When Smart Gets Smarter: Lighting, Lawn Care, and DIY Solar Systems – HGG654
Gavin Campbell joins me this week for a deep dive into smart home automation, solar experimentation, and the latest in robotic lawn care. Jim shares updates and lessons learned from his Bluetti solar setup and how he’s trying to integrate it with Home Assistant for smarter energy use. Gavin brings insights on millimeter wave technology in light switches, POE-powered Zigbee/Z-Wave hubs, and the benefits of RTF grass and robotic mowers. The two also explore smart watering systems, the rise of LiDAR in lawn robotics, and cap things off with a candid chat on Sonos headphones and the ongoing power tool brand wars. It’s an episode packed with smart tech, real-world trials, and a few lawn care surprises. Thanks for listening!
In this episode, we discuss a broad range of topics surrounding home technology with my guest Gavin Campbell. We kick off with a discussion on the unusual weather patterns we’ve been experiencing, reflecting on recent heat waves and sudden thunderstorms. These weather fluctuations have spurred conversations about practical solutions to keep cool during the hot months, including improvements being made in our own homes, such as installing air conditioning units in garages and sheds.
Transitioning from our weather woes, we talk about my ongoing solar project. Last week, I experimented with eco-friendly solar panels and a Blue Eddy solar generator, aiming to tap into solar energy efficiently. However, I encountered some misconceptions regarding the system’s solar priority — a feature I learned isn’t as straightforward as expected, and I urge listeners to go into these projects with realistic expectations after reaching out to the manufacturer for clarity. Gavin offers insights about home automation and smart devices, suggesting creative ways to optimize solar energy usage by incorporating home assistant technology.
As we further explore automation, Gavin educates me about potential hacks for monitoring energy levels and controlling power sources, including smart plugs that could help improve efficiency by regulating when to pull energy from solar versus grid supply. He introduces inventive measures using wireless connections and automations that could help me maximize my solar input, even in overcast conditions.
The conversation then shifts to smart home devices, highlighting the latest PoE (Power over Ethernet) controllers that Gavin has incorporated into his home for Z-Wave and Zigbee automation systems. He shares his experience with these systems, explaining how they enhance connectivity and performance across his smart devices. Gavin also gives us the scoop on the notable features and designs of new switches from Inovelli, emphasizing their ability to detect occupancy with millimeter-wave technology, thereby creating automated ambient lighting.
Next, we dive into Gavin’s experience with robotic lawnmowers, particularly with the Navimow i-110 series. He discusses his findings after using the mower for several months in tandem with his RTF (Rhizomatous Tall Fescue) turf, which has transformed his lawn. He emphasizes the mower’s efficiency and the significant enhancement in lawn health from regular maintenance, while drawing comparisons with traditional mowing methods and outlining the benefits of consistent trimming.
Wrapping up, we touch upon the nuances of brand loyalty in power tools. Gavin and I exchange insights on various brands such as DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Ryobi, sharing personal experiences with these tools and addressing common frustrations with battery compatibility. Gavin then provides a sneak peek into upcoming episodes of his podcast, HomeTech.fm, featuring fascinating interviews and conversations centered around the latest in home automation and technology.
Through the episode, we blend practical advice with personal anecdotes, creating an engaging dialogue around home technologies and automation solutions that listeners can implement in their own spaces for improved efficiency and comfort.
Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg654
Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #654 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.
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Chapters
[00:07] – Introduction to Home Gadget Geeks
[02:25] – Solar Project Update
[03:13] – Bluetti Insights
[07:28] – Home Assistant Automation Ideas
[12:00] – Millimeter Wave Technology
[33:57] – Innovations in Dimmer Switches
[37:41] – Advanced Light Control Solutions
[38:45] – Smart Home Innovations
[40:36] – Robotic Lawn Mower Experience
[45:27] – Lawn Care Secrets
[48:14] – RTF Grass Technology
[49:07] – Smart Water Management
[50:40] – The Future of Moisture Sensors
[52:14] – Lidar in Robotic Mowers
[56:25] – Sonos Headphones Review
[1:04:34] – Tool Ecosystem Wars
[1:10:39] – Upcoming Interviews on HomeTech.fm
Summary
- Weather and Home Gadgets Discussion[0:00]
- Jim Collison and Gavin Campbell discuss the recent weather, noting a thunderstorm that brought temperatures down.
