Old Status Updates
Embedded Files
Old Site Status updates:
22JAN2025
Changes:
Added Smart Shades
Added how to add ChatGPT 4.0 to Amazon Echo
17JAN2025
Changes:
Added Video Server
Added ChatGPT to footer
Made edits to various pages
14JAN2025
Changes:
Added Video Server
Added ChatGPT to footer
Made edits to various pages
17JAN205
Note: I sold my home in Texas in 2022, Retired and movd to Colorado. In mid-2024, I had open heeart surgery and was out of commission for ~6 months. I redid most of these projects in my new home. So, most of my changes to the website in the past two years were simply updating or redoing projects.
Changes:
Added a NordicTrack Treadmill Maintenance to address the belt slipping.
29OCT2023
Changes:
08OCT2023:
Changes:
Started on Black Cauldron Inn repaird project (in Other)
Updated a lot of pages related to changes made to Raspberry Pi Imager, which eliminated several stasks during setup making it so much easier.
04SEP2023:
Changes:
Updated Home Page
Added much more detail to the Before Your Start page
11JUL2023:
Changes:
Updated Smart Switches and related pages to reflect usage in Colorado home
27AUG2022:
Changes:
My wife and i moved from Austin, TX to Fort Collins, CO
With moving, unpacking and trying to get the house where we want it, I haven't had much time to work on new projects
I plan on redoing/updating all the old ones at the new house
12MAR2022:
Changes:
Added Electronic Doorbell Chime
Arlo Doorbell won't ring a mechanical chime
The Arlo PowerKit (Parakeet model) doesn't work with a mechanical chime
I called support, sent emails, tried multiple things but nothing worked
Arlo Support told me I could spend another $50 on an electronic chime
So, I decide to build one
This was a very satisfying project
21FEB2022:
Changes:
Updated sitemap
13FEB2022:
Changes:
Replaced 31 WeMo Smart Switches and 3-Way switches with TP-Link
Removed any recommendation to use WeMo
Identified known / reported issues about WeMos, which make them unreliable
05FEB2022:
Changes:
Added Table Saw case
20NOV2021:
Changes:
I finally automated the setup steps for Raspberry Pi OS. raspi-config must be run first, and then rpi_setup.sh can be run 08NOV2021:
Changes:
Added bash script to setup a django driven website on a Raspberry Pi, which is accessible from a laptop
12SEP2021:
Changes:
Added vadim.py to find WeMo devices and all relevant data associated with the WeMo devices.
05SEP2021:
Changes:
Added remove old plastic electrical junction boxes
18JUL2021:
Changes:
Updated OpenSprinkler to use the latest OpenSprinkler code running on Raspberry Pi OS, and updated the instructions to be current. Added an appendix with references, trouble shooting and more. OpenSprinkler is my favorite project and I recommend it as a first Raspberry Project, while complicated it is quite rewarding. OpenSprinkler has been in continuous use since MAY2015.
Added a WeMo script to find the IP Address, Port and Friendly name of a WeMo device. It can also detect rogue DHCP servers.
11JUL2021:
Changes:
Added a script to discover all WeMo devices on my home network. See How do I find my WeMo's IP Address?
05JUL2021:
Changes:
Added more information about my network and WeMo Smart Dimmer and 3-Way Switches
Find WeMo IP Address
13JUN2021:
Changes:
01JUN2021:
Changes:
Trivial changes to multiple pages (typos, wording)
Updated WeMo troubleshooting
Added instructions to opt out of Amazon's Sidewalk
24JAN2021:
Changes:
Many changes related to MotionEye and Outdoor Security Camera
Completed Outdoor Home Security Camera
10JAN2021:
Changes:
02JAN2021:
Changes:
Finished updating Setup Certificate Authority and Self-Signed Certs
Finished redoing Smart Garage Door Opener
26DEC2020:
Changes:
Working on redoing Smart Garage Door Opener
05DEC2020:
Changes:
7NOV2020:
Changes:
Add power switch to Wemo so there i no need to flip a circuit breaker
20OCT2020:
Changes:
I haven't been diligent in documenting changes as I made them since July until now. There were a lot of changes
Continuing to work on smart doorbell
Added Raspberry Pi Camera setup
Added PIR Motion Sensor
Added Cardboard Prototype Case
Added Doorbell Case
Added RaspiAudio Setup
Split Smart Doorbell into 3 steps
Added Setup Raspberry Pi Zero
Updated a number of pages including: Smart Switches by Room
31JUL2020:
Changes:
Added Disqus in footer under Questions as a way to ask questions, make suggestions or leave comments
Started Smart Doorbell
03JUL2020:
Changes:
Google analytics is showing 80% bounce rate on NEMS page. Reduced size of images to see if that reduces bounce rate. Also made minor edits to bring it in line with other guides.
