Ticker v1.5.0 smart notifications is a Home Assistant integration that routes alerts intelligently based on who is home, what time it is, and per-person subscriptions — all from a single automation call. Version 1.5.0 adds a unified admin tab, re-usable action sets, and improved tap-to-navigate routing. Here is what the community is saying and whether it belongs in your home lab stack.
Building a PI64 retro gaming console on a Raspberry Pi 5 is one of the most rewarding home lab projects available today. This beginner guide walks you through every step from flashing Recalbox V10 to pairing Bluetooth controllers and fine-tuning emulation for systems like Sega Saturn and Nintendo 64. Whether you are just starting out or trying to finally get your build over the finish line, this guide gives you the roadmap to do it right.
A fully realized Pi64 retro gaming build running Recalbox V10 is one of the most rewarding home lab projects you can complete — but sourcing Bluetooth controllers that actually work is the hardest part. This guide covers the 7 best Bluetooth gamepads for a complete Pi64 setup, with real compatibility notes for Sega Saturn, PS1, arcade, and more.
Amazon’s recent smart home changes have pushed many self-hosters to finally make the switch to a fully local Home Assistant setup on Raspberry Pi 5. This guide breaks down exactly what you need, what the community recommends, and the best hardware to get started today.
Choosing the right intercom system for a smart home or home lab setup can be surprisingly complex. This guide compares legacy wired intercoms, modern Wi-Fi panels, and fully IP-based solutions side by side so you can make the right call for your setup.
A viral r/homelab post about getting stopped and questioned by TSA while traveling with over 700 NVMe drives in a carry-on bag has sparked a broader conversation about the safest and most cost-effective way to transport home lab hardware. Here’s what the community learned, what the rules actually say, and which NVMe drives are worth hauling in the first place.
A r/raspberry_pi post showing a custom Pi Zero 2W writing device built for a child has gone viral in the home lab community. The build skips social media, games, and internet entirely — delivering a focused, distraction-free writing tool for under $100. Here’s what it means for DIY makers and what components you need to replicate it.
\n\n When I was setting up my own home lab and tinkering with Raspberry Pi camera modules, I kept running
The FCC has updated its Covered List to include foreign-manufactured consumer-grade routers, blocking new FCC equipment authorizations for devices made abroad without Conditional Approval. This affects popular home lab brands like Protectli and Ubiquiti — but your existing hardware is fully protected. Here’s everything you need to know to make smart purchasing decisions right now.
Every selfhosting setup ever attempted by the home lab community follows recognizable patterns — and understanding those patterns can save you hundreds of dollars and months of frustration. We break down the hardware archetypes, community consensus picks, and the five best devices for every tier of home lab builder in 2026.