About

Hexapod devices was founded by me, Ben Lippmeier, a post-functional reprogrammer based in Sydney, Australia. 

I started Hexapod Devices to explore new ways of hand-building electronic prototypes, without an over-reliance on pre-built modules or surface mount adapters.

In 2026, many prototypes are still based on the 2-layer 100x100mil through-hole "universal" protoboard, yet most current components do not need, or want holes. Current PCB technology has also moved on. Protoboards with 4+ layers and vias-in-pads can now be fabricated for a reasonable price, provided they are made in quantity.

Building something new by hand in a day is liberating. Start in the morning with a crazy idea, a stash of reliable components and some good protoboards. Have your thing working by dinner time. A secret of the modern age is that with good lighting and modest magnification, building circuits directly out of SOICs and 0603 passives is actually a lot easier than with through-hole DIPs. You don't have to keep flipping the board over and inverting the layout in your mind. Build it like you just drew it.

I'm happy to hear from anyone with similar interests, or stories to tell about prototyping. Contact details are as follows:

  benl   AT hexapod.au (general contact)
  sales  AT hexapod.au (new sales contact)
  orders AT hexapod.au (questions about existing orders)