-
Draining the basement with a new horizontal barrier – conclusion after 9 months
It is now nine months since our old damp cellar was drained with a retrofitted horizontal barrier – time to take stock. In a building over 100 years old like ours, which was built without the foundation waterproofing that is common today, moisture in the basement is a real challenge. As the rising damp in our cellar became increasingly visible, I installed a new horizontal barrier with injection cream in the thick cellar walls to create a barrier against the ground moisture. In this article, I show in detail what effect the moisture barrier has had, where problems still exist and what other measures seem sensible to keep the cellar…
-
COMMAIK: HeyGen Video Translate – Translate videos on YouTube lip-sync with AI!
In order to increase the reach of my YouTube channel COMMAIK specifically for German and English-speaking viewers, I have set up separate channels: “COMMAIK” with videos for the DACH region and “CommaikEnglish” with content for the international audience in English. In this article, I describe my approach to translation, the technical background to this decision and the use of the AI tool HeyGen for lip-synchronous translation and dynamic video length adjustment. HeyGen offers the possibility to translate videos into different languages, including English, Spanish and Hindi.
-
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 outdoor garden kitchen: Installing stainless steel BBQ furniture
Choosing the right materials for the BBQ furniture played a decisive role in the construction of my outdoor garden kitchen. This article is about why stainless steel was the best choice for the outdoor kitchen, how the installation went and what my experiences have been 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.
