RISC: The Remote IoT Switch Controller That Automated My Yard
A look back at RISC, my ESP8266-based remote switch controller for home automation. Built in 2017 to automate fairy lights and mosquito zappers, and thoughts on a modern ESP32 rebuild.
Category Electronics
How to Build Makita 40V XGT Batteries From Scratch
Build your own Makita XGT 40V batteries for under half the price of genuine. Step-by-step guide covering the BMS firmware gotcha that trips everyone up, cell selection, spot welding, and real-world testing on job sites.
The Haptic Compass Band: Giving Humans a Sixth Sense
A look back at my haptic compass band project: a wearable device that vibrates to tell you which way is north. Built in 2009, still compelling today, and ripe for a modern rebuild.
The NES USB Controller: Twenty Four Years of My Oldest Hardware Hack
A look back at my 2002 NES USB controller build, the project that got featured on Hack-A-Day, Engadget, and Gizmodo, and thoughts on building a wireless Version 2.
CarCloak: Taking My Tesla Fully Offline (Part 1)
CarCloak is a hardware privacy mod for Tesla that cuts internet connectivity with a button press, without killing Bluetooth or audio. Part 1: research, design, dead-ends.
DIY Garage Door Notification Light
Watch my son build a garage door notification light using Arduino. A fun beginner electronics project with full wiring diagram and code walkthrough.
Home Automation: RISC (Remote IoT Switch Controller)
ESP8266 relay controller with MQTT for home automation - controls switches and push-buttons over WiFi. Updated with ESP32 alternatives and Home Assistant integration notes.
TSRD (Temperature Sensor Relay Device)
Build a Temperature Sensor Relay Device that automatically controls equipment based on temperature readings. Cheap, configurable DIY project with full instructions.
DIY Home Automation: Coopener – Source code and IoT functionality
Complete source code and IoT integration for the Coopener - my automated chicken coop door. Covers web control, scheduling, and central management.
DIY Home Automation: Coopener – Hardware and OS installation
Hardware assembly and Raspbian OS installation for the Coopener project. Covers Raspberry Pi to Arduino serial communication using Python.
DIY Home Automation: Coopener – Testing and retrofitting
Automated chicken coop door using Raspberry Pi and Arduino - opens at sunrise, closes at sunset, with remote monitoring. Full build guide plus 2026 Home Assistant integration notes.
Thermistor and PWM speed controller
Build a thermistor-based temperature sensor with PWM fan speed controller. Simple circuit that automatically adjusts fan speed based on ambient temperature.