A hardware hacker is a hacker who builds, rebuilds, modifies or creates electronic hardware either to make it better, faster, give added features or to make it do something it was never intended to do. This activity is known as hardware hacking.

Hardware modifier

---

Another type of hacker is one who creates novel hardware modifications. At the most basic end of this spectrum are those who make frequent changes to the hardware in their computers using standard components, or make semi-cosmetic themed modifications to the appearance of the machine. This type of Hacker modifes his/her computer for performance needs and/or attractiveness. These changes often include adding memory, storage or LEDs and cold cathode tubes for light effects. These people often show off their talents in contests, and many enjoy LAN parties. At the more advanced end of the hardware hackers are those who modify hardware (not limited to computers) to expand capabilities; this group blurs into the culture of hobbyist inventors and professional electronics engineering. An example of such modification includes the addition of TCP/IP Internet capabilities to a number of vending machines and coffee makers during the late 1980's and early 1990's.

Hackers who have the ability to write circuit-level code, device drivers, firmware, low-level networking, (and even more impressively, using these techniques to make devices do things outside of their spec sheets), are typically in very high regard among hacker communities. This is primarily due to the difficulty and enormous complexity of this type of work, and the electrical engineering knowledge required to do so. Such hackers are rare, and almost always considered to be wizards or gurus of a very high degree.

Hardware hacking

---

Hardware hacking can consist of either making new hardware, or simply modifying old hardware (known as 'modding'). Real hardware hackers perform novel and perhaps dangerous modifications to hardware, to make it suit their needs.

See also

---

• electronics
• Computer Modding
• Tapeware
• O'Reilly's Makezine

External links

---

• Slashdot's hardware section
• Book by O'Reilly about hardware hacking
• Hackaday.com - A new hack each day
• Soldering Guide Located at the bottom of this page is a good Basic Soldering Guide, it is in parts in .PDF format]
• Make: technology on your time
• i-hacked