-
Designing a garden kitchen with a concrete look: Instructions for robust walls in the outdoor kitchen
In my garden kitchen, I designed the walls in a concrete look to create both a modern design and an easy-care, high-quality surface. The design of my self-built outdoor kitchen not only offers functional extensions for the outdoor area, but can also be a visual highlight. The concrete look is particularly popular in combination with the spatula technique, which gives the kitchen an industrial flair and creates a durable, weather-resistant surface. In the article, I describe how I proceeded step by step: from preparing the Ytong walls to the filling technique and sealing. I also compare alternatives such as tiles and clinker bricks and provide insights into the challenges of…
-
Reolink Altas PT Ultra: The powerful 4K battery-powered surveillance camera in a test
The Reolink Altas PT Ultra is an impressive surveillance camera that I tested in my latest project. With 4K resolution, ColorX night vision and 360° auto-tracking, it offers powerful functions for outdoor use. In comparison to the Reolink TrackMix PoE and the RLC-1212A, I examined the image quality during the day, at night and at dusk and found interesting differences. In this article, I describe my installation procedure, how the cameras work and which models are particularly suitable for certain areas of application.
-
Build your own garden kitchen – install stainless steel furniture
Choosing the right materials played a decisive role in the construction of my garden kitchen. This article is about why stainless steel was the best choice for the built-in furniture, how the installation went and what experiences were made after several years of use. From planning and installation to the benefits and challenges of stainless steel in an outdoor kitchen, this article offers valuable insights for anyone who wants to create a durable and functional garden kitchen.
-
Reolink Home Hub: Central storage & monitoring center
The Reolink Home Hub is an innovative surveillance camera storage and management unit that enables easy and efficient management with local storage for up to eight cameras. Especially for users who do not require a complex NVR infrastructure, this home hub offers a compact and powerful alternative. In this article, I will go into detail about the functions, setup, advantages and disadvantages of the Reolink Home Hub.
-
Optimize balcony power plant – New modules and 220V battery storage for maximum efficiency
In this blog post, I describe how I have optimized my balcony power plant to maximize self-consumption and reduce dependence on grid power. I have installed new modules, improved the alignment and will integrate a battery storage system that supports bidirectional AC charging. I go into detail about setting up the EasyPower app and integrating the new AP system EZ1 inverter into my Home Assistant for monitoring, as well as the results achieved and future plans to further increase efficiency. The aim is to maximize the efficiency of my system and make the best use of the solar power generated.
-
Reolink TrackMix PoE – Dual lens surveillance camera in test
The Reolink TrackMix PoE is one of the newest and most promising surveillance cameras on the market. In my in-depth review, I put the camera through its paces to discover its strengths and weaknesses. From the easy installation and impressive image quality to the intelligent tracking options, the Reolink TrackMix PoE offers numerous functions that I tested intensively. Find out in this article how the camera performs in practice and why it could be an excellent choice for monitoring your home.
