Jozef Cipa
a backend engineer with a passion for IoT and automation
I build quiet, reliable systems in Node and Go — and, after hours, small hardware things that talk to them. This is where I write it down.
// blog
Recent notes
How I access my private homelab from the internet without a VPN
Accessing self-hosted services from outside a local network typically involves choosing between a complex VPN or exposing ports to the public internet. By implementing mutual TLS, devices present a client certificate during the connection handshake to prove their identity before any data is processed. This approach allows specifically authorized devices to access homelab services directly through a secure gateway, bypassing the need for manual VPN connections or recurring service fees.
Turning an old 27” iMac into an external monitor
This project explores repurposing a vintage 27-inch iMac into a functional external display. By gutting the outdated internal hardware and installing a modern controller board, it is possible to breathe new life into the iconic aluminum chassis. The process requires careful disassembly and custom wiring to ensure the screen and integrated speakers function seamlessly with modern computers.
Building a USB HID Device with Raspberry Pi Pico and TinyGo
This project explores the construction of a custom USB controller using a Raspberry Pi Pico and the TinyGo programming language. By leveraging the Human Interface Device protocol, the device captures physical button presses—such as short, double, and long triggers—and translates them into customizable reports. These events are then processed by a host-side application, which executes user-defined Lua scripts to perform actions like system commands.