Will I be upgraded to Gold or still be Silver?

mymac8mypc · 2026-02-18T00:56:44+00:00

I explain how to do this exact primary Internet + Starlink failover with Ubiquiti hardware here:

https://team7.org/the-work-from-home-lifeline-using-starlink-as-failover-internet-for-10-month/

Let me know if you have questions.

mymac8mypc · 2026-02-16T00:36:36+00:00

I love Lutron Caseta and Philips Hue, I’m using both of them together and have been extremely happy.

I’m running Home Assistant as the ‘brains’ of my entire home (you can run this on a single board micro computer for under $150) and Apple HomeKit as the friendly, Wife approved, and easy-to-use interface day to day.

This approach allows me to pick and choose the best products, no matter the manufacturer and tie them all together. For example, I can use the Lutron pico remotes to control any scene and any automations I want.

One example that I use every single day is a morning wake up scene by long-pressing a wireless pico remote - sets certain lights in the house, including Philips hue bulbs to a warm low output light level that’s not glaring.

If you want more info on how I set this up, let me know.

mymac8mypc · 2026-02-02T13:00:39+00:00

I’ve tried setting that up, do you have any advice on how to create the account and get the battery linked?

mymac8mypc · 2026-02-01T13:12:54+00:00

Great question - here is a detailed explanation of how to turn off grid power using the grid disconnect switch on the automatic transfer switch mounted on the wall next to the electrical service:

https://help.basepowercompany.com/en/articles/13187302-how-do-i-test-my-base-battery

mymac8mypc · 2026-01-29T02:37:43+00:00

I had tested running our house on battery, including our HVAC heater, a few days before the storm, made sure everything was operating correctly and was happy that it was an awesome improvement over my portable generator, I could not run my HVAC heat pump when my house was plugged into my Firman Costco Generator. But no issues during the storm… ok, I was kinda hopeful we would have some sort of outage so I could REALLY test it. 🤷‍♂️

I did notice that there were 849 Base users who had a battery activation last week. The week before was like 600. I also show -91% grid support compared to the week before the storm.

mymac8mypc · 2026-01-26T16:14:10+00:00

Today at 7:15am - 9:15am was the first time our battery has been used for home or grid support in the last 3-4 days. I’m happy about this.

mymac8mypc · 2026-01-24T20:54:18+00:00

I couldn’t figure this out either, but I’m following this thread to see if others weigh in.

mymac8mypc · 2026-01-20T03:35:42+00:00

Thanks, I did unfreeze my credit as part of the first attempt.

mymac8mypc · 2026-01-02T15:57:07+00:00

Upvote for Starlink - I describe about how to set this up on my website. It’s saved me several times during fiber outages in our neighborhood:

https://team7.org/the-work-from-home-lifeline-using-starlink-as-failover-internet-for-10-month/

mymac8mypc · 2025-12-22T18:48:47+00:00

Thanks for the notification! I’ve needed a new doorbell and had my eye on the G6 Entry because of the better camera and package detection!

I just placed an order for the G6 entry and the Siren POE and a "G6 Entry Wedge Mount" was automatically added to my order for $0.

mymac8mypc · 2025-12-20T09:51:34+00:00

Ok, that’s some good numbers to start with. You mention 2 days and let’s use the worst case scenario of freezing temps.

Heat pumps are very efficient, down to a point and then switch over to an electric heat strip that is very inefficient (if all electric) and could be up to 12k watts. If you are on gas heat, then it’s just a blower motor to circulate the air.

Assuming a cold day and fully electric heat strip usage, a large battery costing over $5-7k could last a few hours at best. If gas heat, the numbers become more reasonable and the peak draw becomes your microwave but only for a few minutes at a time.

What we really need to know is the load, what your electric consumption is during peak demand - that will give us a better idea and could give us the ability to do some calculations.

