InstaPart
Dev tools
pcb design libraries
SHOW HN2016
How HN took it
11 positive, 18 neutral or asking, 3 mixed, 20 critical, out of 52 comments about the project. Thread score -0.12.
Idea: 5 for, 3 againstPricing: 1 for, 4 againstDesign: 1 for, 4 againstDocs: 1 for, 3 againstExecution: 1 for, 3 against
The thread, comment by comment
Each row is a top-level comment and its replies, in HN's order. Select a cell to open that comment on HN.
positive neutral or mixed critical about another commenter or something else the maker
What HN said
What people liked
Useful service that saves time on footprint creation
From 3 comments
Awesome! Making footprints is the single most annoying part of PCB design. Looks great!
wyager on HNThis is actually quite useful, as an occasional user of a variety of layout packages, once in a while run I into that one rare part which isn't in a library, and end up wasting…
Nanite on HNAs a designer, this looks like a great convenience since making a symbol and footprint usually takes a half hour on average. The 3D feature is the most useful part as a proper…
FreedomToCreate on HN
Useful database for finding parts
From 1 comment
Bookmarked this site. The database seems super useful. I have mixed feelings about the custom footprint service -- I've worked with ~900-pin BGA SoC-type parts, and paying $30 to…
BrooklynRage on HN
Objections
Free trial charges are seen as a dark pattern
From 3 comments
"You can sign up for a 10-day free trial of SnapEDA premium. During the trial period, you can cancel any time in your Account Settings. After the trial ends, you will be charged…
makomk on HNThat doesn't answer the dark pattern concern at all and you're just dodging the issue. When people hear trial they think "free time to make my decision" not "10 days for $300"…
akiselev on HNFrom [1]: "A Dark Pattern is a user interface that has been carefully crafted to trick users into doing things, such as buying insurance with their purchase or signing up for…
akiselev on HN
Pricing is confusing (24 hours vs 5 days, free vs paid)
From 1 comment
Seems like an interesting service. I'm kind of confused by the site though. On the landing page it says, "Get any schematic symbol and PCB footprint delivered in 24 hours. Just…
pmorici on HN
LinkedIn signup exposes user name on front page
From 1 comment
I just created an account with the LinkedIn login option. When I get back to the front page, it shows for everybody to see with my full name that I just joined snapeda. Why???
Tom1971 on HN
Verification of custom footprints is unclear
From 2 comments
Bookmarked this site. The database seems super useful. I have mixed feelings about the custom footprint service -- I've worked with ~900-pin BGA SoC-type parts, and paying $30 to…
BrooklynRage on HNI think your footprints should be shown with dimensions, because before I drop hundreds or thousands of dollars on a run of PCBs, I'm going to have to check your footprints to…
honkhonkpants on HN
Requests
Show footprint dimensions
From 1 comment
I think your footprints should be shown with dimensions, because before I drop hundreds or thousands of dollars on a run of PCBs, I'm going to have to check your footprints to…
honkhonkpants on HN
Support Fritzing format
From 1 comment
I mostly use Fritzing. Will it be supported at some point?
IgorPartola on HN
Faster turnaround for InstaPart
From 1 comment
I'm a professional hardware engineer, and doing this kind of work is something I do frequently and begrudgingly. Having this kind of service available will be a huge help. Some…
zbrozek on HN
Clearer license terms
From 1 comment
What license are the footprints provided under? I couldn't see this on the main page?
new299 on HN
Questions
What is the liability for incorrect footprints?
From 1 comment
What's the liability situation if you deliver an incorrect footprint?
nzjrs on HN
Which license applies to footprints?
From 1 comment
What license are the footprints provided under? I couldn't see this on the main page?
new299 on HN
Alternatives named
Altium IPC footprint wizard and 3D Content Central
From 1 comment
Why? Making schematic symbols and PCB footprints is not time consuming, and at least you'll have the proper paste mask. Altium has an IPC footprint generator wizard, and…
madengr on HN
Octopart
From 1 comment
Very cool! I can't seem find any links to click on to actually order parts from manufacturers when I find a part - e.g.…
jazzychad on HN