David Mello

Home Automation

Hands-on reviews and setup guides for smart home devices and IoT products. Coverage spans smart lighting, security cameras, door locks, leak detection, thermostats, and sensors — with a focus on real-world installation, honest performance assessments, and value for money.

Topics and devices covered include:

  • Smart lighting — TP-Link Kasa switches, bulbs, and light strips
  • Security cameras — Amcrest webcam and IP camera reviews
  • Smart locks — Yale door lock installation and setup
  • Sensors and monitors — Ecobee thermostat, Flume water meter, SwitchBot devices
  • Portable power — generator and power station comparisons

18 articles

Reviewing SwitchBot door contact and motion sensor home automation

Reviewing SwitchBot door contact and motion sensor home automation

In this review I'll use SwitchBot door contact and motion sensors to setup smart home automation routines using Amazon Alexa and the SwitchBot app to turn on lights when I open the door or shut lights off when occupancy isn't detected in the room.
What to Buy your Model Y

What to Buy your Model Y

There are a lot Tesla Model Y accessory options out there. Now that my model Y arrived here are my reviews for the best accessories for your Tesla Model Y that you'll want day 1. Benefit from my hindsight.
Oupes 600w Portable Power Station Generator Review

Oupes 600w Portable Power Station Generator Review

I've been researching battery-powered power stations or generators as hurricane-season approaches and this review goes over the features of the Oupes 600w, 595wh, inverter power versus similar models from Jackery and GoalZero.
Testing the Flume 2 for wifi water monitoring and leak detection

Testing the Flume 2 for wifi water monitoring and leak detection

The Flume 2 provides wifi whole-house water monitoring without requiring cutting plumbing or external power allowing you to see check water usage and get notified of leaks in near real time. Learn about how to install the Flume and my impressions after 3 months.
Best Variable Pump Speed for Pool Energy Savings

Best Variable Pump Speed for Pool Energy Savings

Learn how to calculate the best speed to run your variable speed pool pump at to efficiently keep your smart home's pool clean while saving energy and money by determining your gpm flow rate by calculating the total dynamic head without a flow meter.
Review and setup of Amcrest's AWC897 4K webcam

Review and setup of Amcrest's AWC897 4K webcam

Amcrest has been releasing 1080p and now 4k webcams at budget-friendly prices throughout 2020 and 2021. This review will setup their latest 4k webcam and test the microphone audio, resolution, and color balance to see if they've improved over their previous webcam models.
TP-Link KL50 edison style kasa smart bulb reviewed

TP-Link KL50 edison style kasa smart bulb reviewed

TP-Link released a unicorn of a smart bulb for those looking for a smart LED edison filament style bulb perfect for people who like vintage bulbs, but don't want to sacrifice energy savings and home automation features.
Using SwitchBot to install a smart switch without a neutral

Using SwitchBot to install a smart switch without a neutral

Renters who can't replace their switches or homeowners without neutral wires needed for smart switches have trouble installing smart switches in their homes. Switchbot makes a unique product that allows you to convert your dumb switches into smart switches.
Comparing the Amcrest ProStream AWC2198 webcam to other 1080p models

Comparing the Amcrest ProStream AWC2198 webcam to other 1080p models

Amcrest generally puts out pretty decent quality security cameras at a reasonable price, but their webcams have been hit or miss. This review will see if the latest Amcrest ProStream model AWC2198 USB webcam gets it right.
Review of Crenova's XPE660 1080P HD LED projector

Review of Crenova's XPE660 1080P HD LED projector

Crenova recently released a 1080p (upscaled from 1280x800) projector which makes a great companion for projecting streamed content from smart devices like an Amazon FireTV stick. In budget projectors brightness and sharpness are usually sacrificed. Let's see how it holds up in this review.
Review and setup of Amcrest's AWC195-B 1080P HD webcam

Review and setup of Amcrest's AWC195-B 1080P HD webcam

Amcrest, normally known for their security cameras, has recently released their second HD webcam, the AWC195-B to meet the demand from remote workers. Their first HD webcam had acceptable video quality, but terrible microphone. In this post I'll review their latest webcam and see if there are improvements to video and audio quality.
Review and setup of Amcrest's 1080P HD webcam

Review and setup of Amcrest's 1080P HD webcam

With so many people working from home, Amcrest, normally known for their security cameras, has entered the webcam space. Let's see how their first 1080p webcam performs in this review.
Teckin SS31 wifi smart plug installation with Alexa

Teckin SS31 wifi smart plug installation with Alexa

If you are looking to upgrade your photocell timer plug to a smart outdoor plug this Teckin smart plug review is for you.
Ecobee review 2 years later

Ecobee review 2 years later

If you are still on the fence about smart thermostats I'm sharing my thoughts in this Ecobee smart thermostat review so you can determine if it is worth upgrading your thermostat.
Yale smart door lock installation review

Yale smart door lock installation review

The Yale smart lock I installed and reviewed a year ago is still the best smart door lock in 2020 in my opinion. See why as I cover installation and operation with Alexa in my post.
Nooie aurora smart light review

Nooie aurora smart light review

The nooie aurora smart LED light bulb may be a solution for color controlled smart lights and a competitor to Philips Hue.
TP Link HS200 wifi smart switch installation with kasa

TP Link HS200 wifi smart switch installation with kasa

If you are tired of telling your kids to shut off the lights or like flexible outdoor light scheduling smart light switches are for you.
Review and installation of TP-Link KL430 smart light strip

Review and installation of TP-Link KL430 smart light strip

I needed some under cabinet lighting that didn't require a switch so I gave this TP-Link KL430 smart light strip a try.