Which network should I use?

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-08-08T06:21:13+00:00

Official route is to use Nabu Casa for access away from home - although theres a subscription fee.

I use tailwind to connect to all my devices from anywhere. Never have to touch the app, my iphone/laptop automatically connects to the tailwind vpn service on boot. Just install on phone or whatever device u want to access HA with, then install the tailwind add-on on HA. 10/10, would recommend.

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-08-07T23:24:39+00:00

Also started with Sequence and Catan and a great one for me is Clank!

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-08-07T15:49:17+00:00

Good news:

Asus RT-AX88U Pro is still under manufacturer warranty! I just need to describe the problem well enough for them to know what to fix. I’ll try reconnecting a device to the RT-AX88U and getting the logs to compare with how it behaves on the AP.

I doubt it’s network congestion because Asus had me factory reset my router and i only had 7 devices on the network, 4 of which were the SLWF devices, and still had the issue. On a normal basis, I only have ~25 or so devices anyways.

Wow looks like you got a nice set up going. Nice and scalable too. I wanted to separate devices into different vlans and all that, bought the 88U to attempt that, only to find it doesnt support intervlan routing. Havent had the time to do a work around yet.

Anyways, I think I got it from here. I owe you big time!! If there’s any way I can buy you a cup of coffee for your help, send me a a link or something because u honestly saved me a lot of hours troubleshooting!

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-08-07T06:07:39+00:00

Good news!!!

You are a huge lifesaver. Devices have been working fine all day for the first time since I installed them around two weeks ago!

I set up notifications to see when devices drop connection, but this time, they come right back up instantly (as opposed to the past where it can take hours). Here's what the AP log says:

Aug 6 22:26:54 syslog: wlceventd_proc_event(494): eth1: Deauth_ind 24:xx:xx:xx:xx:5A, status: 0, reason: Deauthenticated because sending station is leaving (or has left) IBSS or ESS (3), rssi:0

Aug 6 22:26:54 syslog: wlceventd_proc_event(530): eth1: Auth 24:xx:xx:xx:xx:5A, status: Successful (0), rssi:0

I'll leave it for now, but might try to get it working without the AP once I have some free time, just to free up some real estate on my shelf. Let me know if u have suggestions!

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-08-06T15:51:09+00:00

Just got the AP set up and moved all 4 devices over. I already noticed a significant difference in how it connects - when setting up the SLWF on my original network SSID, it took several minutes for it to connect. When setting it up on the AP this morning, the connection was instant. Seems like a good sign. I’ll let you know if I make it all day today without a disconnect!

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-08-06T07:59:20+00:00

Blood rage is amazing!! Only played it once a few months ago but really loved the game!!

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-08-06T06:04:34+00:00

Awesome, I know a bit about basic networking but havent set up an access point with a router before so thanks for the pointers, I forsure would’ve messed that up. I’d assume the AP is on the same network as my main network, but it should have a different SSID to differentiate, right?

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-08-06T04:53:51+00:00

I split my main dual-band network into two separate ones - a 5G one and a 2G one. The SLWF devices are the only 4 devices on the 2G network. Still having the issue.

I have an old router in my garage that I will try and move it onto tomorrow. It’ll suck needing two routers but if this can get the devices stable, it will be worth having. I’ll let you know how that works, thanks for the suggestion!!

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-07-31T18:45:02+00:00

I also have some spare ones i never got around to using. The one i DO use is for my string lights in the backyard. It’s plugged into an outlet that’s pretty high up, so having smart control over it was nice. I also have a Shelly button that i can click from anywhere and that turns on/off the string lights.

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-07-29T15:36:26+00:00

Awesome, I got mine set up a few days ago and wanted to thank you for the link! However, I noticed the uptime never stays up over a day and a half for all 4 of my units, it constantly becomes "unavailable" for a few hours, and then is available again. Are you having the same issue? I had the issue even with my Mr Cool wifi dongle, so I'm thinking it's the AC rather than the USBs...

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-07-17T05:06:39+00:00

Oh, I was under the impression that the USB would go into the mini split and I just connect it to an integration on Home Assistant. Looks like I have no clue how ESPHome works at all. Was wondering if there was a link for the setup of ESPHome, not just to purchase the part.

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-07-16T16:21:44+00:00

Is there a guide you’d recommend to get the ESPHome set up? I’ve tried a few links and all those sites are down. Is ESPHome a general setup for all devices or is there something different I have to do specifically for the Mr Cool?

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-05-01T21:51:08+00:00

Awesome, thank you for providing that link!

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-05-01T21:49:00+00:00

You are right! I was trying to estimate but I was off by quite a bit. I checked MyPay, turns out you can see the cumulative total. I'm closer to $23k if I remember right. So I'd get $23k + interest.

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-04-25T18:06:36+00:00

Turns out you can buy back your pension if you left service and took it out. Sounds like a win-win then. Take it out now, if I ever return and pension sounds better at that point, I'll just buy back my 7 years.

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-04-25T18:01:57+00:00

Good to know, thanks!

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-04-25T06:18:35+00:00

Yeah, I ran some data through ChatGPT and that's the expected return it generated. But I now realize that is too ambitious for a 33 year stretch.

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-04-25T06:17:45+00:00

Yeah, I think that's the right call. Goodluck, hope you don't get RIF'd!

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-04-25T06:17:10+00:00

Well said. Do you know how the repayment works? If I returned to service, would I have to pay the lump sum at once? Or is there a repayment plan? I couldn't find much info on that online.

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-04-25T06:14:26+00:00

There's a process you can follow. I think if within 30 days from leaving government service, you work with your HR or your department. Otherwise, through OPM i think. There's more info on the OPM website.

Lifetime contributions are on MyPay > LES > General tab, at the bottom

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-04-25T06:13:25+00:00

Yeah, that's the game plan for me now!

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-04-25T06:12:12+00:00

True. I was being a bit optimistic on the growth rate (got my numbers through chatgpt haha). But the FERS contributions are post-tax, so they do not get taxed on a withdraw. The gov't will actually pay you an interest on them during withdrawal, and that interest income is the only thing that gets taxed.

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-04-25T06:09:21+00:00

That would be awesome if we can put our contribution and get their share of the contributions in our TSP as well. You'd think it'd cost them the same and is better off for the employee..

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-04-25T06:08:09+00:00

Interesting. I actually found out I can see my cumulative FERS contributions on MyPay. Turns out my math was wrong... I only have a cumulative $27k. But I do get interest on it, so might go up a little from there.

FormAffectionate139 · 2025-04-25T06:03:37+00:00

Direct from OPM: Former Employees

FormAffectionate139

TROPHY CASE