23MAY2020:
Changes:
Updated Self-Monitored DSC Security System
Next is to get rid of DSC and just use Raspberry Pi
10MAY2020:
Changes:
Added My Favorite/Best Raspberry Pi Projects
Added My Favorite/Best Home Automation Projects
Updated pages: sitemap and steps
Add My Paintings to other
02MAY2020:
Changes:
Changed out Windows PC for Raspberry Pi in Home Theater PC
Made additional modifications to the Rack
Added a 1RU rack mount Raspberry Pi holder that holds four pis
Added Raspberry Pi 3B+ PoE Hat
25APR2020:
Changes:
Added or upgraded a bunch of reusable steps (ufw, update and upgrade, ssh hardening, raspbian dist-upgrade to buster, fail2ban)
18APR2020:
Changes:
Updated Dynamic DNS step to use DuckDNS, much easier and free
12APR2020:
Changes:
Updated microSD Card imager to use Raspberry Pi Imager instead of Etcher
Added a page to image with Etcher, which might still be needed for non-raspbian OSs, such as Kali, OSMC and DietPi
Updated Raspberry Pi 3 B+ to use the Raspberry Pi Imager step
Almost finished porting and updating Security System from my Instructables account
Moved non-actionable steps and background text to a separate page
Removed link to my original instructable
Need to mount raspberry pi in the security system box and add certs
04APR2020:
Changes:
Finished NEMS
Added a page about AT&T's SmartHome [Network] Manager
Corrected few typos and wording on several pages
Replaced Facebook forum with Google Forms Questions
22MAR2020:
Changes:
Replaced TVheadend and Kodi Raspberry Pis with Fire TV Recast and Fire TV in Cord Cutting Entertainment system
Fire TV Recast reduces the amount of time I spend keeping an old server running
Updated WeMo switches to include WeMo N-way switches without dimmer
09FEB2020:
Changes:
Replaced Roku with Fire TV in Cord Cutting Entertainment system
Fire TV: Simplifies UI. Eliminates need for universal remote. Eliminates need for RPi running Kodi for over-the-air channels
Added pages to enable Dream Player or Kodi on Fire TV as client for TVheadend
25JAN2020:
Changes:
19JAN2020:
Changes:
11JAN2020:
Changes:
Updated steps for raspbian update, upgrade and dist-upgrade
Added August Smart Door Locks to the Access Controls Home Automation category
Added MyQ Garage Door Opener
04JAN2020:
Changes:
Updated sitemap
Added Tree of Lights
21DEC2019:
Changes:
Rearranged garage projects under one heading
Added instructions for getting and installing drivers for USB TV Tuner
Upgraded references on Ubuntu PC running TVheadend to upgrade from 18.10 to 19.04
Finished porting and updating Cord Cutting System
Expanded a bit on Voice Assistants
23NOV2019:
Changes:
16NOV2019:
Changes:
20OCT2019:
Changes:
I got side-tracked trying to figure out why there is so much negativity related to Wi-Fi as compared to z-wave or zigbee. Added various Wi-Fi related pages:
13JUL2019:
Changes:
Moved my OpenSprinkler guide from Instructables, which still needs some work
04JUL2019:
Changes:
Added gpio pins
Replaced Momentary Push Button with On/Off Switch
29JUN2019:
Changes:
Add step describing how to Control Raspberry pi using Amazon Echo
Updated Configure TVheadend after CBS and The CW had to be rescanned
21JUN2019:
Changes:
Add step describing how to use VNC
Added more info on smart dimmer light/fan switches
16JUN2019:
Changes:
Revised Momentary Push Button
Revised Kodi Hat (IR Receiver, Fan and On/Off Switch)
Added several more items to tutorials. Did some wire wrap work. And played around a bit with soldering.
