The Missing Piece for Project Success
From obsolete vehicle and marine parts to rare industrial components — we connect you with what others can’t find across South Africa.
Single Sideband Transmitters & Receivers – Pure Innovation Radio communication has always intrigued me, as with the enthusiasts of the international Amateur Radio League. Having
Discover the key differences between subtractive vs additive manufacturing. In-depth comparison of CNC machining and 3D printing for hobbyists, makers, and small businesses in South Africa. Real DIY insights, kits, controllers, and practical advice.
Discover FinFET and Gate-All-Around Transistors technology — the advanced 3D architectures powering modern semiconductors. Learn how FinFETs extended Moore’s Law and why GAA (nanosheet) transistors are now taking over at 3nm and below, delivering superior efficiency, performance, and transistor density for AI, smartphones, and high-performance computing.
Discover the fascinating world of Thermionic Valves (vacuum tubes) in Part 3 of our active components series. From the Edison Effect and Fleming’s diode to the triode, pentode, magnetron, and iconic CRTs like Sony Trinitron, explore the history, operation, biasing, and enduring appeal of these glowing devices in guitar amplifiers and classic electronics. Learn why tubes remain preferred by audiophiles and musicians despite modern semiconductors.
Discover the world of power switching semiconductors: from thyristors and TRIACs that powered my first disco sound-to-light system, to modern IGBTs, GTOs, SIDACs, and wide-bandgap (SiC/GaN) devices. Part 2 explores their applications in industrial motor drives, renewable energy inverters, EVs, and switchgear. Learn advantages, disadvantages, timelines, popular components, and critical safety warnings when working with 230V mains power. Essential reading for electronics enthusiasts and professionals.
Discover the most important and essential transistors ever developed, from the 1947 point-contact to modern MOSFETs. Part 1 of our active components series covers essential spares for Arduino/Raspberry Pi projects, the 2N3055/2SC5200 audio power transistors, counterfeit detection techniques, and practical buying advice for hobbyists. Ideal for newcomers to electronics prototyping and repairs.
Explore the Raspberry Pi revolution – from its origins as an educational tool to a powerful single-board computer powering home automation, CNC projects, solar monitoring, and more. Discover history, models, HATs, and how it complements Arduino in South African DIY builds
Discover The Arduino Revolution – from a 2005 Italian student project to a global maker powerhouse. Ian Theunissen reflects on SA electronics history, from 1970s perfboard builds and 1980s home computers to affordable microcontrollers empowering today’s DIYers, CNC projects, and solar automation.”
China’s auto makers are disrupting South Africa’s industry with aggressive imports and local assembly plays. Part 1 & 2 cover British lessons, Eastern Cape closures (Goodyear, ContiTech, ZF), tariffs crushing Mercedes/Ford engines, NUMSA’s role, and why education + Transnet failures make recovery tough. Real talk on rising from the ashes.
Chinese Car Makers have seen the opportunity investing in South Africa. While its also an opportunity for the South African labor force one needs to see the bigger picture. The recent Daily Investor piece on Chinese manufacturers like Chery “double-dipping”—importing heavily while chasing local subsidies—highlights a troubling trend.
The smart home revolution. The ever changing landscape is shifting dramatically—from fragmented, cloud-dependent gadgets to unified, local, and AI-driven automation. Whether you’re a curious homeowner or thinking of entering this exciting project-based hobby or industry, this article gives you the basics and a solid foundation to get started.
Discover how ship-borne desalination plants turn seawater into fresh water at sea. From my SA Morgenster days producing 20–30+ tons daily to modern vacuum systems – a mariner’s practical guide to this engineering marvel
