DIY Electronics, Smart Home Projects and Real Builds
I build and document the projects I use at home, from ESP32 sensors and LoRa nodes to Home Assistant, custom PCBs and 3D printed parts. Each write-up includes the details I needed while I was building it: wiring, code, parts, files and the problems I ran into.
Explore J-Rat Techworks
Start with a full project, look up a guide, grab the files I used, or read a review before you buy something for your own setup.
Projects
Full builds from the first prototype to the finished install. I include the wiring, code, setup notes and parts I used.
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Guides
Straightforward guides for Home Assistant, ESP32, Zigbee, LoRa, networking and the other gear I use around the house.
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Parts & Downloads
Code, STL files, PCB files, parts lists and other downloads from the projects on the site.
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Reviews
My experience with hardware I have actually used, including what worked well, what did not and what I would buy again.
Read reviews →Secure LoRa Gateway for Home Assistant
My LoRa gateway started as a simple receiver and grew into a proper gateway with pairing, encrypted packets, MQTT and a small OLED. The guide covers the hardware, firmware and Home Assistant side from start to finish.
If you are putting together your own LoRa sensor network, this is the gateway setup I am using now.
Read the Build GuideLatest Projects & Guides
How to Build a Secure LoRa Gateway for Home Assistant
The gateway I use for my DIY LoRa sensors, with encrypted messages, pairing, MQTT and Home Assistant discovery.
How to Build a LoRa Water Tank Sensor for Home Assistant
A battery powered tank sensor using pressure measurement, solar charging and long range LoRa back to Home Assistant.
Best Home Assistant Hardware for Beginners
A look at the main hardware options for getting Home Assistant running without buying more than you need.
What You Will Find in My Project Guides
I try to include the details that are easy to leave out once a project is finished and working.
Wiring & Pinouts
Connections, GPIO assignments and diagrams where they are useful.
Code & Config
The firmware, YAML, settings and configuration used in the build.
Parts & Files
The actual components, printable files and downloads I used.
What Went Wrong
Problems I hit during the build and what eventually fixed them.
Built Because I Wanted It to Work Better
J-Rat Techworks is where I keep track of the things I build, test and learn. Most projects start because I want something to work a certain way at home, then I document the final setup so someone else can use it as a starting point.
Expect plenty of ESP32, Home Assistant, LoRa, networking, sensors, 3D printing and custom hardware.
Don’t Miss the Next Build
New project write-ups, guides and workshop updates, sent when there is something worth sharing.
Have a Build You Want to Share?
Send it through. I am always interested in seeing what other people are building and I would like to feature more community projects on the site.
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