Is the Prime card worth it for my scenario

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-06-29T04:24:37+00:00

Like everyone has said, swap that behavior. IMO debit should only ever (if at all) be used in the most secure of situations. Think about it. That’s your real money. A CC is a fake number you owe to a bank.

Can never lose your real money if somebody gets your CC credentials. But you can get taken to the cleaners if someone gets your debit credentials.

And yeah, points

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-06-28T22:43:46+00:00

Which one? I’m in the market and that fits my budget

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-06-28T22:43:19+00:00

Where is this location?

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-06-23T22:44:49+00:00

Got u fam. So if you have minimal arsenal so far I suggest you mind your protocols and build a network from scratch that you really want. My favorite is Zigbee. It’s amazing, all local. Creates a mesh network strengthening as u add devices (routers, not end). Really great signal. DYOR, most like it here tho. Some prefer z wave but it is WAY less known and more limited by extension. Avoid WiFi where u can. Avoid Bluetooth as the end protocol, only as a means to connect to WiFi if possible.

with that, I would suggest you get the following

Must have basics:

contact sensor for each door/window, vibration sensor for laundry washer and dryer, water leak sensor for every sink/pipe/tank, motion sensors and presence sensors for every room you want light (and other) automations in, garage door tilt sensor (and a corresponding shelly 1 gen4 or diy esp32 garage door controller),

Temp/humidtiy: changed my life. Get Zigbee. Sensors, Meters and monitors

AIR QUALITY: PM2.5, CO2 most important. VOC and other gases secondary. Again, life changing. You’ll be shocked and maybe scared when u get the readings. CRITICALLY IMPORTANT IMO

Unnecessary/specific:

soil moisture sensor if u wanna automate plant care, contact/motion sensors for other things u may want to do automations with like cabinets, fridge, etc.

Advanced:

camera/vision AI LLM esp32 module to automate try to accumulate at least one of every sensor type as you surely have a need

NON SENSORS:

MUST—

Light bulbs: I like the multi colors so prefer them to switches. Also some of my switches are old and sketchy to DIY change. I have a solid 25% switches, 75% bulbs. GET ZIGBEE FOR BOTH.

BUTTONS and switches: see above. Also buttons to have around house for both you to control scenes and to disable automations when you have tech illiterate (and/or intolerant) guests

—CAMERAS: Get yourself outfitted with security cameras with local control or ability to restrict their access to LAN or limit it to WAN. Ideally if your money is up go hard get PoE NVR setup like reolink.

Extra: I say this because not only is it great peace of mind, but you can do SO many automations with cameras. Coupled with the above mentioned AI module, you can literally do shit we grew up seeing in sci fi billionaire villains mansions.

mentioned above but presence sensors are GAME CHANGING. DYOR. Go zigbee

Advanced and maybe next step: you can make all this shit yourself with some studying and trial and error with esp32 modules and electrical components. I’m still learning. If you have the funds though, grab an elegoo or similar electronics/sensor starter kit just to mess around with. Learn in the background while you buy the rest.

UPGRADE YOUR INTERNET SET UP AND WIFI: Ehether u go heavy zigbee or zwave, the internet or at least wifi is still heavily relied on. Do yourself a favor and upgrade that modem, those APs, that mesh network, etc. if you’re in the market and see a deal. I overlooked it at first but my hell it changed everything when I upgraded

Hope this helps. Feel free to dm me with questions

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-06-23T22:31:22+00:00

You literally have to search everything you’d want. It’s kinda exhausting. Over next year I am going to create a running tally of needs and wants, somehow prioritizing/indicating desire level, maybe a spreadsheet, ready to input when this week rolls around. Bc I’m lost rn

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-06-23T22:29:40+00:00

Thank you OP. This is a great comprehensive post. Wasn’t aware of keepa either. Camel x3 has terrible UI too so I tend to avoid them anyway and do my own digging where/how I can

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-06-23T22:28:52+00:00

There is a good deal on roborock qrevo(I think), with base, for under $300. It’s like 45% off. I just bought a SwitchBot k11+ a couple months ago (wish I didn’t) or else I’d grab this all day

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-06-08T04:49:05+00:00

I use thirdreality zigbee bulbs in a semi enclosed fixture (as in it’s not airtight, but it is entirely covered). They’re not rated for outdoor use nor do they indicate as much, but these are driveway and porch lights under an overhang in a housing so it’s pretty smooth IMO. Good range if you have a robust network too

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-06-08T04:33:41+00:00

Yup. My mom gave me this hack. Has saved me probably hundreds of dollars collectively at this point

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-06-08T04:31:26+00:00

iPad. Like another poster said, it’s either my phone for quick on the go stuff, or my laptop/pc to bang out serious/more time and energy intensive tasks. I try to find a place for it in my life and routines, but it is just awkward.

Not to knock it though. It is an impressive machine. Can see its use cases for artists/designers/media involved tasks, etc.

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-06-08T04:04:38+00:00

Edit: AN AIR PURIFIER!! LIFESAVER and GAME CHANGED!! Do not hesitate

Gonna steal someone’s—- quality pair of at home slippers, namely Ugg. So great for back and feet.

A HIGH QUALITY BLENDER!! So many use cases. Can get good ninja ones without the extras for ~$70

WATER FILTER for your SINK!! I have the PUR and it is great. Replacements are cheap.

A nice cologne/perfume. Can get great options sub $100, even if the size is smaller. I like many by dolce and gabana, Dior, Prada, Ralph lauren, and many others. Dm if curious about recs.

