Server Monitoring

I have a headless Linux server that I have previously written about for ripping media disks.  While I have had MQTT integrated into the bash script that notifies me when discs need to be changed I was still having to guess when the system was running out of recourses.  After messing with that script for close to an hour and hitting several issues, I decided to see if someone else had already solved this issue. 

System-MQTT  is a small rust service that uses have to compile themselves that solves for monitoring Linux services. While I have never written anything in rust, that application is very well written so I can easily enhance it if needed. Out of the box it does exactly what I needed it do. 

The sensors automatically show up in my Home Assistant instance since I already had MQTT setup on the system. The server name is automatically prepended to each sensor name and the configuration file for System-MQTT allows specifying the update period, but given the slow nature of file growth for my use case, I left it at the default value of 30 seconds.

My next project will probably be making use of one of the similar freely avalible integrations to get my Unraid meta data into Home Assistant. 

Shed Renovations and Tech Upgrades: Transforming My Outdoor Workspace

Lately, I've been diving into a renovation project that has long been on my to-do list—my shed. This once-sturdy structure had seen better days, with a roof that desperately needed attention. The shingles were battered by falling branches from nearby trees, and previous patch jobs were more than evident. So, I decided to give it a well-deserved makeover, starting with a new polycarbonate roof and a fresh coat of paint. Not only did this spruce up its appearance, but it also provided a proper weather seal to protect the shed from the elements.

As with most home improvement projects, I couldn’t resist the urge to add some tech to enhance its functionality.

Lighting the Way: Solar-Powered Exterior Light

First on the list was installing an exterior light. I opted for a solar-powered, motion-activated fixture positioned above the door’s overhang. Now, fumbling with the padlock in the dark is a thing of the past. This small upgrade has made a world of difference, especially during late-night visits to the shed.

Step Inside: Smart Interior Lighting

Inside the shed, I continued the trend with another motion-activated light. This one hangs centrally and comes with a remote control, allowing me to set different modes based on my needs. Whether I’m grabbing tools or working on a project, I now have the convenience of hands-free illumination, making the shed usable at any hour.

Breathing Easy: Solar-Powered Ventilation

The final tech addition (for now) is a solar-powered fan for ventilation. Admittedly, this wasn’t a must-have, but I had a sizable hole that needed sealing, so it was a perfect opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. The fan helps keep the interior at a more comfortable temperature, which might finally encourage me to use the workbench that’s been gathering dust since I bought the house years ago.

Looking Ahead: Smart Home Integration Possibilities

While these upgrades haven’t yet been integrated into my smart home system, the motion sensors are a simple, smart solution that operates independently of the internet. I’m toying with the idea of adding a door sensor or a ZigBee-connected motion sensor to track my shed usage more precisely. Other future projects might include installing a solar-powered camera or turning the shed into a base for a weather station, further tying it into my Home Assistant system.

Diving into Ludum Dare 55: A Tale of Fishy Summons and Techno Tricks!

Ah, Ludum Dare—the adrenaline-fueled marathon where sleep-deprived developers unite to create magic in 72 hours (or 48, for the hardcore solo warriors). This time around, I ventured into the fray with a motley crew of old friends, fellow gamers, and a lone remote comrade, mostly gathered under one roof to tackle the challenge head-on.

Our hopes were high for a theme like fishing to reel us in, but alas, the community opted for "Summoning" as the guiding light for our creative endeavors. Undeterred, we decided to cast our nets wide, blending the aquatic allure of fishing with the mystical art of summoning. Picture this: arcane weapons materializing at your command, each imbued with unique powers to fend off relentless foes in a bullet hell extravaganza reminiscent of Touhou games. It is available to play here on itch.io.

As we dove headfirst into development, camaraderie flourished amid the chaos. Reunions with long-lost pals became a delightful distraction from the ticking clock, with laughter and reminiscence punctuating our coding marathons. And while I may not be fluent in Godot, I made my mark, contributing some technically and sprinkling the pot with creative sparks.

Our submission, "Veiled Ocean: Echoes of Nautical Grief," emerged from the crucible of collaboration, behind the scenes it contains intricate systems for character management, projectile mayhem, and immersive storytelling. Yet, like any ambitious endeavor, we encountered our share of challenges. Our level design, while functional, lacked the finesse we craved. Sure, victory was attainable with perseverance, but the journey felt uneven, with some stages tipping the scales too heavily in favor of the prepared.

