FAFO curated list of nice things

This page serves to document things of various kinds that we use and want to recommend to others. Anything from software, tools, components, suppliers, 3d-printable parts, etc.

Tools

3D-prints

3D-printable parts that we are using in various places.

Components

Components of any kind that we regularly use.

  • Electronics
    • The RP2040 and RP2350 microcontroller families.
  • Mechanical
  • Automation
    • Cheap MODBUS-RTU (RS485) hardware from “Eletechsup”
      • Digital and relay I/O boards (e.g. N4D8B08)
      • Temperature transmitter (e.g. PTA8D08)
      • MODBUS-TCP to MODBUS-RTU bridge (e.g. ET69C02)
    • PT100 sensors for temperature measurement. Two- or three-wire variants. Some can take up to 400°C.
  • Electrical
    • LAPP UNITRONIC cables for control signals
    • Single core wires always at least 0.25mm²

Software

Software that we are using at FAFO for various purposes.

  • Engineering
  • Various
    • revbank for keeping track of beverage money and other small expenses
  • Languages
    • Oddly enough, we like both Rust and Go!

Suppliers

Where we get out stuff. We are based in Munich (Germany) so this of course has influence on our choices.

  • Reichelt - If you have a Reichelt, you don't need a Mr. Bezos. One stop shop for a large variety of components, tools, and many other things
  • Das Filament - Filament that's not just Good, but Good Enough. Can be ordered without a spool to fit the MasterSpool ecosystem.
  • Valekna - Hose and hose accessories. Everything from milk hoses to fire hose couplers.
  • O-Ring-Stock - Large selection of o-rings, including Viton o-rings for vacuum systems.
  • Micro to Nano - Aftermarket tools/accessories/consumables for electron miscroscopy.