Mike Wieger with Meshtastic Updates, Local ChatGPT with Ollama and Frigate – HGG626
Mike Wieger is my guest this week! Mike shares his experience with MeshTastic, a mesh networking system, noting a significant increase in nodes in Omaha and their use for local communication. He also discusses running a local instance of ChatGPT using Ollama and Open Web UI, highlighting its benefits for privacy and local processing. Additionally, Mike talks about using Frigate, a Docker container for security cameras, and its integration with Home Assistant. Thanks for listening!
Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg626
Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #626 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.
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Links
Show Chapters
[0:00] Intro / Meshtastic Update
[23:26] Local ChatGPT and LLMs
[51:46] Exploring Security Camera Solutions
Extended Outline
- Home Gadget Geeks Show Introduction and Weather Discussion[0:00]
- Jim Collison introduces the show, mentioning the date and location, and sets the stage for discussing tech gadgets.
- Mike Wieger talks about the ongoing dry weather and lawn maintenance issues, including broken sprinkler heads.
- Jim shares similar weather conditions in Nebraska, including a recent fire at a pumpkin patch due to dry conditions.
- Discussion about the dangers of prairie fires and the impact of dry conditions on the environment.
- Support for the Show and Amazon Prime Day[2:07]
- Jim thanks Patreon subscribers and mentions the $5 plan on the averageguy.tv/patreon page.
- Jim and Mike discuss the concept of Prime Day and the frequent Amazon Prime deals.
- Mike expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of Prime Day.
- Jim reminisces about their first in-person meeting in Washington, DC, eight years ago.
- MeshTastic Update and Community Growth[4:30]
- Mike Wieger provides an update on his MeshTastic project, mentioning the increase in nodes in Omaha.
- Mike describes the latest MeshTastic node he bought on Etsy, which is solar-powered and has a sleek design.
- Discussion about the coverage and community aspect of MeshTastic, including helping new users set up their nodes.
- Mike shares his experience with a solar-powered node that has maintained a high battery percentage despite being outside.
- Applications and Future Potential of MeshTastic[9:45]
- Mike explains how MeshTastic can be used for local communication, similar to CB radio but with mesh networking capabilities.
- Discussion about the potential uses of MeshTastic, such as staying in touch while hiking or in areas with poor cell service.
- Mike mentions the ability to set up private channels for secure communication.
- Jim and Mike discuss the limitations of MeshTastic, such as its low bandwidth and current inability to support voice communication.
- AI Voice Cloning and Local LLM Hosting[12:32]
- Jim talks about his experiments with AI voice cloning using 11 Labs and the potential of creating a custom LLM.
- Mike explains the process of running a local instance of ChatGPT using software like Llama and Open Web UI.
- Discussion about the benefits of running a local LLM, including privacy and the ability to use local processing power.
- Mike demonstrates the local LLM’s capabilities, including generating text and image prompts.
- Integration of LLM with Home Assistant and Future Possibilities[28:32]
- Mike discusses the challenges of integrating LLM with Home Assistant and the potential for automation.
- Jim shares his experience with Home Assistant and the issues he faced during a power outage.
- Discussion about the potential of LLM to summarize and analyze data from Home Assistant, such as energy usage and water consumption.
- Mike and Jim explore the idea of using LLM for generating automations and alerts based on home data.
- Security Cameras and Frigate Docker Container[51:19]
- Mike introduces the Frigate Docker container as an alternative to Blue Iris for security camera management.
- Discussion about the benefits of Frigate, including minimal resource usage and integration with Home Assistant.
- Mike explains the configuration process of Frigate using a YAML file and its suitability for home use.
- Jim and Mike discuss the limitations of Ring cameras and the advantages of local security camera systems.
- Final Thoughts and Future Plans[59:28]
- Mike mentions his recent acquisition of a server case and plans to set up Proxmox for clustering.
- Jim and Mike discuss the potential for future discussions on the show, including AI and home automation.
- Jim thanks Mike for joining the show and mentions upcoming guests and topics for future episodes.
- Jim wraps up the show, reminding listeners to join the live broadcast every Thursday and promoting Maple Grove Partners for hosting services.
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More from Chat GPT
In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I dive into the exciting world of home technology and automation alongside Mike Wieger. We cover a variety of topics, including updates on both local and cloud-based video surveillance solutions. Mike shares his thoughts on Frigate, a new Docker container resource for home security. He finds it to be a fantastic alternative to Blue Iris, especially for those looking for a less resource-intensive setup. Frigate offers features like object detection for people and vehicles, all while integrating seamlessly with Home Assistant, making it ideal for home use.
We also reminisce about previous podcasting adventures, recalling memorable moments from our early days. Notably, we discuss how Mesh-tastic, a mesh network tool, has gained traction within the local tech community, enhancing communication capabilities among users. Mike provides insights on how to deploy and benefit from this technology, especially in outdoor settings like during hiking excursions, where reliable communication can be tricky.
The conversation shifts to personal experiences with smart home gadgets, where our past frustrations really resonate. I explain my recent experiences trying to manage various smart devices and the challenges of seamlessly integrating them into daily life. The technical aspects involved, like managing the digital assets through configuration files, remind us how complicated yet rewarding the journey toward a smart home can be.
We touch on the evolving landscape of AI, looking into ways we can harness local servers to run AI models securely, keeping sensitive data private while benefiting from the latest tech advancements. The potential of creating personalized interactions using AI applications underscores the importance of data sovereignty, prompting a discussion about the balance between convenience and security.
Towards the episode’s conclusion, we still find time to explore practical applications for existing systems. For instance, Mike outlines how you can create automations based on normal patterns of usage in your home—like water consumption patterns or lighting—using data collected by your smart devices. All in all, this episode serves as an engaging guide full of insights into home automation, tech enhancements, and DIY solutions for the average tech enthusiast. Join us in navigating towards a smarter home!
Products mentioned:
- MeshTastic nodes and network
- ChatGPT and local LLM hosting using Llama and Open Web UI
- Frigate Docker container for security camera management
- Home Assistant home automation platform
- Ring security cameras
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Popular Tags: Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison, Mike Wieger, home technology, home automation, Frigate, video surveillance, Docker, Home Assistant, Mesh-tastic, AI, smart home experience
