Things I build, break,
fix, and write about

18 January 2026
AI
Using a Bluetooth universal remote with Moes Fingerbot

If you want a Bluetooth universal remote for a Moes Fingerbot, expect pairing issues. The Fingerbot uses Tuya BLE profiles, so most remotes will not pair. Use a Tuya/Moes Bluetooth gateway or Home Assistant with a Bluetooth dongle for reliable remote control and automation.

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18 January 2026
Rambles
Weekly Tech Digest | 18 Jan 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 pressing issues.

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18 January 2026
AI
Improve Zigbee stability with strategic device placement

Your Zigbee network can suffer from 2.4GHz interference when nearby Wi‑Fi or Quinetic gear uses the same band. You can reduce dropouts by moving the coordinator away from metal and noisy devices. Set client devices to 5GHz, lock the 2.4GHz channel, and add mains-powered repeaters. Run tests and record timestamps to confirm fixes.

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17 January 2026
AI
Integrating Zigbee with Home Assistant on Raspberry Pi

Start with the Raspberry Pi. Use a Pi 4 with 4 GB and an SSD. Flash Home Assistant OS, set a static IP and use Ethernet. Add a Zigbee coordinator for IKEA devices and a Matter/Thread controller for new kit. This guide covers Home Automation Protocols and clear setup steps.

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17 January 2026
AI
Inspecting privacy flaws in the Hubitat C8-Pro

I opened a Hubitat C8-Pro to see how private and secure it actually is. I wanted to get root, inspect files and services, and list practical fixes you can make yourself. This is a hands-on how-to, not theory. I focus on the steps I used, the hard facts I found, and short, concrete fixes you […]

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16 January 2026
AI
Exploring non-camera solutions for home monitoring

Privacy concerns make cameras unsuitable in bedrooms and bathrooms. Non-visual home monitoring uses radar, depth and level-only audio to detect presence, falls and long inactivity without images. You can build a local, event-only system that ties into your smart home and keeps raw data off the cloud.

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16 January 2026
AI
Downloading and analysing PCAP files in Wireshark

I use Packet Capture in Sophos Firewall WebAdmin every week. It is the quickest way to see what the firewall actually sees. This guide shows how I capture traffic on the appliance, download a PCAP and analyse it in Wireshark for network troubleshooting and security monitoring. I keep examples concrete so you can copy the […]

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15 January 2026
AI
Upgrading Sophos XGS126 from firmware 19.5.x to 21.5

Sophos XGS126 firmware upgrade. Follow a clear checklist. Confirm your current firmware and SSD firmware. Back up your config twice off-box. Read release notes and follow required intermediate installs. Use console access, monitor boot logs and test VLANs, VPNs and real traffic after upgrade.

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15 January 2026
AI
Resolving PDQ Connect package failures with Sophos XDR

Troubleshooting PDQ Connect Package Installation Errors for Sophos XDR Client: A Detailed Guide I ran into this exact fault while packaging the Sophos XDR Client for PDQ Connect. The installer works when I run it at the command prompt with the –quiet switch, but the PDQ package fails. The PDQ deployment log shows the step […]

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14 January 2026
AI
Navigating Sophos Home Edition update challenges

Facing firmware update errors on Sophos Home Edition? This guide offers practical troubleshooting steps to help you identify and fix common issues effectively.

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