But amidst the trials and triumphs, a stroke of genius illuminated our journey—a techno-tinged spectacle that merged the digital with the physical. Enter the smart home wizardry: lights pulsating to the rhythm of "Push It" by Salt-N-Pepa, heralding each victorious merge with GitHub's blessing. It was a symphony of automation, orchestrated by webhooks and Home Assistant's Github integration, dancing to the beat of our coding conquests.

As the dust settles and the clock winds down, we await the verdict of the Ludum Dare gods. Will our creation stand the test of scrutiny, or fade into obscurity? Only time will tell. But one thing's for certain: the fire ignited within us burns brighter than ever, fueling our anticipation for the next adventure. With eyes set on the horizon, I vow to hone my skills in Godot, preparing a CI/CD pipeline to streamline our journey from commit to deployment.

So here's to the thrill of creation, the bonds forged in the crucible of collaboration, and the promise of endless possibilities in the ever-expanding universe of game development. Until the next jam beckons, let's keep pushing the boundaries, one line of code at a time. Cheers to Ludum Dare, and may the games continue to inspire and unite us all! 🎮🚀

Mowing Tracking Update: Reconsidering the Robot Mower Option

Last year, I delved into the idea of investing in a robot mower through this blog. To make an informed decision, I meticulously tracked my lawn maintenance efforts throughout the previous mowing season. Over the course of the year, I found myself engaging in this chore precisely 12 times. Typically, completing all yard work tasks—mowing, edging, and clearing clippings—takes me approximately 2 hours each time. While the actual mowing itself constitutes slightly over half of this time, to be fair to the potential benefits of a robot mower, I'll conservatively estimate a 75% time savings, presuming I can forego the need for blowing clippings with the switch. Thus, adopting a robot mower could potentially save me a total of about 18 hours of labor in a single year.

Considering the current market options, prices range from $700 at the lower end to $2100 at the higher end of what's reasonable. Given my experience with robotic vacuums, and the inherently greater risks associated with a mower, I'm inclined to lean towards the higher end options. Assuming a lifespan of around 2 years for a robot mower, the value of the time I would recover calculates to approximately $58.33 per hour—a figure that seems reasonable based on my salary.

However, there's another aspect to consider: the health benefits of manual labor. Spending a couple of hours every other week engaging in physical activity might actually be beneficial for my well-being. Let's be honest; I could use the exercise. So, while the allure of reclaimed time is enticing, there's a part of me that recognizes the value in the physical exertion and fresh air associated with tending to the lawn manually.

For now, I've decided to stick with what works, especially since my current gas-powered lawn mower is still operational. Perhaps when it finally calls it quits, I'll reassess the situation and reconsider the robot mower option or perhaps I might take a step backward and use a reel mower to further minimize my carbon footprint.

If I'm keen on further automating household chores to free up more time, I believe my money would be better spent upgrading my robot vacuum to one that also integrates a mopping function. I've been toying with the idea of modifying a washer pedestal to accommodate the docking station for such a device. This concept would expand upon the existing high-end options that are designed to be plumbed into both fresh and waste water pipes, offering a more comprehensive solution for maintaining a clean home environment.

Revamping Your Commute: E-Biking Efficiency and Roof Rack Considerations

As the vibrant hues of spring emerge, I find myself once again contemplating how to optimize my daily commute for efficiency. Last summer, I embarked on occasional walks to work, reveling in the fresh air and exercise when weather and schedule permitted. However, with a commute spanning 5 miles, the journey often consumed a considerable chunk of my morning, averaging around 1 hour and 40 minutes due to leisurely pacing and the occasional wait at traffic lights.

Enter the e-bike—a game-changer in my quest for a swifter commute. While not as electricity-efficient as walking, the transition to an electric-powered bike significantly slashed my travel time to a mere 25 minutes, a mere 10-minute increment from my car commute. Given that my vehicle is a plug-in hybrid, both modes of transportation are powered by electricity. Tracking the battery recharge usage during my bike commutes revealed a modest average of 0.2 kilowatt-hours, in stark contrast to the 2.5 kilowatt-hours consumed by my car for the same trip.

With the e-bike in tow, it became prudent to strategize for scenarios where pedaling alone wouldn't suffice. Enter the dilemma of transportation: how to carry the bike conveniently without compromising fuel efficiency? Alas, my car's aerodynamic design rendered the conventional hatch/trunk-mounted bike rack impractical, leaving the roof rack as the viable solution. Opting for the Thule Wingbar Evo system not only facilitated bike transport but also laid the groundwork for future adventures, including the possibility of kayaking escapades.

