Mike Wieger joins me this week as we talk about the latest in home technology, focusing on 3D printing and virtual reality (VR). We start with Mike’s transition from printing random objects to creating a board game inspired by his father’s inventions. He shares insights into their collaborative journey through prototyping and CAD design. We then delve into VR, with Mike discussing his newfound enthusiasm for technologies like the Oculus Quest 3, highlighting the immersive social experiences they offer. Additionally, we touch on Mike’s home lab upgrades and the complexities of setting up home generators for backup power. This episode is packed with practical insights and engaging narratives for tech enthusiasts. Thanks for listening!

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg635

Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #635 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.

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Links

1. Meta Quest 3 – VR headset from Meta (Facebook): https://www.oculus.com/quest-3/
2. Bobo VR back strap – Accessory for Meta Quest headsets: https://www.bobovr.com/
3. Frigate – Home security camera software: https://frigate.video/
4. Tail Scale – VPN/remote access solution: https://www.tailscale.com/
5. 45 Drive home lab case – Server chassis for home labs: https://www.45drives.com//
6. Soft start kit for air conditioners – Micro-Air Flex Easy Start – https://amzn.to/3DQ3m5n

Chapters

[0:07]  Introduction to Home Gadget Geeks

[2:15]  Exploring 3D Printing Projects

[14:44]  Diving into Virtual Reality

[37:48]  Consolidating Servers for Efficiency

[46:39]  Go Big or Go Home

[46:47]  The ZFS Advantage

[48:02]  Choosing the Right CPU

[49:04]  Planning for Storage

[49:40]  Minimalism vs. Data Retention

[52:39]  The Backup Solution

[53:44]  Home Server Accessibility

[54:37]  The Power of TailScale

[59:09]  Embracing Simplicity

[59:39]  The Frigate Plug

[1:01:32]  Upgrading to Frigate

[1:06:32]  Generator Setup

[1:10:18]  Soft Start Benefits

[1:15:01]  Understanding Bonding

[1:26:01]  Generator Safety Tips

[1:29:58]  Modern Electrical Safety

[1:32:16]  Looking Ahead

Jim Collison and Mike Wieger discuss various tech topics, including 3D printing, VR, and home server configurations. Mike shares his experience with 3D printing, highlighting a project to recreate a board game his father invented, involving custom building toppers for major U.S. cities. He also discusses his newfound interest in VR, detailing the Meta Quest 3 and its capabilities, including gaming and virtual desktop experiences. Mike plans to consolidate his home server setup to an AMD EPYC with 256GB RAM and 10GbE for better performance. They also touch on backup strategies and the benefits of using Tailscale for remote access. Jim Collison and Mike Wieger discussed their home electrical setups, focusing on generator connections and whole-house power solutions. Jim detailed his 50-amp service installation, including the use of a soft start kit for his air conditioner and the importance of bonded vs. floating neutrals in generators. Mike shared his setup with a 30-amp outlet and a generator, highlighting the need for a power meter to ensure stable voltage and amperage. Both emphasized the importance of following local electrical codes and considering professional help for complex installations. They also touched on the benefits of Unraid Seven and tail scale for home automation.

