Mike Wieger joins me this week. We explore tech gadgets and personal experiences together, starting with a light-hearted chat about Nebraska’s cold weather. Mike shares updates on his board game development challenges and growing passion for ice fishing, discussing how technology enhances the experience. We catch up on setting up home servers, focusing on Unraid and TrueNAS, before exploring current and future artificial intelligence applications. Thanks for listening!

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg637

Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #637 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.

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Links

https://blissos.org

https://www.truenas.com/download-truenas-core

https://store.45homelab.com/configure/hl15

Chapters

[0:07]  Introduction to Home Gadget Geeks

[2:21]  Tech Updates and Patreon Support

[6:08]  Board Game Development Journey

[9:22]  Mike’s New Passion: Ice Fishing

[18:56]  Ice Fishing Essentials and Tips

[24:08]  Upgrading to a One Server Solution

[32:55]  Exploring TrueNAS Features and Functionality

[34:27]  Hardware Upgrades and TrueNAS

[36:18]  Exploring Linux Alternatives

[38:27]  Windows 11 Confusion

[39:30]  Linux on Old Hardware

[42:05]  Google Coral TPU Discovery

[44:44]  Android on x86

[48:20]  Voice Assistant Experiences

[1:01:02]  Home Assistant Voice Box

[1:06:51]  AI in the Metaverse

[1:09:08]  Community Engagement and Upcoming Shows

Extended Outline

Discussion on Cold Weather and Patreon Updates[0:00]

• Jim Collison and Mike Wieger discuss the extreme cold weather in Nebraska, with temperatures below zero for several days.
• Jim mentions the Patreon updates, including a drop in subscribers during his break and the importance of Patreon support.
• Jim encourages listeners to use the affiliate link on the average guy.tv site to support the show.
• Jim thanks Christian for joining the show during his break and mentions Christian’s LASIK surgery and upcoming baby.

• Mike’s Board Game Project Update[3:58]
  • Mike Wieger provides an update on his board game project, mentioning the challenges of finding a reliable 3D print farm and dealing with color consistency issues.
  • Mike discusses the possibility of printing the game themselves and the need for injection molding for better quality and consistency.
  • Mike mentions the development of a travel-size version of the game and the completion of the website.
  • Mike expresses excitement about the project, especially working on it with his dad, and plans to update the Discord group when the website goes live.
• Mike’s Introduction to Ice Fishing[9:08]
  • Mike shares his new hobby of ice fishing, describing the setup and the technology involved, including sonar and electric augers.
  • Mike explains the benefits of ice fishing, such as the ability to fish anywhere on the lake and the use of sonar to see fish in real-time.
  • Jim and Mike discuss the safety aspects of ice fishing, including the need for at least four inches of ice thickness.
  • Mike mentions the use of heaters and other equipment to stay warm while ice fishing and plans for future improvements.
• Mike’s Server Setup and TrueNAS[24:50]
  • Mike discusses his plans to upgrade his server setup, mentioning the HL15 server chassis and the benefits of having a backplane for easier servicing.
  • Mike explains his current setup with Unraid and the challenges of managing multiple virtualized systems.
  • Mike talks about his experience with TrueNAS, including its ease of use and the benefits of ZFS replication and snapshots.
  • Mike mentions his use of a small PC at his in-laws’ house for TrueNAS backups and the advantages of TrueNAS for NAS storage.
• Jim’s Whiskey Collection and Android on x86[37:40]
  • Jim shares his idea of using AI to keep track of his whiskey collection, including the use of Android on x86 with Bliss OS.
  • Jim explains the benefits of running Android on old hardware and the potential for using Android apps for specific tasks.
  • Jim mentions the use of ChatGPT for data manipulation and research tasks, highlighting its efficiency and accuracy.
  • Jim and Mike discuss the potential of using AI for various tasks, including data analysis and automation.
• Mike’s Experience with Home Assistant Voice Box[58:30]
  • Mike talks about his experience with the Home Assistant Voice Box, a device designed to replace Amazon Alexa with a self-hosted solution.
  • Mike mentions the setup process and the challenges of voice recognition and contextual understanding.
  • Mike highlights the benefits of the device, such as the ability to stream music and the use of the “Hey Jarvis” wake word.
  • Mike plans to continue experimenting with the device to improve its performance and functionality.
• Upgrades and Features of the a Lady[1:02:35]
  • Jim Collison discusses rumors about a significant upgrade for the a lady, highlighting its potential to handle multiple commands.
  • Jim shares a personal anecdote about the current version’s night vision feature, which automatically adjusts the clock display.
  • Jim mentions that beta versions of the new upgrade might be available in the next nine to twelve months.
  • Mike Wieger expresses his enthusiasm for a chat GPT feature integrated into devices, emphasizing the convenience of natural conversation.
• Chat GPT Integration and Security Concerns[1:03:40]
  • Mike Wieger talks about using the chat GPT feature in an app and wishes for a similar experience with a dedicated device.
  • Jim Collison points out the challenges of integrating chat GPT, particularly the security of storing and recalling user data.
  • Mike Wieger shares his experience with a llama instance on his server rack, which allows natural conversation through a web browser.
  • Jim Collison mentions a user’s experience with YAML code for a sensor, highlighting the AI’s ability to learn and improve.
• Subscription Costs and AI Integration[1:05:28]
  • Jim Collison discusses the likelihood of additional subscription costs for updates to the a lady, predicting that AI subscription models will become more integrated into products.
  • Jim compares the future of AI subscriptions to models like Office 365 and Google, suggesting that AI will be included in various products rather than standalone subscriptions.
  • Jim mentions that some AI tools might still stand alone if they have unique capabilities.
  • Jim and Mike Wieger discuss the potential of AI in the metaverse, particularly for tasks that are difficult to perform manually.
• AI in the Metaverse[1:06:54]
  • Jim Collison suggests that the metaverse could be an ideal place for AI to handle complex tasks, making interactions more intuitive and user-friendly.
  • Mike Wieger agrees, imagining AI assisting with tasks like placing a 40-inch screen in the metaverse.
  • Jim and Mike discuss the challenges of navigating and interacting in the metaverse, highlighting the potential for AI to simplify these tasks.
  • Mike mentions his experience with VR headsets, noting that AI could make the metaverse more accessible and user-friendly.
• Future of AI and Meeting Conclusion[1:10:21]
  • Jim Collison and Mike Wieger speculate on the future of AI, predicting that it will become more integrated into various products and services.
  • Jim mentions the potential for AI to handle tasks in the metaverse, making it easier for users to navigate and interact.
  • Mike suggests that the show should continue to meet monthly to discuss new developments in AI and related technologies.
  • Jim concludes the meeting by reminding participants about the Discord group and other ways to stay connected, and thanks the attendees for their participation.

