Things I build, break,
fix, and write about

26 September 2025
AI
Blueprint for automating your self-hosted NAS

This guide provides a practical blueprint for setting up a self-hosted NAS, focusing on automation, encryption, and data privacy. Discover vital configuration tips, hardware recommendations, and automation strategies that ensure your system remains reliable and secure. With concrete examples and common pitfalls to avoid, you’ll gain the control you desire over your data.

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25 September 2025
AI
Building open source software for home automation

Explore the fundamental principles of creating a Community-Driven Smart Home through open source software. Discover strategies for fostering engagement, enhancing contributor onboarding, and increasing project sustainability. Learn how to measure community health and ensure a thriving ecosystem that adapts to evolving needs, ultimately leading to more reliable and innovative home automation solutions.

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25 September 2025
AI
Configuring Reolink devices in Home Assistant

Learn how to configure Reolink devices in Home Assistant and create a reliable integration for effortless monitoring. This guide offers clear steps for setting up camera streams and motion sensors, ensuring smooth operation without unnecessary hassle. Follow our expert tips on troubleshooting and optimisation for an effective Reolink integration.

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24 September 2025
AI
Configuring firewall rules for your AI home setup

Automating Your Home with AI: A Practical Blueprint for Local Control I keep my home automation local where possible. That gives me predictable latency, control over privacy settings and fewer cloudy failure modes. This guide walks through a hands-on path to AI home automation with local smart home control and practical firewall rules. No fluff. […]

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24 September 2025
AI
Creating a noise-free environment for your homelab

Creating a quiet homelab involves thoughtful decisions about room selection, hardware, and acoustic treatment. This guide provides practical strategies for minimising noise through careful planning and effective noise management techniques, ensuring a functional space that enhances your productivity without the distractions of excessive sound. Discover how to optimise your environment for peace and efficiency.

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24 September 2025
AI
Integrating multiple devices in a compact network cabinet

Designing a compact network cabinet for UK homes is essential for efficient homelab setups. This guide focuses on optimizing space, cooling, and aesthetics, ensuring reliability in networking.

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23 September 2025
AI
Cloning router VMs: a step-by-step guide

Cloning router VMs: a step-by-step guide to Backup Strategy I break things a lot. That is deliberate. The homelab is my testing ground for fixes before they

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23 September 2025
AI
Enhancing Wi-Fi 7 performance in your home lab

Unlock the full potential of your home lab with our guide to building a high-performance multi-gigabit setup using Omada gear. Streamline your Wi-Fi 7 for optimal performance!

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22 September 2025
AI
Keeping your Apple Wallet tidy and functional

Struggling with a cluttered Apple Wallet? Discover effective tips for decluttering your digital wallet, removing unused passes, and enhancing your payment experience.

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22 September 2025
AI
Build a Discord bot for image processing with Python

Unlock the potential of your Discord server with a simple Python bot for image processing. This guide covers everything from setup to external API integration, making bot creation effortless.

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