Extended Outline

• Polar Vortex and Family Visit[0:00]
  • Jim Collison mentions the polar vortex turned out to be a “soft little teddy bear” with minimal snowfall in Omaha.
  • Mike Wieger shares that his in-laws from Kansas City and southeast Nebraska got stuck due to 15 to 20 inches of snow in their area.
  • Jim and Mike discuss the benefits of spending extra time with family, with Mike praising his in-laws.
  • Jim thanks the Patreon subscribers and promotes the network’s affiliate link for Amazon purchases.
• Introduction to 3D Printing and Board Game Project[2:02]
  • Jim introduces the topics for the night, including 3D printing, VR, and a discussion on whether one server rules them all.
  • Mike shares his experience with 3D printing, initially printing random items but finding useful applications like custom shims and spacers.
  • Mike reveals his father’s board game invention, a city builder game with customizable building toppers, and their collaboration on recreating the game using 3D printing.
  • Mike describes the prototyping process, the challenges of 3D modeling, and the potential for selling the game once fully developed.
• Prototyping and Patenting the Board Game[14:33]
  • Mike explains the detailed prototyping process, including creating building toppers for major U.S. cities and testing them for fit and finish.
  • He mentions the challenges of patenting and the research involved in ensuring their design does not infringe on existing patents.
  • Mike shares the progress of the project, including working with printers, designers, and board game shops for distribution.
  • The project has been a fun and rewarding experience for Mike and his father, with plans to launch the website soon.
• Exploring VR and Its Applications[14:46]
  • Mike discusses his newfound interest in VR, initially put off by a bad experience with a Best Buy headset.
  • He describes his upgrade to the Meta Quest 3 and the benefits of the Bobo VR back strap and fan for comfort.
  • Mike explains the differences between the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3s, emphasizing the improved resolution and wireless technology.
  • He highlights the gaming experience, the ability to play games natively on the headset, and the improved wireless connectivity for gaming on a PC.
• Social and Immersive VR Experiences[19:28]
  • Mike shares his enjoyment of VR gaming, including playing poker and board games like De Meo and Settlers of Catan in VR.
  • He discusses the social aspect of VR, playing games with friends and family, and the improved audio quality in VR headsets.
  • Mike mentions the potential for VR to enhance live sports and concert experiences, with the NBA offering free VR games.
  • Jim expresses interest in VR for more immersive video experiences and social interactions, like watching sports or playing board games with friends.
• Potential for VR in Podcasting and Social Interactions[39:13]
  • Jim and Mike discuss the possibility of using VR for podcasting, allowing them to interact in a virtual studio setting.
  • They explore the idea of having a virtual cigar club or whiskey tasting in VR, enhancing social interactions.
  • Mike mentions the VR chat app, which allows users to create and explore virtual worlds, and the potential for more immersive social experiences.
  • They consider the future of VR, with improvements in technology and the potential for more mainstream adoption.
• Consolidating Home Servers and Future Plans[39:30]
  • Mike talks about his current home lab setup, with multiple servers running various applications and the need for consolidation.
  • He explains the benefits of moving to a single Unraid server with more RAM and PCIe lines to handle the growing demands of his home lab.
  • Mike discusses the potential for using an AMD EPYC server and the challenges of upgrading to 10GbE networking.
  • He mentions the 45 Drive home lab case as a potential solution for his growing storage needs and the importance of planning for future upgrades.
• Backup Strategies and Off-Site Storage[51:34]
  • Mike shares his backup strategy, using a cheap Dell Optiplex with a single 20TB hard drive at his in-laws’ farm for off-site storage.
  • He explains the benefits of ZFS replication for backups and the ease of setting up off-site storage with a buddy.
  • Mike discusses the importance of having a reliable backup solution and the potential for using tail scale for remote access to his servers.
  • Jim and Mike talk about the challenges of managing large data sets and the importance of planning for future storage needs.
• Accessing Home Servers Remotely[53:18]
  • Mike explains his use of tail scale for remote access to his home servers, making it easy to access his servers from anywhere.
  • He mentions the benefits of tail scale, including no need for port forwarding or setting up a VPN server.
  • Mike discusses the importance of having a reliable remote access solution and the potential for using tail scale for shared access with friends.
  • Jim and Mike talk about the simplicity of tail scale and its benefits for managing home servers.
• Final Thoughts and Future Plans[59:31]
  • Mike shares his excitement about the potential of VR and the improvements in technology and content.
  • He discusses the benefits of tail scale for remote access and the importance of planning for future upgrades in his home lab.
  • Mike mentions the potential for using frigate for home security and the benefits of its contextual search and AI integration.
  • Jim and Mike wrap up the discussion, with plans to continue exploring VR and home lab upgrades in future episodes.
• Mac Mini Setup and Config File Challenges[1:00:43]
  • Jim Collison discusses his recent purchase of a Mac Mini M1 and his plans to set it up for specific purposes.
  • Mike Wieger mentions the barrier of entry for setting up a config file for Home Assistant, which is often daunting for beginners.
  • Mike offers to share his config file on Discord to help others get started, noting it is in YAML format.
  • Jim and Mike discuss the importance of config files in various contexts, including AI and crypto work.
• Tail Scale and Home Backup Discussion[1:02:18]
  • Jim and Mike talk about the new features of Tail Scale, including Tail Scale Drive, which allows for attached storage.
  • Mike shares his experience with Tail Scale DNS issues and his preference for bookmarking IP addresses instead.
  • Jim inquires about Mike’s progress on whole-home backup, and Mike explains his setup involving an outlet and a 30-amp breaker.
  • Mike describes the challenges he faced with his generator, including low hertz and amperage issues, and how he resolved them.
• Generator Setup and Power Management[1:03:20]
  • Jim details his own generator setup, including the installation of a 50-amp service and the use of amp-volt meters.
  • Jim explains the importance of having a physical break between the generator and the house for battery backup options.
  • Mike and Jim discuss the benefits of using a soft start kit for air conditioners to manage power surges.
  • Jim emphasizes the importance of bonded neutrals in generators and how he set up a switch to manage this.
• Safety Concerns and Bonded vs. Floating Neutrals[1:29:07]
  • Jim explains the difference between bonded and floating neutrals in generators and the safety implications.
  • Mike and Jim discuss the importance of having a properly grounded electrical system, especially for older homes.
  • Jim shares his experience with hiring an electrician to ground his system and the benefits of modern electrical safety features.
  • Mike and Jim agree on the importance of consulting local codes and possibly hiring an electrician for complex electrical work.
• Final Thoughts and Future Plans[1:31:29]
  • Jim and Mike reflect on the importance of having a reliable power setup during emergencies, including running essential appliances.
  • Jim mentions his plans to build a platform and shelter for his generator to keep it outside and manageable.
  • Mike expresses concerns about the noise of the generator during storms and the potential impact on neighbors.
  • Jim reminds listeners about the upcoming break in live shows and encourages them to join the Discord group for further discussions.

