# J-Rat Techworks

> DIY Electronics, Smart Projects, and Real-World Builds


## Posts

- [LoRa Mesh Networking Explained: How Multi-Hop Networks Work](https://jrattechworks.com/lora-mesh-networking-explained/): ​
- [Home Assistant on a Mini PC: HAOS vs Proxmox](https://jrattechworks.com/home-assistant-mini-pc-haos-vs-proxmox/): Mini PCs are almost ridiculously overqualified for Home Assistant. Buy an N100 or N150 box with 16 GB of RAM and an SSD, install Home Assistant OS, and most of the hardware will spend its life barely breaking a sweat. That is usually the point where Proxmox starts looking tempting. Why give the whole machine […]
- [TPS61023 Boost Converter](https://jrattechworks.com/parts/tps61023-boost-converter/): The TPS61023 boost converter used in my low-power LoRa water tank sensor to generate 5V from a single-cell Li-ion battery. See how I use it, buying notes and related projects.
- [5V Submersible Water Pressure Sensor](https://jrattechworks.com/parts/submersible-water-pressure-sensor/): The 5V submersible pressure sensor I use for DIY water tank monitoring, with an approximately 0–3.3V analogue output for ESP32-based projects. See buying notes and the J-Rat Techworks builds that use it.
- [Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2](https://jrattechworks.com/parts/home-assistant-connect-zbt-2/): Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 is the official second-generation Zigbee and Thread adapter for Home Assistant, with an MG24 radio, tuned external antenna and USB-C connection. Check current availability, key specifications and related setup guides.
- [Home Assistant Green](https://jrattechworks.com/parts/home-assistant-green/): Home Assistant Green is the official plug-and-play Home Assistant hub with Home Assistant OS preinstalled, 4 GB of RAM, 32 GB of eMMC storage and Gigabit Ethernet. Check current availability, key specifications and related J-Rat Techworks guides.
- [MeshCore Sensor Nodes Explained: Remote LoRa Telemetry Without Wi-Fi](https://jrattechworks.com/meshcore-sensor-nodes/): Most of the attention around MeshCore has been focused on off-grid messaging. Companion nodes send messages, repeaters extend coverage, and room servers add stored messages to the network. There is another side of MeshCore that I think is just as interesting for DIY projects: Sensor Nodes. On 14 September 2026, MeshCore lead firmware developer Scott […]
- [Electronics Tools for Beginners: 10 Essentials You Need](https://jrattechworks.com/electronics-tools-components-for-beginners/): It is easy to overspend when you start buying electronics gear. There are endless component packs, tools and oversized kits, and most beginners do not need all of them. Start with the gear you will actually use: a development board, breadboard, multimeter, soldering basics and a few hand tools. The more specialised bench equipment can […]
- [Wi-Fi vs Zigbee vs Thread vs LoRa: Which Should You Use?](https://jrattechworks.com/wifi-vs-zigbee-vs-thread-vs-lora/): If you are building a smart home or putting together a DIY sensor, choosing the radio can be just as important as choosing the sensor or microcontroller. Wi-Fi is usually the easiest place to start. Zigbee is a great fit for low-power smart home devices. Thread gives low-power devices an IP-based mesh and is increasingly […]
- [ESP32-C5 vs ESP32-C6 vs ESP32-S3: Which Should You Use?](https://jrattechworks.com/esp32-c5-vs-c6-vs-s3/): Compare the ESP32-C5, C6 and S3 for Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Thread, USB, PSRAM and common DIY projects to see which ESP32 fits your build.
