Nerd Stuff – Piets Blog

Automating Your Pool Pump in Home Assistant Based on Daily Temperature

Smart Pool Pump Automation with Home Assistant Based on Daily Temperature
Learn how to automate your pool pump in Home Assistant using a simple rule: run it for one third of the daily maximum temperature (in hours). This guide walks you through creating dynamic template sensors and a Home Assistant automation that adjusts pump runtime based on weather conditions — saving energy and maintaining water quality. Ideal for smart home enthusiasts looking to optimize pool maintenance using Home Assistant, YAML templates, and weather-based logic.

Addicted to HomeAssistant

6. March 20256. March 2025Peter van ZeistDigital / DIY / Home Improvement / Nerd Stuff / Smart Home / SoftwareLeave a comment

My Three-Year Journey with Home Assistant: The Brain of My Smart Home Three years ago, my journey into the world of smart home automation started with a simple problem: my wife and daughter sometimes forgot to turn off the hallway and bathroom lights. We use Philips Hue lights, and while they offer plenty of convenience…

Recommended Docker Containers for Your Smart Home

4. March 20254. March 2025Peter van ZeistDigital / Hobbies / Internet / Nerd Stuff / Smart Home / SoftwareLeave a comment

Managing a smart home can be incredibly rewarding — but it also comes with its share of complexity. Devices might occasionally become unresponsive, services may need optimization, and having the right tools at your fingertips can make all the difference. That’s where Docker comes in. In this post, I’ll walk you through some of the…

Unveiling the Unspoken: 5 Truths about Electric Vehicles No one talks about

12. December 202312. December 2023Peter van ZeistDigital / General / Hobbies / Nerd StuffLeave a comment

In the ever-evolving landscape of automotive technology and the increase of focus on decarbonization, the spotlight often shines on the well-known benefits of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) – environmental sustainability and carbon dioxide emissions. Yet, amidst the familiar hum of these advantages, there exists a symphony of lesser-known perks, quietly enhancing the driving experience for…

An honest view on buying and owning a Tesla

25. February 202326. February 2023Peter van ZeistDigital / Hobbies / Nerd StuffLeave a comment

In recent years, Tesla has become a major player in the automotive industry, thanks to its electric vehicles which are known for their innovative features and cutting-edge technology. One of the latest additions to the Tesla family is the Model Y, an all-electric compact SUV that has quickly gained a reputation for being one of…

Yet another Home Office Setup

11. January 20225. February 2022Peter van ZeistDigital / Nerd StuffLeave a comment

In the recent weeks and months during the pandemic, I have seen many people sharing pictures of their home office setup to give others ideas about what works in certain scenarios and benefit from the experiences of others. I would like to tune into this and share my current home office setup – everything from…

Home Automation Part 2: HMIP Glass and Window Sensor

6. March 20216. March 2021Peter van ZeistHome Improvement / Nerd StuffLeave a comment

As mentioned in my previous post, I am working on home automation (mainly) with HomeMatic IP (HMIP). Well, and one gap I could find in their quite extensive range of different sensors was, that they did not have a glass breakage sensor – only window/door opening sensors. But because I wanted to secure all windows…

Home DIY Network Cabinet

11. June 202011. June 2020Peter van ZeistDigital / DIY / Nerd StuffLeave a comment

IT and the Internet become increasingly important in our homes – not only after the COVID-19 crisis, in which many of us have to work from home. Also because of streaming services, tons, and tons of digital pictures, wireless devices, smart homes, and many more. During the pandemic, home-IT might be even more important as…

Clod Buster Steering Update

20. January 201927. January 2021Peter van ZeistHobbies / Nerd Stuff2 Comments

Last year around this time I wrote, that I found my 25-year-old Clod Buster in my basement and did an overhaul to the whole car. One part of this overhaul was, that I wasn’t satisfied with the steering of the standard 4-wheel steering of the car and I described some changes I made. However, it…

Tamiya Clod Buster overhaul

24. January 201812. December 2023Peter van ZeistGeneral / Nerd Stuff2 Comments

This blog post is an in-depth exploration of one of my earliest self-built RC Cars: The Tamiya Clod Buster. Prepare to be enthralled by the sheer power and innovation of this remarkable machine. Released on September 21, 1987, the Clod Buster quickly became a sensation in the world of remote-controlled vehicles. I vividly recall the…