parental control for internet using OpenDNS
BACKGROUND There are a number of products out there which use different methods for filtering content. Because my home network is very customized, many of the consumer products out there don’t offer the flexibility I need as a parent without “dumbifying” my network. I have invested a great deal of time and some money on […]
Read MoreSonoff WiFi Switch: How to flash a non-cloud firmware
Sonoff: A Versatile WiFi Switch I have been playing a lot with home automation technologies and the ESP82XX/arduino platform as hardware interfaces to my ever expanding control system. Most of the stuff I’m implemented has been Z-Wave, but though Z-Wave is an excellent technology, it is rather pricey to acquire. Since the ESP8266 & ESP8285 […]
Read MoreESP8266 WiFi module used with Domoticz
First Project with the ESP8266 WiFi/MCU Module The ESP8266 is an inexpensive WiFi-Serial MCU module that allows you to create sensors, switches, or just about any WiFi enabled connectivity for projects. In my project, I decided to embark on a learning exercise by creating a real time energy threshold monitor to monitor my electricity usage […]
Read MoreMotion triggered camera
I recently setup a wireless front door security camera to watch and notify of any visitors to our front porch. During the holidays, there’s a lot of package stealing being reported in the news. I am prepared! My home made system does the following: uses passive infrared (PIR) to detect motion within 30 feet sends […]
Read More3 Flickering Candle Holiday Light
DIY Holiday Flickering Lights Happy Holidays to all! In case you are in the spirit to DIY your own window candles or make a flickering lantern/fixture, here’s a Arduino sketch I wrote that has lifelike flickering of up to 3 channels (candles). If you only want one channel per light, just comment out the 2nd […]
Read MoreKill idle timeout on Managed PCs
The Busy Bee Chip Does your employer or organization have a pushed policy that prevents you from changing your computer’s sleep/idle screen lock? I have developed a solution, read on: A typical computing experience without Busy Bee Chip You’re busy throughout the day and you may have answered a 12 minute phone call from a […]
Read MoreAdd any printer to the cloud
Abstract A mobile lifestyle is a way of life these days. We have devices in our pockets, and the cloud is becoming more of a household resource than it ever was. How often did you open an email on your mobile device (tablet, phone, etc) only to find that you really needed to go your […]
Read MoreUse a PBX in your home to manage calls
New article on how to use a PBX to manage calls in your home with some really cool features!
Read MoreRaspberry Pi Home Automation System
Check out my new article on using a Raspberry Pi and Aeon Labs Z-Stick to automate my home: https://wizworks.net/projects/home-automation Enjoy! Ideas, comments, suggestions welcome.
Read MoreD-Spot running in overseas hotel
D-Spot use overseas in hotel One of several of my international trips (Adelaide, Australia) where I setup D-Spot tethered by USB to my iPad mini (t-mobile with unlimited international roaming @ edge speeds). Since D-Star requires very little bandwidth, edge speeds were perfect and D-Spot performed awesomely. Here you can see D-Spot and the iPad […]
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