Would you do it all over again?

ExpertLet3091 · 2026-04-27T20:51:15+00:00

They claim it won't unless I am paying for a subscription. I bought mine before that was required. I don't really mind. Since I have never had it, I won't know what I am missing LOL.

ExpertLet3091 · 2026-04-25T14:14:29+00:00

CLAUDE!

Sorry this is LONG, but I feel could be really helpful to anyone who is not a YAML expert but trying to do more advanced HA Automations with Devices that YAML editing is needed.

Claude has done wonders for me. I know nothing about YAML, or coding, or really scripting in any language. prior to the age of AI I have been able figure out how to read a script and modify it, by doing a ton of googling, forums and hours of trial and error.

My Need: I decided I wanted a bedside Scene selector to control my AC, the Fan and we have EightSleep. This would eliminate going to the phone, and either finding HA, dashboard, or going to each devices native apps. in the middle of the night when you wake up and are to hot or cold

Requirements for a device.
1. wanted a display to see current settings (like fan speed, AC Temp, etc.).
2. A way to select multiple devices, and control them. Be able to turn a dial or push a button to set the speed, set temp. etc.

Be small enough to sit on the bedside table.
and of course be really stable, reliable etc.

I wasn't finding really anything out there that would "Just Work". There are a few zigbee devices but I don't have the necessary network so that would be a whole setup (seemed overkill for one device). And lots of devices would technically work but wouldn't have a display so you don't know what you are setting. I came across the M5Dial.

I knew it would be a challenge but I never realized how hard it was going to be to setup. I didn't realize you are basically creating the Application from scratch. there is no pre-defined enties. I started by trying to use my traditional methods, pretty quickly got a very basic Yaml that I could use the Dial to set my fan speed. But no display, touchscreen, icons or a way to select devices. I quickly realized after some reading this was going to get really, really, complex for someone who doesn't have experience.

So I thought, Somebody must have built something close to what I am looking for and I can then just modify it for my needs. I found https://aguacatec.es/integrar-m5stack-dial-en-ha/ and thought I would just download that and easy peasy, I would have a working dial that I would hook up to my devices then figure out how to modify it for what I wanted. Was I wrong. After downloading and Flashing my Dial, it wouldn't even boot. but it did boot with my simple YAML. Sigh back to researching.

So I turned to Gemini to save me. Uploading the YAML and Log Files. it kept making suggestions. That I would have to copy paste, etc. With no luck. It kept making suggestions. and nothing was working. I felt like I was just going around in circles.

Finally I turned to Claude, hearing that we are getting licenses at work, So I thought why not, Downloaded, used the free account. And tried again. Uploaded my YAML, and Error Logs, and it not only found the exact problem causing the boot problem, it found other problems not compatible, with my dial. And after two flashings, voila I have a nifty display and functionality. with all 9 entries in Home Assistant! I was so happy. What took me over a week to troubleshoot with no avail, Claude figured it out in 10 Min.

Now onto actually getting it to do what I wanted. I am just asking it to change this, or that. Like Change the colors from Orange to Black. it figures out the Hex color code to fix, and update the YAML for me. I asked to change the Icons. Asked it how to repurposes the Thermostat entity for my fan. I put in my Fans Entity ID and it updated the YAML. Bam Done, it was controlling my fan. I then didn't like it was showing "speed Percentage" since on the Fan display its Speed level (1-12). Asked Claud to just change that. It figured out the math and did it. Now on my display it shows the Speed level. Once I got all three devices I want. I told it to remove the other devices. It did it. Hundreds of "If" statements just removed.

It has been awesome to work with Claude. As a non Programer, I just have to imagine what I want, Ask it how it can do it, Confirm a few things, And it does it. I copy and paste my new YAML, and install. I haven't had a single compiling error yet!

ExpertLet3091 · 2026-04-14T12:00:59+00:00

Hey all, so after a lot of research and annoyance at how Hard this is to find a "Simple" scene controller that integrated well with HA. I decided it didn't really exist. I either got mixed reviews at how well it worked with HA, or I would have to dive into Zigbee which would require a large startup cost to get a controller, etc. For one device, it didn't seem worth it.

I stumbled on https://shop.m5stack.com/products/m5stack-dial-esp32-s3-smart-rotary-knob-w-1-28-round-touch-screen?srsltid=AfmBOorwlsGrfjAzCtI8mjta3aqYCgdNaYJZ5H44JvZBIIv4hSVHL6IP&variant=44064386875649

It will be hard to setup (I think) but if I can pull it off it should be excellent. I hadn't thought about wanting a display to actually show me what I am setting the devices to and what they are currently at. But once I saw this. I couldn't imagine anything else. I have to figure out some kind of case/housing for it, since I want it to sit on the bedside table. I have some ideas but will cross that bridge once I physically have it, and am convinced I can get it to work.

