double minor

EE
CS (Computer Science)

This makes me dangerous. Take for example:Episode 523: Make your Own Auto-Sensing Solder Fume Extractor, Katie sadly started to build a bigger box:

A sensor
An Arduino
Time to code this thing.

Katie did not look at form or function or what do I don't need ( anything from the list).

My approach is very minimalistic.

AC Solid State Relay, the output of the relay (load) goes to the fume extractor) (so ok If you have a DC fan toss in a transformer and some diodes.
FINS!

The Black wire is further away from the switch. The white or Neutral goes to the neutral side and you're done.

So now when you turn on my Metcal solder system the fume extracted is on as well.

If you don't understand this let me know And I will whip up a print!!!!

~~Cris

Fred27 · Answer

Most of us on here reinvent the wheel - not because we don't know that other wheels exists but because we just enjoy the process of inventing and creating. If you're doing something for fun rather than as your job, then reinvention, inefficiency and using the wrong tool for the job (just because you want to learn abaout that tool) is fine.

rsjawale24 · Answer

Sometimes, there's fun in learning and by doing it yourself. Most of the things are already available in the market, but when I DIY stuff and it works, it has altogether a different feeling than just buying it from the market.

shabaz · Answer

Hi Cris, The minimalistic method is a good approach too. One main reason for me to reinvent the wheel, sometimes even in initially more complex ways, is to try using a new (to me - might not be new to others) technology just to get practice with it, so from my perspective I liked seeing Katie's laser particulate matter (PM) sensor method in action, since I have one of those too, but not used it yet, so it was interesting for me to see at what point it detected the solder fumes. I have a family member who has asthma, and they don't comprehend how much dust can come from vacuum cleaners, so I want to use it for that purpose, to create a loud alert. Nothing to do with fume extraction directly, but a different use of similar tech. I tried building my own solder fume extractor too, but it turned out too complicated, so it was interesting to see a different method to construct it. Also just generally, it's human nature to want to continually try to optimize and try to make more efficient our workflows, even if there's already existing methods. Some famous writers (I don't know their names) believed that this drive is inherent in us as a species, and therefore taken to the extreme, will mean that ultimately we will optimise ourselves out of existence, we can't help it : )

BigG · Answer

It's called indulgence. I know of many who enjoy chocolates as their indulgence, but I prefer to indulge in the practice of over-engineering a solution to a simple problem. It's simply delicious (and I tend to learn new things too).

phoenixcomm · Answer

BigG I most of the time used to over-engineer as well, it's like building a bigger box when a smaller box will do. I got broke of this when working for Hughes Aerospace in California. You only have so much space and a weight limit on everything. It's not like I'm putting a box in an aircraft carrier. But I am working basically on a flight simulator which is part of a plane. Weight is your enemy. When I was in the Air Force there were several saying that you all can benefit from.

RTFM Read The Freaken Manual
PORTABILITY is anything with a handle on it.
If you cant break the bolt loose get a bigger hammer. (no finesse)
COG Center Of Gravity is normally over the main wheel with the exception of the Boeing MAX. (don't ever fly in one)
KISS Methode Keep It Simple Stupid.

~~Cris

PS shabaz This in a way reminds me of the price of oil and the size of your car. prices low get a truck! prices high get a hybrid!! And on it goes.

phoenixcomm · Answer

kmikemoo i did not know that you are into poetry. ~~Cris Photo Credit: DANIEL ESKRIDGE