Things I build, break,
fix, and write about

5 October 2025
AI
Best practices for home lab automation scenes

Discover best practices for creating effective automation scenes in your home lab. Learn how to design, configure, and troubleshoot automations that enhance reliability and usability. This guide covers essential tips on naming conventions, testing strategies, and security measures, ensuring your home automation system functions smoothly and efficiently. Boost your home lab experience today!

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5 October 2025
Rambles
Weekly Tech Digest | 05 Oct 2025

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 pressing issues.

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5 October 2025
AI
Configuring security for ambient AI devices

Crafting a Secure Home Lab with Ambient AI: Balancing Automation and Privacy Ambient AI security sits at the intersection of always-on sensors, local automation and personal privacy. I show practical steps I use when I add an ambient AI device to my home lab. Expect configuration recipes, checks to run and specifics you can copy […]

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4 October 2025
AI
Navigating cloud infrastructure shifts in AI partnerships

Explore the evolving landscape of cloud infrastructure amid the Microsoft-OpenAI split. This actionable guide offers strategies for assessing your current setup, identifying AI partners, and implementing robust security measures. Learn to build adaptable infrastructure that thrives on change while aligning with business goals. Stay proactive and future-ready in your cloud journey.

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4 October 2025
AI
Setting up reliable notifications for klaxon alerts

Learn how to set up a reliable alarm klaxon notification system that avoids sound detection challenges. By sensing the klaxon's power state, you can ensure accurate alerts. Explore various detection methods and smart home technologies, including Z-Wave and microcontrollers, to create a customised, efficient notification system tailored to your home automation needs.

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3 October 2025
AI
Future-proofing motorised blinds with proper pre-wiring

Pre-wiring motorised blinds while a property is open is the sensible move. It costs a little time now and saves upheaval later. I favour a practical, layered approach: run data, run power, leave spare cores, and label everything. Below I use a project-kickoff checklist so you can treat pre-wiring like any other small retrofit project. […]

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3 October 2025
AI
Controlling your thermostat locally without cloud services

Discover the benefits of local heating control with DIY setups using Proxmox and Home Assistant. Ensure privacy, reliability, and automation tailored to your needs.

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2 October 2025
Home Lab
Setting up VPN on Sophos XGS88

Unlock the full potential of your office network with the Sophos XGS88. This guide covers essential setup tips, VPN configuration, and best practices for optimal performance.

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1 October 2025
Home Lab
Navigating configuration challenges on Sophos XG 310

Discover how to enhance your Sophos XG 310 Home Edition with a Flexi Port Module for added SFP+ connectivity. Navigate setup challenges and maximize performance.

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30 September 2025
Home Lab
Resolving Sophos SD-RED 20 internet connectivity problems

Resolve your Sophos SD-RED 20 internet connectivity issues with our practical troubleshooting guide. Identify common error messages, check connectivity statuses, and run essential diagnostic tools. Follow step-by-step instructions to verify your static IP configuration, firewall settings, and ISP requirements, ensuring a swift return to reliable internet access.

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