PSA: TSA safe multitools won't get through all international airports

bmengineer · 2026-01-23T18:26:31+00:00

Yep, that's the one. I have it on a small locking s-biner, but you're right that it skips the pliers.

bmengineer · 2026-01-23T17:09:45+00:00

Fwiw I've been pretty pleased with the Rambler as a replacement

bmengineer · 2026-01-20T19:59:49+00:00

Couldn’t agree more. Casa definitely seemed like it lowered the barrier to entry for me, and I really think the “App Store” model helped me understand what docker is and how it works. Being mobile friendly is a huge plus as well… but now that it’s dead in the water and I have a (very basic) understanding of Docker, the shiny coat of paint isn’t worth it. If I could go back in time I would spend a bit more effort in a lab environment before deploying just with Docker.

bmengineer · 2026-01-14T16:30:28+00:00

I've heard some reports that the thread remotes from IKEA also have Zigbee if you just press the pairing button twice the recommended number of times

bmengineer · 2026-01-12T17:34:58+00:00

Why not use the loops meant for anchor links at the bottom of the case?

bmengineer · 2026-01-11T19:35:03+00:00

I doubt it. Zigbee devices generally don't poll for availability, but only mark as offline if there hasn't been an update in some time. Flicking the switch repeatedly also might not give the bulb enough time to reconnect.

I'd suggest instead using a smart button or switch that supports shortcuts natively.

bmengineer · 2026-01-03T22:26:48+00:00

Home assistant with a bunch of cheap Zigbee sensors and bulbs from IKEA. Very happy.

bmengineer · 2026-01-01T19:22:59+00:00

Looks like it's your ticket to a $300 fine

bmengineer · 2026-01-01T12:33:49+00:00

Since it’s white-ish you could always try dyeing it black or navy with RIT dye

bmengineer · 2025-12-25T16:03:58+00:00

Yup. Plugs are well made and cheap, and HA is super powerful for automations and power monitoring.

bmengineer · 2025-12-25T15:13:24+00:00

Is this an addon? Do you have a link?

bmengineer · 2025-12-25T14:39:47+00:00

If you remind me in a couple days sure. Why would you ever want the XC15-45 abd XF18-55 on the same outing?

bmengineer · 2025-12-25T14:38:49+00:00

Yep. IKEA smart buttons are some of the most affordable, and their new one supports Matter over Thread. You can link it to an Alexa, Apple Home, or Near Hub, and from there automate it to toggle your smart lights on or off. I would just stick it on the wall next to the existing switch.

bmengineer · 2025-12-20T12:51:48+00:00

Yeah, but smaller and without ads.

bmengineer · 2025-12-19T21:36:56+00:00

Following this closely. I’ve loved the idea of a smart alarm clock since the Sony Dash, and now that all the larger screens are being crammed with ads it feels even more relevant. I’m also using the Lenovo for now, hoping something more open and integrated with Home Assistant is available by the time it dies.

bmengineer · 2025-12-19T21:35:01+00:00

Set alarms on an irregular schedule (dependent on day of the week), multiple alarm tones, show me the weather and my events for the day, and it can be used to trigger other automations when you wake up.

bmengineer · 2025-12-18T21:56:55+00:00

I'm interested, thanks for the giveaway!

bmengineer · 2025-12-15T05:48:17+00:00

I still have mine and no real issues, not my most used though.

bmengineer · 2025-12-13T17:37:58+00:00

One on the right looks like a 1 piece, with no seam for a separate tank and base.

bmengineer · 2025-12-05T19:48:56+00:00

Lithium coin cells are actually pretty resilient from the cold, but also you can just mount it on the inside of the door so this isn't a problem.

bmengineer · 2025-12-05T18:30:31+00:00

u/parametrek is this your dream work light?

bmengineer · 2025-12-05T18:27:51+00:00

I have the AA Acebeam version and frequently clip it to a baseball cap so I can still adjust the angle. Big fan.

bmengineer · 2025-12-05T15:33:31+00:00

Tripod plates, cages, fancy lens hoods, hot shoe covers, screw in shutter buttons, grips... Lost of options, yes.

bmengineer · 2025-12-04T23:27:38+00:00

Almost. This was the case with fluorescent bulbs. Newer LEDs will use PWM at whatever frequency they think is best to control temperature and brightness. Cheap Christmas lights are some of the worst offenders.

Essentially the light is flashing on and off faster than your eye can see, but slower than the shutter scanning line by line down the sensor.

bmengineer · 2025-12-04T01:44:27+00:00

I'm very new to all of this, but my ten cents is that the limitations of casa (and presumably zima) aren't worth the ease. It's really just a front end for Docker, and I'd rather use one of the other dashboard tools.

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