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Maya’s Progress Report for 2025-04-12

Progress This Week:

  1. Ollama Instance Deployment:

    • Set up an Ollama instance running the DeepSeek-R1-8B model for Erika to use.

    • This model supports reasoning which makes it very good for our usecase

    • Deployed it behind the existing reverse proxy with token verification for secure access.

    • We can access it both over the cli and using the api

  2. Python Backend Development:

    • Continued development of the Python backend to add more features and enhance its functionality.

    • Extended API endpoints and improved data handling for integration with Anya’s code and Home Assistant.

  3. Finalized Components
    • Finalized and purchased components needed for the final house, planning to install the moment the house is ready on Erika’s end

 

As the project enters the verification phase, I am planning the following tests to ensure subsystem reliability and accuracy:

  1. Electronics Subsystem Verification:

    • Conduct repeated tests on the power monitoring electronics.

    • Measure the accuracy of power draw readings under various loads (fans, motors, lights, etc.).

    • Check the robustness of the sensor communication and responsiveness of the system to rapid changes in load.

    • Use comparison against known reference measurements (multimeter and calibrated loads) to verify sensor accuracy.

  2. Backend and Infrastructure Verification:

    • Perform functional tests on the backend APIs to ensure correct data logging, error handling, and performance under stress.

    • Test authentication mechanisms, API response times, and data integrity between the Ollama instance, backend, and Home Assistant integration.

    • Simulate prolonged operation to evaluate system stability and resilience.

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Maya’s Progress Report 2025-04-05

  1. Python Backend Development:

    • Began development of a new Python backend designed to log data and facilitate smooth communication between Anya’s code and Home Assistant.

    • Established initial framework for data collection and device interaction.

  2. Faculty Check-In:

    • Had a check-in meeting with the project professors to review current progress and gather feedback for the next stages.

  3. Hardware Integration Planning:

    • Developed a plan to integrate smart hardware components into Erika’s model house.

    • Identified key connection points and strategies for aligning physical devices with the model infrastructure.

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Maya’s Progress Report for 2025-03-29

Progress This Week:

  1. Code Improvements and Packaging:
    • Integrated API calls into Anya’s code to monitor and optimize solar energy usage and control actuators
    • Repackaged the updated code as a Docker Image for simple deployment
    • Packed Anyas code as a home assistant addon
  2. Solar Panel Integration:
    • Successfully got the solar panels working and generating power
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Maya’s Progress Report 2025-03-22

  1. Expanded Device Integration:
    • Successfully got power sensors working for real-time energy monitoring.
    • Integrated motors, PWM fans, and servos for enhanced automation control.
    • Scaled up LED configurations for various smart lighting applications.
  2. Home Assistant Add-on Development:
    • Continued packaging the system as a Home Assistant add-on.
    • Enhanced compatibility for seamless deployment and integration.
    • Refined the Dockerized module for stability and performance.

Challenges Encountered:

  • Ensuring reliable scaling of devices and automation workflows.
  • Addressing minor compatibility issues with different Home Assistant setups.

Next Steps:

  • Finalize and thoroughly test the Home Assistant add-on.
  • Optimize performance for larger-scale automation setups.
  • Continue refining integration with additional smart devices.
  • Document setup and deployment instructions for broader adoption.
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Maya’s Status Report 2025-03-15

Work Accomplished:

  1. Home Assistant Resilience Improvements:
    • Reconfigured the Home Assistant setup to be more resilient after a previous system failure.
    • Implemented backup strategies to prevent future downtime.
    • Improved the code deployment pipeline to make iteration a lot faster and seamless
  2. Network Accessibility Enhancements:
    • Set up a reverse proxy on an external server with HTTPS and certificates to ensure secure access
    • Set up a mesh VPN network to make sure that the home assistant node can always be accessed from the reverse proxy as long as it has an internet connection, this means that the entire team will be able to access it no matter if it is at my house or on campus with no extra tweaking
    • Configured port forwarding to allow global access to Home Assistant.
    • From `192.168.1.214:8123` to
  3. Device Integration:
    • Got the power sensors, PWM fans working with the ESPHome
  4. Packaging Code:
    • Started work on dockerizing Anya’s code to streamline deployment.
    • Began packaging it as a Home Assistant addon for easy integration and seamless one-click installation.

Challenges Encountered:

  • Unable to access the soldering station due to conflicts with other users, delaying hardware assembly.

