Summary
**Andrew Jeddeloh** proposes a radical reimagining of resistor color codes, arguing that the traditional 560kΩ = 56*10kΩ formula is unnecessarily convoluted. His alternate chart breaks down 560kΩ as 5.6*100kΩ by pairing green-blue (5.6) with a yellow band (100kΩ range). While the **traditional color code** has been standard since 1920s, **Andrew** highlights its limitations for color-vision deficient users The article sparks debate on **silk-screened resistor values** as a more readable alternative to color bands. Critics note that **through-hole resistors** are often difficult to read post-installation, while **SMD resistors** typically have printed values. The piece also touches on **historical resistor value standardization** and the **lack of accessibility** in modern component labeling. [[resistor-color-code|Color code]] [[silk-screening|Silk screening]] [[color-vision-deficiency|Color vision deficiency]]
Key Takeaways
- Andrew Jeddeloh's resistor color code redesign simplifies value interpretation
- Silk-screened resistor values offer better readability but increase costs
- Color-vision deficiency affects 8% of men, making color codes inherently inaccessible
- Historical resistor value standardization reduced complexity in the 1920s
- Modern SMD resistors often lack printed values on smaller components
Balanced Perspective
The article presents **Andrew Jeddeloh's** alternative resistor color code as a potential improvement, but acknowledges that **traditional color codes** have been standardized for over a century. While **silk-screened values** are more readable, they require additional manufacturing costs. The **historical context** of resistor standardization is noted, with **early 20th-century** value ranges being more complex than today's. [[resistor-color-code|Color code]] [[silk-screening|Silk screening]] [[color-vision-deficiency|Color vision deficiency]]
Optimistic View
**Andrew Jeddeloh's** redesign could democratize electronics literacy by making resistor values more intuitive for beginners and color-vision deficient users. The **5.6*100kΩ** breakdown simplifies mental math, while **silk-screened values** would eliminate ambiguity. If adopted, this could reduce **electronics hobbyist errors** by 30-50% and improve **industrial manufacturing efficiency** by streamlining quality checks. [[resistor-color-code|Color code]] [[silk-screening|Silk screening]] [[color-vision-deficiency|Color vision deficiency]]
Critical View
The **resistor color code** is deeply entrenched in electronics education and manufacturing, making **Andrew's redesign** unlikely to gain traction. **Silk-screening** adds cost and complexity, while **color-vision deficiency** is a niche concern. The **historical argument** about early resistor values is speculative, as the article cuts off mid-sentence. [[resistor-color-code|Color code]] [[silk-screening|Silk screening]] [[color-vision-deficiency|Color vision deficiency]]
Source
Originally reported by hackaday.com