Apr 27, 2021Sonos Roam ultra portable smart speaker — the missing manualGet the most out of your Sonos Roam portable Bluetooth/Wi-Fi speaker. Roam merges Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Sonos whole-house audio into one easy to carry mini speaker. Check out my guide below to the Sonos Roam hidden features or visit www.DoItForMe.Solutions for more Smart Home tips and information. Playback controls Press…Sonos3 min readSonos3 min read
Nov 2, 2020Apple HomePod Mini gets HomeKit Bluetooth within your reach — and your budgetThe Bluetooth Conundrum Bluetooth low energy (BLE) smart home devices can make outfitting your smart home easier. BLE is low power, so a small battery can power wireless motion detectors, door or window sensors, water leak detectors, temperature probes, air quality monitors, physical buttons or dimmers, and many other convenient…Bluetooth4 min readBluetooth4 min read
Jan 18, 2019Can You Choose The Right TV Without Being Totally Confused?If you haven’t noticed, we are in a transition period with mainstream TV technology moving from high definition to ultra high definition and even creeping towards 8K. A quick history of TV formats in the United States The easiest way to categorize the different models available is by the image…Tech7 min readTech7 min read
Dec 19, 2018Secrets Of Voice Controlled LightingThe Challenge With Big Lighting Systems Having recently completed a major project for a client (installing a lighting automation system with a large number of dimmers and switches), I was confronted with figuring out an optimal configuration for voice control options. Sure it’s exciting to work on a large multi-room…Smart Home10 min readSmart Home10 min read
Oct 2, 2018Are HDMI Cables All The Same?I was wrong? Or was I? I jusr ran into a situation that caused me to re-think a strongly held position. I’m usually an easy-going type of person, but once in a while, a few things really bother me.net As a consumer, and later as a product manager / marketing…Smart Home8 min readSmart Home8 min read
Sep 3, 2018Beware The Smart Home Wiring ApocalypseIs Your Home Wiring A Disaster Waiting To Happen? A few weeks ago I discovered a serious problem that may affects hundreds, thousands, or possibly hundreds of thousands of homes. You may or may not be affected. If you have an old home, live in an apartment, or don’t have…Wifi7 min readWifi7 min read
Aug 9, 2018A FOMO Guide To Video DoorBells“In Any Moment Of Decision, The Worst Thing You can Do Is Nothing” Theodore Roosevelt was on the right track. Today we call it analysis paralysis. It may not be the most critical part of my smart home, but choosing the right video doorbell has been one of the more…Smart Home10 min readSmart Home10 min read
Jun 1, 2018Back To Basics: DIY 3-Way LightsDa Ya Think I’m Sexy? With apologies to Rod Stewart, this time I am not writing about cool new gadgets or control systems. I’m going back to basics to describe one of the most common smart home projects. This solves a real problem and is easy to implement. A great…Smart Home Automation7 min readSmart Home Automation7 min read
May 24, 2018Out With The Old; In With The NewSpring has Spring! Now that we have swung full speed into Spring, it’s time to plan for re-planting the smart home garden of controllers, devices, and appliances. Every Spring I take an inventory of where things stand, what needs to be fixed or changed, and what I would like to…Internet Of Things8 min readInternet Of Things8 min read
May 3, 2018The Secret Epoxy For Smart Home SuccessDIY or Pro Integration? As your smart home continues to grow, it can reach the point where you may feel like you are losing instead of gaining control. …Smart Home8 min readSmart Home8 min read