- [How to Build a Secure LoRa Gateway for Home Assistant](https://jrattechworks.com/secure-lora-gateway/): When I first started building my own LoRa sensors, I needed a simple way to get their data back into Home Assistant. The first version of my DIY LoRa gateway did exactly that. A sensor could send a packet over LoRa, the gateway would receive it, connect to my MQTT broker over Wi-Fi and make […]
- [How to Build a LoRa Water Tank Sensor for Home Assistant](https://jrattechworks.com/lora-water-tank-sensor/): Monitoring the water level in a rainwater tank seems like a fairly simple smart home project, but my previous attempts showed me there are a few problems to solve if the tank is any real distance from the house. I had already built Wi-Fi versions of my tank sensor, and while they worked, Wi-Fi wasn’t […]
- [Best Home Assistant Hardware for Beginners: Complete Buying Guide](https://jrattechworks.com/home-assistant-hardware-for-beginners/): Starting with Home Assistant can feel more complicated than it actually is. You will often see setups involving mini PCs, network racks, USB adapters, custom sensors and enough cables to fill a drawer. Those systems can be great, but you do not need to buy all of your Home Assistant hardware at once. A good […]
- [DIY LoRa Gateway for a Home Assistant Sensor Network](https://jrattechworks.com/diy-lora-gateway/): If you want to monitor things around your home, garden, shed, or property without relying on Wi-Fi at every sensor location, a LoRa gateway is a really useful place to start. For my setup, the gateway is the middle point between my remote sensors and Home Assistant. The sensors send small packets of data over […]
- [I Built Hidden Smart LED Lighting for My Office Desk](https://jrattechworks.com/diy-smart-led-lighting/): My office has always been functional, but it never really felt like a space I wanted to spend time in at night. The desk area felt dark, plain, and unfinished, so I decided to add hidden smart LED lighting behind the desk. The goal was simple: create a soft glow on the wall, control it […]
- [How to Use an ESP32-C6 as a Zigbee Router in Home Assistant](https://jrattechworks.com/esp32-c6-zigbee-router/): The ESP32-C6 is one of the more interesting ESP32 boards for smart home projects because it supports more than just Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It also includes an 802.15.4 radio, which allows it to work with wireless protocols like Zigbee and Thread. That makes it possible to use an ESP32-C6 in a Zigbee network, including as […]
- [How to Set Up a Zigbee Coordinator in Home Assistant Using Zigbee2MQTT](https://jrattechworks.com/how-to-set-up-a-zigbee-coordinator/): On Home Assistant OS, the setup comes down to four things: connect the coordinator, use its stable serial path, configure MQTT and Zigbee2MQTT, then pair a test device. A Zigbee coordinator is the USB adapter that creates the Zigbee network and lets Home Assistant communicate with Zigbee sensors, plugs, switches, lights, and other devices. If […]
- [Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-C3](https://jrattechworks.com/parts/xiao-esp32-c3/): Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-C3 $8.73 In Stock As of 12/05/2026AliExpress Check the listing before buying. Some versions come with unsoldered headers, while others may include pre-soldered headers or multi-packs. The Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-C3 is a tiny ESP32-C3 development board with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE, USB-C, battery support, and the compact XIAO form factor. […]
- [Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V4](https://jrattechworks.com/parts/heltec-wifi-lora-32-v4/): Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V4 $25.42 In Stock As of 11/05/2026AliExpress The Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V4 is a compact ESP32-S3 LoRa development board with an onboard OLED display, USB-C, battery support, and an SX1262 LoRa radio. It is commonly used for MeshCore, Meshtastic, LoRa testing, repeaters, and small off-grid sensor projects. Check the listing […]
- [Best Meshtastic Devices in 2026: Which Radio Should You Buy?](https://jrattechworks.com/best-meshtastic-devices/): If you are getting into Meshtastic, the device you choose makes a big difference. Some boards are cheap and easy to start with. Some are better for solar nodes or fixed repeaters. Others make more sense if you want GPS tracking, a proper handheld device, or something that works without much DIY. That is what […]
- [MeshCore Web Flasher: How to Flash and Set Up a Repeater](https://jrattechworks.com/meshcore-repeater-flashing-guide/): A MeshCore repeater is one of the easiest ways to improve a MeshCore network once your basic devices are already working. If your MeshCore nodes are too far apart, blocked by terrain, or struggling to reach each other through buildings and trees, a repeater can help bridge that gap. Instead of being the device you […]
- [Using an E-Paper Display with an ESP32-C3: Text, MQTT Data and a Simple Logo](https://jrattechworks.com/using-an-e-paper-display/): E-paper displays are a great option for small projects where the information does not need to update constantly. They are not fast like an LCD or OLED screen, but that is also part of the appeal. Once an e-paper display refreshes, it can hold the image on screen without constantly redrawing it. That makes it […]
- [Air Quality Sensor STL](https://jrattechworks.com/air-quality-sensor-stl/): Air Quality Sensor STL If you want to build the complete project, see my DIY air quality sensor for Home Assistant using an ESP32-C5.