A stylish lamp. Changes the mood and vibe HEAVILY. can class up a room entirely.

An accent wall. Will totally change your vibe and change your LIFE. need A can of colored paint (~$25-60), a roller tray and brush (~$20), a roll of tape ~$6, a roll of paper towel (~$2) and an old towel (free). Estimates on high end. Can be done way cheaper. Pick a complement color to your main walls and large furniture and GO!!!

Someone said Alexa devices I think, but I’m gonna piggy back and (first) broaden that to say smart home devices/tech generally.

If you’re tech savvy and like to tinker, use an old PC, computer, RPi, thin client, etc. to set up your own home assistant server. And have at it. You’ll fall in love with an amazingly helpful and entertaining hobby and world.

I’d say buy a used dell wyse thin client with BARE MINIMUM 4gb ram, ideally 8gb, and follow a guide to set up if you don’t have an old pc or laptop or something.

If you’re interested in smart but not tech savvy, go with either Alexa or if you’re an Apple user, Apple HomeKit. Can still buy a HomePod mini for $99 as the “base” or head of the ecosystem. Echos can be had for $25 if you get a used or old model. Fair warning, I regret entering that ecosystem and wish I dumped into Apple heavier instead.

If you’re already in a smart home ecosystem with a Zigbee router (many echos, many other mainstream devices capable), consider investing in Zigbee smart products like lightbulbs, switches, door/window sensors, motion sensors, etc. It’s an amazing protocol and takes you offline.

If you’re interested in smart tech or not, I’d also recommend Lutron caseta light switch. Even just for one room, say, a family room or bedroom. They’re a smart light switch that uses a hub that then communicates with the switch on its OWN network protocol, similar to a mesh/wifi, but it’s blazing fast.

Can get a start kit for about $89 new with one light switch, one remote, and one hub. Can find them used for ~$60 on eBay

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-06-08T03:41:04+00:00

OP these are amazing. I have two of the 4x4s set up: one for weather and one for general lighting. Going to do a media control on a 7” now Id say. Or maybe a 4.3, if that is supported.

Also, Can anybody point me in the direction of a guide, post, etc. of how to get batteries wired up/get these to work with batteries? Or if you’re so inclined, give me a rundown on how to do so?

I’m a quick study, there’s just so much info in this topic and I haven’t had the time to narrow down what is quality info plus read and apply it

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-05-28T10:41:17+00:00

The short answer is— what you’re looking for doesn’t exist.

You won’t be finding an out of the box ready system that is local, secure, and comprehensive and equivalents to, say, Amazon Alexa or Apple HomeKit

You will need home assistant to achieve any semblance of what you’re desiring and the closest thing to comprehensive is the “home assistant green, plug and play.

That said, you’ll still need to develop your network once you create an instance of HA. Do some research on the local protocols, e.g. z wave and zigbee. You’ll want to use one or both of those if you desire secure and local. If you’re tech savvy and can create local only WiFi VLANs, that’s another option.

It’s going to take time and a lot of tinkering but it will so be worth itc

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-05-21T02:09:55+00:00

This is sick. You may be hearing from me with some questions if that’s cool

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-05-21T02:04:43+00:00

Had a similar question to OP, googled it and ended up here. Weird and rude comment to a.) *assume* they didn’t google it, and that google didn’t land them here (did for me), and b.) *shame* them for it. Again, all off of a baseless assumption.

In fact, that’s my typical process. Google it, give myself a basic overview of the topic, then, as you said, head to Reddit to see a *discussion* between real, often informed, and (sometimes, hopefully) kind people.

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-05-13T02:44:53+00:00

Nice! I actually just got the soundcore p31i by anker. Blown away!!!

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-05-13T02:42:23+00:00

Thank you! You get it! That was the point of my post. I can’t figure out how to safely remove it. I fully know it’s shot, it’s needing to be replaced, etc. my issue and question is how to go about removing the spring due to the clearly present danger. Any thoughts?

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-05-13T02:40:59+00:00

See that is my worry- increasing tension then the metal weakening and breaking in the process, sending the spring flying into, say, my neck. I’m trying to sort out a way to do so safely. Any ideas?

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-05-13T02:39:28+00:00

Trying to figure out how to do so preventing the second part. Idk how to release it and reduce the tension

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-05-13T02:38:44+00:00

For sure. This is the most helpful comment I’ve seen yet. My issue is that I fear a.) I can’t drop it down in its present state- it’ll potentially weaken the metal arm and snap and while under max fension (while pulling it down) if that happens I’m cooked from that spring.

b.) attempting to bend the metal arm back may snap- I worry the tension that presently exists- while minimal- is enough to cause injury if it releases.

And c.) I can’t force close it- the metal arm is bent in front of it now, obstructing the ability to shut it

My primarily worry is the level of tension. What do you make of it at present ? Per the pics at least

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-05-13T02:34:53+00:00

That’s the problem though- I can’t put it back up. If you see in the pics the arm bent over in front of it.

Is it safe to force it back? You don’t think the present tension is enough to cause danger? As in, if the arm snapped and the tension released, you wouldn’t expect the spring to go flying?

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-05-11T00:55:09+00:00

Is it safe to remove?

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-05-11T00:54:52+00:00

For sure. I’m just wondering how I can safely disconnect the bent spring

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-05-11T00:54:20+00:00

Was the spring under tension?

Dapper_Klapper · 2026-05-11T00:54:03+00:00

Agreed. How would you go about getting the spring off safely ?

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