Acknowledging the inevitable dip in fuel efficiency, I've embarked on a meticulous evaluation process, comparing the average electric fuel efficiency over the next few months, leveraging historical data accumulated from years of driving sans roof rack. The beauty of the Thule system lies in its versatility and ease of installation—equipped with a single key system and torque wrench, mounting and dismounting become seamless endeavors. Convenient alignment holes pre-drilled into my car's frame further streamline the process, ensuring hassle-free adjustments as needed.

As I anticipate occasional longer road trips, the prospect of swiftly removing the roof rack in a matter of minutes provides a comforting reassurance, granting me the freedom to adapt my vehicle configuration to suit varying travel demands.

In essence, while the transition to e-biking introduces nuances to my commute, the integration of a roof rack signifies a thoughtful step towards versatility and adventure, demonstrating that efficiency need not be sacrificed for exploration. Hopefully the ebike and the roof rack will balance each other out and prove to be a net improvement to my carbon foot print.

Revamping My Home Assistant Setup: A Power-Saving Journey

Embarking on a mission to revamp my Home Assistant setup, I waved goodbye to my trusty Raspberry Pi and welcomed a dedicated x86 system into the mix. Surprisingly, this shift wasn't about beefing up performance but rather about optimizing power consumption, with a side benefit of streamlining my setup and waving goodbye to my energy-guzzling Unraid NAS for most of my day.

The hardware I repurposed for this endeavor initially served as a router/firewall, boasting a generous 6 2.5Gb ethernet ports. Admittedly, it felt like overkill at first glance, but since it was just gathering dust in storage, it became the obvious choice. A quick tweak involving installing a larger SSD to handle caching for immediate media consumption sealed the deal.

Transitioning with the help of Home Assistant OS's backup capabilities was surprisingly smooth sailing. However, the plot thickened when I threw MariaDB and Nginx Proxy Manager into the mix. While sticking solely to official Add-ons would have been a breeze, my setup's complexities demanded a bit of extra finesse. Anticipating issues with MariaDB, I preemptively created separate backups, ensuring I didn't lose crucial data during the transition.

Initially, the primary backup seemed flawless, but the real challenge arose during the restoration of MariaDB. After a frustrating uninstall-reinstall cycle, sacrificing historical data in the process, things seemed to stabilize. Or so I thought. As the day unfolded, accessing the system internally and externally became a game of whack-a-mole. Blaming my Google Wifi system at first, I juggled with MAC addresses and port forwarding rules, only to realize that the real culprit lay elsewhere.

Cue the re-restoration, this time opting to hold off on installing the Nginx Proxy Manager Add-on until after manually reinstalling MariaDB. Lesson learned: sometimes, the order of operations is everything.

With the dust settled, I've seamlessly integrated my Unraid system's SMB share, granting access to a single Plex instance that effortlessly toggles between media stored on Home Assistant's SSD cache and the larger library on Unraid. The result? I can now power down the energy-hungry Unraid beast until it's absolutely necessary, saving a whopping 250 watts of continuous power consumption while only adding a modest 15 watts to Home Assistant's load.

In the end, this hardware upgrade isn't just about saving power; it's a testament to the beauty of adaptability and the joy of a finely tuned smart home setup.

The next step that I still need to investigate is learning more about Maria DB. While my current Home Assistant instance lacks my historic data that was lost in this migration, that data still exists on my Raspberry Pi. If I want to invest the time, I can probably figure out how to export the data to my current system. But alas that is a project for another weekend.

Keto Journey: A Rollercoaster of Success and Carb Temptations

So, here we are, folks—time for a Keto Challenge Update! Let me just say, staying committed to my diet until Pi day felt like a personal victory. Sure, I had a couple of "cheat days" on Groundhog Day and Leap Day—after all, as they say, "Real life is for March." But despite those minor detours, I proudly stepped on the scale on March 14th to find myself staring back at a number I hadn't seen in a while: 266.8 pounds. That's right, a staggering 32-pound loss. Now, sure, some of that initial drop was probably water weight bidding me adieu, but a significant chunk of it? That was pure, unadulterated fat crying out for mercy.

Now, let's talk tools of the trade. I've become something of a data-collecting aficionado on this journey. My arsenal includes the Carb Manager app, my trusty blood glucose meter, a blood ketone meter for those deep dives into ketosis, the Withings scale to keep me honest, the Withings blood pressure monitor for good measure, and let's not forget my ever-reliable smartwatch. Do I understand every nuance of this mountain of data I've collected? Not entirely. But hey, knowledge is power, right? And who knows, maybe somewhere down the line, all those data points will come together like pieces of a puzzle, guiding me toward some groundbreaking dietary revelation. Or at least helping me figure out if that extra square of dark chocolate is worth it.

