# Key Points from IRC Log

* Discussion about using capacitors with bleeder resistors as battery substitutes, with confirmation that this approach can work but resistors waste energy as heat.

* A project called "gitduino" was discussed extensively, which appears to be a GitHub-like platform for hardware projects with CAD file rendering capabilities, aimed at supporting the RepRap community and potentially offering paid enterprise services.

* The gitduino project includes plans for importing content from RepRap's wiki, rendering .scad files, and implementing social features similar to GitHub's activity feeds and Thingiverse's user profiles.

* There was discussion about hosting considerations for open hardware projects, with mentions of Amazon EC2 and the need to consider server locations when dealing with potentially patent-sensitive content.

* The emergence of peer-to-peer 3D printing services was noted, with services like 100kgarages and cloudfab allowing individuals with 3D printers (like the Prusa) to offer manufacturing services with minimal barriers to entry.

* A SolidWorks plugin for gitduino was mentioned, suggesting integration with professional CAD tools alongside open-source alternatives.