FAQ
TL;DR: Expect example rates like $50/hour after a free first hour; “reveal the nature of the project” to match the right engineer. [Elektroda, Chuck Sydlo, post #21669135]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps hobbyists and founders quickly hire the right electrical engineer, pick basic test tools, and avoid common missteps.
Quick Facts
- Example pricing seen in-thread: first hour free, then $50/hour. [Elektroda, Private, post #21669142]
- Where to find hourly electrical engineers: vetted freelance marketplaces with profile search. [Elektroda, Noreen Ras, post #21669137]
- Starter tool kit for magnet/generator trials: laser tachometer, IR thermometer, EMF/gauss meter. [Elektroda, Private, post #21669144]
- A hobby laser tachometer example measures up to approx. 12,000 RPM. [Elektroda, Mark Harrington, post #21669143]
- Quantitative magnetic field checks need a gauss meter; “ghost” EMF toys aren’t suitable. [Elektroda, Mark Harrington, post #21669143]
How do I find an electrical engineer for private hourly help?
Search established freelance marketplaces and filter by “Electrical Engineer,” power electronics, or motor design. Review portfolios and ratings. Shortlist 3–5 candidates, then message with a clear problem statement and expected deliverables. Ask for a one-hour paid discovery call to verify fit. [Elektroda, Noreen Ras, post #21669137]
What should I tell an engineer upfront to get better answers?
Share the project’s nature, constraints, and which branch you need. Include goals, power levels, form factor, timeline, and non-negotiables. “Reveal the nature of the project” so experience aligns with your questions. This avoids guesswork and speeds scoping. [Elektroda, Chuck Sydlo, post #21669135]
How much should I expect to pay per hour?
In the referenced thread, one offer was a free first hour, then $50 per hour. Treat this as a data point, not a fixed rate. Actual pricing varies with expertise, urgency, and IP considerations. Confirm billing, deliverables, and meeting length before booking. [Elektroda, Private, post #21669142]
Can we do the session over Skype or similar?
Yes. Remote one-on-one sessions were discussed, with an example of a free hour followed by paid time. Video calls work well for Q&A, design review, and screen-sharing schematics or datasheets. Agree on agenda and recording permissions first. [Elektroda, Private, post #21669142]
Which type of engineer handles magnets and small generators?
Look for an electrical engineer with a power/machines focus, or an electromechanical engineer. Mention you’re “generating electricity via the use of magnets” to attract motor/generator experience. Ask for past work on PM machines or small alternators. [Elektroda, Private, post #21669136]
What basic instruments should I buy for motor/generator experiments?
A laser tachometer for RPM, an IR thermometer for surface temperature, and a gauss meter for magnetic field strength are useful starters. These tools appeared in the thread’s shopping list and map well to early prototypes. [Elektroda, Private, post #21669144]
Can a “ghost” EMF meter quantify motor force or output?
No. Those novelty EMF meters are not calibrated for quantitative magnetic flux density. Use a gauss meter to read field strength at set distances. “When you refer to measuring EMF and voltage spikes what you are thinking of is a gauss meter.” [Elektroda, Mark Harrington, post #21669143]
How do I measure magnetic field strength safely?
Use a calibrated gauss meter. Keep consistent probe distance, avoid saturating the sensor near strong magnets, and log readings vs. load. Edge case: Hall probes can be damaged by excessive fields or heat. [Elektroda, Mark Harrington, post #21669143]
What RPM range should I plan for when buying a tachometer?
A cited hobby tachometer example measures up to about 12,000 RPM. Choose a meter with headroom beyond expected speed and reflective tape for stable readings. Verify minimum sample time for transient events. [Elektroda, Mark Harrington, post #21669143]
Is it OK to offer payment after a “free first hour”?
Ask the engineer. Some offer a complimentary discovery call by policy. If you found value, propose a short paid follow-up or a goodwill tip. Clarify invoicing and scope to avoid misunderstandings. [Elektroda, Private, post #21669142]
The thread went off-topic—how do I keep my consult focused?
Prepare 5–8 specific questions, share a one-page brief, and timebox each topic. Note off-topic ideas for later. The original poster flagged digression as a blocker, so structure protects your hour. [Elektroda, Private, post #21669134]
Quick 3-step: how do I hire and brief an engineer fast?
- Post a short brief stating the project’s nature and branch.
- Shortlist profiles and book a one-hour scoping call.
- Confirm rate, deliverables, and next steps in writing.
[Elektroda, Chuck Sydlo, post #21669135]
What if my idea touches on over‑unity or perpetual motion?
Frame measurable goals, like reducing losses or improving efficiency, and focus on testable prototypes. Keep an open mind but require evidence. As one poster noted, research is still a worthy endeavor. [Elektroda, Mark Harrington, post #21669150]
What is a gauss meter?
A gauss meter measures magnetic flux density (field strength), typically in gauss or tesla. It helps compare magnets, map fields around motors, and validate shielding. Pick one with a Hall probe and known accuracy. [Elektroda, Mark Harrington, post #21669143]
What is a digital laser tachometer?
A handheld optical tachometer measures rotational speed by counting reflections from tape on a shaft. It’s non-contact, fast, and ideal for small motor tests. Choose a model covering your RPM range with stable sampling. [Elektroda, Mark Harrington, post #21669143]