Next Steps:

  • Complete soldering of hardware components to ensure stable connection, tomorrow
  • Expand ESPHome integration with additional devices and refine automation.
  • Continue testing and optimizing Home Assistant configurations for improved performance and security.
  • Explore additional security measures for globally accessible Home Assistant setup.
  • Finalize and test the Home Assistant addon for seamless deployment.

Status

  • Despite the set backs with being able to access equipment, mostly on pace just need to do the soldering tomorrow
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Maya’s Status Report for 2025-03-08

  1. Relay ESP32 Setup:
    • Set up a dedicated ESP32 for relay control.
    • Integrated the relay ESP32 with Home Assistant for centralized automation.
    • Began testing the relay functionality with various devices.
  2. Device Integration:
    • Connected minor devices such as a PWM fan, light, and motor.
    • Explored additional devices for potential integration.
    • Evaluated performance and responsiveness of connected devices.
  3. Wiring and Testing:
    • Started wiring and organizing connections for the relay ESP32.
    • Identified and tested different wiring configurations.
    • Determined which setups work best for our needs.
  4. Power Consumption Monitoring:
    • Set up power consumption monitoring to track energy usage.
    • Integrated sensors to measure power draw from connected devices.
    • Began analyzing data to identify potential energy optimization strategies.

Challenges Encountered:

  • Ensuring stable and reliable relay switching for different devices.
  • Managing power distribution effectively to support multiple components.
  • Troubleshooting intermittent connectivity issues between ESP32 and Home Assistant.
  • Calibrating power monitoring sensors for accurate readings.

Next Steps:

  • Expand testing with additional devices to enhance automation capabilities.
  • Optimize wiring layouts for improved reliability and ease of use.
  • Develop automation rules within Home Assistant for better power management.
  • Continue refining the system based on real-world performance observations.
  • Analyze power consumption data to implement energy-saving measures.
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Maya’s Status Report for 2025-02-15

# Progress This Week:
1. **ESP32 Setup and Expansion:**
– Continued setting up the ESP32, refining its configuration and stability.
– Started wiring components to the ESP32 on a breadboard for initial testing.
– Ensured reliable communication between ESP32 and Home Assistant.

2. **Model House Component Selection:**
– Researched and decided on key parts for the model house.
– Selected sensors and actuators for power monitoring and automation.
– Planned the integration of these components into the broader system.

3. **Testing and Initial Wiring:**
– Connected and tested multiple components with the ESP32.
– Began initial wiring to verify sensor functionality and data transmission.
– Identified preliminary wiring challenges and planned solutions.

# Challenges Encountered:
– Verifying compatibility between selected components and the ESP32.
– Managing power distribution effectively to prevent overloading circuits.

# Next Steps:
– Finalize the wiring layout and begin soldering for a more permanent setup.
– Expand testing with additional sensors and actuators for comprehensive data collection.
– Develop automation rules within Home Assistant based on sensor inputs.
– Continue refining power optimization strategies through real-time analysis.

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Maya’s Status Report for 2025-02-08

## Progress This Week:
1. **Home Assistant Setup:**
– Successfully installed Home Assistant in a Docker container on a Raspberry Pi 5.
– Configured basic settings, including network connectivity and user interface customization.
– Ensured stable operation and tested core functionalities.

2. **ESPHome Integration:**
– Set up ESPHome on an ESP32 device for real-time sensor data collection and ability to control devices
– Established a stable connection between ESPHome and Home Assistant.
– Began integrating initial sensors for monitoring energy consumption.

3. **Initial Integration and Testing:**
– Successfully connected Home Assistant with ESPHome for data transmission.
– Verified real-time data logging and responsiveness of the system.
– Identified potential areas for improvement in communication latency and data accuracy.

## Challenges Encountered:
– Minor connectivity issues between ESP32 and Home Assistant, requiring additional troubleshooting.
– Need for additional sensors and actuators to improve data collection and power optimization insights.

## Next Steps:
– Expand ESPHome integration with additional sensors for more comprehensive energy monitoring.
– Optimize Raspberry Pi and Docker settings to enhance performance and reliability.
– Begin logging and analyzing power consumption trends for future optimization strategies.
– Possibly switch to a more robust communication protocol between the ESP32 and Pi

## Conclusion:
This week marked a significant step forward with the successful setup of Home Assistant and ESPHome. Moving forward, the focus will be on refining integrations, expanding sensor/actuator coverage, and implementing automation for improved energy efficiency.