- [Best Sensors for Water Tank Monitoring](https://jrattechworks.com/best-sensors-for-water-tank-monitoring/): If you want a reliable water tank sensor, the sensor type matters more than most people think. On paper, a lot of options sound good. In real installs, some are simple and dependable, while others become annoying once you add condensation, dirty water, insects, awkward tank lids, long cable runs, or outdoor weather. That is […]
- [Best Low-Power Boards for Battery Projects: What to Buy in 2026](https://jrattechworks.com/best-low-power-boards-for-battery-projects/): Picking the best low-power boards for battery projects sounds simple until you actually start building. One board has Wi-Fi but chews through a battery faster than you expected. Another sleeps beautifully but makes wireless and Home Assistant integration harder than it should be. A third looks perfect on paper, then turns out to need extra […]
- [Home Assistant Infrared: How to Control TVs, Air Conditioners, and Other IR Devices](https://jrattechworks.com/home-assistant-infrared/): Infrared feels like old tech, but that is exactly why it is still useful. There is a lot of gear around the house that works perfectly fine but never got proper smart home support. TVs, air conditioners, sound bars, and pedestal fans are good examples. They still rely on a handheld remote, which usually means […]
- [Best Zigbee Dongle for Home Assistant in 2026](https://jrattechworks.com/best-zigbee-dongle-for-home-assistant/): If you are building out a smart home with Home Assistant, sooner or later you will run into the same question a lot of people do: which Zigbee dongle should you actually buy? On the surface, they all seem fairly similar. They are usually small, they plug in over USB, and they all promise to […]
- [Home Assistant Green vs Mini PC: Which Should You Buy?](https://jrattechworks.com/home-assistant-green-vs-mini-pc/): If you are trying to decide between Home Assistant Green and a mini PC for Home Assistant, the right choice mostly comes down to one thing: Do you want the easiest possible setup, or do you want more flexibility and room to grow? Home Assistant Green is built to be the simple option. It comes […]
- [DIY Air Quality Sensor for Home Assistant Using an ESP32-C5](https://jrattechworks.com/diy-air-quality-sensor/): Indoor air quality is one of those things you usually do not think about until a room starts feeling off. Maybe the air feels heavy. Maybe you have been sitting in a closed office for a few hours and cannot work out why you feel flat. Maybe you have just cooked dinner, used a cleaning […]
- [What Is Zigbee? A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Zigbee Smart Homes](https://jrattechworks.com/what-is-zigbee-smart-home-guide/): If you are trying to work out what Zigbee is, the simple answer is this: Zigbee is a low-power wireless standard designed for smart home and IoT devices like sensors, plugs, buttons, lights, and motion detectors. It is built around reliable local communication and mesh networking, which is a big reason so many people use […]
- [Best MeshCore Devices in 2026: Radios, Handhelds & Repeaters](https://jrattechworks.com/best-meshcore-devices/): If you are getting into MeshCore, the device you choose matters more than most people expect. Some boards are cheap and easy to start with. Some are better suited to fixed installs. Others make more sense for tracking, better battery life, or fully standalone off-grid messaging. That is what makes buying a MeshCore device a […]
- [ESP32-C5 Explained: 5 GHz Wi-Fi & ESPHome](https://jrattechworks.com/esp32-c5-explained/): The ESP32-C5 matters because it fills a gap that had been missing in the ESP32 family for a long time. Most ESP32 boards people know run on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only. That is fine for plenty of projects, but it can become frustrating in crowded homes, apartment blocks, offices, and workshops where 2.4 GHz is […]
- [MeshCore Explained: A Complete Guide to LoRa Mesh Networking](https://jrattechworks.com/meshcore-lora-mesh-network-guide/): Over the last few years, LoRa, short for “long range,” has become one of the most popular technologies for building long-distance, low-power wireless communication systems. Unlike Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, LoRa is designed for kilometer-scale communication using very little power. This makes it ideal for applications like: One project that has recently gained attention in the […]
- [MeshCore vs Meshtastic: Which Should You Use in 2026?](https://jrattechworks.com/meshcore-vs-meshtastic/): MeshCore and Meshtastic are both LoRa mesh projects for off-grid messaging, but they suit different kinds of networks. Meshtastic is usually the easier option if you want a polished phone-first experience, broad hardware support and something you can hand to friends without much explanation. MeshCore makes more sense when you care about dedicated repeaters, tighter […]
- [The Best Mini PC for Home Assistant in 2026](https://jrattechworks.com/best-mini-pc-for-home-assistant/): You do not need a powerful computer to run Home Assistant. For a dedicated Home Assistant OS installation, even a basic Intel N100 or N150 mini PC is already more than capable. The bigger reasons to choose one machine over another are its storage, USB ports, networking, noise and how easy it will be to […]
- [CN3791 MPPT Solar Charger Guide: Wiring, Specs & Safety](https://jrattechworks.com/cn3791-mppt-solar-charger/): CN3791 specifications at a glance The CN3791 is a buck-mode charger for a single-cell Li-ion or LiPo battery. The IC uses constant-voltage MPPT for solar input and regulates a standard 1S lithium battery to 4.2V. Operating input voltage 4.5V to 28V Absolute maximum VCC 30V. This is a stress limit, not a normal operating target. […]
- [Water Tank Pressure Sensor STL](https://jrattechworks.com/water-tank-pressure-sensor-stl/): Water Tank Pressure Sensor STL If you want to build the complete project, see my solar-powered water tank monitor using Home Assistant.