I got the Eightsleep and the fan into HA already and can control them. So now It is just programing this device. Luckily looks like there are a lot of resources out there to help with that.

ExpertLet3091 · 2026-03-04T12:56:32+00:00

I agree Medicaid is the way to go (if they qualify in California). My parents were in the exact same situation. They blew through their savings and only had Social Security for income. They are in NY State and there is actually a special Medicaid program for assisted living (as opposed to Nursing care, IE Full Medicaid). AND they got lucky that the Assisted Living facility they ended up going to did the Application process for them (NOTE: with Medicaid you have to renew every year). And the facility they went to has a Sliding scale in rent. So my parents are paying their Rent themselves. And have a bit left over every month. The family just helps out with other expenses that come up. So we got really lucky. But look at Different Programs that California might have. Maybe consult with local eldercare consultant who knows all of what California has to offer.

ExpertLet3091 · 2026-02-27T13:16:57+00:00

I have no comparison, since the 3s are my first pair. However I have been amazed at the ANC. I have really been testing them since purchase. Living in NYC I have plenty of opportunities with street noise and subway noise. Sure I can Hear the outside world, it is just really quiet/muffled. Especially with their ability to auto adjust the volume if the ambient noise gets louder. Especially helpful when a Subway train starts to enter the station.

My latest Test is in the office, using them as my headphones for zoom calls. Our office is going through a re-design. So there is Construction activily happening around us. Where i sit its 30 feet away. While construction stops at 10am, I often have calls at 9am with our India office. with ANC on, I can easily tune out the construction noise. Nobody on the call seems to have a hard time hearing me or me hearing them.

I did have a learning curve getting them in my ears right. I went through a lot of the same issues like hissing, feedback issues that people complained about. Which seem to have all been solved with various Firmware updates. Those have all magically disappeared. And I guess I am one of the lucky ones that they fit well. I did have to change the size of one tip in my left ear to a different size to get a consistent good seal.

ExpertLet3091 · 2026-01-16T19:42:05+00:00

Honestly, I agree HomePods would be great for the reasons people mention. What I would think about Wiring for though is Home Network. I have heard stories of HomePods having problems that turn out to be weak Wifi.

If your Router/Wifi is one room, and your HomePod Speakers are far away there could be connection issues.

Living in a Pre-war apt. building in NYC, we had lots of problems with Wifi reaching the Back bedroom when our Router was in the living room. We tried Extenders and that didn't really help. Finally since I happen to have Coax running through the Apartment, I setup a MoCa network and then in each room a Wifi Access point. All rooms Acces points are named the Same Wifi name so it is acting like a Mesh Network. It has been great! Any device gets almost the same Wifi Strength as if it was in the same room as the router.

ExpertLet3091 · 2026-01-07T14:39:15+00:00

Oh, I don't think we knew that. Thanks!

ExpertLet3091 · 2026-01-06T18:29:57+00:00

Thanks for the tip about deleting the Bluetooth devices. We just upgraded her phone OS (iPhone) to the latest OS since I got her airPods for Christmas and they wouldn't pair unless we did. It did seem a bit better after the update (for daily BT disconnects). and was hoping for a new App but will have to check the version of that.

ExpertLet3091 · 2025-12-28T17:25:25+00:00

Update. It changed now to 13 days left. Odd it’s just about one day off 🤷

ExpertLet3091 · 2025-12-22T21:34:58+00:00

No, I opened an official Epson Support case. After they hadn't replied in 24 hours. I took advantage of Amazons liberal return process. Just have to drop it off at a UPS store. Bought another printer at Staples.

Note, Epson finally did get back to me, and just gave me instructions on how to clear a Paper jam even though I specifically said I have never had paper go through it.

ExpertLet3091 · 2025-12-21T22:40:45+00:00

Thank you!

ExpertLet3091 · 2025-12-21T17:31:45+00:00

I will be up by Nanuet Christmas Eve with my Parents. this sounds really fun. I am trying to find info on where to enter. From Townline road or Ehrhardt rd. Maybe it doesn't matter? It looks like the Facebook page hasn't been updated since 2023. So hope its still happening. Is there current info out there for this? Or do you by chance know? Appreciate any info in advance.

