Podcast on A.J. Elsinga

Protect Your Digital Life: Home Backup Mastery

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, A.J.and Alex discuss the critical importance of data backup and automation in today’s digital age. They explore various backup solutions, including NAS systems and the ZFS file system, emphasizing the need for secure data management. The hosts share personal experiences with automation tools and gadgets, highlighting the significance of testing backups to ensure data integrity. They also provide practical tips for effective data management and the importance of having multiple backup copies across different media.

The Power of LLMs, Home Automation, Local AI & Real-World

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this video, we delve into the fascinating world of large language models (LLMs) and their practical applications, especially in home automation and personal productivity. We explore how AI can augment our daily routines by automating tasks like managing air quality, controlling lighting, and even assisting in the development of software. Our discussion highlights the potential of running these models locally to enhance privacy and responsiveness, emphasizing that with the right hardware—such as powerful GPUs or specialized chips—you can operate complex AI systems right within your own home 🌐.

Email Evolution : A Journey Through Tech

Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast episode, AJ and Alex delve into different aspects of the digital communication world, specifically email and their recent 3D printing projects, custom-designed 3D inserts for slat walls, the TARDIS and more.

🔗 Gear Up with Our Top Tips:

Ice cube machine
Measuring wheel

® Brands or solutions mentioned (not in order)

🤝 Join the Conversation: We’re not just here to talk at you—we want to connect with our community! Have questions or experiences about 3D printing, or home automation? Want to share your own tech journey? Drop a comment below, and let’s start the discussion!

Clean Air and Clever Gadgets: A Breath of Fresh Tech

Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In todays episode, Alex and AJ are discussing presence detection versus motion detection in their home automation setups.

Takeaways:

Importance of Clean Air: AJ and Alex emphasize the importance of clean air inside homes, especially during winter, when indoor air quality can deteriorate due to heating, cooking, and other activities.
Methods for Clean Air:
- Air Monitoring: Using air monitors to keep track of CO2 levels and other pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10).
- Air Filters: The benefits of using air filters, such as HEPA filters, to remove particulates and volatile gases from the air.
- 3D Printing Considerations: The importance of using filters and air extraction systems when 3D printing materials like ABS and PETG, which can release harmful fumes.
Workshop Dust Control:

Home Automation: mmWave Revolution, Real-World Challenges

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In todays episode, Alex and AJ are discussing presence detection versus motion detection in their home automation setups.

Takeaways:

mmWave Technology as an alternative to PIR for detecting presence, even if the person is not moving significantly.
mmWave response slower than PIR, but the combination is good
Automations are annoying when it is not working properly
Home automation can be expensive, with numerous small costs accumulating over time

🔗 Gear Up with Our Top Tips:

3D Printing Magnets Tip: When starting 3D printing and incorporating magnets, AJ suggests printing a specific tool that helps in orienting the magnets correctly. This tool ensures the magnets are inserted in your prints with the right orientation, preventing issues with alignment and adhesion. https://makerworld.com/en/models/60890-embedded-magnet-dispenser-tool-for-3d-prints?fprofileId-63102

Benefits of Standing Desks and Workspace Optimization

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode of NTVN, New Tech Vintage Nerds, AJ and Alex discuss standing desks and their uses, preferences, and assembly experiences, while standing.

Takeaways:

Discussing standing desk benefits, such as such as better posture, a more dynamic presentation style in virtual meetings, and improved overall well-being while working from home.
Personal Experiences with standing desks, including the types they use (two-legged vs. four-legged) and the challenges and benefits they encountered.

Automating HomeTech, Launching a YouTube channel: Vikash

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode of NTVN New Tech Vintage Nerds, hosts AJ and Alex invite special guest Vikash to the table. The trio dives into a variety of tech topics, from the challenges of home automation with Sonos speakers to the intricacies of digitizing VHS tapes. They explore the world of 3D printing and the balance between high-end tinkering versus plug-and-play solutions. The conversation shifts to Vikash’s personal journey in tech and his motivations behind creating valuable content on YouTube. If you’re into home automation, DIY tech projects, or considering starting a YouTube channel, this episode is packed with insights and tips that you won’t want to miss.

Adding a weather station to your home automation system

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Join AJ and Alex as they dive into the world of 3D printing, weather stations, and home automation. In this episode, they share their latest adventures with flexible filament, such as TPU, and discuss their use of various 3D prints like brackets for MacBooks and custom solutions for better storage and organization. The conversation transitions to weather stations, focusing on automation benefits, local data integration, and energy efficiency.

Takeaways:

Flexible filaments like TPU are versatile but require longer print times.
Weather stations can significantly augment smart home automation by providing real-time environmental data.
Choosing a weather station with local data support can enhance reliability and control over cloud-dependent alternatives.
Integrate UV sensors in your system for personalized alerts and safer outdoor activities.
Tools like a filament dryer can drastically improve print quality, especially for hydroscopic materials.

🏠 What’s on the Agenda:

Zone Heating - or - comfortable living

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Alex and A.J. talk about heating in their smart homes

🤝 Join the Conversation: We’re not just here to talk at you-we want to engage with our community! Have questions or tips about 3D printing, WiFi, or some other topic? Want to share your own home automation win? Drop a comment below, and let’s start the discussion!

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Do you want a tinker printer or a 3D printer? Bambulab P1S

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

FINALLY! A new episode. It took a bit to get this out there. Not because we didn’t record it, but because A.J. found excuse after excuse not to edit and publish it. Lucky for you he finally found the time and finally felt like doing the stuff that needed to be done.

This episode Alex and A.J. talk about their new 3D printer and how it is holding up after a month of running almost constantly. Listen to them talking about the good and the not so good (if any?) of the Bambulab P1S.

NTVN - S01E02 - Xibo dashboarding and plan your writing

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 17:00:00 +0100

THe second episode already of NTVN - New Tech, Vintage Nerds. It’s going great!

Watch on YouTube

NTVN - S01E01 - WLED, Gridfinity, Auto volume with HA

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 17:00:00 +0100

Our genuine, very first podcast episode. What will it be about, you might wonder? WLED, automatic volume control in Home Assistant, and Gridfinity. Since it’s our first episode, we need to make some waves in the podcast ocean. If you read the descriptions below, summon your inner ‘Amazing, Mike!’ voice and read it to yourself. You can probably recall this from the eighties.