- Jim mentions his efforts to stay cool, including running wiring for an air conditioner in his garage.
- Jim thanks Patreon subscribers and mentions the solar project update.
- Jim explains the setup of his solar project, including the Bluetti solar generator and the issues he faced with solar priority.
- Solar Project Update and Bluetti Issues[3:38]
- Jim details the equipment he bought for the solar project, including two 100-watt eco-worthy panels and the Bluetti solar generator.
- Jim explains the misconception about the Blue Eddie’s solar priority feature and the support he received from Bluetti.
- Jim discusses his plan to use Home Assistant to automate the charging process of the Bluetti.
- Gavin Campbell suggests using a Bluetooth receiver and Home Assistant to control the Blue Eddie.
- Home Assistant and Solar Integration[7:10]
- Gavin explains how to use Home Assistant to automate the Bluetti’s charging process.
- Jim considers using a tapo app to turn the power on and off based on the Bluetti’s battery level.
- Gavin suggests using an amp clamp to measure the power coming in from the solar panels.
- Jim and Gavin discuss the potential benefits and challenges of using Home Assistant for solar integration.
- Pool Pump and Solar Panel Placement[15:48]
- Jim and Gavin discuss the power consumption of Jim’s pool pump and the feasibility of running it on solar power.
- Jim considers moving his solar panels to the backyard to take advantage of the earlier sun exposure.
- Gavin suggests using a follow-the-sun device to optimize the solar panel angle throughout the day.
- Jim and Gavin discuss the cost and benefits of using multiple solar panels to power the pool pump.
- Zigbee and Z-Wave Controllers[21:45]
- Gavin introduces the SM Light Poe controller for Zigbee and Z-Wave, highlighting its benefits for centralizing devices.
- Gavin mentions the upcoming Zigbee and Z-Wave version of the SM Light controller.
- Jim and Gavin discuss the cost and features of the SM Light controller.
- Gavin also introduces the Tube ZB dual radio kit for Zigbee and Z-Wave, comparing it to the SM Light controller.
- Millimeter Wave Sensors and Dimmer Switches[24:26]
- Gavin discusses the Innr Value Red series Z-Wave millimeter wave sensor and its occupancy sensing capabilities.
- Jim and Gavin discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using millimeter wave sensors for automation.
- Gavin introduces the Acquire FP2 wired millimeter wave sensor, highlighting its advanced features and visual representation of occupancy.
- Jim and Gavin discuss the cost and placement considerations of millimeter wave sensors.
- Lawn Mower and Seed Experiment[40:21]
- Gavin shares his experience with the Navi Mo 110 series robot lawn mower and its impact on his lawn’s health.
- Gavin explains the benefits of using RTF seed for lawn repair and the results he observed after two years.
- Jim and Gavin discuss the differences between RTF seed and other types of grass, such as Zoysia.
- Gavin mentions the use of moisture sensors in his lawn and the new soil moisture sensor from Ecowit.
- Robot Lawn Mower Features and Future Developments[52:08]
- Gavin discusses the features of the Navi Mo 110 series, including its software and GPS-based navigation.
- Jim and Gavin talk about the potential benefits of LiDAR technology in future robot lawn mowers.
- Gavin mentions the higher cost and limited availability of LiDAR-based mowers.
- Jim and Gavin discuss the durability and maintenance of robot lawn mowers, including battery replacement.
- Power Tool Batteries and Adapters[58:49]
- Jim and Gavin discuss the challenges and costs of power tool batteries, including the potential for adapters to use different brands.
- Jim shares his experience with Black and Decker tools and the issues he faced with battery-powered equipment.
- Gavin mentions his use of DeWalt tools and the benefits of having a consistent battery ecosystem.
- Jim and Gavin discuss the potential for adapters to make different power tool brands more compatible.
- Sonos Headphones and Final Thoughts[1:04:36]
- Jim asks Gavin about his experience with Sonos headphones.
- Gavin shares his positive experience with the Sonos headphones, noting their sound quality and comfort.
