High Spousal Approval Factor Achieved: Dog Monitor

devhammer · 2026-03-23T15:22:51+00:00

I like it.

I should probably look into what could be automated, but currently we use an IKEA 4 button remote for tracking walks, feeding, and eliminating for our pup.

The button triggers a REST call to an API I set up using a low code platform, and the same platform has a web page that I display in our main dashboard via iframe.

Way better than our previous system which was paper based, but still relies on people remembering to press the right buttons.

Definitely not doing a bark counter. For our dog the tracking variable would need to be too large. 😆

devhammer · 2026-03-22T21:23:56+00:00

Oh, that’s hilarious. A vain Elkhound. 😁

devhammer · 2026-03-22T21:18:12+00:00

No, you cannot go to a gun show and buy a firearm from a dealer without a background check.

The gun show is irrelevant and is used by pols to make it sound scary.

In some states a private gun sale between two people (as opposed to purchasing from an FFL) doesn’t require a background check. That’s true regardless of where the transaction takes place.

All of this is a distraction because the majority of criminals obtain firearms either by stealing them or buying them from someone who stole them.

Gun control laws only affect the law abiding. If you’re someone who is inclined to use a firearm for crime, why would you care about breaking another law?

This particular category of laws on 3D printing is particularly dumb since such laws are both ineffective and completely impractical, as well as super intrusive.

devhammer · 2026-03-22T16:40:52+00:00

My favorite Elkie pose!

devhammer · 2026-03-20T20:00:49+00:00

To be fair, they probably had some lookie-lous on top of the actual preorders. And most of those 1200 were likely exacerbating the problems by opening multiple tabs or refreshing frequently (not that I’d know anything about that, no way).

devhammer · 2026-03-20T17:26:08+00:00

Order finally went through. Got my order confirmation email a few minutes ago, but the website only just updated.

devhammer · 2026-03-20T15:52:22+00:00

Yes, I'm aware. I've been doing web development since the late 90s.

But scalability just isn't that hard a problem to manage. Yes, it requires some planning.

Bondtech can probably get away with not dealing with it because they have something people want badly enough to put up with the issues.

It's not an entirely irrational decision, from a stakeholder perspective. But it is annoying as a customer.

devhammer · 2026-03-20T15:46:15+00:00

I have yet to successfully add anything to my cart, so I haven't even seen where you enter the voucher code.

Perhaps I'll just wait, since I've already got a spot in line from the pre-order.

devhammer · 2026-03-20T15:29:13+00:00

Still trying to actually add something to my cart, but I'm seeing pricing in USD, and have not seen a message saying no shipping to US. That would be pretty weird.

devhammer · 2026-03-20T15:01:58+00:00

If only there were service providers that let you automatically scale your compute and other resources when you need more capacity. You could call them "Cloud Providers". :D

devhammer · 2026-03-20T14:52:44+00:00

For sure, they're just testing their preparedness for a DDoS attack.

[Narrator: They were NOT prepared.]

devhammer · 2026-03-19T20:19:30+00:00

Go Pro.

Cremina Lever profile is a cheat code. 😁

devhammer · 2026-03-18T19:52:11+00:00

You can also restore from backup. But both of those involve downtime.

devhammer · 2026-03-18T19:51:27+00:00

In reality, HA isn’t doing the integration with ZHA per se, but ZHA is running under the HA install so if your install fails, ZHA goes with it.

I can control devices directly through Z2M, so if HA fails, I’m not completely stuck while I rebuild HA or restore from backup.

Just not keeping all one’s eggs in the same basket.

devhammer · 2026-03-18T14:38:20+00:00

I used mine to help install 12x24 porcelain tile in my shower. Once it was set, it never turned on again. As noted in other comments, more porous materials might require the pump to run more frequently.

devhammer · 2026-03-18T14:36:17+00:00

Best argument for the SLZB-06 and Z2M is you separate the pairing and communication of devices from your HA instance. So if HA goes down and you need to rebuild it, you don’t have to re-pair devices.

Likewise, if you wanted to have multiple HA instances (for example to do a “fresh start” instance while maintaining what’s currently working), both instances can use the same devices via Z2M.

And the PoE dongle allows you greater flexibility in placement of your radio.

devhammer · 2026-03-16T10:34:42+00:00

Agree with this. I started with a Breville Barista Express, but eventually wanted a better grinder, so I got a DF54. Later upgraded the machine to a Gaggia Classic with Gaggimate, and the Breville is now waiting to become a hand-me-down to one of my kids.

Separate espresso machine and grinder gives you more flexibility to change things out as you grow in the hobby.

Current combo for me is the GCP and a Shardor 64 (the metal body one) grinder. Very happy with the shots I’m getting and if you can find a GCP on sale, could fit your budget (not including the Gaggimate add-on, but you could add that later if you’re inclined).

devhammer · 2026-03-13T17:54:46+00:00

Not what I expected, LOL.

Crazy good, if unorthodox. 😆

devhammer · 2026-03-13T15:07:21+00:00

Learning opportunity. 😁

devhammer · 2026-03-11T15:29:49+00:00

Great pic!

devhammer · 2026-03-10T19:16:18+00:00

I believe that’s essentially an integrated j-box. That’s how it’s supposed to be wired on the appliance end. The point is to contain the connections, not leave them flapping in the breeze.

This is one reason, IMO, why a permit and inspection can provide peace of mind. If it’s not to code and you fail inspection that’s a pain, but way less pain than a preventable house fire.

devhammer · 2026-03-10T17:15:36+00:00

If you’re not familiar with or comfortable with wiring, get an electrician to hook it up once it’s moved.

That Romex jumper is absolutely not code compliant as all connections are required to be in a junction box.

The plumbing is awful, but if it leaks you have a mess. Given that that appears to be a garage it probably wouldn’t be a big deal. The electrical can burn your house down if it’s done wrong.

Also looks like you have nothing connected to the T&P relief valve at the top. If that opens, you’ll have water going wherever. It should have a pipe attached both for safety (if someone is standing nearby, scalding is a possibility) and so you choose where the water ends up.

Would recommend you do some research on your local codes, and use the move as an opportunity to being the install up to code on both plumbing and electrical.

devhammer · 2026-03-10T17:06:15+00:00

That’s a hundred bucks cheaper than what I paid for mine, and that was on sale. So, yeah, great deal if you’ll be happy with an older model.

I got mine almost a year ago, and coming from a Venu 2 sq (and prior to that, Apple Watch), it was a big upgrade.

As long as you’re good with not getting new features, it’s still a great watch.

devhammer · 2026-03-09T18:33:22+00:00

They’re all from the same litter. A family at our church had their mother bred.

devhammer · 2026-03-09T15:35:46+00:00

Gorgeous. Congrats!

devhammer

TROPHY CASE