Things I build, break, fix, and write about

6 July 2026
Agentic AI still needs domain judgement

Agentic AI can write the thing, but it still cannot tell you whether the thing is right. That is where domain expertise matters, because a clean config or neat bit of glue logic can still be wrong in the way that only shows up in production.

6 July 2026
Weekly Tech Digest | 06 Jul 2026

Stay updated with the latest in tech! This digest covers AI ethics, auto industry shifts, and the impact of politics on technology, exploring today's...

6 July 2026
wolfCOSE zero-allocation parsing in embedded C

wolfCOSE looks sensible only if you care about what your firmware actually has to carry. I like that, because on small targets the wrong crypto...

5 July 2026
Layout trade-offs in Design Engineering Magazine

Design Engineering Magazine only works if the structure holds under real reading, not just in a tidy mock-up. I care less about pretty grids than...

Latest blog posts you might like

26 December 2025
Integrating GitHub workflows with n8n

I build n8n workflows that turn GitHub events into actual work. This is the setup I keep using: a few reliable nodes, sensible checks, and no needless API calls. Run n8n in Docker or use the hosted...

26 December 2025
Optimising automation scenes in n8n

Learn to build reliable n8n automation scenes by breaking tasks into small, testable nodes. You will set up n8n locally, secure webhooks, use SplitInBatches, and test nodes in isolation. Follow naming...

25 December 2025
Using HandBrake Web to automate video transcoding

HandBrake Web setup on a headless server. You map config, input and output folders, run the container and enable directory watchers to automate jobs. Add worker instances for distributed encoding,...

25 December 2025
Implementing automated updates for Next.js security

Next.js security starts with automated updates. Automate OS patches and dependency PRs for your next and Node modules. Run npm audit in CI and block merges for high-severity alerts. Monitor CPU and...

24 December 2025
Building a Plex blueprint for efficient media streaming

Plex blueprint: start on paper. Sketch your hardware, storage and roles. List the media types you want, expected streams and remote users. Choose a CPU for transcoding and put Plex data on a fast SSD,...

24 December 2025
Configuring sensors for better pet detection

Getting motion sensors to ignore pets is mostly about placement, sensible settings, and a bit of trial and error. I use Home Assistant examples here because that is what I run. Start with the sensor....

23 December 2025
Using a dimmer switch for Philips Hue automation

Use a dimmer as your base control for Philips Hue automation. Map its value to a hue range, then add a small random offset per bulb. The result keeps a single colour family while each lamp shows...

23 December 2025
Revamping Home Assistant dashboards for easier use

Transform your Home Assistant setup into a truly efficient smart home with seamless dashboard design and effective automations. Save time, simplify controls, and enhance usability.

22 December 2025
Securing ESPHome for local automation workflows

I build and lock down ESPHome scenes the same way I build servers: no glamour, no cloud dependency. Start with a clear threat model. Decide what data needs to leave the device and what stays local....

22 December 2025
Setting up VLANs for better home lab security

VLAN Configuration matters more in a home lab than most people admit. I use it to separate services, limit blast radius and keep curious devices off my core systems. This guide shows a practical VLAN...