- [ESP32-S3 in the real world: when it’s the right ESP32 (and when it isn’t)](https://jrattechworks.com/esp32-s3-guide/): Ever built a “simple” ESP32 project that almost works, until you add a screen, camera, audio, or a pile of sensors? Suddenly you are fighting memory limits, flaky uploads, and resets that only show up once you think you are done. That is where the ESP32-S3 earns its keep. It is not the cheapest ESP32, […]
- [Should You Build It or Buy It? A Practical Smart Home Guide](https://jrattechworks.com/should-you-build-it-or-buy-it/): There’s a point in every smart home journey where you hit the same question: Do I build this myself… or do I just buy the thing that already exists? And honestly, the answer isn’t “DIY everything” or “never DIY”. The best setups I’ve seen (and built) are usually a mix: you buy the stuff that […]
- [Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ 2: What it is, what it can run, and who it’s for](https://jrattechworks.com/raspberry-pi-ai-hat-2/): Raspberry Pi’s original AI add-ons (the AI Kit and AI HAT+) were built to accelerate computer vision workloads: object detection, pose estimation, segmentation, and similar “camera-first” models. The new Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ 2 is the first Raspberry Pi add-on aimed squarely at on-device generative AI on a Raspberry Pi 5. It adds a Hailo-10H […]
- [ESP32 vs Arduino vs Raspberry Pi: Which One Should You Use?](https://jrattechworks.com/esp32-vs-arduino-vs-raspberry-pi/): If you’re new to DIY electronics, it’s easy to lump ESP32, Arduino and Raspberry Pi together. They can all sit on a workbench with sensors and wires hanging off them, but they suit quite different jobs. The short version is: Arduino is a platform and board ecosystem, while ESP32 is a family of microcontrollers used […]
- [Top 10 IoT Projects for Beginners (That You Can Actually Build)](https://jrattechworks.com/iot-projects-for-beginners/): If you’re new to IoT, it’s easy to get stuck in the “what should I build first?” loop. The best beginner projects have a few things in common: they solve a real problem, they don’t require complex wiring, and you get a result quickly (a dashboard, an alert, or something in your home that works […]
- [Matter Cameras Are Finally Here, and SmartThings Is First to Make Them Useful](https://jrattechworks.com/matter-camera-support-smartthings-2026/): How the Matter 1.5 update and Samsung’s move shift the smart home landscape For the first time in the smart home standard’s history, Matter 1.5 gives cameras a standard path toward cross-brand interoperability, and Samsung’s SmartThings platform was one of the first major ecosystems to announce support. In December 2025, SmartThings announced it now supports […]
- [Shelly launches a new wall display and control panel, with Home Assistant users firmly in mind](https://jrattechworks.com/shelly-wall-display-x2i-control-panel/): Shelly has announced a new wall-mounted smart display and control panel, aimed at becoming a central, always-on interface for smart homes. Unlike generic wall tablets, this one is clearly designed to live inside the smart home ecosystem from day one, with a strong local-control and integration focus that will appeal to Home Assistant users. The […]
- [Zigbee 4.0 and Suzi announced: phone-based setup and new Sub-GHz options are on the way](https://jrattechworks.com/zigbee-4-0-suzi-announced/): The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) has announced Zigbee 4.0 alongside Suzi, a new brand for Zigbee’s long-range Sub-GHz capability. The headline features are the ones smart home users have been asking for: easier onboarding, stronger security, and the option to move beyond crowded 2.4 GHz in the future. This was announced on 18 November 2025, […]
- [IKEA announces a new Matter-compatible smart home range: 21 new devices across lights, sensors, and control](https://jrattechworks.com/ikea-matter-smart-home-range-2026/): IKEA has announced a fresh wave of smart home gear, and it’s a big shift in direction: 21 new products built to work with Matter, the cross-brand smart home standard. The range is focused on the basics that most people actually use day to day, lighting, sensors, and simple controls. What makes this announcement worth […]
- [mmWave Radar Enclosure STL](https://jrattechworks.com/mmwave-radar-enclosure-stl/): mmWave Radar Enclosure STL If you want to build the complete project, see my mmWave radar for Home Assistant build guide.
