Over on the CIAOPS Blog I do a number of annual posts on a range of items I use in my business. I thought therefore I should start doing one here. So here goes:
Snapmaker Artisan – My 3D printer of choice. I have had this for a few years and use it to create everything I need. Love the quality of the device as well as the results that I get. I can do laser cutting and CNC as well if you change the print head but for me, most of time is spent printing.
Snap Make U1 – After supporting this on Kickstarter earlier this year I have only just received my unit this week. I’ll be posting more about this printer once I have it all working. In essence, where it differs from the Snapmaker Artisan is that the U1 allows you to print four (4) different colours without having to change filament. Looking forward to what I can get from this.
Visual Studio code – my software development environment. Free from Microsoft. I use this to managed and develop all the code for my IoT projects.
PlatformIO – I use this extension in my coding environment to actually managed my IoT projects. It allows me to select the right controller board, manage the driver libraries as well as upload the code to the actual controller boards. A must. Many other use the Arduno IDE and even though PlatformIO does take a little to get used to, for me it is the way to go and allows to to develop and test things easily.
Github Copilot – starts with a free version but I’m using the Pro version for $10 per month and would recommend that as it just makes life so easy. Code is the real secret to getting IoT projects working and I am not a developer and my C programming is pretty rusty so the number of times AI has allowed to create what I want is amazing. It also deals with compile and syntax errors, missing driivers, commenting code and so much more. I’d still be battling away with the basics if I wasn’t using this and for free so should you!
Github – where I publish all my code and documentation for my projects. Hopefully what I create can help others as they have helped me. Also a great place to file projects for the time you need to go back and find out how do did something. Again, there is no cost to get started using GitHub.
Core Electronics – My primary source for components. Great range, easy purchasing and quick delivery. Highly recommended.
Little Bird Electronics – My backup source for components. Again, great range, easy purchasing and quick delivery. Highly recommended.
Acebott controllers – My current choice when it comes to controller boards and projects. Their stuff is the way I shoudl have started my IoT journey.
Keyestudio – Another great controller and kit seller I use regularly.
Amazon – Always a great source for anything I need, whether controller or sensor boards, tools, etc. Easy ordering and quick delivery. This is where I got my Robot Arm from.
That’s probably enough to give you an idea of the main things I use in the lab. Hopefully, it you can take a look at these if you have any interest and let me know if you have any questions on anything here.
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