9 essays
The Control Panel
Smart home setup, device choices, automation design, and platform decisions. Home Assistant deep-dives and systems the family actually likes.
01
Build an esphome thermostat That Actually Saves EnergyBuild an esphome thermostat with Home Assistant, safe wiring, reliable sensors, schedules,...
Wes ChandlerThe Control Panel
Oct 28, 2026
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02
How to Configure PlatformIO for the Freenove ESP32-S3 Breakout BoardLearn how to configure platformio for the freenove esp32-s3 breakout board in VS Code, ins...
Wes ChandlerThe Control Panel
Oct 25, 2026
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03
konnected smart garage door opener: A Practical Home Assistant SetupKonnected smart garage door opener guide: compare wiring, Home Assistant setup, security, ...
Wes ChandlerThe Control Panel
Oct 24, 2026
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04
ESP32-WROOM-32 Dev Board: A Practical Guide for Home Energy Projectsesp32-wroom-32 dev board guide for smart home energy projects: wiring, power use, Home Ass...
Wes ChandlerThe Control Panel
Oct 16, 2026
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05
Home Assistant: 32 Automations My Family Actually LikesA former network engineer shares the 32 Home Assistant automations that survived family li...
Wes ChandlerThe Control Panel
Aug 05, 2026
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06
Smart Bulbs vs Switches: I Installed Both to Find OutA side-by-side test of smart bulbs and smart switches in the same room—what actually worke...
Wes ChandlerThe Control Panel
Aug 03, 2026
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07
The Automation That Shut Off the Furnace at Super BowlA well-intentioned Home Assistant automation turned off the heat during a Super Bowl party...
Wes ChandlerThe Control Panel
Aug 02, 2026
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08
The Roast: My Five Biggest Smart Home Mistakes (So Far)A former network engineer publicly roasts his five biggest smart-home mistakes—what went w...
Wes ChandlerThe Control Panel
Aug 01, 2026
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09
Why a Network Engineer Ripped Open His Electrical PanelA former network engineer explains how one heat-pump install turned into ripping open the ...
Wes ChandlerThe Control Panel
Jul 30, 2026
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