- Jim and Gavin wrap up the discussion, thanking each other and the audience for their participation.
- Jim mentions the upcoming topics for future episodes and encourages listeners to stay tuned.
- Sonos Headphones and Their Features[1:04:53]
- Gavin Campbell discusses his experience with Sonos headphones, which he bought at a discount on eBay.
- He highlights the headphones’ noise-canceling feature and their ability to connect to TV audio, allowing him to watch TV without disturbing others.
- Gavin mentions the need for a Sonos sound bar on each TV to use this feature effectively.
- He notes that the headphones are great for watching TV late at night in the basement without disturbing others.
- Challenges and Preferences in Headphone Usage[1:06:17]
- Gavin Campbell mentions some annoyances with the headphones but notes that software updates have addressed many issues.
- He expresses a wish to use the headphones for podcasting but notes a delay in voice due to digital processing.
- Jim Collison shares his preference for earbuds at work and mentions his use of Audio Technica BP1 headset.
- Jim discusses his potential switch to using cans (headphones) instead of earbuds.
- Tool Brand Preferences and Discussions[1:07:35]
- Jim Collison and Gavin Campbell discuss their preferences for tool brands, mentioning Ryobi, Black and Decker, DeWalt, and Milwaukee.
- Jim notes that there is a lot of competition in the tool space, which leads to better products.
- Gavin shares a story about borrowing tools from a neighbor due to the convenience of using different brands.
- Jim mentions that in the farming space, brands like Caterpillar and John Deere are well-known, similar to the tool brands.
- Upcoming Content on Home Tech FM[1:10:40]
- Gavin Campbell announces upcoming guest interviews on Home Tech FM, including Jimmy Hawkins from Automated House and Wayne Crifles from Navimovo North America.
- He mentions that the interviews cover smart home-related topics and provide valuable feedback on robot lawnmowers.
- Jim Collison encourages listeners to check out Home Tech FM for more technical but fun content.
- Gavin and Jim discuss the challenges of having Seth on the show due to his unfinished projects.
- Plans for CES 2024[1:12:33]
- Gavin Campbell announces that the Home Tech FM team will be attending CES 2024 in January.
- He mentions that they will be recording audio and video during the event and meeting with other creators and companies.
- Jim Collison asks about the possibility of live coverage, and Gavin explains that it will be challenging to coordinate.
- Gavin shares that they will be meeting with various companies and creators during CES 2024.
- Closing Remarks and Community Engagement[1:13:37]
- Jim Collison reminds listeners to join the Discord group for discussions and community engagement.
- He mentions the availability of reliable, high-speed hosting from Maple Grove Partners.
- Jim thanks listeners for their emails and mentions a long email he received about home servers and NAS.
- He encourages listeners to subscribe, follow, and engage with the show on various platforms.
More from ChatGPT
Jim Collison and Gavin Campbell discussed various home gadgets and tech updates. Jim shared his experience with a solar project using Bluetti generators, noting that they don’t prioritize solar power as previously thought. Gavin suggested using Home Assistant for automation. They also discussed Gavin’s positive experience with a Navimow 110 AI robot lawn mower and his use of RTF seed for lawn repair. Gavin introduced Poe controllers for Zigbee and Z-Wave, highlighting the SM Light and Tube ZB devices. They also touched on the potential benefits of LiDAR technology in future robot mowers and the challenges of battery ecosystems in power tools. Gavin Campbell discussed his experience with Sonos headphones, highlighting their noise-canceling and TV audio syncing features. He purchased them at a discount on eBay and uses them for mowing the lawn and watching TV without disturbing others. Jim Collison shared his preference for Audio Technica earbuds and headsets. They also discussed tool brands, with Gavin favoring DeWalt and Jim mentioning Milwaukee. Upcoming content includes interviews with Jimmy Hawkins from Automated House and Wayne Crifles from Navimovo North America. They also mentioned plans to attend CES 2024 for live recordings and meetings with other creators.
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Popular Tags: Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison, Gavin Campbell, smart home automation, Bluetti solar generator, Home Assistant hacks, robotic lawn mower, RTF grass, millimeter wave switches, Zigbee Z-Wave controller, smart irrigation, Sonos headphones review, power tool ecosystems
