Introducing a custom Yast module for importing libvirt configuration files from existing installations

I like fresh, reproducible installs when a new version of your preferred Linux distro (in my case openSUSE) comes out. Ensuring the perceived (!) feeling that a system is a “clean” state is hard enough during its lifecycle already and ensuring it is so after doing an upgrade installation is even harder. That’s why I… Continue reading Introducing a custom Yast module for importing libvirt configuration files from existing installations

Bringing OpenWrt to the Mikrotik hAP lite (RB941-2nD-TC)

In a previous post I described the Mikrotik hAP lite (RB941-2nD-TC) and its RouterOS and already suggested that I prefer to run OpenWrt on it. Because Mikrotik routers behave a bit different than the usual TP-Link, GL.iNet etc. devices and because there were some pitfalls I had to master myself, here’s some advice to keep… Continue reading Bringing OpenWrt to the Mikrotik hAP lite (RB941-2nD-TC)

Custom ZDDX device description files and flowchart for Philio 4-in-1 PST02-A and Qubino DIN dimmer ZWave devices

If you’re like me experimenting with home automation you’ll certainly have come across Philio’s 4-in-1 Multisensor PST02-A/B/C devices. They unite multiple functions:

Maintaining home network access from the outside with a network-controllable power plug, OpenWrt/LEDE and a 4G LTE stick

Internet routers are supposed to operate in a stable fashion. Except they don’t (FritzBox *cough*) – especially when you’re away from home and need access to your home resources. Having to call someone related to go and reset the thing tends to get awkward. If you encounter this often enough, you begin looking for a… Continue reading Maintaining home network access from the outside with a network-controllable power plug, OpenWrt/LEDE and a 4G LTE stick

Using your Raspberry Pi Zero’s USB wifi adapter as both Wifi client and access point

The Raspberry Pi Zero captivates with its small dimensions. This comes at a cost, however, with only one micro USB port available for peripherals of any kind. In this scenario you’ll probably think twice about what you connect to that port. “A USB hub” may sound like a natural choice but if you’re like me,… Continue reading Using your Raspberry Pi Zero’s USB wifi adapter as both Wifi client and access point

Why Puppet should ship with official modules

Much has certainly already been said about Puppetforge. A year ago, we were promised at Puppetcamp Nuremburg that Puppetforge was likely to improve to a more usable level. But as of now, Puppetforge is much like Github: unless you already know where to look, what to take, you’re pretty much left to your own, to… Continue reading Why Puppet should ship with official modules