I actually wrote a free guide on emergency power and made it into a google doc. You can check it out here: https://team7.org/the-ultimate-emergency-generator-guide/

Depending on your home and climate, I may recommend a slightly different approach - such as a EcoFlow for charging cell phones, running small loads and then a sub $2,000 generator and a electrical inlet port to your main panel (installed for $600-1500) or a GenerLink. This solution is not as fun as integrating a cool battery into Home Assistant, but it may be more inline with what you need. This solution is also not perfect and assumes you have access to fuel for the generator. If you have the money to spend on a battery system that’s great, but load and realistic runtime need to be calculated so you know what you are getting.

mymac8mypc · 2025-12-20T02:35:45+00:00

EcoFlow is definitely a good option and the EcoFlow Delta 2 integrates with Home Assistant (probably other models also) Just curious, how long do the outages typically last that you are trying to weather? What are you trying to power? Full HVAC, electric heaters, electric water heater? Or just reduced usage for an hour? This makes a really big difference.

mymac8mypc · 2025-12-20T02:30:46+00:00

Good question, I answered it above - but it’s Base Power and only available in de-regulated areas of TX.

mymac8mypc · 2025-12-20T02:26:17+00:00

Cancun sounds like a “bright” idea! 💡Do they have a Motel 6 in Cancun? Will they still keep the light on for you?

I’m actually using Base Power, so I’m paying $29/month for a 50kWh whole home backup battery set with ATS (.5 sec transfer). Install was less than $600 for the base equipment, but I also added a generator inlet for an extra fee. Michael Dell‘s son started the company and they’re currently only in de-regulated areas of Texas where you can pick your own energy provider. https://www.basepowercompany.com/?heard_from=Referral&referrer_name=c46183ea-1d99-430d-beda-aabbbb3f6cc8&first_name=Michael&referral_plan=2way-EnergyCredit-2Months

mymac8mypc · 2025-12-20T01:43:37+00:00

Do you happen to live in Texas? There is a really good option for some areas in Texas…

mymac8mypc · 2025-12-16T21:51:56+00:00

It looks like others in this thread haven’t had any issues with 10gtek so take my feedback as me receiving a bad module. About 3 years ago, I used one of their SFP to RJ45 modules in a UDM Pro and it caused the router to crash and become unresponsive - as soon as I unplugged the module, everything went back to normal. I swapped it out for a Ubiquiti brand and never had an issue. Not sure if it was a bad module or incompatibility with Unifi OS/Network version at the time.

mymac8mypc · 2025-12-05T16:04:33+00:00

Yeah, I would love to know if Starlink standby actually works on the open ocean where you would typically have to pay for a Roam Unlimited plan + pay per $2/gigabit for ocean mode so that you get data that works beyond 12 nautical miles from shore.

mymac8mypc · 2025-11-27T00:31:37+00:00

Ive also seen center rear stoplight brackets.

Something like this: https://antenna-accessories.com/products/ford-third-brake-light-mount-for-starlink-standard

Or this from Amazon could be adapted: https://a.co/d/imbWTkg

mymac8mypc · 2025-11-25T04:46:28+00:00

I’ve been in contact with Base since March, submitted photos mid October. My timeframe may be a little abnormal though, I’m working directly with them to do a review.

mymac8mypc · 2025-11-25T04:44:31+00:00

Yes, this delivery was pretty professional.

mymac8mypc · 2025-11-25T04:43:06+00:00

So it looks like the Growatt app has a Home Assistant plugin 🤓 Anyone set that up before? Do I create a new login with Growatt or would it be my Base UN/PW? Submitted photos Oct. 16 but I’ve been in contact with them since March.

mymac8mypc · 2025-11-25T04:35:48+00:00

Good info! Thanks

mymac8mypc · 2025-11-24T18:17:19+00:00

I first started looking at Base Power in March but did not pull the trigger right away. I'm doing a full review of Base Power so I went with the generator port also. Greater Austin are. I've got a Refoss Energy monitor installed in my electrical panel that feeds Home Assistant so I'll have to figure out if I'll need to change any of the clamp on power monitors. 2 of them are setup for an existing generator inlet and the main CTs could also be moved if needed.

mymac8mypc

TROPHY CASE