Mark's Home Assistant Setup: The Good, The Bad, The Exploded Server
Mark's Home Assistant Setup: The Good, The Bad, The Exploded Server  
Podcast: Home Assistant Podcast
Published On: Tue May 12 2026
Description: Mark went from a rocky SmartThings world to a rock-solid Home Assistant install. He shares his tails of disaster and recovery, as well as his journey from Tasmota to ESPHome.Watch this episode on YouTubeShow notes for this episode are available at https://homeassistant.fm/HA233Support the PodcastGet early-access to episodes and an ad-free feed by supporting our Patreon.https://homeassistant.fm/patreonShare your storyWe wouldn't be able to do this podcast without community members and home automation enthusiasts sharing their stories. To register your interest to come share your home automation journey, head over to homeassistant.fm and click share your story.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:02:00 - SmartThings beginnings and first automations00:06:00 - Old timers to cameras after a theft00:09:30 - Discovering Home Assistant and server build00:16:00 - From Node-RED to cleaner HA automations00:19:50 - Reolink AI triggers outside lighting00:23:30 - Server failure and Proxmox migration00:28:30 - UPS woes and garage door backup issue00:38:00 - Presence, Ecobee, salt and propane projects00:44:00 - Matter locks, long-range Z-Wave ideas00:49:00 - New Overview, Alarmo plans, wrap-upThis episode was made possible thanks to our sponsorsHome Assistant Cloud by Nabu CasaEasily connect to Google and Amazon voice assistants for a small monthly fee that also supports the Home Assistant project. Configuration is via the User Interface so no fiddling with router settings, dynamic DNS, or YAML.ZoozIf you're looking to upgrade your smart home - you can’t go past Zooz! Zooz offers a range of affordable and innovative devices, including water leak sensors, water valve controllers, smart plugs and scene controllers.For the best prices on all Zooz products, head over to https://thesmartesthouse.comApollo AutomationApollo Automation are the makers of open source smart home sensors built for the Home Assistant ecosystem. They're an official Open Home Foundation commercial partner and their devices are built with local control, privacy, and reliability in mind, giving you full control and flexibility right out of the box.Products DiscussedAladdin garage door openers (with battery backup): https://amzn.to/4mxGfPlProducts we RecommendHostsPhil HawthorneWebsiteTwitter: @philhawthorneBluesky: @philhawthorne.comBuy Phil a CoffeeRohan KaramandiWebsiteTwitter: @rohank9Buy Rohan a CoffeeThis video contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy