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Embedded systems & DIY electronics: videos Hacker News recommends
Embedded and maker electronics: microcontrollers, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, firmware, home automation, hardware hacking, hobby projects, cheap chips, sensors. Below: every video in this topic that at least three HN users linked with real commentary, in at least three different months (36 demos, 22 tutorials, 17 talks), best-scored first, with the comments on each video page.
- 14 HN recommenders 12 months 2017–2023HN repeatedly recommends the series it launched as the best way to understand how a CPU works, praised for Eater's clear teaching.
- 12 HN recommenders 12 months 2018–2025Praised as a brilliant, deadpan and inventive hardware hack, and a good starting point for Tom7's videos.
- 11 HN recommenders 11 months 2019–2026HN repeatedly recommends it as the best hands-on way to understand how a CPU and a computer work from first principles.
- 8 HN recommenders 8 months 2016–2022W WIRED Investigations · documentaryStrongly recommended in Shenzhen and hardware threads for its view of fast cycles, loose IP and the maker ecosystem.
- 7 HN recommenders 8 months 2021–2024It is the favorite recommendation for understanding Moore's minimalist, low-power multi-core designs and stack machines.
- 8 HN recommenders 7 months 2019–2024HN recommends it as a clear, from-scratch look at how video hardware works, understandable with just basic logic knowledge.
- 7 HN recommenders 6 months 2021–2025HN commenters recommend it as a clear, comprehensive explanation of USB signaling and keyboard polling.
- 4 HN recommenders 4 months 2023–2025A Ancient · demoHN finds the miniaturization mind-blowing and cites it as a standout example of surreal hobbyist technology.
- 4 HN recommenders 4 months 2021–2026S Sam Zeloof · demoHN uses it as the go-to proof that small-scale, hobbyist chip fabrication is real, and as an entry point to the topic.
- 4 HN recommenders 4 months 2018–2021Whenever e-ink refresh speed or driving waveforms come up, HN points to this as the clearest hands-on explanation of how these displays work and how to hack them.
- 5 HN recommenders 4 months 2025–2026Pointed to as the in-depth talk on exception mechanics and code size for embedded C++.
- 3 HN recommenders 4 months 2020–2021R Robert Baruch · tutorialHN recommends the series as a practical introduction to nMigen and formal verification for CPU design.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2010–2026J Johnny Lee · demoIt is the classic reference for head-tracked parallax displays, cited whenever new 3D or holographic display tech appears.
- 5 HN recommenders 4 months 2023–2024HN commenters point to it as a nice introduction to micromouse and maze-racing robots.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2017–2022M mikeselectricstuff · demoRecommended as an entry point to a favorite electronics channel, valued for deep knowledge and no showy bravado.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2022–2023L LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER · documentaryHN recommends the series as great fun, following a talented and enthusiastic amateur rebuilding a pipe organ.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2022–2025L lftkryo · demoHN people recommend it as the work of an unusually creative artist-engineer whose whole channel is worth exploring.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2018–2023U Useless Duck Company · comedy videoHN shares it as a funny, technical story about phonetic profanity filtering, relevant to Soundex and content moderation threads.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2016–2021D debuglive · documentaryRecommended as an inspiring story of hardware reverse engineering and persistence.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2020–2026E ELECTRONICOS FANTASTICOS! · music videoHN users share it as a delightful example of people making real music from obsolete electronics and self-built instruments.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2021–2022P Phil’s Lab · tutorialHN people recommend it as a real, end-to-end PCB design walkthrough that beginners successfully imitated to learn KiCad.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2021–2024HN recommends it in Voyager threads as a good talk on how these old computers have proved durable and adaptable.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2022–2023B Ben Vallack · tutorialHN recommends it as a thorough, general walkthrough of the steps in designing your own keyboard.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2020–2025HN cites it as an impressive garage-science example of neuron-computer interfaces and hard-science DIY biology.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2018–2022Cited as the go-to demo that full microcontrollers now cost about three cents, replacing things like the 555 timer.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2022–2025P Phil’s Lab · tutorialHN recommends it as a practical way to learn KiCad and PCB design by following one full project.
- 3 HN recommenders 2 months 2018–2023HN commenters credit it for inspiring their own satellite-reception hobby and praise the channel's high-quality content.
- 4 HN recommenders 3 months 2018–2024HN links it as a charming defense of bodging and of AutoHotkey, and as the go-to example when custom keyboards or hotkey hacks come up.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2020–2023Recommended as an expert-made DIY build that explains why the apparatus is designed as it is, though one commenter notes a missing baseline run.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2020–2022D DigiKey · tutorialRecommended as a friendly starting point for people who want to learn PCB design with free tools.
- 3 HN recommenders 3 months 2010–2023HN points to it as the classic example of home-made semiconductors and a fun way to go down to the transistor level.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2012–2026HN recommends it as the definitive talk on mobile motion sensing, including why integrating acceleration twice drifts so badly.
- 3 HN recommenders 2 months 2014–2023HN loves it as a funny, inspiring hobby project and calls it one of the best conference talks ever.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2014–2019Recommended as a deep, hands-on explanation of how a 555 timer works inside.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2019–2023HN people recommend it as a fantastic maker project among Apollo anniversary builds.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2022–2023J Joe Grand · talkRecommended as a gripping real-world hardware hacking story and a showcase of Joe Grand's skill.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2023–2026S scottbez1 · demoHN people hold it up as a polished solo hardware project and the go-to example of haptic knobs, including in discussions of physical car controls.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2023J Jeff Geerling · interviewHN recommends it to explain why Pi supply favored business customers during the shortage, straight from a founder.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2022–2023J Jeff Geerling · demoBrought up in smart TV complaint threads as a real-world 'dumb display' alternative.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2013–2018HN cites it as a neat example of urban aquaponics and as a plausible alternative path for people leaving programming.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2018–2022Suggested as a gentle starting point for beginners in electronics.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2012–2025Brought up as an early example of context-aware touch sensing and as part of Disney Research's wider interaction prototypes.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2017–2025L linux conf au 2017 - Hobart, Australia · talkHN people cite it as an approachable, hands-on introduction to hardware and firmware reverse engineering, and as the author's own account of the Thinkpad keyboard patch effort.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2021–2026R Ropecon · talkHN people share it as a look at the custom backend and hardware behind a large sci-fi larp.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2022–2024Used as the explanation behind the free-lithium-cell scavenging idea in threads about vapes and battery reuse.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2020–2023K Kenneth Finnegan · tutorialRecommended as a practical way to get 12V or other voltages from USB-C for hobby projects.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2020–2022Recommended as the answer to why breadboard computers are worth building and why breadboards work at these speeds.
- 2 HN recommenders 2 months 2019–2024A Andreas Spiess · tutorialRecommended as a clear introduction to LoRa and the link budget idea that sets it apart.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2021–2025M Marco Reps · demoHN people point to it as a showcase of CERN's open hardware and as an example of quality metrology content.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2012–2018Recommended as a jaw-dropping demonstration of how insecure embedded printer firmware is.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2011–2022J James Houston · music videoIt is the canonical example HN brings up in threads about music hacks on floppy drives, printers and other junk hardware.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2019–2024Mentioned as a delightful stunt whenever emoji input or keyboards come up.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2022–2024M Modos · demoPointed to as evidence that open e-ink controllers can reach usable latency for real computer use.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2021HN commenters point to it as the clearest explanation of the PS/2 protocol, usually when keyboard interfaces come up.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2022–2026U uidcenter · demoHN cites it as the concrete demo behind discussions of Japan's TRON project and early smart-home ideas.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2016–2021HN cites it as a fun and damning illustration of how poor security is in IP cameras, even expensive ones.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2019HN cites it as a demonstration that the supply-chain implant attack described in the Bloomberg story is technically feasible.
- 2 HN recommenders 1 months 2022–2024HN points to it as the authoritative explanation of why fractal wood burning with MOTs is deadly and how to reduce the risk.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2020–2021It is cited as a review of a new boot-to-BASIC computer, and one commenter suggests it for a kid starting to program.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2023–2024W Wenting Channel · demoHN points to it as an example of advanced DIY hardware, specifically a camera using an affordable Kodak CCD sensor with global shutter.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2020–2024Commenters cite it as a well-made, practical example of USB-C conversion when they discuss hacking USB-C into devices.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2017–2024C CNLohr · demoCited as a cool, concrete visualization of Wi-Fi interference patterns.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2021–2024N Nim Programming Language · talkPointed to as a real-world example of Nim in embedded work, mostly by the author himself.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2024–2026C CNLohr · demoHN cites it as a striking example of radio hacking with commodity chips.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2018–2022HN commenters recommend the series as an approachable demonstration of the simple standardized interface used by character LCDs.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2016–2018S samy kamkar · demoHN people cite it as a memorable example of a clever low-cost hardware hack and as a reason to admire Kamkar's work.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2018–2026G GreatScott! · demoHN commenters cite it as hands-on testing of a solid-state battery claim, though some remain skeptical until products ship.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2014–2019HN uses it as the standard reference for why USB devices are dangerous beyond ordinary viruses.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2025–2026J Jeija · demoRecommended as the companion explanation to the Espargos project, showing how phase and time differences localize devices.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2018–2026Pointed to as proof that you can weigh micrograms cheaply at home, and as a clear breakdown of how such a scale works.
