The tools, technologies, and gear that power my work across software development, AI infrastructure, hardware projects, and outdoor adventures. A reference for fellow alchemists curious about the instruments of transformation.
Core tools for building AI systems, cloud infrastructure, and developer tooling
Editor: VS Code with vim keybindings
Terminal: iTerm2 + zsh + oh-my-zsh
Languages: Go, Python, JavaScript/TypeScript
Cloud: Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Containers: Docker, Kubernetes, Cloud Run
IaC: Terraform, Pulumi
Version Control: Git, GitHub
Models: GPT-4, Claude, Llama, Mistral
Frameworks: LangChain, LlamaIndex
Deployment: vLLM, TGI, Ollama
Vector DBs: Pinecone, Weaviate, Chroma
Observability: LangSmith, Weights & Biases
Fine-tuning: LoRA, QLoRA, Axolotl
Notes: Obsidian for knowledge management
Reading: Kindle + physical books
Research: Zotero for academic papers
Tasks: Things 3, GitHub Projects
Focus: Pomodoro technique, noise-canceling headphones
RSS: Feedbin for keeping up with tech
Writing: Markdown, iA Writer
Diagrams: Excalidraw, Mermaid
Video: OBS Studio, DaVinci Resolve
Presentations: Keynote, Figma
Hosting: GitHub Pages, Netlify
Imagery: Midjourney, DALL-E
Tools for building experimental aircraft, electric boats, and maker projects
CAD: Fusion 360, FreeCAD
Simulation: ANSYS, XFLR5 (aerodynamics)
PCB Design: KiCad, EasyEDA
3D Modeling: Blender (occasionally)
Microcontrollers: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32
Tools: Oscilloscope, multimeter, logic analyzer
Prototyping: Breadboards, perfboards, soldering station
Power: Bench power supply, battery analyzers
Materials: Aircraft Spruce catalog
Composites: Carbon fiber, fiberglass, epoxy resins
Reference: FAA regulations, aircraft manuals
Tools: Rivet guns, sheet metal tools, precision measuring
Battery Systems: Victron Energy components
Motors: Electric outboard motors
Charging: Solar panels, shore power systems
Monitoring: BMS (Battery Management Systems)
3D Printing: FDM printer for prototyping
Hand Tools: Complete workshop set
Measuring: Calipers, micrometers, gauges
Materials: Aluminum, steel, plastics, wood
Equipment for testing limits in water, mountains, backcountry, and sky
Wetsuit: Neoprene for cold water
Watch: GPS-enabled for tracking
Safety: Tow buoy with dry bag
Goggles: Anti-fog, UV protection
Ice Tools: Ice axe, crampons
Rope: Dynamic climbing ropes
Protection: Cams, nuts, quickdraws
Navigation: Compass, altimeter
Skis: Touring skis with AT bindings
Safety: Avalanche beacon, probe, shovel
Skins: Climbing skins for ascent
Pack: Avalanche airbag pack
Wing: Modern hang glider
Variometer: For reading thermals
Helmet: Full-face protection
Radio: VHF for communication
Satellite: Garmin InReach for remote areas
Maps: Topographic maps, GPS waypoints
Compass: Baseplate compass
Apps: Gaia GPS, CalTopo