Hubitat Maker API + Home Assistant: The Simpler Integration
Integrate Hubitat with Home Assistant using Maker API for direct, fast communication without bridge complexity. Setup takes just 15 minutes.
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FRS vs GMRS vs MURS: Full Radio Comparison Guide
FRS vs GMRS vs MURS: A Complete Comparison Guide for Radio Users Chosing between FRS, GMRS, and MURS is easy once you know a few things . These three radio services dominate the consumer and prosumer communication space, but they differ dramatically in range, power, legal requirements, and real‑world performance. This guide breaks down everything … Read more
Meshtastic for Beginners: Build an Off-Grid LoRa Mesh Network
Build an off-grid LoRa mesh network with a $30 Heltec V3 node — flash firmware, join a public mesh, and send text messages with no cell tower and no ham license.
[Read more...]Home Assistant on Linux: Self-Hosted Automation Without the Cloud
If you’re tired of cloud-dependent smart home systems and want complete control over your home automation, Home Assistant on Linux is the answer you’ve been looking for. As someone running Home Assistant on a dedicated Linux machine, I can tell you that self-hosted home automation fundamentally changes how you think about smart home security and … Read more
Linux as a Daily Driver: Is It Really Ready for Everyday Use?
Linux has evolved into a practical desktop operating system for everyday computing. Here’s why Linux can be an excellent daily driver in 2026—and where it still has limitations.
[Read more...]Solar Generator vs Home Battery Backup: Which is better?
I live in a VERY rural area. I need reliable backup power because my utility fails me frequently. Here are my experiences. When the grid drops, the first thing most people want to keep alive isn’t the fridge — it’s their internet, their cameras, and their radios. That changes the math entirely. In a solar … Read more
Best HF Transceiver for Your New General Ticket
I have been a ham for a very long time. While ham radio is all about personal choice (and budget), I feel the retail sales side of the industry can easily lead new hams astray. This post consolidates my advice to new hams. If you’re looking for the best HF transceiver for your new General … Read more
Retevis RA87 GMRS Mobile Radio Review
I just added this radio to my collection. Are you looking for a serious upgrade from handheld walkie-talkies? The Retevis RA87 GMRS Mobile Radio is a 40-watt designed for long-range communication when cell service fails. Whether you need reliable comms for your overlanding rig, farm, RV, or a home base station, the RA87 delivers near-maximum … Read more
Baofeng BL-5RHPlus Battery Review
The Baofeng BL-5RHPlus Battery Changed How I Use My GMRS Radio I tested the new 5200mAh BL-5RHPlus and it absolutely crushes the stock battery. Here’s what I found after months of field testing. The Problem I’ve Been Living With I’ve spent years in radio communications, and I’ve worked with everything from commercial equipment to budget … Read more
How to Buy Refurbished Tech Safely
I wasted $400 on “like new” used tech that died in 30 days. Then I learned the difference between used vs refurbished. Here’s how to safely buy refurbished tech in 2026, where to get real warranties, and 5 red flags that mean walk away.
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