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.

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6 min

Connecting Xiaomi thermometers to Home Assistant

Integrating budget-friendly Bluetooth thermometers into a smart home system often requires bypassing proprietary cloud services. By installing open-source custom firmware, these devices can transmit sensor data using open standards for seamless local discovery. This setup further benefits from implementing a network-based bridge to extend signal range throughout the home.

diy gadgets home-assistant
18 min

Three weeks in New Zealand

This trip report covers a three-week journey across both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. The travel experience combines rental car explorations of volcanic landscapes and coastal areas with a multi-day camper van road trip through the South Island. It highlights various outdoor activities, key landmarks, and the logistical realities of traversing the country.

travelling roadtrip
3 min

Meet Wordiez - a vocabulary app curated by you

Wordiez helps you build a custom vocabulary library directly from the content you read, rather than relying on generic word lists. By integrating translation and spaced-repetition quizzes into your daily browsing, the tool ensures you only practice the specific words you personally encounter. You can manage your collection and study sessions across multiple platforms with seamless syncing.

apple frontend utilities