pikkoloassembly's comments

pikkoloassembly · 2026-03-09T19:21:25

We're automating low-volume PCB assembly in the US!

andreybaskov · 2026-03-09T19:32:06

That's cool! Do you have any info on how manufacturing is done in the US?

pikkoloassembly · 2026-02-04T00:42:09

Hello! Been working on a fun problem:

When assembling a PCB, the rotation of a component is not always clear (not indicated on the silkscreen), or warrants verification.

This is an overview of package rotations, and a proof-of-concept system to determine rotations from the PCB copper and datasheet.

pikkoloassembly · 2026-01-12T16:20:13

This is the approach we're taking at Pikkolo! (pikkoloassembly.com).

Heavy focus on low-capex and machines we can easily scale and hack up specifically for high-mix/low-volume work.

abielefeld · 2026-01-12T16:59:34

Hey! Don't hesitate to get in touch with us, I read your website but there isnt so much information yet, but Alex and I would love to hear more :)

jacquesm · 2026-01-14T12:03:49

What I really loved about the talk is that you got a good insight into the actual complexities of manufacturing and drew all the right conclusions from it, rather than to throw your hands up and ordering stuff from China after all.

Friends of mine - with a bit more practical experience - are doing something similar, they realize that if there ever is a real demand for their product it might be at a time when the cheap alternatives simply are no longer available and have set up from day #1 to do everything in Europe. They are - like you - quite talented but the difference is that they have access to a lot more funding and if they need a particular machine they will simply go get it rather than to make their own.

You are resource constrained and that brings out a lot of creativity, which in the longer term will turn into a competitive advantage.

pikkoloassembly · 2025-12-15T14:48:41

Oh god the trauma this brought back.

tclancy · 2025-12-15T16:11:06

Seriously, I'm glad everyone else is young enough not to have been scarred by games that either were designed to eat quarters or designed to keep you at it for a couple of months so you got your money's worth.

Why not show the last race from Decathlon by Activision to see if my forearm muscles cramp up instinctively.

joe_guy · 2025-12-15T16:51:37

There was also that water level in TMNT https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PHiFNWJXWgI

drakythe · 2025-12-15T19:21:28

And then the Speeder Bike level in Battletoads Battlemaniacs.

I don't mind instant death scenarios, as long as there is a quick restart and no game over mechanic (Celeste got this perfect, IMO). It is wild to me just how many of these kinds of scenarios there are in memorable games from the 8/16 bit (and before) era.

technion · 2025-12-16T05:28:41

This was the game with the DOS port that had a jump you literally couldnt make. And someone somehow worked out you could proceed by going to a totally different area and glitching through a wall.

proctorg76 · 2025-12-15T20:31:45

That video was deeply cathartic, I only got that far once at a friend's house and it was great to finally have confirmed that it wasn't me, the physics were completely broken.

gkhartman · 2025-12-15T20:50:16

Thank you! I was looking for this comment amongst the "this was easy" ones. I was pretty young when this game came out. I rarely got past this landing.

I think I still have the Top Gun NES cartridge in a box somewhere. Maybe this is a good excuse to fire up the NES and try it.