More from ChatGPT

Jim Collison and Mike Wieger discuss the extreme cold weather in Nebraska, with temperatures below zero for several days. Jim thanks Patreon subscribers and mentions Christian’s LASIK surgery and upcoming baby. Mike updates on his board game project, facing challenges with 3D printing and considering injection molding. He also shares his new hobby of ice fishing, detailing the technology and setup. Jim talks about using Android on x86 for a whiskey collection app. Mike mentions his experience with the Home Assistant Voice Box, highlighting its voice recognition issues. Both discuss the potential of AI tools like ChatGPT for data manipulation and efficiency. Jim Collison and Mike Wieger discuss the potential upgrades for the “a lady,” a device capable of multiple commands. They express excitement about integrating ChatGPT-like features into devices for natural conversation and remembering user preferences. Jim mentions the likelihood of additional subscription costs for AI updates. They also explore the potential of AI in the metaverse for simplifying complex tasks. Mike shares his experience with a llama instance for natural language processing. The conversation concludes with reminders about joining the Discord group and upcoming guests on the show.

In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, we dive deep into a variety of tech gadgets and discussions with Mike Wieger. As we explore the latest trends in home technology, we start off with a reflection on the unusually cold weather experienced in Nebraska, with temperatures dropping to negative values. This prompts a humorous exchange about what Nebraskans do when the weather warms up again, leading to a light-hearted conversation about seasonal transitions.

Mike updates us on the progress of his board game development, sharing insights into the challenges he’s faced with 3D printing and quality control. With the production process proving more complex than anticipated, he discusses the ensuing quest for consistent production methods, experimenting with various print farms, and even considering the option of doing the printing himself. Mike’s determination to make his board game a reality is evident, as he shares his excitement about developing a travel-sized version of the game and the collaborative experience he’s enjoying with his dad during the entire project.

Transitioning to personal hobbies, Mike confesses to being newly addicted to ice fishing. He recounts his experiences with how modern technology has enhanced this traditional pastime, mentioning the use of sonar to find fish under the ice, and appreciating the comforts of ice shanties equipped with heaters. This segment highlights how tech advancements simplify outdoor activities and make them more accessible, bringing a unique blend of innovation to a classic hobby.

Shifting gears, we tackle the topic of home servers, with Mike sharing his journey in setting up a powerful home server environment. The discussion evolves into the intricacies of utilizing software such as Unraid and TrueNAS, highlighting how he’s been customizing his setup. Mike explains how he’s been exploring new storage technologies while balancing the unique features offered by both platforms. His wealth of experience speaks to the passion for home tech enthusiasts looking to optimize their home server experience.

As the conversation flow continues, we delve into the realm of artificial intelligence. We explore the implications of AI tools, discussing how they simplify various tasks, from data manipulation to potentially being integrated into voice-activated devices for a smoother user experience. The discussions touch on the current limitations and future possibilities within smart technology, including exciting innovative updates anticipated in the field.

Finally, the episode wraps up with community engagement encouraging listeners to join discussions in the discord group and keep abreast of updates on the show. Overall, the episode is packed with valuable insights, personal experiences, and an exploration of how technology continues to evolve and integrate into everyday life for the average tech enthusiast.

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