•4 min read
Preparing for your Kubernetes Certified Administrator (CKA) Exam
A set of scenarios to help you gain some muscle memory in prepration for your Certificate Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) exam.
I'm a software engineer and designer. Welcome to my blog where I'll post bits & bobs about software & other hobbies.
•5 min read
Setting up a local web server with proper SSL for multiple apps
Learn how to set up a lovely little development environment for web app development.
•3 min read
Raspberry Pi & Home Assistant: From SD card to SSD
This guide exaplins exactly how to switch your Raspberry Pi-based Home Assistant installation from using an SD card to an SSD with all your existing data.
•1 min read
How to use "Regards" in e-mails
In this post I explore how to use "Regards" when sending an email.
•1 min read
Replacing our heating controls
In this post and video, I'm replacing all our underfloor heating controls with a smart system from Heatmiser.
•1 min read
Cornwall - September 2021
For the first time 2 years we went down to Cornwall for a week and I took my Sony A7R IV with me for the trip. In the end, I didn't have much time for photography but here's a few shots I did manage.
•1 min read
Setting up my new Synology DS1621+
In this video I'm going to be unboxing and setting up my new Synology 1621+ NAS server.
•1 min read
Out and about with the Sony A6400
I've had my Sony A6400 for nearly two weeks, here's a few words & pictures about how I'm getting on so far.
•1 min read
Unboxing some Cokin filters and accessories
In this video I'm unboxing some Cokin ND filters and other accessories such as the travel case and some adapters.
•1 min read
Choosing a focal length for video
In this video I'm exploring which focal length to use when shooting myself in front of the camera. 16mm? 28mm? 50mm?
•2 min read
Sony A6400: 4K Recording and Face Detection
Having problems recording in 4K while also using face detection? Here's why and here's some solutions.
•4 min read
My home office audio setup
Since I started working from home last March I've been struggling to find the perfect audio setup for my home office. However, I think I've found it!
•1 min read
First impressions of the Sony A6400
My haul of camera bits arrived and in this post I'm just posting my very first impressions with the Sony A6400 along with a few example photos.
•4 min read
Choosing a camera
In this post I’m looking at how I researched which camera to buy for my new video projects.
•1 min read
Levelling up my coding videos
I'm embarking on a small project to level up my skills and start making some code tutorial videos and some coding live streams. You can follow along, if you'd like.
•7 min read
Stream Deck for Developers
I've always been keen on creating shortcuts and macros for everything and this is how I'm using a Stream Deck XL to make things even easier.
•1 min read
Micro-service workflow
This is a quick tounge-in-cheek look at life working with micro services.
•3 min read
Your ultimate guide to buying a PS5 from GAME
The Playstation 5 has been one of the most sought after products of 2021 and while stock levels are increasing, obtaining one can be a little tricky. I've found myself strangely interested in the tactics employeed by both retailers and shoppers. I'll probably write a bit more about this in…
•7 min read
Installing a smart doorbell
I've been researching smart doorbells for the last few weeks - here's what I came up with. Join me while I install the Netatmo Smart Video doorbell.
•5 min read
Cancelling Virgin Media: A story of 6 calls and over 3 hours
In Janaury 2021, Virgin wrote to all their customers to tell them they were increasing their prices by £3.50/month and, because of this, offering customers the opportunity to cancel without paying any cancellation fees
•1 min read
The aTech Media website over the years
Over the years the aTech Media website went through a whole range of different designs. I've gathered a few of them together here. These are all things that I have designed and then subsequently turned into HTML. There are a couple of other designs thrown in for other brands that…
•2 min read
Hey Siri, when's the next train?
Earlier today I posted a tweet showing off a little shortcut I've made for Siri that can easily tell me when the next train departs a station. A few Twitterers have asked for a copy of the shortcut so I thought I'd better write a quick post about it. Here's…
•4 min read
Why magic login links are bad
There's a new trend of online services doing away with passwords and simply requiring a user to click on a link sent to them in an e-mail to their registered address.
•4 min read
Building Oak Valley: Planning
I was 5 or 6 when I first started playing with toy trains as a child. After a 26 year hiatus I've decided it's time to revisit the hobby and build Oak Valley - a fictional land full of fun, joy and happiness.
•1 min read
Don't use config/credentials.yml.env
Storing your production credentials in your repository is a bad idea. A very bad idea. Even if it's encrypted.
•1 min read
Here we are again...
Another day, another blog. I can't count the number of times I've started a new blog over the years and, therefore, I can't really promise anything about the content you'll find here. It'll likely be a bit of an eclectic mix of technical posts, moanings and other bits & bobs…
•1 min read
IconJar - I love icons again
Over the last 15 years I have bought many thousands of icons through a number of channels - directly from the designer, backing projects on Kickstarter or using subscription services like the Noun Project or Shutterstock. The problem is, the icons just sit in a folder gathering dust and I…
•1 min read
Home-made crunchie ice cream
With Christmas fast approaching and with indulgence and over-eating very much part of the holiday, I made one of my favourite desserts — Crunchie Ice Cream. This is a bit of an off-topic post!