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Notes and write-ups
38 notes and counting. Filter by tag, or scroll — it's not that long.
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.
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.
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.
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 By gutting the outdated internal hardware and installing a modern controller board, it is possible to breathe new life into the iconic aluminum chassis.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.
Upgrading my iPod Classic
This project explores the modern utility of the iPod Classic by upgrading its aging components with contemporary flash storage and expanded battery capacity. The process details how these modifications transform a legacy device into a reliable, distraction-free music player. Beyond the hardware, it reflects on the appeal of personalizing obsolete electronics through creative restoration.
Exploring Scandinavia ‒ my journey to Nordkapp
This trip covers an 18-day, 7,000-kilometer motorcycle journey from Prague to the northernmost point of Europe and back. The account details the experience of riding through diverse Scandinavian landscapes, including forests, mountain ranges, and coastal fjords. By sharing daily highlights and logistical realities, this overview captures the essence of long-distance motorcycle travel.
My EDC collection
Everyday carry collections consist of personal items selected for their utility, reliability, or specific aesthetic appeal. This collection features a mix of modern mobile electronics, vintage audio devices, and functional tactile tools. Each piece serves a purpose in supporting daily tasks or providing a focused, analog experience away from constant digital connectivity.