Automated fabs hate through-hole components. They require wave soldering, selective soldering, or hand-stuffing. Most services charge exorbitant fees for this. Hackvana treated through-hole with a shrug. "Yes, we can hand-solder those 40-pin headers. No, we won't charge you a mortgage payment for it."
If you are looking for alternatives while Hackvana is paused, check out services like for Taobao consolidation or Mouser’s free shipping threshold for larger BOMs. But honestly? None of them will check your capacitor polarity for you.
The name "Hackvana" (a portmanteau of "Hack" and "Nirvana") reflected the service's goal of being a paradise for makers. However, the "story" also includes the classic struggles of early offshore manufacturing: The "Love/Hate" Relationship: Makers often shared stories of intense loyalty to followed by frustration when logistics went sideways
, where users would message him directly to discuss their board designs. Quality Control:
You look at DigiKey or Mouser. The parts cost $20. The shipping? $35—if you want it in less than three weeks. Now multiply that pain by 20 different suppliers.
So here is to Mitch Altman and Hackvana. May your warehouses be organized, your DHL labels print clearly, and your return to shipping be swift.
Hackvana
Automated fabs hate through-hole components. They require wave soldering, selective soldering, or hand-stuffing. Most services charge exorbitant fees for this. Hackvana treated through-hole with a shrug. "Yes, we can hand-solder those 40-pin headers. No, we won't charge you a mortgage payment for it."
If you are looking for alternatives while Hackvana is paused, check out services like for Taobao consolidation or Mouser’s free shipping threshold for larger BOMs. But honestly? None of them will check your capacitor polarity for you.
The name "Hackvana" (a portmanteau of "Hack" and "Nirvana") reflected the service's goal of being a paradise for makers. However, the "story" also includes the classic struggles of early offshore manufacturing: The "Love/Hate" Relationship: Makers often shared stories of intense loyalty to followed by frustration when logistics went sideways
, where users would message him directly to discuss their board designs. Quality Control:
You look at DigiKey or Mouser. The parts cost $20. The shipping? $35—if you want it in less than three weeks. Now multiply that pain by 20 different suppliers.
So here is to Mitch Altman and Hackvana. May your warehouses be organized, your DHL labels print clearly, and your return to shipping be swift.