Electronics Manufacturing History with David Ray

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Welcome David Ray of Cyber City Circuits

• The “Retro Electro” Series: David explains his passion for writing historical articles for Digi Key, focusing on “giants” like Orstead whose contributions to electricity are often overlooked. • Career Background: David details his path from Marine Corps radio repair to cash register and Motorola radio repair. • Starting the Business: In late 2019, David cashed in his retirement to buy pick-and-place machines and start his own factory. • Teaching the First Lady: David recounts the story of teaching First Lady Jill Biden how to solder during a summer camp. • Growth via Twitter: For the first few years, 95% of his revenue came from relationships built on Twitter (X). • The Kit Business: David discusses his “Soldering Kit of the Month” program, noting that while fun, the kit business is exhausting and low-margin. • Equipment & Machines: A discussion on why he uses Charm High machines and his strong advice to buy new equipment rather than used industrial machines, which are often sold because they are “used up”. • Stencils & Paste: David advocates for framed stencils and GC10 solder paste, which is shelf-stable and prevents cold solder joints. • Soldering Physics: Insights into the thermodynamics of soldering, especially the difficulty of working with 2 oz copper boards. • John Fluke History: David previews his research on John Fluke, explaining that Fluke meters became yellow because the Navy had trouble finding gray ones on the ground. • Upcoming Articles: David mentions future work on the history of Op-amps and strain gauges. • Business Services: Overview of Cyber City Circuits’ services, including reverse engineering, obsolescence engineering, and free DFM (Design for Manufacturing) consulting. • Success Philosophy: David shares his “Monopoly mindset,” viewing business setbacks as “chance cards,” and stresses that persistence is the only way to avoid failure.

Links from David

• Website List: Cyber City Circuits Website: www.CyberCityCircuits.com
• PCB Event Badges: www.BadgesBadgesBadges.com
• X: www.x.com/MakeAugusta
• Collection of Retro Electro Articles: https://cybercitycircuits.com/retro-electro-the-little-told-history-of-electronics/
• Digikey Magazine: https://www.digikey.com/en/emedia
• GC10 Solder Paste: www.BuyGC10.com