- [Best Electronics Starter Kits for Beginners in 2026](https://jrattechworks.com/electronics-starter-kit-essentials-for-beginners/): If you want to get into electronics without buying every part separately, a starter kit is an easy way in. I would not choose one just because it has the biggest parts count. Good tutorials and a sensible selection of components matter more when you are working through your first few projects. For most complete […]
- [How to Build a mmWave Radar for Home Assistant](https://jrattechworks.com/building-a-mmwave-radar/): If you’ve ever had your smart lights or plugs turn off the second you get comfortable on the couch, you’ve hit the limits of a basic PIR sensor. That was my living room for a while. A standard PIR motion sensor was controlling the smart plug for our Christmas tree through Home Assistant. As soon […]
- [ZimaBlade 7700 Review: Home Assistant, Power & Reliability](https://jrattechworks.com/zimablade-7700-review/): I’ve used the ZimaBlade 7700 with both CasaOS and Home Assistant OS. Here’s how it performs, its power use and temperatures, and the reliability issue I’ve run into.
- [Smart LED Light Bar STL Download](https://jrattechworks.com/smart-led-light-bar-stl-download/): Smart LED Light Bar STL Download If you want to build the complete project, see my smart LED light bar with ESP32, WLED and Home Assistant.
- [Home Assistant for Beginners: A Simple Getting Started Guide](https://jrattechworks.com/home-assistant-for-beginners/): If you’ve got a couple of smart bulbs, a plug or two and maybe a random Wi-Fi camera, you’ve probably already hit the point where juggling five different apps is just annoying. That’s where Home Assistant comes in. Home Assistant is an open-source smart home platform that runs on your own hardware and pulls everything […]
- [Water Tank Sensor STL Download](https://jrattechworks.com/water-tank-sensor-stl-download/): Water Tank Sensor STL Download If you want to build the complete project, see my water tank level sensor using ESPHome and Home Assistant.
- [Solar-Powered Water Tank Monitor using Home Assistant](https://jrattechworks.com/tank-level-pressure-sensor/): If you’re on tank water, the “how much is left?” question isn’t just curiosity. In summer especially, running low can turn into a very annoying problem very quickly, and water deliveries are something you want to organise early, not after the pressure drops mid-shower. For ages, checking our tank meant walking outside and climbing a […]
- [mmWave Sensors: What They Are and How to Use Them with ESP32](https://jrattechworks.com/mmwave-sensor/): If you’ve ever had lights turn off while you’re sitting perfectly still, you already know the problem mmWave sensors are trying to solve. Traditional PIR motion sensors only see movement. Sit on the couch too long, stop waving your arms, and as far as the sensor is concerned, you’ve left the room. A mmWave presence […]
- [ESP32-C3 Beginner’s Guide for Home Projects](https://jrattechworks.com/esp32-c3-explained/): The ESP32-C3 has quietly become one of the best choices for DIY smart home projects, especially if you care about low power, battery powered sensors and compact enclosures. It’s small, efficient, and still gives you Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so it slots nicely into things like water tank level sensors, environmental monitors and little smart controllers. […]
- [ESP32 Deep Sleep Explained: How to Get Real Battery Life](https://jrattechworks.com/esp32-deep-sleep-explained/): If you’ve ever built a battery powered ESP32 sensor, you’ve probably had this moment: you wire it up, flash your code, it works perfectly on the bench… then the battery is flat in a day or two. The fix almost always comes down to one thing: using ESP32 deep sleep properly. Deep sleep is only […]
- [How to Power DIY Outdoor Sensors: USB, Batteries or Solar?](https://jrattechworks.com/how-to-power-diy-outdoor-sensors/): When you build DIY outdoor sensors – tank level monitors, weather stations, garden sensors, shed monitors – the electronics are usually the easy bit. The hard part is deciding how to power the thing so it keeps running when you’re not there. Do you just plug it in with USB? Run it off a battery? […]
- [What Is ESPHome? How It Works with ESP32 and Home Assistant](https://jrattechworks.com/what-is-esphome/): ESPHome is an open-source firmware generator and configuration system for turning ESP32 and other supported microcontrollers into custom smart home devices. You can define the hardware and behaviour in YAML or use the visual Device Builder, then ESPHome compiles that configuration into firmware for the board. It is especially popular with Home Assistant because devices […]
- [ESP32-C6: A Practical Guide for DIY Smart Home Projects](https://jrattechworks.com/esp32-c6-a-practical-guide/): The ESP32-C6 is one of the newer members of the ESP32 family, and it’s built with modern smart homes in mind. It packs Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth Low Energy, and an 802.15.4 radio into one chip, which means it can work with today’s Wi-Fi setups and the newer mesh networks used by protocols like Thread and […]
- [ESP32 Beginner’s Guide for Home Projects](https://jrattechworks.com/beginners-guide-to-esp32/): New to ESP32? This beginner guide covers which board to choose, ESPHome setup, first projects, common mistakes and the main ESP32 variants.
