TESTED & RATED
Product tests & reviews based on my own experience and well-founded feedback! In 'TESTED & REVIEWED' I analyze technology, tools, DIY projects, smart homes, outdoor gadgets and more - practical, independent & well-researched.
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Robot lawn mower without boundary wire in test: LiDAR vs RTK in comparison (ANTHBOT M5 vs M9)
Robot mowers without boundary wires are currently one of the most exciting developments in the gardening sector. In my test, I directly compared two different concepts: the ANTHBOT M5 as a LiDAR robotic lawnmower and the ANTHBOT M9 as an RTK robotic lawnmower with GPS navigation. Both models manage completely without a perimeter wire and show in the practical test how well cordless robotic lawn mowers really work today. In this comparison, I share my experiences from my own garden, discuss navigation, obstacle detection, edge cutting and set-up and clarify which robotic lawnmower without a wire is the best choice for which area of application.
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The best Reolink 4k PTZ surveillance cameras in comparison: 823S2 vs 823S1 vs TrackMix vs TrackFlex in test
For me, Reolink is one of the most exciting manufacturers of modern 4K PTZ surveillance cameras for indoor and outdoor use. In this Reolink surveillance camera comparison, I analyze several high-performance models – from classic PTZ cameras with optical zoom to dual-lens and floodlight variants for outdoor use. The focus is on image quality, motion detection, night vision, PoE vs. WLAN, local storage without a subscription and the question of which camera is really suitable for large properties, driveways or security-relevant areas. I will show you my practical experience with the RLC-823S2, RLC-823S1, TrackMix and TrackFlex and categorize the models technically and strategically. The aim of this article is to…
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Expand Reolink NVR storage space – Installing and configuring hard disks correctly
In this article, I will give a structured overview of the Reolink NVR models – maximum hard disk size and storage capacity and show what really matters when choosing the right HDD. A Reolink NVR is the central element of a camera surveillance system – and the storage strategy determines how long recordings remain available and how stable the system runs. I go into detail about the differences between RLN36, RLN16-410, RLN8-410 and RLN12W, explain the maximum hard disk size per model, show the correct choice of surveillance HDD and document the complete installation including formatting and storage management. I also explain how an NVR works with multiple HDDs and…
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Install surveillance cameras yourself – IP camera network explained simply
IP cameras are now an integral part of modern video surveillance in the home network. In this article, I will show you how to set up an IP camera system yourself, what role the router, switch, PoE, WLAN and NVR play and how different camera types can be combined in a shared network. I explain the technical basics, address typical practical questions and use real examples to show how a stable, secure and scalable IP surveillance solution can be implemented step by step – from planning and installation to storing the video recordings. At a glance – what you can expect in this blog post The basics of IP…
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Heating optimization: How to make your diesel parking heater quieter – pump and silencer in the test
In everyday life, a quiet diesel parking heater decides whether night-time operation is relaxed or permanently disruptive. In this article, I will show you from my own experience how the volume of a diesel heating system can be reduced in a targeted manner – without experimentation, but with tried and tested solutions. The focus is on the typical sources of noise such as the pump, exhaust gas, intake and hot air fan, as well as specific measures that I have used to make my heaters quieter step by step. The article bundles my experiences from numerous tests, measurements and conversions: from the quieter impulse pump, exhaust and hot air silencer…
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Automatic litter box test: Self-cleaning litter box without odor – Mova LR10
Self-cleaning litter boxes promise less effort, better hygiene and much more pleasant use in everyday life. Many cat owners are increasingly focusing on automatic solutions, especially if they have several cats or little time. With the MOVA MeowgicPod LR10 Prime, I tested a new litter tray in everyday use for several weeks – including set-up, app setup, cleaning cycles and use by two cats. This article is about my experience with a self-cleaning litter box that does many things differently to conventional litter boxes.
