At VCF West 2025, Stefan Reinauer shared his passion for the Amiga hardware revival. Filmed by Robert Bernardo, his talk explored how classic Amiga designs can thrive again through modern tools and open collaboration.
Stefan, a Google engineer by day, spends his nights building retro hardware. He returned to the Amiga scene to recreate what he once dreamed of owning, the A4091 SCSI controller. Working with Chris Hooper, he didn’t just reproduce the board. He rebuilt the full experience, complete with packaging, manuals, and metal brackets that look and feel like the originals.
The Amiga hardware revival grew from a simple challenge into a community effort. Stefan described how learning by doing transformed his understanding of electronics. He advised builders to start small, learn from others, and focus on achievable goals. Through reverse engineering, he discovered how old designs can inspire new ideas while preserving their authenticity.
He also discussed the technical side of modern Amiga development. Tools like KiCad and EasyEDA make PCB design accessible, while open-source firmware and shared documentation keep projects evolving. Emulators, version control, and static analysis tools help speed up testing and improve reliability.
According to Stefan, the Amiga hardware revival proves that retro computing isn’t stuck in the past. Each recreated board represents teamwork and curiosity in action. By keeping projects open and collaborative, creators ensure that the Amiga legacy continues to inspire future builders.
