Time to tackle cold air leaks

Time to tackle cold air leaks
First I'd like to get out of the way that this is a gadget that I have displayed insane self control not buying before now. Maybe it was the movie Predator. I'm not sure why I have always thought thermal cameras are the coolest thing, but I am sure why I have never bought one before...cost. I'm a pretty gadget budget friendly guy, but with the FLIR TG-165x coming in under $300 I couldn't resist.…

Chicken Casa v2

Chicken Casa v2
Most of the time, I figure out the key dimensions and just come up with my own design for everything. We sadly lost a chicken to a coyote and while the coop wasn't the problem, that put us at 4 chickens. We've decided to move up to 10-12 and the old coop was too small and kind of a pain to keep clean. A walk in shed is a much better option and I found…

Network & Home Automation Apps

Network & Home Automation Apps
In all, I have quite a few components keeping my home automation system running. Some are apps I use every day, some are for managing different parts of the infrastructure and a few are for entertainment. Nearly everything here runs in docker on my NAS or one of two dedicated docker servers. Home Assistant powers the automations and connectivity between a wide range of smart devices. Security system, locks, lights, HVAC, weather, various sensors and…

Do you need more than a M4 Mac Mini?

Do you need more than a M4 Mac Mini?
Anyone who knows me is well aware that I am really particular about my setup and organization in general. I just finished managing cables after switching out my old M1 Mac Mini I use in my office for a new M4. It's the 2nd M4 Mini I've purchased. I've been using one in the shop as a workstation for a few months now. I admit I don't push these computers too hard, but for a…

A love letter to Docker Compose

A love letter to Docker Compose
Today I moved my Home Assistant setup from the NAS it's been on for 3+ years, to my frigate server. With Frigate processing 15 cameras for objects, both the CPU and GPU rarely rose over 10%. I had noticed some response issues with Home Assistant and had eliminated all of the options except giving it more power. I wanted a clean slate with Home Assistant and planned to import what I needed as I added…

NGD – Les Paul Traditional Pro II

NGD – Les Paul Traditional Pro II
I am always horse trading. I'd had a Jackson guitar I wanted to move for awhile. What are the odds that I found someone on Craigslist asking to trade for the exact guitar I wanted to trade? I would never have bought a Les Paul with a Floyd Rose bridge, but I won't lie and say I haven't always wanted one.