This week I am joined by TJ Huddleston for a wide-ranging conversation that blends real-world winter weather, practical home technology, and insights from CES 2026. From navigating a rare Level 3 snow emergency in Ohio to installing a solar-powered backyard shed using an EcoFlow battery, the discussion stays focused on what actually works. Along the way, Jim and TJ dig into smart irrigation, weather stations, automation strategies, and why CES continues to be more about people and perspective than breakthrough products. Thanks for listening!

In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison is joined by TJ Huddleston for a wide-ranging conversation that blends real-world experiences with practical home technology and reflections from CES 2026.

The discussion opens with a look at a recent winter storm in Ohio, where TJ experienced roughly 11 inches of snow in a 24-hour period and a rare Level 3 snow emergency that restricted travel to emergency personnel only. Jim contrasts this with snow response practices in Nebraska, highlighting how different regions handle winter weather and infrastructure challenges. The comparison sets the tone for the episode: real conditions, real constraints, and practical decision-making.

From there, the conversation shifts to TJ’s backyard projects, starting with the installation of a new 10×16 lofted shed. TJ walks through the process of selecting the shed, navigating delivery logistics using a specialized “shed mule,” and preparing a raised gravel pad to compensate for an uneven yard. With no garage or basement at his home, the shed represents a major functional upgrade, currently serving as storage while leaving room for future uses as weather and seasons change.

Powering the shed becomes a central theme as TJ explains how he avoided the cost and complexity of trenching electrical lines, permits, and inspections by using solar power paired with an EcoFlow portable battery. Using a 400-watt bifacial solar panel mounted on a fence, TJ is able to run lighting and small loads while learning firsthand about winter solar performance, battery temperature limits, and realistic expectations for off-grid setups. Jim and TJ discuss potential upgrades, including panel placement and insulation strategies, while emphasizing that small, well-defined power needs are where solar and portable batteries shine.

Gardening and automation take center stage as TJ describes managing twelve raised garden beds in clay-heavy soil, growing everything from strawberries and garlic to tomatoes and peppers. Watering quickly becomes the biggest challenge at that scale, leading to a deeper discussion around hose timers, Zigbee-based devices, and integration with Home Assistant. TJ outlines plans for a DIY irrigation system using individual water solenoids so each bed can be watered independently, guided by soil moisture sensors and local weather data rather than fixed schedules.

The episode also explores broader landscaping choices, including TJ’s plans to convert much of his front yard into wildflowers and native plants that require less water and maintenance. Jim shares his own experiences with sunflowers and unconventional planting choices, touching on neighborhood reactions, sustainability, and a “survival of the fittest” approach to gardening.

Attention then turns back to CES 2026, where TJ shares impressions from attending the show in person for the first time. While the event was packed with new products and demos, both Jim and TJ agree that nothing felt truly revolutionary this year. Robotics stood out as a dominant theme—robot lawn mowers, vacuums, and humanoid concepts were everywhere—but the conversation centers on the gap between impressive hardware and software that’s ready for everyday use. TJ also reflects on the value of networking, in-person conversations, and the logistical realities of CES, including crowds, long days, and unreliable cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity.

The episode wraps with a look ahead to future topics on TJ’s podcast, HomeTech.fm, including growing concerns around proposed regulatory changes that could impact Z-Wave and the broader smart home ecosystem. Jim and TJ close by reflecting on how technology fits best when it supports everyday life—whether that’s managing winter weather, powering a backyard shed, growing food more efficiently, or simply making informed choices about what tech is worth adopting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Home Gadget Geeks 670 about?

This episode of Home Gadget Geeks features Jim Collison in conversation with TJ Huddleston, covering real-world winter weather, backyard solar power, smart gardening automation, and practical takeaways from CES 2026. The discussion focuses on what actually works at home—not hype or theory.

What happened during the snow emergency in Ohio?

TJ experienced roughly 11 inches of snow in 24 hours in Franklin County, Ohio, triggering a Level 3 snow emergency. At that level, roads are restricted to emergency personnel only, and non-essential travel can result in citations if it causes issues. The episode compares this to Nebraska’s approach, where snow emergencies mainly restrict street parking so plows can operate.

How do snow emergency rules differ between Ohio and Nebraska?

In Ohio, snow emergencies escalate through levels that can fully restrict travel. In Nebraska, a “snow emergency” typically means no parking on streets, not a driving ban. The difference highlights how infrastructure, population density, and local policy shape winter response strategies.

Did CES 2026 feature any major breakthrough technology?

