Andrew Morris Returns: Solar in Brisbane, NAS Frustrations, Unifi Networking & Garmin Tech – HGG671

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Andrew Morris returns to Home Gadget Geeks this week. We revisit the early days of HGG, catch up on his move from Melbourne to Brisbane, and dive deep into solar upgrades, NAS decisions, hardware pricing, Unifi networking, broadband realities, Garmin health tech, and the growing temptation of a Bambu Lab 3D printer. Thanks for listening!

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Andrew’s Early Contributions to Home Gadget Geeks

We open with a throwback to the early HGG days — Friday recordings, weekend syncing, and Andrew’s reputation as the inventor of “world-class show notes.” We reflect on how the podcast team evolved over the years, including familiar voices like Christian, Rich, and Mike Howard. It’s a reminder of how long this community has been building together.

Moving to Brisbane: Life Updates & Family

Andrew shares the story behind moving from Melbourne to Brisbane in 2020. He describes purchasing an acre and a half surrounded by bushland, complete with wallabies and kangaroos. We talk about the stress of selling a home, adjusting to a new region, and watching kids grow up — from academic transitions to career aspirations.

Brisbane’s infrastructure upgrades — including major rail projects ahead of the 2032 Olympics — highlight how rapidly the region is evolving.

Solar in Brisbane vs Nebraska

Andrew upgraded to a larger solar system in Brisbane and plans to add batteries for greater grid independence.

We compare that to solar realities in Nebraska — snow cover, haze, winter production drops — and how geography changes the ROI equation. Solar works differently depending on where you live, and that context matters.

Media Hosting, NAS Frustrations & Storage Pricing

Andrew remains heavily invested in Plex and Jellyfin media hosting and runs a Synology NAS that’s nearing replacement time.

We explore:

  • Concerns about Synology’s past decisions
  • Codec implications for Plex users
  • Evaluating alternatives like the Ugreen AI NAS
  • Whether used PC hardware makes sense as a temporary bridge
  • Hard drive pricing realities
  • NVMe and SSD cost-per-terabyte challenges

The core takeaway: spinning disks still win for large media libraries, and hardware inflation has made upgrade decisions harder than they should be.

AI Hardware Demand & The Possibility of a Market Reset

We dig into CPU and RAM pricing in 2026 and whether AI-driven data center demand is distorting the consumer market.

Could surplus enterprise-grade SSD and networking gear hit secondary markets in a few years? Possibly. If AI infrastructure overbuilds and cycles hardware aggressively, home lab enthusiasts may benefit.

Tariffs, global sourcing challenges, and manufacturing shifts also play into the uncertainty.

Unifi Networking & Home Automation

Andrew inherited Unifi access points and transitioned to a single control plane with a Unifi Cloud Gateway and PoE switching.

We discuss:

  • Centralized management advantages
  • Replacing gear only when needed
  • The Home Assistant rabbit hole
  • Security camera integration possibilities
  • Enterprise gear trickling into consumer pricing tiers

It’s practical advice: upgrade intentionally, not emotionally.

Broadband & Starlink Realities

Andrew shares broadband pricing in Brisbane — including expensive gigabit options — and we compare that to connectivity options in Nebraska.

Starlink enters the conversation, especially in remote or mobile work environments. It’s powerful but not perfect. Geography still matters.

Health, Fitness & Garmin Ecosystem

Andrew discusses his Garmin setup:

  • Garmin watch for sleep tracking
  • Cycling computers
  • Garmin Varia radar for rear-vehicle detection

We talk about sleep tracking data, oxygen monitoring, cycling safety, medication impacts on weight, and the reality of maintaining health in your 50s.

Tech can help — but habits still matter.

3D Printing Temptation

The conversation closes with 3D printing.

Andrew is interested in custom brackets and cable management solutions at work. We compare:

  • Designing and printing custom solutions
  • Buying pre-made items on Etsy
  • Bambu Lab vs Creality vs Prusa
  • Stability vs beta-phase experimentation

The appeal isn’t just practicality — it’s creativity.

Final Reflections

We wrap with gratitude for long friendships, reminders about Discord, Maple Grove Partners hosting, Patreon support, and keeping the show alive as “proof of life.”

It’s a strong return episode that blends nostalgia with forward-looking tech thinking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is Andrew Morris?
Andrew is an early contributor to Home Gadget Geeks and known for creating detailed show notes in the podcast’s early years.

Why is Andrew considering replacing his NAS?
His Synology system is aging, and concerns around vendor decisions and hardware pricing are prompting reevaluation.

What NAS alternative is being discussed?
The Ugreen AI NAS is mentioned as a potential future platform.

Is SSD storage practical for large media libraries?
Currently, spinning hard drives still provide better cost-per-terabyte value for most home users.

What networking solution is Andrew using?
A Unifi-based setup with a Cloud Gateway and PoE switching for centralized control.

How does Garmin radar help cyclists?
The Garmin Varia radar alerts riders to approaching vehicles and relative speed, improving road awareness.

Is 3D printing worth it?
It depends on your use case — but platforms like Bambu Lab are making it easier for hobbyists and professionals alike.