Now, onto the future. I've got my sights set on another stint of keto goodness to keep chipping away at those pesky weight issues. But before I dive headfirst back into the land of bacon and avocados, there's a small matter of emptying out my chest freezer. See, during the winter months, that freezer is a godsend, allowing me to stock up on all manner of carb-heavy comfort foods without risking life and limb in the grocery store during a snowstorm. But come summer, it's time to bid adieu to my frozen carb stash. Not only does it put undue stress on the poor freezer, but let's face it, it's not doing my waistline any favors either.

So there you have it, folks. The ups, the downs, and the frozen pizzas lurking in my freezer. This keto journey of mine is far from over, but with a little perseverance and a whole lot of data, I'm confident I'll get to where I want to be. And hey, if all else fails, there's always Pi day to look forward to next year.

Green Thumb: A Smart Approach to Watering

They say the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, but hey, the second best time is right now, isn't it? Inspired by this wisdom, I finally decided to add a touch of green to my home. After much contemplation, I settled on two dwarf trees: a charming apple tree for the back yard and a delightful cherry tree for the front. Opting for dwarfs not only promises easier fruit harvesting but also ensures minimal interference with my home's solar panels. Sure, there's a slight possibility that the cherry tree might cast a shadow on my panels, but compared to the towering trees across the street, it's a negligible concern.

Initially, I toyed with the idea of planting both trees in the back yard to safeguard my solar setup. However, the thought of my furry friend turning into a cherry-stained furball and darting through his doggy door quickly caused me to dismiss that notion.

These aren't just any trees; they're what I like to call "jubilee trees." What's special about them? Well, they boast branches that promise a cornucopia of flavors. My apple tree, for instance, will grace me with the delights of Liberty, Honey Crisp, Gala, and Granny Smith apples. As for the cherry tree, it's a medley of Bing, Stella, Lapin, and Rainer cherries. Each variety brings its unique taste, ensuring a palate-pleasing harvest.

Now, onto the watering regimen. With the initial weeks demanding daily attention and the foreseeable future requiring routine care, I knew I needed a smart solution. Cue the reinstallation of my trusty Orbit B-Hyve smart watering devices. However, this task wasn't without its challenges. Neglected over the winter months, these devices decided to greet me with leaks upon reconnection. Disassembling them revealed the culprit: displaced tubing due to winter's icy grip. A bit of careful re-threading, and voilà, problem solved!

While I'm yet to locate the elusive Wi-Fi adapter for the Orbit system, the devices still play nice via Bluetooth and their smartphone app. Admittedly, the app leaves much to be desired, and the reliance on external networks isn't my cup of tea. But for now, it serves its purpose, sparing me the hassle of crafting my own solution or splurging on a high-end, locally controllable system.

As I gaze upon my newly planted trees, I can't help but envision the literal fruits of today's labor a couple of years down the line. Here's to nurturing nature and reaping the rewards it bestows upon us. Cheers to green thumbs and smart watering!

Elevating Piano Learning with modern technology: From the One Smart Piano to Piano Vision App

In the whirlwind of life changes brought about by the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, my aspiration to learn the piano took a backseat amidst the chaos. Before the world turned upside down, I had invested in a One Smart Piano, enticed by its promise of illuminating keys to guide my fingers through the melody. However, as remote work blurred the boundaries between professional and personal life, my structured practice routine fell by the wayside.

But as the dust settled and I found myself navigating the new normal, I decided to reignite my passion for piano with a modern twist—virtual reality. Enter Piano Vision app for the Oculus Quest headset, a revolutionary tool that has redefined my learning experience.

Gone are the days of struggling to find motivation amidst the blur of working from home. With the Piano Vision app, learning feels like a thrilling adventure rather than a mundane chore. Utilizing the Quest's mixed reality capabilities, the app transforms any flat surface into a digital piano , or better yet, synchronizes seamlessly with a MIDI-compatible piano for unparalleled accuracy.

One of the app's standout features is its ability to display upcoming notes akin to the iconic interface of Guitar Hero, providing a visual roadmap of the melody ahead. It's as if I'm embarking on a musical journey, chasing notes instead of frets, with each successful keystroke bringing me closer to mastering the song.

The genius behind the app has harnessed technology to enhance the learning process, bridging the gap between traditional piano instruction and modern innovation. While I may not rival Mozart anytime soon, I'm fueled by the prospect of mastering the two songs that initially inspired me: "Walking in Memphis" and the beloved "Cheers Theme."

Beyond mere proficiency, my goal is simple— answering that all-too-familiar rhetorical question that people ask after they see someone playing an instrument for the first time: "You can play the piano?" with a truthful sarcastic sounding answer that I can actually only play that one song. And while my repertoire may be limited to either one or two songs, each note serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the boundless possibilities of technology-enhanced learning.

