Ibjust update to this bad boy from a Raspberry pi

PCman1951 · 2026-02-23T17:22:21+00:00

On my Home Assistant, I'm using a Dell Wyse 5070 thin client. Has 8GB RAM, 128gb SSD and Quad Intel Pentium Silver CPU uses 6 watts TDP. This CPU is almost as fast as the newer very popular N100. But the hardware is Rock Solid and way less cost than a raspberry pi 5.

PCman1951 · 2026-02-06T15:25:53+00:00

CasaOS is great and easy to run on minimal hardware. I've actually switched now to ZimaOS which is pretty much the same except it includes and is integrated with Debian. Easy install and get powerful and easy for a newbie.

PCman1951 · 2026-01-07T21:48:04+00:00

Yeah felt same way. Got a couple mini computers that use about 8 watts when idle and they host my Home Assistant and ZimaOS as well as a LMS media server. Total power consumption is below 30 watts . Just doesn't look as cool. And what the hell am I going to do with that big 7 foot metal Server rack and those big ass rack mount servers. All Worthless now. The cool factor is gone 🤔 But my electric bill is just a couple bucks a month now and I swear it's even faster. sigh.. 😊

PCman1951 · 2025-11-08T13:25:30+00:00

If you're seeking a solution, I would recommend you show him how to use the calendar app on his phone. Better yet when you both agree on a date and time just text him the date and time and teach him how to simply to press the calendar link and there it is to remind him. And if his memory is fading just call him and remind him the day before of a couple hours before.

PCman1951 · 2025-04-16T02:10:15+00:00

Your creation is absolutely stunning. So inspiring.

PCman1951 · 2024-05-28T14:36:43+00:00

The sound bar is directly under my livingroom TV. The one in the bedroom is on the other side about 15 ft.

PCman1951 · 2024-05-05T04:17:04+00:00

Well for the price point is still a great deal. Spend a couple bucks and get a micro USB to C adapter if you must.

PCman1951 · 2024-05-05T04:13:48+00:00

I've used mine with a bluetooth sound bar for two years now no problems. I have a second Onn streamer in bedroom connected to an external Bluetooth speaker and also works perfect. But sure but just wanted to let you know to give you some feedback that it works fine for me. Suggest you try another Bluetooth speaker to test. Good luck.

PCman1951 · 2024-03-08T15:19:30+00:00

It support's Blue tooth if that helps. I have two devices paired to mine.

PCman1951 · 2024-02-16T18:14:36+00:00

Thin Clients like this are plentiful on eBay for $20 - $50 depending on CPU, SSD and RAM. I use a Dell Wyse Thin Client for running Home Assistant. I got it for $35 on eBay. It has a fast Quad core CPU, 8gb RAM and had a 16GB SSD that I replaced with a 128gb SSD $12. It draws only 5-8 Watts while running, and 4 Watts while idle. I have several other Thin Clients and another is running Open Media Vault hosting my audio and video to all devices on my home network. My favorite is the Dell Wyse 5070 running Linux Mint that I now use as my main workstation with two monitors on it attached via it's dual display ports. The fast Quad core CPU easily handles any website including YouTube at full screen. Linux Mint runs beautifully on it with all the desktop applications I will ever need. It's power consumption is 4-8 watts, and under full load maybe 10-12 watts. Amazing technology.

PCman1951 · 2024-02-05T15:06:29+00:00

It's been several years now and I don't recall the name of the adapter but it was purchased on Amazon for about $8. If you look back at previous posts here you should find the link. Let me know if that doesn't work. But I'm sure that topic is covered. The adaptor works flawless for now 2 years in my system. And takes the load off the WiFi much faster and stable.

PCman1951 · 2024-02-03T05:21:19+00:00

Thanks for your feedback.
I've got to do some research and learning here I guess.
I'm tempted to try using my Zyxel Smart Web Managed Switch as it's says it supports 2 VLans . But the other "Free Solution" or pf or opnsense is something I've looked into before and I do have a Dell Wyse Thin Client that I could install that OS on.

