Category: Hobby
A New Contender: The Hyxi Halo and How It Compares to the Marstek Venus 3.0
Just when I thought my research was done, the Hyxi Halo entered the picture. Here is why it deserves serious attention and how it stacks up against my original choice. A Quick Recap In my previous blog post, I shared the research behind my search for a plug-in home battery. I looked at five models,…
Plug-In Home Batteries: My Research and Why I Am Choosing the Marstek Venus 3.0
A practical guide to five leading plug-in home batteries, comparing specs, P1 meter support, dedicated group capacity, and price per kWh. Why I Started Looking at Plug-In Home Batteries Energy independence has been on my radar for a while. With solar panels already on the roof and a dynamic energy contract, the logical next step…
My New Low-Water Aquascape: A Paludarium-Inspired Setup
I’ve been wanting to try something different with my aquarium setup, and this time I decided to venture into the world of low-water aquascaping. Instead of the traditional fully-filled tank, I opted for an aquarium filled only about one-third with water, creating a unique environment that bridges the gap between aquatic and terrestrial plant life.…
Understanding Phishing and Malware: A Simple Guide
In today’s digital world, staying safe online can feel overwhelming, especially if technology isn’t your forte. You don’t need to be a computer expert to protect yourself from cyber threats. This guide is written specifically for everyday people who want to understand the most common dangers lurking on the internet without getting lost in technical…
Two Days at Fleet Expo Utrecht: A Different Side of Electric Driving
This week, on November 12 and 13, I had the opportunity to represent the Vereniging Elektrische Rijders at the Fleet Expo in de Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. As a volunteer at VER, I’m used to answering questions about electric driving, sharing experiences, and helping people take their first steps into the world of EVs. But this…
EV Experience 2025: A Weekend of Electric Enthusiasm, Connection, and Discovery
Last week’s EV Experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Representing Vereniging Elektrische Rijders (the Dutch Electric Drivers Association) over two inspiring days, I left the event energized, both literally and figuratively, by the passion and curiosity of everyone involved. A Hub for Electric Mobility Conversations The atmosphere at EV Experience was electric in every sense…
October: Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Why It Matters to You and Me
We are entering autumn and It’s also Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM), a time when tech enthusiasts, professionals, and everyday users like you and me come together to sharpen our digital defenses. For those of us in EMEIA (Europe, Middle East, India, and Africa), and indeed around the world, this month is a reminder that cybersecurity…
V2L, V2G, and V2H: Your EV as a Power Station – Why Your Electric Car is More Than Just Transport
Picture this: You’re at home during a power outage, but while your neighbors are fumbling around with flashlights, you’re keeping your fridge humming and your devices charged – all thanks to your electric car. Sounds like science fiction? It’s actually happening right now, and I experienced it firsthand with my BYD Atto 3. When the…
Maximizing Your BYD Atto 3 Experience: Battery, Charging, Tires, Climate & Voice Control
Hey there, BYD Atto 3 owner! Whether you’re new to the world of electric vehicles or a seasoned pro, there’s always something new to learn about getting the most out of your car. In this guide, I’ll share my personal tips for battery care, tire maintenance, fast-charging strategies, climate control, and voice commands, plus some…
Upgrading My Raspberry Pi Webserver: From Pi 3 B+ to Pi 5 with NVMe Storage
Running a home webserver on a Raspberry Pi has been one of my most rewarding tech projects. Recently, I decided it was time for a major upgrade, moving from my trusty Raspberry Pi 3 B+ to the new Raspberry Pi 5 with 16GB of RAM, and ditching the SD card for blazing-fast NVMe storage. Here’s…
