I have a few Reolink cameras. Recently, I noticed the time of many of the cameras was not set correctly.
Since, I keep all of my IOT and Security devices isolated from the internet, they are not able to communicate with the pre-defined external NTP server. However, I do have a NTP server running on my opnsense firewall which they do have access to.
But, it appears the ability to set a custom NTP server no longer exists in the reolink’s configuration page.
This is a simple review, with a few steps for the First Alert Z-Wave CO/Smoke detectors.
A while back, after converting my primary thermostat over to z-wave, I found a creative way of managing my thermostat’s schedules using the scheduler-card.
Well, I recently installed a new mini-split for my bedroom/office, and needed to integrate and maintain my schedules via home assistant. So, I decided to redo my schedules a bit.
I found the scheduler-card has a “make-scheme” button, which is far more intuitive for creating schedules then what I put together in PART 1. In hindsight, this feature existed then as well…
The goal of this article, is to simplify everything as much as possible. Simpler automation, is more reliable automation generally.
My house has had a Emerson Sensi thermostat for the last 6 or 7 servers. While, this thermostat has served its purpose, and worked reliably (locally), I have had the ongoing issue of having to integrate it into my Home Assistant by using it through the Smart Things Integration. This cloud integration randomly stops working, and does not give very much warning regarding its status.
Normally, this wouldn’t be a huge issue, but, a few years back, I automated my fireplace. So, my fireplace will kick on during the day, to avoid heating the entire house, saving energy. Since, the fireplace bases its temp on the MAIN thermostat located in the center of the house, its important to have somewhat accurate details.
So, I have decided to upgrade both the fireplace, as well as my thermostat, to leverage z-wave.
How to get started with 433mhz based automation and sensors.
This article, will provide the basic steps, for integrating 433mhz based sensors, using docker containers, and an RTL-SDR
This week, I started installing WS2813 individually addressable LEDs around the house. I made a few simple patterns containing colors relevant to Thanksgiving and Christmas.
After manually turning on the lights for the 3rd day in a row… I thought to myself… This is automatable. So- I started down the quest to make it happen.