03JUN2019:
Changes:
Added step to Setup Raspbian to run Headless
Added Wi-Fi Bridge
27MAY2019:
Changes:
Fixed many side navigation issues and shortened home page
Moved forum to Facebook group
21MAY2019:
Changes:
Completed Restful API
11MAY2019:
Changes:
Raspberry Pi github Tutorial
19APR2019:
Changes:
Added RESTful API
17MAR2019:
Changes:
Added Add Comment and See Comments links in the footer
13MAR2019:
Changes:
Reorganized website to focus on Home Automation topics rather than small, medium or large projects
10MAR2019:
Changes:
Added a page about Smart Light Switches
Started Red Oaks Smart Home Automation group on Facebook
02FEB2019:
Changes:
Add several pages for setting up a PC as a TVheadend Server
12JAN2019:
Changes:
Updated Icon-based Home Page (Kadaza-like homepage)
Added Wi-Fi Light Switch
Reorganized website pages
Added sitemap
17NOV2018:
Changes:
Finished Alarm Clock Radio
22OCT2018:
Changes:
Added Electronics and moved electronics related reusable steps to that page
I am working on the following projects:
Create an Alarm Clock Radio with a Raspberry Pi 3, Audio Amplifier (HiBerry AMP 2), FM Receiver, Internet Radio, Alarm Clock and Song Player. The following need to be done:
Clean up the code
Build a case
Updating Garage Opener
Updating my guide on generating server and client side certs
08SEP018:
Changes:
Added Raspberry Pi Troubleshooting
Added Breadboard to Protoboard for Fan
Added Setup Certificate Authority
03SEP018:
Changes:
Added upgrade raspbian OS and kernel
Added Backup microSD Card image
I am working on the following projects:
Create an Alarm Clock Radio with a Raspberry Pi 3, Audio Amplifier (HiBerry AMP 2), FM Receiver, Internet Radio, Alarm Clock and Song Player. All the base features work. Now, I need to integrate these into one system. The following needs to be done:
Get AMP2 and FM Receiver to work at the same time through I2C
Get AMP2 and FM Receiver to use the same speakers
Get tactile buttons on the LCD display to work
Get touch screen to work
Add command to load FM, Internet Radio or Songs in crontab
Build the GUI and integrate the scripts
Build a case
Updating Garage Opener
Updating my guide on generating server and client side certs
02SEP018:
Changes:
Added Alarm Clock
I took down the basketball pole in the house picture on this page
Added ssmtp
Added Setup Raspberry Pi 3 B+ with Raspbian
I am working on the following projects:
Create an Alarm Clock Radio with a Raspberry Pi 3, Audio Amplifier (HiBerry AMP 2), FM Receiver, Internet Radio, Alarm Clock and Song Player. All the base features work. Now, I need to integrate these into one system. The following needs to be done:
Get AMP2 and FM Receiver to work at the same time through I2C
Get AMP2 and FM Receiver to use the same speakers
Get tactile buttons on the LCD display to work
Get touch screen to work
Add command to load FM, Internet Radio or Songs in crontab
Build the GUI and integrate the scripts
Build a case
Updating Garage Opener
Updating my guide on generating server and client side certs
18AUG2018:
Added:
Song Player
Streaming Internet Radio Station Player
I am working on two projects:
Create an Alarm Clock Radio with a Raspberry Pi 3, Audio Amplifier (HiBerry AMP 2), FM Receiver, Internet Radio, Alarm Clock and Song Player
Updating my guide on generating server and client side certs
20JUL2018:
Added:
Use Etcher to flash microSD Card
Use MacBook as Raspberry Pi display
I am working on two projects:
Replace the guts of a broken Sony Alarm Clock Radio with a Raspberry Pi 3, FM Receiver, Audio Amplifier, Internet Radio, Alarm Clock and music player
Updating my guide on generating server and client side certs
16JUN2018
I am working on two projects:
Replace the guts of a broken Sony Alarm Clock Radio with a Raspberry Pi 3, FM Receiver, Audio Amplifier, Internet Radio, Alarm Clock and music player
Updating my guide on generating server and client side certs
03JUN2018
Most of my projects have been moved to this site or at least they are linked to this site.
On the side menu, I added:
Non-Raspberry Pi Home Automation projects
Other Projects using Raspberry Pi but that aren't related to home automation
Potential future projects I might do
Links to Raspberry Pi technical resources and shopping
and a running list of these updates
When I first started using Raspberry Pi in 2015, many guides seemed to be missing steps. It took me a while to figure out the missing steps. For example, setup instructions for raspbian and DietPi seemed to be missing instructions. Perhaps, I know more now. Anyways, I wrote my own instructions whenever I found something to be lacking. But both DietPi and Raspbian have very good instructions and I am using those instead of mine. And, as much as possible, I will use instructions from others sites rather than write my own.
01JUN2018
I started my projects on instructables.com under jeff.cartwright.562. I've linked some of those projects above. I plan to move all of my projects to this site. I won't update my projects on instructables.com and will deprecate and then delete them if they get too out of date. The subpages below show the ones that have been moved.
There are several requirements imposed by instructables.com, such as, having original photos, and multiple well-documented steps. In the beginning, these requirements helped me to be more thorough in writing the instructions. I also believe the requirements are good for the instructables' site.
Some other instructables' requirements are making it more difficult for me to complete projects. In addition, the instructables' editor doesn't handle HTML or CSS, or other code very well. Often, I have to go into the editor's html mode and make repeated changes until it appears as it should.
So, it seems like a good time to try another way of publishing my projects.
27MAY2018
Decided to use Google Sites for my Raspberry Pi projects instead of Instructables. Playing around with Google Sites' features
Google Sites
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