A few days ago, I started a process that involves very heavy file processing operations that take anywhere from 10 minutes on the low side to 30 minutes on the high side. Wanting to be as efficient as possible and not let the computer sit idle for any meaningful length of time, and since the …
WARNING: This post involves live mains electricity and is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! Do not attempt this project on your own unless you are qualified to do so. I advise you to engage a licensed electrician to help you build this test unit! Most of my electronics projects involve modern devices that require low voltage DC and …
When it comes to Linux, the best desktop note taking tool, in my opinion, is Zim Wiki. I love this tool and have used it for a long time. That said, the 800 pound gorilla of note taking tools is Evernote, but unless you want to use the web client, your options on Linux are …
One of my ongoing home automation frustrations is the interface between my Ademco Alarm Panel and the Raspberry Pi I use to monitor the panel’s bus traffic. The problem that I have is a termination of the USB connection between the AD2USB (AlarmDecoder) that taps into the Ademco panel and the Pi itself. This always …
Detecting Failed AD2USB to Raspberry Pi Connections Read More »
Wireless networks have become ubiquitous. We use them at home, work, mall, airport, coffee shop and just about everywhere else we go. When setting up a wireless network, it’s wise to spend some quality time considering how you plan to use that network. One important question to consider, is will guests be allowed to have …
I recently upgraded my office by moving to a great new location. As part of the move I added a ton of new space to accommodate our rapid growth and even added a “play area” for the staff so they can burn off some of the frustrations of the “daily grind” with a bit of …
I’ve been running a pfSense router on a small form-factor PC for a few years and have been happy with my setup. What I don’t like though is that the PC is relatively loud and draws way more power than is necessary to meet my routing needs. As part of a recent move I thought …
I recently bought a couple of Dayton Audio MA1240a Twelve Channel Multi-Zone Amplifiers to power the speakers I have throughout my home. What drew me to this particular amp was its fair price and the fact that it has an “Auto” setting that senses a signal on the RCA line-level inputs that is supposed to …
Back in February 2013 I wrote an article entitled “Hacking a Fireplace”. In that article I wrote about how I used an Arduino to create an interface that would allow me to directly control my fireplaces from my home automation system. That solution worked great and I was successful in running two fireplaces from the …
Have you ever written a blog post and then tried to post it to Facebook, only to have it format incorrectly or not display an image? The Geek-Tips blog is powered by WordPress and leverages various plugins and customizations and, for the most part, functions without issue. When I finish writing a post, I like …