According to TJ, CES 2026 was interesting but not revolutionary. Many products represented incremental improvements rather than breakthroughs. Robotics was the most visible trend, but real-world usefulness—especially software reliability—still lags behind hardware capabilities.

Why were robots such a big topic at CES 2026?

Robots appeared everywhere at CES 2026, including robot vacuums, lawn mowers, and humanoid concepts. TJ remains skeptical about their readiness for everyday homes, noting that even inexpensive robot vacuums still struggle with basic tasks like rugs—raising doubts about far more expensive humanoid robots performing complex chores.

What shed did TJ install, and why?

TJ installed a 10×16 lofted shed, about 12 feet tall, costing roughly $4,000 delivered. With no garage or basement, the shed provides essential storage and future flexibility. Delivery required specialized equipment known as a “shed mule” to navigate tight access and uneven terrain.

How is the shed powered without running permanent electrical lines?

Instead of trenching power and pulling permits, TJ powers the shed using a 400-watt bifacial solar panel paired with an EcoFlow portable battery. This setup runs lighting and small loads while avoiding thousands of dollars in electrical work.

Does solar power work in winter?

Yes—with limitations. In winter, TJ’s EcoFlow battery often reports that the cells are too cold to charge, but it still holds its charge well. Solar production is reduced, but for small, well-defined loads like lights, the system remains practical. The episode emphasizes realistic expectations over ideal conditions.

Why not install a traditional irrigation system?

Traditional irrigation quotes came in around $6,000, largely due to backflow prevention, meters, and labor. TJ opted for a DIY approach using hose timers, Zigbee devices, and future plans for individual solenoid-controlled zones—significantly reducing cost while increasing flexibility.

How is TJ automating garden watering?

TJ uses soil moisture sensors, a local weather station, and Home Assistant automations to determine when watering is actually needed. Planned upgrades include individual valves per raised bed, allowing each plant zone to receive customized watering based on real data rather than fixed schedules.

What role does a weather station play in automation?

A personal weather station provides hyper-local data—rainfall, temperature, and solar conditions—that can’t always be trusted from generic APIs. TJ uses this data to skip watering after rain, adjust lighting behavior, and trigger alerts when conditions change.

What is the Apollo Automation Pump One used for?

The Pump One from Apollo Automation is a small, ESPHome-based peristaltic pump used for automated indoor seed watering. Integrated with Home Assistant and soil sensors, it allows precise watering of seedlings without manual intervention.

Why are wildflowers and native plants part of the strategy?

Native plants and wildflowers require less water, less maintenance, and are better adapted to local conditions. TJ plans to convert much of his front yard to wildflowers, reducing irrigation needs while improving sustainability—even if it challenges traditional lawn expectations.

What concerns were raised about Z-Wave?

TJ previews upcoming discussions on Z-Wave, including concerns about potential spectrum changes that could impact long-term device compatibility. The issue hasn’t received widespread attention yet, but could have significant implications for the smart home ecosystem.

Why does CES still matter if the tech isn’t revolutionary?

CES remains valuable for people, perspective, and conversation. TJ emphasizes that networking, hallway discussions, and seeing trends across industries provide context that’s hard to get online—even when the products themselves aren’t groundbreaking.

Links:

https://www.hometech.fm

Chapters

[0:04] – Welcome to Home Gadget Geeks
Jim Collison opens episode 670 and welcomes TJ Huddleston.

[7:54] – Snow Emergency in Ohio vs Nebraska
11 inches of snow in 24 hours, Ohio’s Level 3 snow emergency, and how it compares to Nebraska’s approach.

[13:47] – CES 2026 First Impressions
TJ shares his overall take on CES 2026 and why nothing felt truly revolutionary.

[21:01] – Why TJ Needed a Backyard Shed
No garage, no basement, and the decision to add a large storage shed.

[24:13] – Shed Delivery with a “Shed Mule”
Tight access, neighbor coordination, fence removal, and a determined delivery driver.

[26:31] – Powering a Shed with Solar and EcoFlow
Avoiding trenching and permits using a 400W solar panel and a portable battery.

[33:12] – Winter Solar Reality Checks
Cold batteries, charging limitations, and realistic expectations for winter solar.

[34:47] – Gardening at Scale
Managing 12 raised beds, clay soil challenges, and why watering becomes the biggest issue.

[37:54] – Wildflowers, Sunflowers, and Neighbors
Front-yard wildflowers, edible sunflowers, and neighborhood reactions.