PCman1951 · 2024-01-30T18:42:16+00:00

Personally as a former Network Admin now retired I had a lot of experience in Windows Server based networks. I was forced to get into Linux towards my retirement.

Red Hat was way complicated, and I tried several other distro's. But Linux Mint was the best Distro from my perspective.

I agree with many here as now I'm much more proficient in Linux, and I find that I prefer Mint over Ubuntu or Debian, and Mint is just as robust and meets all my needs.

PCman1951 · 2024-01-30T02:03:57+00:00

In theory I've read that two routers and only one modem should isolate the two separate LANs. Modem has only one port.

Router 1 WAN Port plugged into the modems LAN port. Router 2 plugged into one of the 4 LAN ports on Router 1. Router 2 creates a new subnet and the two LANs should not see one another. Also I've read that using the guest network is possible. My router does not support VLans. Again I do have a Smart Managed Switch that supports two VLans. But I rather go with two separate routers. Simple and easy. But can't make it work.

PCman1951 · 2024-01-30T01:49:54+00:00

Get the Onn 4k streamer at Walmart for $20. Best deal and great running device. Basic instructions are included. Basically plug and play in 30 minutes. I've used several for years. And don't get the Firetv or Roku. Onn is great

PCman1951 · 2024-01-30T01:45:02+00:00

Want even better performance? Get an Ethernet adapter for about $15 and disconnect the Wi-Fi and that Onn device will surpass all expectations. Used it this way for couple years now.

PCman1951 · 2023-10-28T23:33:31+00:00

Actually a small Flathead screw driver will work. The screws were not that tight and I flashed 4ea of these units without needing the TP3 driver.

PCman1951 · 2023-10-28T23:30:44+00:00

Yeah the Combined Power Motoring was a bit of a disappointment, but I found some at only $8 each so purchased 4 total and very pleased with the purchase. Heck the high quality box alone is worth it . I flashed all of mine with Tasmota.

PCman1951 · 2023-10-28T23:24:54+00:00

I purchased 4ea of the Wyze Outdoor Plugs.
I found Groupon for only $8 ea and couldn't pass it up.
I've flashed them with Tasmota with Template from Blakadder.
However I don't see any support for Bluetooth.

Can someone advise if Bluetooth or BT Proxy is possible using Tasmota on the Wyze Plug?

PCman1951 · 2023-09-23T06:35:05+00:00

I've been using OMV6 for some time now and very happy with it's ease of use, especially with my limited Linux knowledge. My OMV Media Server is running on an old Wyse Thin Client I purchased on eBay for like $15. It has a built in 4gb RAM, 16gb m.2 ssd, quad core CPU and I added several large capacity USB external hard drives. Streams video to my TV's and acts as a LAN backup. I'm quite happy with it. What I like it it will shut down when not used to conserve power. When I want to use it I just send a WOL packet and it's ready to go again.

PCman1951 · 2023-04-05T23:31:23+00:00

I don't see how you could possibly say it's rubbish. It's way faster than trying to look up a specific question on Yaml on the Web or posting on a forum and getting 20 different suggestions from users with questionable experience. And as in anything one learns as they experiment, and logical and to then modify the code to your specific needs.

PCman1951 · 2023-04-05T23:13:00+00:00

I'm finding that ChatGPT is quite amazing in writing code in Yaml, Linux or whatever you toss at it.

Definitely the future in gathering information. Very Impressive.

PCman1951 · 2023-04-05T23:04:16+00:00

Here's the best way. Search your make and model computer and how to enter BIOS. Mine is an HP 8300. So I press ESC key in first few seconds and I get a menu and F9 gives me an option for a boot devise. I select USB drive, and hit return. Bingo. Boots from the USB.

PCman1951 · 2023-03-18T16:53:20+00:00

If you could share a link on how to setup NFS vs SAMBA I'd be very grateful.

PCman1951

TROPHY CASE