In this digital age, the journey from novice to virtuoso is no longer confined to the confines of a traditional classroom. With tools like the Piano Vision app, anyone with a dream and a Quest headset can embark on their musical odyssey, one keystroke at a time. So, here's to the future of piano learning—where innovation meets inspiration, and the notes of tomorrow are just a VR headset away.

Keto Chronicles: A Weight Loss Journey with Determination and Data

Since July 2022, I've been on a serious mission to shed those extra pounds, and the journey has been nothing short of transformative. Over the past year and a half, I've bid farewell to around 50 pounds, employing the keto diet in strategic bursts. It's been a dance with water weight, the elusive companion that seems to vanish and reappear with every foray into or retreat from the ketogenic realm.

As the calendar turned, I decided to make a New Year's resolution that would challenge my commitment to keto like never before. The goal? Stick with the ketogenic diet until March 14th—a significant date that not only marks Pi Day but also heralds the celebration of annual bonuses at my workplace. A dual incentive to maintain discipline and savor the rewards both on and off the scale.

So far, my dedication has been unwavering, and my trusty breathalyzer, the ketone-tracking companion, reports a consistent 0.3 mmol/L. The result? A remarkable drop from 298.6 lb to 287.3 lb in the first three weeks of the challenge. The numbers on the scale tell a story of commitment and progress.

Embracing a new tactic to amplify my keto success, I've welcomed the Carb Manager app into my routine. Now, not only am I monitoring carb intake, but I'm also keeping a watchful eye on ketones, glucose levels, and weight. This holistic approach aims to propel me into the ideal ketone range, as I strive for a more profound understanding of the intricate dance between nutrition and ketosis.

The journey continues, with each breathalyzer reading and Carb Manager entry serving as a testament to the commitment and discipline required to achieve weight loss goals. As Pi Day approaches, I'm not just anticipating a slice of celebration but relishing the triumphs of a keto journey that extends beyond mere numbers on a scale. It's a holistic transformation—one that's shaping not just my body but also my understanding of mindful eating and the resilience that comes with unwavering determination. Here's to March 14th and the victories that await both in the workplace and on the wellness front!

Navigating Smart Home Updates: A Cautionary Tale and the Importance of Due Diligence

In the ever-evolving landscape of smart homes, staying up-to-date with software updates is crucial. However, there are times when the convenience of modern technology clashes with the fear of potential disruptions. Let me share my recent experience with delaying updates on my Home Assistant instance and the lessons I learned along the way.

Living in a smart home powered by Home Assistant adds a layer of dependency on technology. While the ability to control lights or adjust the thermostat manually still exists, any prolonged outage feels like a leap back into the stone age. With this mindset, I found myself hesitating to install new updates, considering my Home Assistant instance as mission-critical.

One of the key lessons I've learned is the importance of diligent research before applying updates. While I acknowledge the need to read release notes thoroughly, I confess to being occasionally lax in this due diligence. This oversight nearly led to a significant issue with the recent update to the Nginx Proxy Manager.

The update, marked as version 1.0, clearly stated that it would remove all configured proxies. This critical piece of information, was clearly outlined in the release notes, could have caused substantial disruptions had I not taken the time to review them. It's surprising that there isn't a built-in backup/export option within the Nginx Proxy Manager, adding an extra layer of caution to the update process.

Fortunately, my delay in applying this particular update proved beneficial. Browsing through the HomeAssistant subreddit, I stumbled upon numerous users sharing their grievances about the update. Leveraging their experiences, I manually documented the various routes I had exposed for my services running as Home Assistant addons. This documentation might aid in future recovery efforts if I ever encounter a catastrophic failure as Nginx Proxy Manager relies on the MariaDB which is notoriously difficult to recover backups of with Home Assistant.

This step-by-step approach helped me avoid the pitfalls that others had encountered. Also by conducting the update during a period when I knew I would have ample time to address any issues and deal with a planned outage of critical services by adjusting my various smart devices to ideal states while the update was conducted.

While I typically include screenshots in my documentation, I refrained from doing so in this instance. Unlike exposed ports, various subdomains aren't readily advertised to the general public. Recognizing the potential security risks, especially considering the days of exposed ports and basic port scans, I opted to keep this information confidential.

In conclusion, my journey through this smart home update serves as a cautionary tale. It emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to updates—promptness tempered with thorough research. In the realm of smart homes, where technology is both a convenience and a vulnerability, staying informed is the key to a seamless and secure experience.