Smart Home Switches for Older Homes: A Neutral-less Journey 🏠💡

For many of us living in older homes, the dream of a seamless smart home can quickly become a frustrating reality. A common hurdle? The lack of a neutral wire in switch boxes. This seemingly small detail, often missing from homes built before modern electrical codes, makes finding a compatible smart switch a real headache. My own journey has been a series of trial and error, a quest for the perfect solution that balances automation with intuitive, real-world control.

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The Smart Bulb Solution: A Flawed Start

My first attempt was the most straightforward: ditch the smart switch and go with smart bulbs. I installed them and then used switch guards to prevent anyone from accidentally turning off the power. This approach gave me remote control, but it was far from user-friendly. I configured the bulbs to turn on when power was restored, so a double-flip of the switch would activate them. But this was clunky, unintuitive, and didn't offer a simple way to turn them off from the wall. It was clear this wasn't the long-term answer.

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Third Reality: A Step Closer (with Caveats)

Next, I discovered Third Reality's over-the-switch actuators. These clever devices physically flip the existing light switch, offering both local control and smart home integration. They were a significant improvement, finally bridging the gap between remote and real-world control. However, they had their own set of drawbacks: they ran on batteries, which needed periodic replacement, and the physical actuator made a noticeable click every time it operated.

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Philips Hue: A Sleek but Still Imperfect Upgrade

Hoping to eliminate the noise, I moved on to a Philips Hue solution. This involved hardwiring the light fixture to be always on and using a Hue wall plate as a battery-powered Zigbee input device. The good news? It was silent and looked like a normal switch. The bad news? The battery life was even worse than the previous solution. Still, it had a couple of redeeming features: it included a second input that I repurposed for controlling smart blinds, and its clean design blended seamlessly with my home.

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The Current Approach: Powering Up with Inovelli

My current setup tackles the problem from two angles, both of which eliminate the need for batteries or noisy actuators. For fixtures with ceiling fans, I've started reconfiguring the wiring of circuit to provide direct power to both the fixture and the switch box. This is an ideal pairing with Inovelli's fan/light controller, which can be installed in the switch box and manage both fan and light functions.

For standard light fixtures, I've begun installing switches that don't require a neutral wire. These are designed to work in older homes and provide the smart functionality I've been looking for.

My next step is to level up my entire system by waiting for the release of Inovelli's Smart Presence Dimmer. This device promises to combine local operation with a presence sensor, which could be a game-changer for automating lights.

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Learnings

All of these iterations have been what seemed like the best solution short of rewiring my home. The technology for these solutions keeps improving and I seem to keep learning expensive lessons buying new solutions when they become available. This is largely why I haven't made the leap to purchase a robot mower yet. I think that is a pricey enough item that I should wait one or two more generations of improvements before trying to automate that. 

The Robot Vacuum Saga: A Journey of Upgrades

My relationship with robot vacuums has been a series of upgrades, each one a lesson in technology—and my own patience.

It all started with the most basic model, a chaotic little puck that was more of a menace than a convenience. It ate power cords for breakfast, got clogged on a regular basis, and honestly, the maintenance was barely an improvement over a traditional vacuum. When its battery finally started to give out after a few years, I happily passed it on.

My second vacuum was a true step up. It boasted a network connection and a self-emptying base, which meant I could finally tie it into my Home Assistant setup. This was a game-changer. The maintenance was minimal, though it still needed some help and occasionally failed to find its dock. When the battery started to fade, I replaced it without a second thought. But then the replacement battery died, and to top it off, the Home Assistant integration for Shark just stopped working. That's when I knew it was time for a serious upgrade.

I'm blown away by how much these things have improved in the last five years. I went big this time, opting for a top-of-the-line Roborock vacuum and mop combo. I chose a model that could be plumbed directly into my water line to eliminate the hassle of refilling.

The setup, including the Home Assistant integration, was incredibly easy and works perfectly. But for the ridiculous price, I was a little disappointed with what was in the box. The water supply line didn't fit my old faucet, which meant a trip to the hardware store. Connecting it to my sink was a whole other challenge, requiring six different adapters and a dishwasher spout to MacGyver a solution. They didn't even include a small sample of their cleaning fluid, though I will say the full bottle fits perfectly in the reservoir.

Despite a few hardware frustrations, the performance and convenience have been worth it. This vacuum feels like a truly smart home device, not just a gadget. It does seem to have a very gimmicky function I didn't anticipate. It claims to have the ability to search my home to find my pet while I am away. 

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.