The house
Here is an overview of our house
-
Installing and programming the Hunter Hydrawise irrigation computer – step by step
Automatic garden watering with the Hunter Hydrawise controller brings more convenience, efficiency and control to my lawn, bed and hedge watering. In this article, I will show you the complete transition from the classic Hunter X-Core to the smart Hydrawise control system – including WLAN setup, zone programming, sensor integration and weather-based adjustment with Solar Sync and Predictive Watering. I describe how my existing system was expanded and modernized, which functions make the difference and what to look out for during installation. A field report with many technical details – from practice, for practice.
-
Network wireless smoke detectors across several floors: How X-Sense Link+ protects your whole house!
X-Sense wireless smoke detectors in the test: In my multi-storey old building with thick walls, it was clear that normal smoke alarms were not enough. I installed the X-Sense Link Plus system with wirelessly networked smoke detectors and CO detectors and put it through its paces. In this article, I show how smoke detectors with wireless technology perform in practice, how the setup works with and without an app and which variant is suitable for which application scenario. You’ll also find information on mandatory smoke alarms in Germany, the technology behind the devices and my detailed practical test with video.
-
Building a BPC and WPC terrace on a slope – My new pool terrace with recycled boards
BPC decking, slope, pool construction and substructure – in this post I show how I built my new pool deck with recycled BPC boards, solid larch beams and aluminum profiles. The pool is located on a slope, which places special demands on stability, gradient and load-bearing capacity. I share my experiences with BPC and WPC, explain the differences in installation and show what really matters when it comes to a durable, resilient decking construction. If you want to build a patio yourself, you’ll find lots of practical tips and insights here.
-
Install 8kW diesel parking heater safely in the workshop & garage
In this article, I show you how I heat my workshop efficiently, permanently and reliably with an 8 kW diesel parking heater from KROAK. I planned and implemented the complete installation of the diesel parking heater step by step – from safe exhaust gas routing to fuel supply and hot air distribution. It’s not just about technology, but also about safety, consumption, control via app and the question of whether heating oil can be an alternative to diesel. If you are looking for a workshop heater that also works at low temperatures, you will find all the details here.
-
180° surveillance test: These 4 Reolink cameras secure your home seamlessly
Reolink 180-degree cameras in the test: I tested four current models with dual-lens technology – the Argus 4 Pro, Duo 3 PoE, Duo 3 WiFi and Duo 3V PoE. The focus was on 180° field of view, image quality, night vision, WLAN vs. PoE, motion detection and smart home functions. The article shows which Reolink surveillance camera is really convincing, what is important when buying and which solution is best suited for which environment. All cameras were installed, tested in everyday use and linked to the Reolink app. The test provides real experience – compact, practical and with a clear recommendation.
-
Integrate Reolink camera into the network – WLAN & PoE step-by-step guide
Reliably integrating Reolink IP cameras into the network, setting up PoE and WLAN models and managing them with the Reolink Client and the Reolink app – that’s exactly what this article is about. Step by step, I’ll show you how I integrated a wired Reolink Elite X Pro PoE camera and a Reolink Altas WLAN battery camera into my home network. I also provide troubleshooting tips and advice on how to optimize your WLAN connection. All processes are based on practical experience and are explained in such a way that they are easy and safe to set up.
