Home automation articles, jukebox software and PowerShell tools: everything I’ve written about my projects, newest first.
Browse by topic
- Automation (3)
- Home Assistant (1)
- Jukebox (2)
- Music (4)
- PowerShell (1)
What the articles cover
Home Assistant and automation. These home automation articles cover the things around my house that now look after themselves. For example, my spa heats up in time for when I want to get in, and my Amazon Echo speakers play my own radio stream. Most of them use Home Assistant or ESPHome, and each one explains how to set it up yourself.
Jukebox and music. I build jukebox software for Windows and iPhone, so these articles explain how it works and how it compares with the alternatives. There are also a few tips on keeping a big music library in good shape.
PowerShell. Small scripts that save me time, such as a tagger that tidies up FLAC and MP3 files using Discogs and MusicBrainz. In addition, the full code is free on GitHub.
How I write them
Every write-up starts with a real problem I wanted to solve at home. I explain what I was trying to do, the parts I used and the steps that worked. I also include the things that didn’t work, because they’re often the most useful part. Where there’s code or a config file, it’s on GitHub, ready to copy, and the article links straight to it.
I try to keep each guide practical. That means plain English, screenshots or diagrams where they help, and a short list of what you’ll need before you start. Most projects take an evening or a weekend, and none of them need expensive kit. If something isn’t clear or you get stuck, the Friends area has more downloads, and I’m always happy to hear how you got on.
New articles appear at the top of the list below, so it’s worth checking back from time to time. Alternatively, pick a topic above to see everything on that subject.
All home automation articles and more
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A Ready At heat-up planner for my Balboa spa with ESPHome
Tell your spa when you want to get in and it works out when to start heating, learning how fast your spa heats as it goes. An ESPHome config built on Brian Feucht’s esphome-balboa-spa, free on GitHub.
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TouchJams vs Jukeblaster vs ZenPoint vs Dino’s Jukebox – which home jukebox software?
An honest side-by-side of TouchJams, Jukeblaster, ZenPoint Digital Center and Dino’s Jukebox: platforms, coin support, karaoke, video, phone control and who each one suits.
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Dino’s Discogs Tagger – fixing my music tags with PowerShell
A single PowerShell 5.1 script that looks albums up on Discogs and MusicBrainz, then re-tags and renames FLAC and MP3 files – cover art, artist pictures, genres, styles and the year each track was first released.
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Play your own audio stream on Amazon Echo
How I got my Amazon Echos playing a private stream from my home network, using a tiny Alexa skill and a Synology NAS as the secure front door. Free step-by-step guide on GitHub.
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Dino’s Jukebox – touchscreen jukebox software for home and pub
Your own jukebox at home, good enough for a pub: coin credits or Free Vend, its own Hot Here chart, an adjustable DJ-voiced Top 50 countdown and an iPhone remote. Planned price £29.99.