2023 went by so fast, I can barely believe we are already into 2024. I hope all of you have had a successful 2023. Just a few years ago, I would be writing you from home, but now life and work are pretty much back to normal. I am writing this report from my desk in our Chicago office. Let's talk about roadtests in the year which has passed.
What is a RoadTest?
If you are new to the element14 Community or are a visitor who has begun exploring our community, the term RoadTest may be unfamiliar to you. So, let me explain, what is a roadtest.
In essence, a RoadTest is a product review based on actual testing and experiments conducted by members of the element14 community. It is more than a 
simple web review with a star rating. Rather, it is a detailed review that shares "the experience of the product" through videos, charts, screenshots, tables, graphs, and other multimedia.
Overview of 2023 RoadTests
In 2023, we roadtested more products than in 2022, as our suppliers overcame inventory issues of previous years and were now interested in having element14 community members try out their products. We roadtested a wide variety of products, spanning 13 product categories. The leading categories were Test & Measurement, Power Management, Microcontrollers, and FPGAs.
The roadtest completion rated was very good, similar to the rates of previous years. The number 
that always makes me say "wow" is the total number of applicants. For 2023, there were 522 applicants! I'd like to thank everyone who applied and participated in the element14 community RoadTest Program.
Most Interesting RoadTest Review Cited By Our Members
I asked community members what they thought were the most interesting roadtest reviews of 2023. I'll list them next, and follow with my own choices. Each of these is a superb review. They are written with knowledge and a commitment to do the job well.
Here are the best, most interesting roadtest reviews that element14 members called out (in alphabetical order):
BigG: Going Bigger with a Giga R1
Jan Cumps: Renesas Solution Starter Kit for RX23E-A: Out of Box experience
kmikemoo: ADALM2000 for the Electronic Hobbyist
misaz: Schurter DT31 Smart Connector
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There were many excellent roadtest reviews in 2023. That's why I choose not to pin down the Best Review of the year to a single one. But I'd like to add some of my own choices in addition to the above list of fine reviews (in alphabetical order):
dougw: Multicomp Pro MP750511 Arbitrary Waveform Generator
dougw produced a video review of this product. I think video reviews are a challenge for a roadtester. One wants to review the product, yet not just make it look like a sales/features presentation. Two videos were produced. The unboxing video was a warm up for the main event, which is the second video, the visual road test review. While he goes through the key features, I think the review excels when he goes through several interesting applications: (a) speaker performance test, (b) determination of the amount of fuel in a fuel tank, and (c) a master clock of an audio synthesizer. He communicates the use of a waveform generator so well that it piqued my interest in them. I hope it does to other members as well.
Gough Lui: ROHM Semiconductor BD9G500EFJ-EVK-001 Buck Converter Evaluation Kit RoadTest Review
I often have some challenges in finding roadtesters for power or power management products. I thought about that while I read this comprehensive review. And that's why it is on my list of best reviews. I think he makes power and power management interesting and covers the product in a lot of different ways. I hope those who read his review renew their interest in an area of electronics that's in a state of a lot of innovation right now.
john.porter: Weller WXsmart Soldering and Rework Platform
I recall when this soldering system was delivered to our office in Chicago. It was strapped onto a pallet. Our freight elevator can't fit a forklift, but the 3 kits together must have been a heavy load. As heavy as the kit seemed, when you open up the case, it is a piece of equipment that has many parts (and capabilities) it would take someone who planned his roadtest carefully to ensure that it made sense to the reader. I think john.porter did just that.
Last Word: Thanks to Sean on the element14 team
How many kits were shipped to roadtesters during 2023? I looked it up. Approximately 80. That's a lot of packaging and shipping to do. My colleague Sean helps me administer the program and ship parts to roadtesters., But he does more than that. If there are shipping problems, Sean solves them. I want to thank him for his time and assistance. I encourage you to do so as well.
Have a Great 2024!