[40:00] – DIY Irrigation Strategies
Hose timers, Zigbee devices, and plans for per-bed watering control.

[43:54] – Soil Moisture Sensors and Automation Logic
Using weather stations and real data to decide when to water.

[49:14] – Robots Everywhere at CES 2026
Robot vacuums, lawn mowers, humanoids, and why the software still isn’t ready.

[49:54] – Vegas, CES Logistics, and Connectivity Issues
Crowds, walking, poor cellular service, and the realities of CES travel.

[1:05:18] – Z-Wave Concerns and Future Topics
Previewing regulatory issues that could impact the Z-Wave ecosystem.

[1:07:35] – Upcoming Guests and Wrap-Up
What’s coming next on Home Gadget Geeks and HomeTech.fm.

Summary

Jim thanks Patreon subscribers and mentions the live show schedule and upcoming guests.

Snow Emergency in Ohio[0:00]

Jim Collison and TJ Huddleston discuss the severe snowstorm in central Ohio, with TJ mentioning 11 inches of snow in 24 hours.

TJ explains the concept of snow emergency levels, which dictate when roads are closed to prevent accidents.

Jim compares the snow emergency levels in Nebraska, where only parking on streets is restricted.

Both hosts express relief that the storm is over and hope everyone is safe.

CES 2026 Recap[3:37]

TJ shares his experience at CES 2026, mentioning interviews with companies like Fire Avert, which makes devices to shut off gas or electric in emergencies.

Jim and TJ discuss the lack of revolutionary technology at CES, with TJ noting the prevalence of robots in various forms.

Jim and TJ debate the readiness of robots for everyday use, citing issues with current robot devices.

TJ mentions the high cost of advanced robots and the challenges they face in performing simple tasks.

TJ’s New Shed and Solar Setup[7:51]

TJ talks about his new 10×16 shed, which cost $4,000 delivered, and the unique method of delivery using a “shed mule.”

Jim and TJ discuss the challenges of placing the shed in a tight space and the need for a gravel pad due to an unlevel backyard.

TJ explains his solar setup, including a 400-watt solar panel mounted on a fence, and his use of an EcoFlow portable battery for power.

Jim suggests potential improvements, such as mounting the solar panel on the shed’s roof for better sun exposure.

Gardening and Automation[20:49]

TJ describes his extensive garden setup with 12 raised garden beds and various plants, including strawberries, garlic, tomatoes, and peppers.

Jim and TJ discuss the challenges of watering a large garden, with TJ mentioning his use of hose timers and ZigBee-based automations.

TJ plans to build a custom irrigation system using water solenoids and a sprinkler controller to water different zones individually.

Jim suggests using a watering device that shoots water from a fence post to cover multiple areas efficiently.

Wildflowers and Neighborhood Reactions[34:49]

TJ shares his plans to convert half his front yard into wildflowers, including sunflowers and edible sunflower seeds.

Jim and TJ discuss the potential reactions from neighbors, with TJ noting positive feedback from some neighbors.

TJ describes his process of smothering grass with cardboard and soil to create new garden beds.

Jim shares his experience with sunflowers and the challenges of maintaining a large garden.

Irrigation and Home Automation[41:47]

TJ discusses his use of soil moisture sensors to monitor the moisture levels in his garden and adjust watering accordingly.

Jim suggests using home automation to control irrigation and lighting for indoor plants, including temperature and humidity control.

TJ mentions his use of a PumpOne device from Apollo Automation to water seeds indoors, which ties into his home assistant system.

Jim and TJ discuss the benefits of native plants that require less water and the challenges of maintaining plants that need more water.

CES Experiences and Travel[49:49]

TJ shares his experiences at CES, including attending a live show of The Verge podcast and meeting the hosts.

Jim and TJ discuss the challenges of staying connected in Vegas due to poor cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

TJ mentions visiting the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon during his trip, despite being sick from CES.

Jim and TJ reflect on the unique experience of CES, including the overwhelming number of people and the variety of technology on display.

Weather Stations and Their Uses[58:37]

Jim Collison discusses his hesitation in buying a weather station due to the fear of it becoming outdated quickly.

TJ shares his experience with using a weather station to track daily temperatures and automate interior house lights based on solar data.

Jim mentions using various devices to monitor temperature in different rooms and on his watch.

John comments on the high cost of weather stations, with TJ confirming that they are typically $200 or more.

Features and Limitations of Weather Stations[1:01:42]

TJ explains that his weather station uses a hypersonic sensor to detect rainfall and notify him when it starts raining.

