The final post in Alpha Bits' DIY HomeLab series explores advanced topics like AI integration, edge computing, and emerging technologies. Learn about our roadmap for RISC-V adoption, WebAssembly deployment, quantum-safe cryptography, and the impressive ROI of our HomeLab investment. Plus, practical advice for your own infrastructure journey.
Explore the essential applications powering Alpha Bits' HomeLab infrastructure. Learn about Node-RED for automation, database strategies with PostgreSQL/Redis/InfluxDB, monitoring with Grafana, and how these tools integrate to create a productive, cost-effective development environment on Raspberry Pi hardware.
Discover why CasaOS became Alpha Bits' go-to Docker management solution for HomeLab environments. Learn about installation, the beautiful web interface, one-click app deployments, and real-world usage across our distributed Raspberry Pi infrastructure. Includes screenshots and practical tips for container management.
Learn how Alpha Bits achieved networking nirvana with ZeroTier, Cloudflare DNS, and Cloudflare Tunnel. Discover how to create a secure, NAT-free network that works anywhere in the world, with detailed setup instructions, real-world benefits, and lessons learned from managing a distributed HomeLab infrastructure.
Dive deep into Alpha Bits' HomeLab hardware strategy, comparing PC vs embedded systems approaches. Learn why we use a mix of Raspberry Pi 4s, Orange Pi Zeros, Radxa boards, and a dedicated GPU server, including real-world costs, lessons learned, and recommendations for building your own distributed infrastructure.
Join Alpha Bits' CTO on a personal journey through building a comprehensive HomeLab infrastructure. Learn why every developer should consider self-hosted solutions, the real-world benefits of hands-on infrastructure experience, and get an introduction to our upcoming DIY HomeLab series covering everything from hardware selection to AI integration.
A comprehensive technical guide to I.C.E. Battery cold energy storage technology. Learn the three-stage process, heat removal science, and how Alpha Bits implements distributed IoT monitoring using Node-RED, MQTT, ZeroTier, and Cloudflare Tunnel across multiple locations.
Discover the fascinating origin story of the I.C.E. Battery - how a contingency plan born from adversity became a revolutionary cold energy storage solution. Learn about the journey from sand battery heat storage to integrated cold energy systems and the vision for sustainable cooling in a warming world.
A comprehensive technical guide explaining how sand batteries store and release thermal energy with 98% efficiency. Learn about the three-stage process, material science behind insulation, and why this technology can cut heating costs by 50% while achieving zero emissions.
Discover how a simple thermal energy storage experiment on a Saigon balcony in 2022 became the foundation for advanced IoT monitoring systems and sparked Kent Nguyen's journey into AIoT development. Learn about the data collection challenges, energy monitoring insights, and how this DIY project evolved into commercial-grade solutions.
Discover how we've pushed Node-RED to its limits on everything from Raspberry Pi 4 to Android phones via Termux. Learn practical IoT setups, networking tricks, and performance optimizations that prove powerful automation doesn't need powerful hardware.