Building Your Own NAS with TrueNAS Scale: A Comprehensive Guide If you’re considering building your own Network Attached Storage (NAS) system, TrueNAS Scale is an excellent choice. However, diving in without proper planning can lead to regret and unnecessary expenses. My current setup serves as an interesting example, driven by cost constraints and some mistakes, […]
BEFORE Building Your NAS Read More »
Introduction:Building a smart home doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right approach, you can create a smart living space that enhances convenience and efficiency without spending a fortune. In this guide, we’ll explore how to build a smart home with just $300, covering everything from essential devices to advanced automation options. Here’s spreadsheet
Smart Home on a Budget Read More »
Secure Your Home Assistant Data! Introduction:Losing critical data on your Home Assistant setup can be catastrophic for your smart home and your family will soon be on to you if you can’t even turn lights on. Yet, many users either lack a backup strategy or implement suboptimal methods. In this guide, we’ll delve into the
Home Assistant Backups Read More »
Exploring ESPHome Beyond Home Assistant: MQTT, Webhooks and Web Requests Introduction:ESPHome has become synonymous with DIY smart home projects, often associated with Home Assistant integration. However, its versatility extends beyond Home Assistant, offering possibilities for standalone sensor projects and integrations with various platforms. In this guide, we’ll delve into using ESPHome without Home Assistant, exploring
ESPHome WITHOUT Home Assistant Read More »
Bringing Home Assistant to Your Car with Apple CarPlay. Introduction:For those immersed in the world of Home Assistant and equipped with an iPhone, the integration of Apple CarPlay into your vehicle opens up a realm of possibilities. Now, you can seamlessly bring Home Assistant into your car, enabling control over your smart home devices on
Home Assistant & Apple CarPlay Read More »
In the realm of smart homes, detecting motion and presence is crucial for seamless automation. However, conventional methods like PIR sensors have limitations. In this article, we explore a unique approach to presence detection using a car seat sensor, demonstrating how to enhance your smart home without relying on complex AI algorithms. Why Car Seat
ESPHome Presence Sensor for your SOFA Read More »
Introduction: In today’s blog post, we delve into the whimsical yet practical world of Spook, a Home Assistant integration that adds a dash of uniqueness to your smart home experience. Much like an expansion pack for a game, Spook extends core functionalities, introduces intriguing features, and even adds a touch of playfulness to your Home
Spook Integration for Home Assistant Read More »
Introduction ESPHome has revolutionized the world of DIY sensors, making it accessible to even the average tinkerer. Gone are the days when building sensors required both software development and electronics expertise. With inexpensive ESP microcontroller devices, you can now effortlessly connect multiple sensors and create customized projects. In this guide, we’ll delve into various aspects
ESPHome Guide for Advanced and Intermediate Users Read More »
Integrating an Air Quality Sensor with ESPHome Today, we delve into the world of smart home sensors, exploring the functionality of a four-in-one sensor that not only measures temperature and humidity but also detects air quality—often an overlooked aspect of home monitoring. This guide aims to help DIY enthusiasts integrate air quality sensing into their
Air Quality Sensor – BME680 Read More »
In the world of smart homes, communication is key. Enter Bluetooth proxies—an integral part of the Home Assistant ecosystem. In this discussion, we’re diving specifically into Bluetooth proxies, highlighting their significance, application, and why they’re worth considering, especially when paired with Ethernet-based ESP32 devices. Understanding Bluetooth Proxies Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) has become ubiquitous in
Bluetooth Proxies with Home Assistant Read More »
