/uses
The tools, hardware, and software in my daily rotation as a field service tech, engineering student, and automation builder.
Inspired by uses.tech — a collection of developer setups. Last updated March 2026.
Field Kit
Fluke 289 True-RMS Multimeter
Daily driver. Data logging, min/max capture, battery-backed memory. The industry standard for a reason.
Fluke T6-1000 Voltage Tester
Non-contact quick checks — saves time when you just need to confirm presence of voltage at a terminal.
Klein Tools Crimping + Stripping Set
Field repairs, panel wiring, sensor loops. Reliable and compact.
Laptop + Site-Licensed Software
PLC programming, drive commissioning, diagnostics. Varies by machine brand.
USB Serial Adapters (various)
RS-232, RS-485, CANopen — older industrial kit still talks serial.
Development Hardware
Custom Desktop (AMD Ryzen + 32GB RAM)
Home workstation for CAD, simulation, heavy builds, and running local AI models.
Raspberry Pi 4 (x2)
One runs NodeOne infrastructure services. The other lives in the lab for experiments.
Dell Monitor (ultrawide)
Side-by-side PLC ladder logic and schematics — ultrawide pays for itself in this job.
Mechanical Keyboard (Cherry MX Browns)
Long sessions writing code and documentation. Tactile feedback matters.
Software & Coding Stack
VS Code
Everything except PLC work. Extensions: Pylance, Tailwind CSS IntelliSense, MDX.
Python 3
Data pipelines, automation scripts, ML experiments, ETL. My go-to for anything backend.
Next.js 14
This site and most web projects. Server components, edge-compatible, great DX.
Tailwind CSS
Design system of choice. Fast iteration, consistent output, no context switching.
SQLite
For project data stores that don't need a server. SoakHauler, DAJobs — both run on SQLite.
Git + GitHub
All projects in version control. GitHub Actions for basic CI on web projects.
Streamlit
Quick dashboards when I don't want to build a full React frontend. DAJobs runs on it.
CAD / CAM
Fusion 360
Primary 3D modelling and CAM tool. Integrated CAM is genuinely good for 3-axis work.
AutoCAD LT
2D schematics, panel layouts, engineering drawings. Still the standard in field docs.
LightBurn
Laser engraver control and job setup. Excellent tool for a niche piece of software.
BobCAD-CAM
Used at previous roles for 3D CAM on CNC mills. Solid mid-range option.
PLC & Industrial Tooling
TIA Portal (Siemens)
Learning. The dominant ecosystem in industrial automation. Step 7 / S7-1200/1500 family.
RSLogix 5000 / Studio 5000 (Allen-Bradley)
Field exposure. Rockwell Automation is widely deployed in Australian manufacturing.
EPLAN Electric P8
Electrical schematic design. Standard in panel building and machine documentation.
Learning & Reference
UniSA – Associate Degree in Engineering
Ongoing. Formal foundation in applied engineering to complement field experience.
YouTube (RealPars, DrZaius, PLC Programming)
Best free resource for industrial automation content. Genuinely underrated for field techs.
ManualZz / ManualsLib
Lifesavers for old machines with no digital docs. Bookmark these immediately.
Coursera / edX
Targeted certs to complement degree: Python, data science, automation fundamentals.
Khan Academy (Maths)
Filling foundation gaps. Signal processing and control theory need solid algebra and calculus.
Productivity & Systems
Custom AI Automation Stack
Personal infrastructure for task management, content, and monitoring. Built and maintained in-house.
Obsidian
Second brain / notes. Linked markdown files for projects, learning, and engineering notes.
Google Workspace
Email (warren@wfdnelson.com), Drive, Docs, Sheets for client-facing and admin work.
Discord
Team communications and notification routing for personal automation systems.
DigitalOcean
Hosting for wfdnelson.com and associated sub-services. Reliable, affordable, easy SSH.
Curious about how any of this fits together, or want something similar built for your operation?
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