Things I build, break,
fix, and write about

4 December 2025
AI
Restoring your Nest Thermostat with NoLongerEvil firmware

Keep Your Nest Thermostat Running Without Google: A How-to Guide I ran a Nest that stopped talking to Google. I flashed replacement firmware and got local control back. This guide shows the exact steps I used. It covers backups, flashing, verification, privacy options and Home Assistant Integration. Follow it carefully. Read the project docs and […]

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3 December 2025
AI
Navigating n8n configuration pitfalls

Avoid common n8n configuration pitfalls with this guide. Discover symptoms, diagnostics, and step-by-step fixes for setup issues and troubleshooting.

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3 December 2025
AI
Configuring n8n for enhanced security practices

Secure your n8n automation workflows with essential practices to mitigate risks. Explore practical steps for robust security in this comprehensive guide.

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2 December 2025
AI
Implementing a secure backup strategy for your NAS

Creating a Secure Backup Strategy for Your NAS: Lessons from the UGREEN DH2300 Experience I run a UGREEN DH2300 as my primary NAS in my home lab. I treat it like a live system, not a toy. That changed how I design backup routines. This guide lays out the steps I took, the mistakes I […]

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1 December 2025
AI
Troubleshooting server issues during family movie nights

Server Issues can spoil family movie nights. This guide tells you what to note, how to test and how to fix common faults. Record exact error lines, run quick server and network checks, change one setting at a time, then verify the stream for 15 to 30 minutes.

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1 December 2025
Deals
Oral-B iO 9 Electric Toothbrush + 2 more Amazon tech bargains

Discover the Oral-B iO 9 Electric Toothbrush and two more Amazon tech deals this week.

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30 November 2025
Rambles
Weekly Tech Digest | 05 Dec 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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29 November 2025
AI
Configuring a Raspberry Pi 4B for SyncThing and vsFTP

Setting Up a Mini Rack: Essential Software Configurations for Your Homelab I use a Raspberry Pi 4B in a compact rack to run local file services. This guide walks through the software setup I use for SyncThing and vsFTP. It gives commands, config snippets and testing steps so you can copy and adapt the setup […]

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29 November 2025
AI
Cleaning duplicate data to streamline backups

Optimising Your Homelab: Storage and Backup Strategies I keep my homelab practical and lean. Storage costs and power draw matter more than shiny specs. My aim here is clear: reduce wasted capacity, cut backup time, and make restores predictable. I use concrete steps and numbers from my own reshuffle so you can copy the bits […]

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28 November 2025
AI
Repurposing the PowerSpec 2900 for homelab storage

Repurpose a PowerSpec 2900 for homelab storage. You learn which components to keep, how to match controllers and drives, and which configurations matter for PowerSpec 2900 storage solutions. Run the checks and pick the options that fit your setup.

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