DIY Custom Breakout Board for ESP8266 or ESP32

Do you often find yourself creating the same basic starting circuit on a breadboard for your ESP8266 or ESP32 project or component bench testing?  Instead, create a simple breakout board that can be used as a starting point for projects that use a Wemos D1 Mini (ESP8266) or an ESP32 Mini.

An Update on Home Assistant

 

Approximately a year and a half ago, I did both a video and blog article expressing my concerns about the future of Home Assistant and the direction, or lack thereof, being taken by the developers. But some recent major announcements from Home Assistant addresses many of my initial concerns.  So I felt like I needed to provide an update to revisit my original concerns.

Adding Components to Your WLED Project

 

It is quick and easy to add some peripherals to your WLED controller and projects.  Why would you want to do this when WLED has a web interface, mobile app and can also be controlled by automation systems like Home Assistant?  Well, sometimes you can't beat the convenience of a nearby local pushbutton to do something like turn your LEDs on or off, or quickly select a favorite effect or even start a playlist without the needing to use your phone, tablet or computer.

Washer and [updated] Dryer Notifications

 

This article will cover how I implemented voice notifications for my washer and dryer using Home Assistant.  Originally implemented over three years ago, I recently upgraded the sensors for the dryer notifications to provide better reliability.  This article will cover the original washer notification and the updated dryer version.

MQTT 102: Add Home Assistant Discovery to your DIY Devices

 

This article will show the steps necessary to add Home Assistant discovery to your MQTT projects and devices.  MQTT discovery means your project will be automatically discovered and integrated into Home Assistant without any YAML configuration necessary on the Home Assistant side.

Home Assistant 101: Adding MQTT Devices

 

This is a companion article for the Home Assistant 101 video that discusses how to integrate MQTT devices into Home Assistant.

When It's Time to Create a Custom PCB

 

If you've built a few projects on breadboards or maybe even on solderable prototype boards, like an ElectroCookie, you may be wondering when it is time to consider designing your own printed circuit board or PCB.  Maybe you think it is too complicated or too expensive?  Well, in this article, I'm going to cover my journey of creating my first PCB, using it in my project and also cover what I learned and what I might do different the next time.

Add up to 128 I/O Pins to your ESP Board

 

While it may not have happened to you yet, there may come a time when you need more inputs and outputs than can be connected to the default GPIO pins of a single ESP8266 or ESP32 board.  While there are many different types of port expanders and multiplexers available for ESP-based boards, this article is going to take a look at one of those options:  The MCP23017 16-Port Digital I/O expander.  

Three Way Switching with Tasmota

 

This article will describe one of many different ways that you can create smart 3-way switching for devices like lights or lamps.  This technique can be used to upgrade existing 3-way switches or you can create 3-way switching where it didn't exist before.  This can be done without pulling or installing any new wiring in your walls and without adding or altering any existing circuits.  The 3-way switches can even be on completely different circuits and can easily be expanded to 4-way or even 5-way switching.

Battery Powered LED Matrix T-Shirt

 

This article is a companion piece to the Curtain LED article and video but can also be a standalone project.  Why is it a companion piece?  Well, my intended use is to wear the shirt for special occasions, like Halloween, where the t-shirt will be synced to the LED curtain and both will display the same effect/colors and change from one to another simultaneously.  

Flashing Custom Firmware to a Retail Device

 

Have you ever had a retail device that either became useless because the manufacturer went out of business... or one that started charging a monthly subscription for a previously free service?  It happens all the time.  And if it happens to you, your device is either a useless piece of plastic or you are forced to pay a "ransom" to continue to use a device you already purchased and own.

DIY LED Curtain Lights

 

This article is a companion to the YouTube video that describes building a DIY version of a commercial LED curtain.  The goal will be to build a system that is either cheaper or has more features than the retail product.  It may be beneficial to watch the video first, then refer back to this article.

Creating an NFC Card Reader for Home Assistant

 

Every wish you could tap your phone, or a 'credit card' to a reader in your home and have it kick off an automation or scene?  Home Assistant has supported the use of NFC tags for multiple years now.  This article provides supporting information for building your own NFC card reader for use in Home Assistant.  It is recommended that you first watch the YouTube video of this project.

Local Automation for a Window Air Conditioner

 

I recently added a window air conditioner to keep the bedroom cool at night.  This air conditioner was a "smart" unit, with built-in wifi.  But like most commercial smart devices, it required installation of a (poorly reviewed) mobile app, creation of a cloud account and Internet connectivity (with reports that the unit routinely dropped off of wifi).  While I did want to use automation for control of this AC unit, I wanted that control to be local like most of my other devices.  So that's what I set out to do. 

Adding Local SiriusXM and Touch to the DIY Amp

 

This is a continuation of the DIY amp project.  This enhancement covers creating a local SiriusXM server for streaming music directly to the amp, along with adding new touch controls for selecting a SiriusXM channel... without the need for any other device or interface.  Although I'll show adding an optional Home Assistant interface for Sirius XM channels as well.