Links:

Media & Storage

Networking & Home Automation

Internet & Connectivity

Health & Fitness

3D Printing

Chapters

[0:00] – Welcome & Early HGG Memories
[2:16] – Moving to Brisbane & Family Updates
[3:54] – Solar Setup & Infrastructure in Brisbane
[9:25] – Plex, Jellyfin & NAS Replacement Decisions
[41:56] – Home Automation & Unifi Networking
[42:26] – Health & Fitness Tracking with Garmin
[42:48] – Broadband & Starlink
[51:13] – AI Hardware & Future Storage Speculation
[51:48] – 3D Printing Possibilities
[1:12:07] – Custom Solutions & Bambu Lab
[1:14:59] – Final Reflections & Community Updates

Summary

  • Andrew Morris’s Early Contributions to Home Gadget Geeks[0:00]
    • Jim Collison introduces the show and welcomes Andrew Morris, the inventor of world-class show notes.
    • Jim reminisces about the early days of the podcast, recording on Fridays and syncing up over the weekend.
    • Andrew shares his experience of sneaking away to record the podcast while working and traveling.
    • Jim and Andrew discuss the evolution of the podcast team, including members like Christian, Rich, and Mike Howard.
  • Andrew’s Move to Brisbane and Family Updates[2:16]
    • Andrew talks about his family’s decision to move from Melbourne to Brisbane in 2020.
    • He describes buying an acre and a half of land in South Brisbane, surrounded by a woodlot with wallabies and kangaroos.
    • Andrew mentions the challenges of moving and the process of selling their house in Melbourne.
    • He shares updates on his children’s academic and personal progress, including his daughter’s aspiration to be a doctor and his son’s transition to a private school.
  • Andrew’s Solar Setup and Infrastructure Investments in Brisbane[3:54]
    • Andrew discusses his solar setup in both Melbourne and Brisbane, including the installation of a bigger system in Brisbane.
    • He mentions the plan to add batteries to become more grid-independent.
    • Jim and Andrew talk about the challenges of solar energy in Nebraska, including snow and haze affecting solar efficiency.
    • Andrew provides updates on Brisbane’s infrastructure investments, including a new railway line under the river to improve public transportation.
  • Andrew’s Media Consumption and Storage Solutions[9:25]
    • Andrew talks about his current focus on media consumption and his preference for free subscription services like Plex and Jellyfin.
    • He discusses his Synology NAS and the challenges of finding a suitable replacement due to Synology’s past issues with hard drives.
    • Jim and Andrew explore the options of new NAS devices like UK Green AI NAS and the challenges of high prices for storage and components.
    • They discuss the potential for used PC hardware to serve as a temporary solution for storage needs.
  • Home Automation and Networking Solutions[41:56]
    • Andrew shares his experience with home automation, including the use of UniFi access points and the transition to a single control plane.
    • He discusses the benefits of using UniFi for network management and the potential for integrating security cameras with AI capabilities.
    • Jim and Andrew talk about the challenges of managing home networks and the potential for enterprise-grade equipment to become available at affordable prices.
    • They discuss the impact of AI data centers on the availability of enterprise-grade storage and networking equipment.
  • Personal Health and Fitness Tracking[42:26]
    • Andrew mentions his interest in health and fitness, including the use of a Garmin watch for sleep tracking and cycling.
    • He shares his experience with the Garmin Varia radar system for cycling safety.
    • Jim and Andrew discuss the popularity of smartwatches and the benefits of using fitness trackers for health monitoring.
    • They talk about the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, and the impact of medication on weight management.
  • Broadband and Internet Connectivity[42:48]
    • Andrew discusses his experience with broadband in Brisbane, including the high cost of gigabit connections.
    • Jim and Andrew compare broadband prices and availability in their respective regions, including the use of Starlink for rural internet access.
    • They discuss the challenges of wireless internet connectivity and the impact of geographical location on broadband availability.
    • Andrew shares his experience with Starlink at work and its effectiveness in providing internet access in remote locations.
  • Future of Technology and Storage Solutions[51:13]
    • Jim and Andrew discuss the potential for a reset in technology manufacturing due to the high demand for AI and data center equipment.
    • They explore the possibility of surplus equipment from AI data centers becoming available at affordable prices.
    • Andrew shares his thoughts on the future of storage solutions, including the potential for solid-state drives to become more affordable.
    • They discuss the impact of tariffs on technology prices and the challenges of sourcing components from different regions.
  • Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts[51:32]
    • Jim and Andrew reflect on the evolution of technology and its impact on their lives.
    • They discuss the challenges of maintaining a balance between technology and personal well-being.
    • Andrew shares his thoughts on the importance of staying active and healthy, including his experience with cycling and fitness tracking.
    • Jim and Andrew conclude the conversation with a light-hearted discussion about their personal habits and preferences.
  • Discussion on 3D Printing and Tech Gadgets[51:48]
    • Jim Collison and Andrew discuss the potential of 3D printing, with Andrew expressing interest in using it for custom brackets and holders at work.
    • Jim mentions his experience with using wood shims for outdoor lights and considers 3D printing as a solution for better shims.
    • Andrew talks about the convenience of buying items on Etsy but prefers the fun and creativity of 3D printing.
    • Jim and Andrew discuss the availability of items on Etsy and the appeal of designing and printing custom solutions.
  • Challenges and Solutions in 3D Printing[1:12:07]
    • Andrew shares his experience with installing Mac Minis and the need for a custom solution to manage cables and power boards.
    • Jim and Andrew discuss the appeal of designing and printing custom solutions versus buying pre-made items.
    • Andrew mentions the potential of using bamboo labs for 3D printing and the challenges of using beta-phase tools.
    • Jim talks about Dave McCabe’s positive experience with bamboo labs and the potential for using it for woodwork projects.
  • Personal Reflections and Future Plans[1:14:59]
    • Jim and Andrew reflect on their long-term friendship and the significant events in their lives, including Jim’s upcoming wedding anniversary.
    • Jim humorously mentions the possibility of being killed by his children and the importance of podcasting as proof of life.
    • Jim provides reminders about joining the Discord group, using Maple Grove Partners for hosting, and supporting the show through Patreon and Amazon links.
    • Jim thanks Andrew for his participation in the show over the years and invites listeners to stay for the post-show segment.

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg671

Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #671 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.

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