HOBITRONICS

 Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are essential to electronics, green energy, and defense tech. Learn why China dominates the REE supply chain and what happens if access is cut off. What Are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are a group of 17 chemically similar elements that power the modern tech world. You’ll find them in everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to advanced military systems and wind turbines. Some of the most critical REEs include: Neodymium Dysprosium Terbium Yttrium Europium Cerium Despite their name, REEs aren’t rare in terms of natural abundance. The challenge is that they’re not often found in concentrated deposits , and extracting and refining them is extremely complex, toxic, and expensive. Where Are Rare Earth Elements Used? REEs are deeply embedded in both consumer tech and national infrastructure . Here's how: Permanent Magnets : Neodymium and dysprosium are used in electric motors, wind turbines, har...

A Shockwave Through Silicon: How the U.S.-China Trade War is Rewiring Electronics in 2025 In 2025, the electronics industry finds itself in the middle of one of the biggest disruptions of the decade. The trade tensions between the U.S. and China—once seen as purely political—have now cracked deep into the circuits of global tech. But this isn’t just about tariffs anymore. It’s about who controls innovation , who builds the future , and why we need more electronics engineers than ever before . The Ripple Effect on Electronics With aggressive tariffs on Chinese-made electronics and components, companies across the globe are being forced to redesign how and where electronics are made. Supply chains, once streamlined and efficient, are now fragmented. Products that were built seamlessly across borders now hit price hikes, delays, or complete redesigns.   From smartphones to EVs, and drones to routers—entire categories of electronics have been affected. Manufacturers are moving their op...

  Twist the Magic: Meet the Mighty Potentiometer!           Ever twisted a volume knob to turn your favorite music up? Or adjusted a dimmer to get just the right vibe in your room? Guess what—you were unknowingly hanging out with one of the coolest little components in electronics: the potentiometer!             Yup, that round knob (or sometimes a slider) isn't just a plastic cap—it’s the control center for voltage, current, and even creativity! Whether you're build ing your first Arduino project, tuning a radio, or tweaking your guitar tone, the potentiometer is always there, silently saving the day. What Is a Potentiometer?           A potentiometer—let’s call it a “pot” from now on —is a variable resistor . That means it can change the amount of resistance it offers in a circuit. And guess what? You control it with just a twist or a slide. It's like being the DJ of your own electric...