- 1 HN recommenders 1 months 2016–2022E element14 presents · demoHN uses it to show what the Nintendo PlayStation prototype hardware actually looked like, essentially an SNES with a CD-ROM drive.
- cited 5× 0 months 2019–2023G GE Lighting, a Savant company · tutorialHN cites it as a prime example of absurd, user-hostile IoT reset procedures.
- cited 4× 0 months 2010–2023J Johnny Lee · demoHN cites it as a clever low-budget hardware hack and as an example of novel Wiimote uses that never became commercial.
- cited 4× 0 months 2013–2026E ealf · demoHN cites it as a fun example of novel uses of the MacBook motion sensor whenever laptop accelerometers come up.
- cited 3× 0 months 2015–2019V vasilievi4 · demoHN cites it as proof that e-ink screens can be pushed to surprisingly high refresh rates, supporting arguments about interactive e-ink uses.
- cited 10× 0 months 2014–2026P Poor Life Choices · demoHN mostly links it as a joke in Emacs threads, though one commenter calls the video the most interesting part of the Deldo project.
- cited 4× 0 months 2018–2024S SeanHodgins · demoHN mostly cites it as evidence that Hodgins built the glitter bomb Mark Rober presented as his own, and says he deserves credit.
- cited 4× 0 months 2024–2025A Apple Developer · talkHN cites it as Apple's own explanation of why Embedded Swift exists and what it targets.
- cited 5× 0 months 2014–2023HN points to it as the example of someone making integrated circuits at home.
- cited 3× 0 months 2024–2025B Breaking Taps · documentaryHN points to it as an example of hobbyist, at-home integrated circuit fabrication.
- cited 3× 0 months 2012–2016T TPMFofMFF · demoCited as the best available video of Doom on a TI calculator in threads about Doom ports and calculator programming.
- cited 4× 0 months 2022–2025W Wenting Channel · demoHN cites it as the demonstration that e-ink can do low-latency, video-rate refresh with an open hardware controller.
- cited 4× 0 months 2013–2020S Samuel Rødal · demoCited as an existing example of 3D or spatial desktop shells and what Wayland compositing makes possible.
- cited 4× 0 months 2016–2025P pekkavaa · demoCited as the canonical example of Quake running on an exotic display, usually in 'will it run Doom' threads.
- cited 3× 0 months 2021–2023G Greg Raiz · demoHN commenters cite it as inspiration for large eInk displays and their own DIY projects.
- cited 3× 0 months 2020–2026E element14 presents · demoCited as 2012 prior art for analog keyboards when newer analog-key products and patents come up.
- cited 4× 0 months 2016–2023U uwsensor · demoLinked as the original demonstration whenever battery-free or energy-harvesting wireless communication comes up.
- cited 5× 0 months 2019–2020Referenced mainly for Bak's firsthand account of why the Dart VM never shipped in Chrome and for his IoT language design points.
- cited 4× 0 months 2019–2025P Paweł Zadrożniak · music videoHN uses it as the go-to example of music played on obsolete computer hardware, linked whenever floppy drives, odd sounds or machine music come up.
- cited 17× 0 months 2017–2024Cited as proof that space existed for a headphone jack in the iPhone.
Questions
What is the most recommended embedded systems & diy electronics video on Hacker News?
8-bit computer update by Ben Eater: HN repeatedly recommends the series it launched as the best way to understand how a CPU works, praised for Eater's clear teaching.
How is this embedded systems & diy electronics list ranked?
By HackerTube's score: the number of distinct months in which an HN comment recommended the video, plus half a point for every month with a strong recommendation. One viral thread counts less than steady recommendations over years.
Where do the videos come from?
From every Hacker News comment between 2007 and 2026 that linked a YouTube video, labeled by an AI model as a recommendation, a citation, a joke or a criticism. The list is published by HackerTube under ODC-By 1.0; this edition adds indexable pages and the comment context.
Video list and Hacker News comment labels from HackerTube (prompted by @karpathy), released under ODC-By 1.0, built on the open-index/hacker-news archive. Hacker News data is provided by Y Combinator; comments remain the work of their authors. Video titles, channel names and thumbnails belong to their creators and are shown via YouTube. HackerTube Watch is an unofficial edition. Data export of 2026-10-31.