More from ChatGPT

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of home tech with Mike Wieger, as we explore everything from 3D printing innovations to the fascinating realm of virtual reality (VR). We kick off the conversation discussing the impact of the polar vortex and family gatherings, before transitioning into the advanced world of 3D printing where Mike shares his experiences and projects that have inspired him. He recounts how he got into 3D printing, starting with printing random objects before realizing the true potential of the technology in solving real-world problems and even creating a board game inspired by his father’s childhood inventions.

This board game project represents an exciting collaborative effort between Mike and his father, who has developed unique building toppers for the game using 3D printing. The discussion touches on the iterative process of prototyping and design, revealing how advanced software and printers allow for rapid testing of ideas, prototypes, and improvements. Mike shares his dad’s evolution from a novice to a proficient CAD designer, developing intricate models based on iconic city buildings. He emphasizes the educational journey they embark on together as they navigate patent processes and retail logistics in the game development world.

Transitioning from 3D printing, we enter the immersive landscape of VR. Mike talks about his initial hesitance towards VR technology, marked by a bad experience with early headsets, but how his views changed dramatically after trying out the latest models. The conversation evolves into a detailed discussion about the Oculus Quest 3 and the enriching experiences it offers, especially through multiplayer games, social interactions, and the growing library of engaging VR content. Mike highlights recent developments in VR that enhance the social aspect, allowing friends to meet in virtual spaces, play games, and even attend live events together, all while eliminating the unfriendly tethering of wired headsets.

As we delve deeper into the potential of VR, Mike shares an exciting experience with a live NBA game streamed in virtual reality, noting how it recreates the ambiance of a real arena. He emphasizes how immersive experiences like this can transform traditional event attendance into something entirely new and engaging. The discussion naturally pivots to the technical improvements in VR, such as wireless connectivity, enhancing the user experience while making it trivial for anyone to access.

We also take a moment to discuss Mike’s ongoing home lab projects, focusing on server management and consolidation strategies. He explains his plans to upgrade his home server infrastructure, contemplating switching to an AMD EPYC system to handle his expanding needs effectively. The idea of creating a powerhouse setup that can run multiple virtual machines aligns with the increasing demand for processing power and storage in home tech environments.

Lastly, we unpack the complexities of home generators and backup systems, a critical subject in today’s world of unpredictable weather. Mike shares insights into his process of setting up a whole-home generator, including the installation intricacies and the pitfalls of bonded versus floating neutrals in generator systems. This part of the discussion underscores the importance of understanding the electrical systems that power our homes, offering practical advice for anyone considering their own backup power solutions.

Overall, this episode offers an engaging mix of technical insights, personal narratives, and practical advice for the average tech enthusiast looking to integrate advanced technologies into their homes and daily lives.

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Popular Tags: Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison, Mike Wieger, home technology, 3D printing, virtual reality, board game, CAD design, Oculus Quest 3, home lab upgrades, Meta Quest 3, Bobo VR back strap, Frigate, Tail Scale, 45 Drives, MicroAir FLEX EasyStart