Jim mentions using AccuWeather and other services for accurate rain alerts.

TJ shares that Gavin uses his weather station to notify him when it starts raining if his windows are open.

Jim discusses the potential for automating shades based on solar output to adjust indoor lighting.

Upcoming Topics on Home Tech FM[1:03:37]

TJ mentions working on Z-Wave-related topics, including an initiative to sell the spectrum used by Z-Wave and other devices.

Jim suggests comparing the Z-Wave situation to past issues in the microphone industry.

TJ expresses confusion over why the Z-Wave issue hasn’t been widely discussed and plans to gather more information.

Jim promotes Home Tech FM as a more technical podcast and thanks TJ for providing value on the show.

Closing Remarks and Promotions[1:06:09]

Jim thanks TJ for joining the show and mentions upcoming guests, including Seth and Gavin.

Jim promotes the averageguy.tv/live for live shows and the averageguy.tv/discord for community engagement.

Jim reminds listeners to use the affiliate link on averageguy.tv for Amazon purchases to support the network.

A Deep Dive into Smart Home and Home Technology

HomeTech.fm is a long-running podcast focused on the technical, practical, and strategic side of smart home technology. Hosted by Seth Johnson, Gavin Campbell and TJ Huddleston, the show consistently goes beyond product announcements and surface-level reviews, offering thoughtful analysis of how home technology actually works—and where it’s headed.

Unlike many tech podcasts that chase headlines or hype cycles, HomeTech.fm is designed for listeners who want context, nuance, and informed discussion. The show blends real-world experience with industry awareness, making it especially valuable for those who build, install, maintain, or seriously evaluate smart home systems.

What HomeTech.fm Covers

At its core, HomeTech.fm explores the ecosystem of home technology, not just individual gadgets. Common topics include:

• Smart home platforms and interoperability
• Home automation standards like Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi-based devices
• Networking fundamentals for reliable smart homes
• Energy management, sensors, and automation logic
• Security, privacy, and long-term system stability
• Industry trends, standards bodies, and regulatory changes

Episodes frequently reference real installations and real problems, rather than idealized lab conditions. This makes the show especially relevant to listeners who want to understand tradeoffs, not just features.

How HomeTech.fm Is Different from Other Tech Podcasts

What sets HomeTech.fm apart is its technical honesty. The show does not assume that newer is always better or that automation should be added everywhere. Instead, discussions often focus on:

• Whether a technology is actually mature enough for daily use
• The long-term implications of vendor decisions and standards changes
• Why some smart home problems are harder than they appear
• How reliability, maintenance, and failure modes affect real homes

The tone is analytical but approachable, making complex topics accessible without oversimplifying them.

Who Should Listen to HomeTech.fm?

HomeTech.fm is particularly well-suited for:

• Smart home enthusiasts who want deeper understanding
• DIY automation builders using platforms like Home Assistant
• Integrators and installers who care about long-term reliability
• Technologists interested in standards, protocols, and ecosystem health
• Homeowners planning thoughtful, scalable automation projects

Listeners who enjoy measured discussion over fast takes or unboxing-style content will find the show especially valuable.

Why HomeTech.fm Is Valuable Right Now

As smart homes become more complex—and more dependent on cloud services, wireless spectrum, and vendor ecosystems—understanding the infrastructure matters. HomeTech.fm regularly addresses questions that many users don’t realize they should be asking, such as:

• What happens if a protocol loses spectrum access?
• How do regulatory decisions impact consumer devices?
• Which technologies are likely to be supported long-term?
• Where are the real risks in home automation today?

These conversations help listeners make better, more resilient choices, rather than reacting to marketing cycles.

How HomeTech.fm Fits Alongside Home Gadget Geeks

For listeners of Home Gadget Geeks, HomeTech.fm serves as a natural companion podcast. While Home Gadget Geeks often focuses on hands-on experiences, personal projects, and everyday usability, HomeTech.fm dives deeper into the technical and industry-level implications behind those same technologies.

Together, the two shows provide a well-rounded view of home technology—from what works today to what may shape the future.

Final Verdict

HomeTech.fm is a thoughtful, technically grounded podcast that rewards listeners who want more than surface-level tech talk. It avoids hype, respects complexity, and consistently delivers context that helps listeners understand not just what is happening in home technology, but why it matters.

For anyone serious about smart homes, automation, and the long-term direction of home technology, HomeTech.fm is a podcast worth subscribing to.

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg670

Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #670 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.

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