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Your idea for a cheap current sensor targets both hobbyist projects and industrial monitoring. Given that we only found two similar products, it appears you're in a "Minimal Signal" category. This means the market might be very niche or the problem isn't considered pressing enough by potential users. Because the engagement (average number of comments) is very low, there's not enough feedback to even calculate net use or buy signals. Before dedicating substantial resources, it's crucial to confirm there's genuine demand for this type of product. You need to validate that people actually want to solve this problem before investing too much time and money.

Recommendations

1. Begin by immersing yourself in the online communities where your target customers (hobbyists and industrial engineers) congregate. Share your idea for the current sensor and ask for specific feedback on its potential applications and pricing. Quantify the value proposition for each customer segment. For hobbyists, what projects would this enable that are currently too difficult or expensive? For industrial users, what specific cost savings or efficiency gains could be achieved?
2. Offer to manually monitor current for a small number of potential customers (2-3). This could involve using existing equipment and providing them with data reports. This will allow you to better understand their needs, refine your product, and potentially generate some early revenue. Charge them a small fee to test the will-to-pay.
3. Create a short, compelling explainer video demonstrating how the sensor works and its benefits for both hobbyist and industrial applications. Focus on specific use cases and highlight the affordability aspect. Track the percentage of viewers who watch the video in its entirety as a measure of engagement.
4. Gauge interest by asking potential customers to join a waiting list and consider requiring a small, refundable deposit. This provides a concrete indication of commitment and helps you prioritize development efforts. Make sure to refund if you can't deliver.
5. Set a clear deadline (e.g., 3 weeks) to find at least five genuinely interested people. If you can't reach this threshold, critically re-evaluate your idea and consider pivoting to a related area with more demonstrated demand or shelving the project until more information is available.
6. Given the dual target market, carefully assess the overlap between hobbyist and industrial needs. While a single sensor could potentially serve both segments, differences in accuracy, durability, and regulatory compliance might necessitate separate product lines. Prioritize the segment with the clearest and most immediate demand.
7. Explore potential partnerships with electronics suppliers or distributors who already serve your target markets. Leveraging their existing customer base and distribution channels could significantly accelerate your go-to-market strategy.

Questions

1. What existing solutions are hobbyists and industrial users currently employing to monitor current, and what are the specific limitations or pain points of those solutions that your sensor would address?
2. How will you differentiate your sensor from existing alternatives in terms of accuracy, cost, ease of use, and integration with existing systems? Can you create a cost and benefit comparison table that would prove to customers how much more value they get with your product?
3. What specific regulatory requirements or industry standards apply to current sensors in your target industrial applications, and how will you ensure your product meets those requirements?