NR-RetroWorks also takes on custom engineering work for independent developers, small teams, and companies that need practical hardware or software solutions built from the ground up.

Projects can range from a single mechanical part or circuit board to a complete hardware and software system.

Mechanical Design

Using FreeCAD, I can design custom mechanical parts, enclosures, brackets, adapters, mounts, fixtures, and other components intended for 3D printing or integration with existing hardware.

This can include:

• Replacement parts for unavailable or obsolete hardware
• Custom adapters and mounting solutions
• Enclosures and housings
• Fitment around existing PCBs, connectors, or assemblies
• Functional prototypes and iterative design
• Designs intended specifically for FDM 3D printing

The focus is on parts that are practical to manufacture, fit correctly, and solve the actual mechanical problem rather than simply looking good in CAD.

Electronics Design

Using KiCAD, I can design custom electronic hardware ranging from simple adapter boards to more complex digital systems.

Work may include:

• Schematic design
• PCB layout
• Replacement and reproduction hardware
• Microcontroller-based designs
• Interface and adapter boards
• Retro hardware expansions and upgrades
• Component selection and footprint verification
• Prototyping and design revision
• Design files prepared for PCB manufacturing

Where a project interacts with existing hardware, compatibility, electrical requirements, and physical fit are treated as part of the engineering problem rather than afterthoughts.

Software Engineering

Custom software and firmware development is also available for projects that require code alongside the hardware.

This can include:

• Embedded firmware
• Microcontroller programming
• Hardware interfaces and drivers
• Desktop utilities and supporting tools
• Reverse engineering
• Low-level systems programming
• Retro console and embedded development
• Existing codebase modification and debugging

Projects involving both hardware and software can be handled together so the mechanical, electrical, and software portions are designed around one another instead of being developed independently.

Development Process

Custom engineering normally begins with a discussion of the problem, existing hardware or requirements, and what the finished result needs to accomplish.

Depending on the project, work may involve research, measurements, reverse engineering, component selection, CAD work, schematic and PCB design, programming, prototyping, testing, and revision.

Small exploratory projects are welcome. A project does not need to begin with a complete engineering specification, but the clearer the requirements are, the easier it is to estimate the scope of work.

Rates

Custom engineering rates currently start at:

$30/hour for independent developers and indie teams

$60/hour for commercial companies under 500 employees

$90/hour for commercial companies over 500 employees

Rates may vary depending on project complexity, scope, required equipment, or unusual research and development requirements. Any significant change in scope would be discussed before additional work is undertaken.

Have a Project in Mind?

Whether you need a replacement part designed, a custom PCB developed, firmware written, an existing design revised, or a complete hardware/software solution, get in touch and tell me what you are trying to build.