I wanted to share some hands-on experience using ChatGPT over the last year or two. It started early on just using it like a Google search, but overtime it became more of a “Swiss Army Knife” in my engineering toolbox that I use one way or another everyday. Each time your turn on your computer or phone, you see more and more news about AI, new AI applications and new AI/ML startups from all around the world.
Using ChatGPT to Brainstorm Ideas: The trick is writing a good prompt to get started, and then continuing to define and interact and dig deeper with what you are thinking about. Almost like the Star Trek Vulcan Mind meld with the machine. The speed of the responses and depth at times with unique insight is impressive.
Using ChatGPT to Research: Starting with a task, project or need for information. Its nice that it now can access the latest information on the Internet as well as have persistence and remember earlier requests. That held its ability back in the beginning. Its helped with graphics/logos, names, help with finding and research products/parts, business plans, workflows and next steps. It can help with personal or business needs.
Using CHATGPT to Program: This is my most recent experience. After researching and looking for an alternative to Particle Photons to expand my EnergyLab, it helped me to find, setup and program the Arduino NANO’s. This ability and system response is not as fast as the two uses mentioned above, and it requires some patience, because at times it forgets what it just figured out and showed you a few minutes ago. After getting past that roadblock, it seems its easier to work in modular pieces instead of the entire program at one time. The bottom line is it works and helped save me many months of development time.
Using ChatGPT to Build Custom ChatGPTs: HVAC News Agent [LINK], AutomatedBuildings.com [LINK] and Insight into “Manufacturer and Building” 1869-1897 Journals [LINK]. The last link can show interesting discussions at the time on the first lighting systems, HVAC, and other inventions and disruptive technologies in the late 1800’s.