Every point of friction, every struggle documented in minute detail, on a long and bumpy path to some kind of result. The stakes are zero, the whole project an act of pure expression. It is like a kind of oasis in a desert of articles about new ML models. I don't mind that HN is all about new models all the time now, but content like this being on the front page is soothing.
What a throwback. I remember reading this guy's build of the "Flying Nimbus" [1]--an early version of the Onewheel--back in 2015. In fact, the Flying Nimbus and the Onewheel were both released in 2014, but it appears they were produced independently, once again demonstrating the curious phenomenon of Multiple Discovery [2].
Thanks for the kind words!
Nimbus was a really fun project, just spent a bit re-formatting previous writeups to be more modern-web compliant. The one-wheel was indeed a weirdly synchronous release, I had no idea it would be as wildly successful as it became.
Extraordinary post. To be honest, didn’t even strike me to use TPU for shear resistance. But of course. Good rookie tip among much in there. Fantastic work.
Dane is the real deal. I've never figured out how he finds the time to build all these amazing contraptions let alone document them in meticulous detail while maintaining a full time engineering job. But it's definitely impressive.
And, BTW (this post reminds me), if anyone wants to help: I'm planning on trying to knock out an inexpensive, open-source "Dykstraflex-like" [1] camera from off-the-shelf and 3D printed parts this Fall.
[1] I kind of figure if you know what a Dykstraflex rig is you're already more likely to be the kind of person that will want to help—so this footnote does little to help those that are puzzled by the term Dykstraflex.
Technology and gadgets used to sound quite amazing, cute and desirable to have and experience. But now they look like plastic feed, triggering a vomit feel. I think revolt against anything tech is around the corner.