On: A 17-year-old designed a novel synchronous relucta...

[deepspace]

Just look at the photos. Only a fairly wealthy family could afford to buy him those instruments, and of course, the raw materials for the motors. Even his clothing suggests that there is no lack of money.

[marshray → deepspace]

For what it's worth, that is cheap no-name Chinese test equipment he's using.

Probably a $300-400 setup, which is not nothing, but well within reach of most families.

[stjohnswarts → marshray]

Or mowing a few lawns. I pay the teen who mows my small front and back yards $40. It's not a big deal. He's done in 30-40 minutes and moves to the neightbors down the street. This is just a couple weekends of side hustle.

[dicknuckle → deepspace]

Benefit of the doubt: it could be a local makerspace. Although he's working on his pilot license so yes, he's a rich kid.

[skapadia → dicknuckle]

I missed the part about him working on his pilot's license. Thanks.