I think that the inside should match the motif that the outsides set.
what I mean by that : the outside sets a tone of professional heavy-duty post-apocalyptic computing, yet the insides are filled with fragile wire connects, fragile routes, multiple boards and new (read: unproven) non-redundant technologies.
I would expect something that exudes that aesthetic to be wired like a NASA project [0], use radiation hardened components, redundancy, SOMETHING that speaks to the durability.
The reason NASA invests so much in hardened components and redundancy is that their hardware has to continue functioning in an environment where humans cannot intervene.
The availability of commodity hardware is one of the reasons projects like the Recovery Kit can exist. Redundancy and durability can be measured in multiple ways, and I suspect it's cheaper to keep on hand a stack of backup components that can easily be swapped out than to invest the time, energy and money on a more bespoke hardened solution that can't easily be replicated and would put this project out of reach for many people trying to replicate it.
The goal of "Ruggedized Raspberry Pi" seems to have been met quite well, IMO.
I made a mini Arduino-powered smart home that was used for demos at tradeshows [1]. It had to be shipped first to San Fran, then it went to Vegas for CES and a few more places.
I had the same thought at first, "I should really solder these wires."
But then I realized that wires coming loose was inevitable given the hell this project was going to endure being handled by airlines, rolled across different terrain, and poked and proded by trade show attendees.
So I opted to use color coded jumper cables and include extra. In the manual, I included a simple wiring diagram to show how to hook everything up. No solder needed.
In the hands of a consumer, yes, everything should be soldered because there's a higher force needed to break the connection, but repair is also harder. Consumers typically do not repair, so the trade off leans toward solder. I suspect this is the perspective that inspires this comment.
In the hands of a hacker looking for durability, it's actually better for things to be replaceable. Because the hacker can repair, the advantage gained by soldering isn't worth the the friction added repair.
Just a friendly note: soldering wires causes them to become brittle and more likely to break at the end of the solder joint. If you're going to solder wire, and the item is subject to movement or vibration, be sure that the section protruding from the joint is held rigid with zip ties, tape or even hot glue.
Maybe, but on the other hand this is what the author made and they seem quite happy with it. You're more than welcome to make something else if you don't like what they've done!
Yep, I interpreted their message as friendly feedback, not a request or negative criticism. The author is free to take this feedback and act upon it the way they see fit (which can be doing nothing).
It's somewhat how a Show HN post works, you should expect such feedback and might even be coming for it. Especially when it's not your first one, you know a bit better what to expect.
what I mean by that : the outside sets a tone of professional heavy-duty post-apocalyptic computing, yet the insides are filled with fragile wire connects, fragile routes, multiple boards and new (read: unproven) non-redundant technologies.
I would expect something that exudes that aesthetic to be wired like a NASA project [0], use radiation hardened components, redundancy, SOMETHING that speaks to the durability.
[0]: https://workmanship.nasa.gov/lib/insp/2%20books/links/sectio...