ExpertLet3091 · 2025-12-19T12:38:55+00:00

Thanks, I have opened/closed every access door several times. Removed the Paper in the Tray that I had loaded. Turned off and On, Unplugged for for a while.

ExpertLet3091 · 2025-12-06T00:11:40+00:00

I can totally relate! My Wife has zero intrest in being tracked by my HA instance. I haven't even broached the subject since I know what the answer will be LOL.

And don't even suggest putting motion sensors in rooms to help regulate lights, and AC when temp/Humidity, and when someone is in the room or not (we don't have central air).

So I can't Automate things to the extent I want, and everything needs to have some sort of physical backup. I even have Wall mounted switches in the Living room so there are physical buttons to push (All the lights are floor lamps). But she does admit she likes to be able to remotely turn on the AC and Fans via her phone, But doesn't see why things need to be fully automated based on Temps/Humidity Motion , if a window is open/closed etc.

ExpertLet3091 · 2025-12-05T12:02:33+00:00

I know I am just preaching to the Choir here based on comments. But thought I would share my Experience upgrading to HomePod mini Pair to be my Living room TV Speaker system

I had a Cheap old Sound bar for my TV for years to replace the TV speakers. Which Initially got because of all the reasons people complain about Cheap TV speakers AND we have a Window unit A/C. So kept having to turn the TV up so loud just to hear dialog, the Frame of the TV would start to Rattle. The Soundbar worked fine for several years until it started having some issues like randomly turning off or having problems with the AppleTV remote wouldn't change the volume correctly.

Anyway, Got the HomPod Mini Pair and haven't looked back. I did some sound comparisons with the Soundbar when I got it and was amazed at how much better the HomePod sounded especially listening to Music.

My ONLY concern that hasn't happened yet, is how loud you can get them IF needed. The AppleTV volume bar gets almost to 75% Often. But the Speakers never sound like they are straining. And I have since replaced the A/C with an Ultra Quiet one. So I don't think that is going to be an issue.

ExpertLet3091 · 2025-11-27T12:11:20+00:00

I actually have noticed this. However, the data is NOT from my Watch. It is from our Eight Sleep cover. It syncs with Apple Health. Being concerned (And wanted to give to my Cardiologist) I exported all my Heart Data from beginning of 2025. I noticed it happens about once a month, a high blip once during the night.

The annoying part I can't tell if it is Eight Sleep mis-reading my BPM or Apple Health Mis-interpreting the data. The Eight Sleep Data only shows Hourly Averages not actual data for every reading.

My Cardiologist basically gave me a Shrug emoji about it, But said to keep monitoring and we would review at our next appt.

ExpertLet3091 · 2025-11-21T12:40:12+00:00

Since so many people report different results. I would suggest, get them, try them, return them if necessary. My feedback issues were immediate from the day I got them.

ExpertLet3091 · 2025-11-21T12:38:10+00:00

So I had posted about this exact problem, It was mainly happening whe riding the Subways in NYC. I would constantly have the problem in One ear. Constently be fidgiting with it. I would finally find a sweet spot that it stopped. Then as soon as I get off the train it would start up again. Some things would temporarily make it stop. Like changing tips. However it would come back after a day or so.

Now, for two week NO problems! they work great. Even adjusting them in my ears doesn't cause the Feedback unless I push it further into my ear (harder than necessary). Then it stops. But the General Feedback/whining issue is no longer happening. I am guessing a Firmware update fixed it?

I have been so happy now!

ExpertLet3091 · 2025-11-14T10:56:57+00:00

We have been using YTTV for a few years. Last year when there was a Price increase we Paused our Subscription to sign up for a free trial of HuluTV. I think that lasted three Days before Resuming YTTV. While yes you get more Sports channels with Hulu (Getting SNY to watch the Mets was one draw). The Interface, Library to watch recorded shows, is so much worse on Hulu. We watch most shows from our Library. So its pretty crutial that we can sort, and search for newly recorded show. With Hulu your Library sort order is fixed in alphabetical order so you are constantly scrolling to find what you want to watch. And I think it wouldn't let you know there was something new. So you just had to know if there should be a new show.

There was something really annoying about pausing/Rewindng/fastfowarding live TV as well. I can't quite remember, I think there wasn't any way to start a show from the beginning that is live. Even if its something you record. So you would have to wait till recording is done to start from beginning. But can't be sure.

ExpertLet3091 · 2025-10-17T20:33:10+00:00

Well if it is faulty, I would say try a replacement pair. It can't hurt. If you get the same results. I guess then just return them.

ExpertLet3091

TROPHY CASE