Maybe they just find this sort of stuff interesting, in the same way lots of people here get enjoyment out of programming?
This sort of stuff is pretty amusing, in my opinion.
For example, I'm reading The Epic Of Gilgamesh right now. Upon looking at me do it, most people would think I am just needlessly torturing myself with something that's not at all fun; I am reading two hugely different translations at the same time and keeping notes about things I am confused about (which happens often since lots of content is missing due to destroyed writing) in the margins. Fingers holding pages open everywhere, highlighter beside me, pens surrounding the books and propping up other pages... it's a bit crazy.
It's complicated, but that doesn't mean it's not fun! It isn't a brain-dead task, so doing it feels a lot more justified than just reading any old escape fiction (or playing a video game). Besides, as soon as I get into the rhythm of something like reading Gilgamesh, it becomes a fine way to pass time.
Deciphering electronics is very similar! If you look around, you'll notice that there are tons of people out there who have managed to scrape up some know-how in the field and just love to do it.
It doesn't matter what you are building on or with: making something that works is a very satisfying experience.
This sort of stuff is pretty amusing, in my opinion.
For example, I'm reading The Epic Of Gilgamesh right now. Upon looking at me do it, most people would think I am just needlessly torturing myself with something that's not at all fun; I am reading two hugely different translations at the same time and keeping notes about things I am confused about (which happens often since lots of content is missing due to destroyed writing) in the margins. Fingers holding pages open everywhere, highlighter beside me, pens surrounding the books and propping up other pages... it's a bit crazy.
It's complicated, but that doesn't mean it's not fun! It isn't a brain-dead task, so doing it feels a lot more justified than just reading any old escape fiction (or playing a video game). Besides, as soon as I get into the rhythm of something like reading Gilgamesh, it becomes a fine way to pass time.
Deciphering electronics is very similar! If you look around, you'll notice that there are tons of people out there who have managed to scrape up some know-how in the field and just love to do it.
It doesn't matter what you are building on or with: making something that works is a very satisfying experience.