ErikdeVries.com
Technology, photography and more...
Cheap and easy way to convert dumb wall mounted light switches into smart switches
Nowadays I only use smart lights across my house. The result is that I cannot use my old wall switches to turn them on or off. In this blog I modify a cheap Aqara door sensor to function as a smart wall mounted switch.
Read more →
Receive a notification when the washing machine completes its cycle
Never again forget to take wet clothes out of the washing machine! I demonstrate how to install and configure a Shelly PM Mini Gen3 energy meter and configure Home Assistant to deliver notifications to your phone.
Read more →
DIY Color E-Ink Picture Frame
I recently build a DIY picture frame by integrating a 5.7" color e-ink display with a Raspberry Pi Zero W. I housed it inside an affordable IKEA frame and wrote some Python code to transform it into a fully functional digital picture frame.
Read more →
Home Assistant Operating System (OS) on Synology NAS
The recommended installation method for Home Assistant is using their Operating System (OS). This blog explains how to use Virtual Machine Manager to get started with Home Assistant Operating System (OS) on your Synology NAS.
Read more →
Use the Apple Watch to geotag your (DSLR) photos
Some (DSLR) cameras don't have built-in GPS. If you want to geotag your photos, you usually have to purchase a separate GPS module or connect to your phone. There is an alternative by using the workout data from your Apple Watch.
Read more →
Automate ComboFan S mechanical ventilation with Home Assistant
My home is equipped with a Zehnder ComboFan S for mechanical ventilation. With a few steps you can connect it with Home Assistant to optimize ventilation and achieve a healthier climate.
Read more →
Improve your sleep quality with white noise and Home Assistant
Many factors can result in poor sleep quality, of which environmental noise is a common one. I use Home Assistant automations along with a Google Nest Mini and Withings Sleep Analyzer to improve my sleep quality.
Read more →
Keep Docker containers up to date with Watchtower
With just one command, you can use Watchtower to automatically update all your Docker containers. Say goodbye to the hassle of manually checking for updates on your self-hosted (Docker) applications.
Read more →
Rebuild my website with Next.js, Tailwind CSS and Contentful
I recently made the decision to revamp my website. To learn something new, I opted for a combination of Next.js, Tailwind CSS and Contentful. My goal was to minimize costs and maintenance while prioritizing speed.
Read more →
Working behind a standing desk
Some people call it a hype, but working behind a standing desk is popular. There is increasing evidence that the human body is not made to sit for the majority of the day. I found out the hard way after being diagnosed with a lower back hernia in 2014. This forced me to leave my chair behind and stand up.
Read more →
Konstructor, the DIY 35mm SLR camera by Lomo
Nowadays, everyone takes photos with a phone or digital camera. With the Konstructor kit from Lomo, you can build your own analog 35mm SLR camera.
Read more →