- [How to Build a Smart LED Light Bar With ESP32, WLED and Home Assistant](https://jrattechworks.com/smart-led-light-bar/): If you’ve been hunting for a tall, slim, smart LED light bar and nothing off-the-shelf quite fits, building your own is a solid option. With a 3D printer, an ESP32, and a simple LED driver board, you can make a custom bar that fits your setup perfectly and integrates with WLED and Home Assistant. What […]
- [Water Tank Level Sensor (ESPHome + Home Assistant)](https://jrattechworks.com/water-tank-level-sensor/): If you’ve ever wondered whether your water tank is about to run dry, but couldn’t be bothered climbing a ladder or shining a torch in at night, this DIY water tank level sensor project is for you. In this build I’m using an ESP32-C3, a waterproof ultrasonic sensor and a small solar/battery setup to measure […]

## Pages

- [Solar & Battery Sizing Calculator for ESP32 Projects](https://jrattechworks.com/tools/solar-battery-sizing-calculator/): Size a solar panel and battery for an ESP32, LoRa node or DIY sensor. Estimate cloudy-day reserve, solar headroom and recharge time from daily power use.
- [ESP32 Battery Life Calculator](https://jrattechworks.com/tools/esp32-battery-life-calculator/): Estimate ESP32 battery life without needing to know current draw. Start with a hobbyist-friendly planning profile, use measured values later, or work backwards to size the battery.
- [J-Rat Engineering Tools](https://jrattechworks.com/tools/): Free practical engineering calculators and utilities for ESP32, LoRa, electronics, Home Assistant and DIY projects.
- [Home](https://jrattechworks.com/): ESP32 • Home Assistant • LoRa • DIY Electronics 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, […]
- [News](https://jrattechworks.com/news/): Useful smart home and electronics news, explained for makers—from Matter and Zigbee updates to new hardware worth watching.
- [Reviews](https://jrattechworks.com/reviews/): Independent, practical reviews and buying guides for Home Assistant hardware, ESP32 boards, LoRa radios and other DIY tech.
- [Contact](https://jrattechworks.com/contact/): Contact Looking for a guide first? Browse the latest DIY electronics and smart home projects.
- [About](https://jrattechworks.com/about/): About J-Rat Techworks Hey, I’m Kane, the guy behind J-Rat Techworks. I put together real-world smart home and electronics builds, from sensors to custom lights and little boards with brains, and show you exactly how I wired them, programmed them and tied them into the rest of the system. What this site is about J-Rat […]
- [Blog](https://jrattechworks.com/blog/): Practical guides to ESP32, Home Assistant, LoRa, Zigbee and DIY electronics, with clear explanations, tested advice and real-world lessons.
- [Projects](https://jrattechworks.com/projects/): Follow complete DIY electronics and smart home builds, including wiring, code, parts and troubleshooting from projects tested in the real world.
- [Privacy Policy](https://jrattechworks.com/privacy-policy/): Who we areJ-Rat Techworks (“we”, “us”, “our”) operates this website. Website: https://jrattechworks.comContact email: jrat.official@gmail.comLast updated: 14/12/2025 What this policy covers This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share personal information when you visit our website, leave a comment, contact us, or subscribe to our emails. We have a worldwide audience. Privacy laws can […]

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