NESDR Smart HF/VHF/UHF 100kHz-1.75GHz Software Defined Radio

NESDR Smart HF/VHF/UHF 100kHz-1.75GHz Software Defined Radio
This one gets a bit nerdy. I have a driveway monitor system that uses magnetic frequencies to detect cars in the driveway. The problem is that it runs at the same frequency as a lot of garage door openers causing a lot of false positives. I have an extensive camera setup, so I was more interested in using it as a way to log events than the loud chime in the house. That led me…

Home Assistant – How Did I Get Here?

Home Assistant
I am absolutely horrible at turning off lights. That's how it began. The color changing aspect of Hue bulbs was cool, but adding motion sensors was when I saw the power of automation. I expanded Hue and added Amazon's Alexa for voice control. Then I tried Samsung's SmartThings to integrate Hue with other things, but that was flaky. Next I tried Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi. That was enough to introduce me to what…

Getting Jacked – Modular Style

Getting Jacked – Modular Style
One of my obsessions is modular synthesizers. It's an instrument, a puzzle, a teacher and the most interesting paradox of complexity used to create peaceful music.

My how he has grown

My how he has grown
One of the benefits to the extended career break has definitely been getting to watch Draco, our Chocolate Lab, grow up. Luna is an exceptional big sister and they are the best of friends.

Earthquake Data

Earthquake Data
I get asked about Rainier and volcanos a lot. I decided to integrate some seismic data into Home Assistant today for information and future notifications.

Rainier Timelapse with Synology NAS

Rainier Timelapse with Synology NAS
When I set up the Synology NAS as my backup solution and security camera solution, one of the things I was curious about was the time lapse feature. I don't really have any need for time lapses of my security cameras, but I did add one special camera on the front of the house for this purpose. As I like to say, if Rainier does go, I'll have the best view in town. Here is…

Going Carbon Fiber for Camera Support

Going Carbon Fiber for Camera Support
The mirrorless switch has me excited to get out and shoot. With the 100-500mm lens requiring support in all but bright light, it was time to let my decades old Manfrotto tripod and monopod go and make the switch to Carbon Fiber. I went with SIRUI mostly, except I wasn't really a fan of their tripods, so I have a SIRUI gimbal head on iFootage brand legs. The weight savings is significant. Especially the gimbal…