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Tim Wilkes

Tim Wilkes is a UK-based Enterprise Architect with over 25 years of experience in electronics, Linux, Security, and Unix systems administration.

From BMW ConnectedDrive to Bimmerdata Streamline: A Better Way to Connect with Home Assistant

BMW ConnectedDrive’s Home Assistant integration has broken, but Bimmerdata Streamline steps in with reliable automation, and data for a device tracker for car location. Here’s why Streamline is the future of BMW smart home integration.

Automating NetMcr Event Tracking with Node-RED, Home Assistant, and Google Calendar

Learn how to automatically track NetMcr events in Google Calendar using Node-RED and Home Assistant. Parse event emails, extract details, and create calendar entries for easy reminders.

Breaking Up with Google: Replacing Google Photos While Keeping Nest Hub Photo Displays

Want to leave Google Photos but still enjoy slideshows on your Nest Hub? Learn how to move your photos to private, secure alternatives like Nextcloud or PhotoPrism while keeping your smart displays working beautifully.

Using Kestra to update a Proxmox IPSet with a Python Script

Automate Proxmox firewall IPSet updates with Kestra and Python. This script validates CIDRs, supports dry-run mode, and ensures idempotent updates — replacing Ansible with a simpler, safer workflow for managing Cloudflare IP ranges.

Upgrading Kestra to v0.24 from v0.21 and Below: Key Changes, Migration Steps, and Database Cleanup

If you’re running Kestra OSS and haven’t updated

Running Containers on a Synology DS1821+: How to Install Firefly III with Portainer

Take control of your personal finances with Firefly III on Synology. Learn how to deploy Firefly III via Portainer and manage your money securely at home.

Running Containers on a Synology DS1821+: Install Paperless-ngx with Portainer

Turn your Synology NAS into a powerful document management system with Paperless-ngx. Learn how to install and configure Paperless-ngx using Portainer and Docker.

Running Containers on a Synology DS1821+: Getting Started with Portainer

Turn your Synology DS1821+ into more than just a file server - run Docker containers with ease! Learn how to set up Docker, install Portainer as your first container, and unlock the full power of self-hosted applications.

Book Review: 3D Printing and Maker Lab for Kids

3D Printing and Maker Lab for Kids is a hands-on guide that blends creativity with STEM. Packed with projects, visuals, and kid-friendly explanations, it’s perfect for families, educators, and beginners looking to explore 3D printing in a fun, approachable way.

Firefly iii to Paperless NGX

Automate your finances and document management by linking Firefly III to Paperless NGX with Node-RED in Home Assistant. This flow uses webhooks and APIs to pull receipts from Firefly III and upload them to Paperless NGX automatically, keeping your records synced without manual effort.