Best StarEast 2022 Conference Lightning Talk

🔗 Best StarEast 2022 Conference Lightning Talk

https://youtu.be/kXiSJmyiCsk?t=143

May 8, 2022

Watch Kaushal Dalvi expose previously unknown correlations between pandemic weight gain and the size of web application payloads over recent history, how that effects end user experiences, and hosting costs 😄

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Guide to automated Visual Regression Testing - Best visual tools, how, and when to use them

May 8, 2022

Visual regression testing is a QA testing technique effective at catching look and feel or layout regression defects and catching bugs that you aren't explicitly looking for in your tests. These tests can be flaky or high maintenance without the right combination of visual testing tool, platform, and style so this guide will help you pick the best visual regression tool and write maintainable visual tests.

Using TypeScript to write Nightwatch.js Automated Tests

May 1, 2022

Nightwatch supports TypeScript! Learn how to write your Nightwatch automated tests and page objects using TypeScript with the examples in this documentation. Get the benefits of intellisense and type checking in both your tests and page objects!

Speed Test Comparison Unifi Wi-Fi 6 Pro vs UAP-AC-Pro access points

February 22, 2022

Ubiquiti released their new Wi-Fi 6 access points including their new U6-Pro-US so I decided to upgrade and test the speeds to see how the Unifi Wi-Fi 6 Pro compares to the UAP-AC-Pro and UAP-AC-HD using an iPhone 13 pro and iPerf3.

UniFi Talk Review with UTP-Touch VoIP phone

February 15, 2022

This Ubiquiti review covers my experience using UniFi Talk on the Ubiquiti Dream Machine to provide VoIP phone service for my home using the UTP-Touch VoIP phone.

2021

Reviewing SwitchBot door contact and motion sensor home automation

October 10, 2021

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

October 9, 2021

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

July 20, 2021

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

July 5, 2021

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.

🔗 Nightwatch now supports TypeScript!

https://twitter.com/nightwatchjs/status/1375468959244378115?s=20

April 6, 2021

Nightwatch.js recently released v1.6 which adds support TypeScript for writing your tests! The type definitions appear to be in the DefinitelyTyped project. Click here for my experience using TypeScript with Nightwatch. I know a lot of test engineers were hoping to see this feature added 🦉👍👍👍

Best Variable Pump Speed for Pool Energy Savings

March 28, 2021

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

February 16, 2021

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.

Integrating TestRail with Nightwatch.js

February 6, 2021

Test case management systems that aren't integrated with your automation framework are wasteful. Learn how to integrate Nightwatch automated test results into TestRail automatically in this tutorial with the help of testrail-nightwatch-updater.

Best Websites for Practicing Test Automation

February 2, 2021

Looking for example demo sites to practice your test automation against with Selenium, Cypress, or NightwatchJS? Here is a list of the top demo websites for practicing your test automation skills against.

Using Nightwatch global variables to write tests that work everywhere

January 24, 2021

Learn how to use Nightwatch.js global variables so you don't need to hardcode values in your test automation allowing them to work in multiple environments and reduce test maintenance costs.

Implementing a Minimum Accessibility Test Plan

January 10, 2021

This tutorial will cover how to implement a minimum accessibility test plan against a website using Nightwatch.js and aXe.

TP-Link KL50 edison style kasa smart bulb reviewed

January 3, 2021

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.

2020

How to use SauceLabs with Nightwatch.js

September 27, 2020

Learn how to configure Nightwatch.js to use SauceLabs for scalable, parallelized, multi-browser automated test execution in this software testing tutorial.

Using SwitchBot to install a smart switch without a neutral

September 6, 2020

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

August 24, 2020

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.

South Florida Test Automation Meetup presentation for Getting started with NightwatchJS

August 18, 2020

Our local South Florida Test Automation chapter met virtually to go over the Nightwatch.js framework. It was our first virtual testing Meetup in an effort to adapt to the new normal.

Review of Crenova's XPE660 1080P HD LED projector

August 17, 2020

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

May 30, 2020

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.

Writing maintainable tests with Nightwatch.js page objects and commands

April 25, 2020

Using page objects and commands for repetitive selectors and test code allows you to write maintainable automated test cases. Learn how in this Nightwatch automation tutorial.

Review and setup of Amcrest's 1080P HD webcam

April 19, 2020

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.

How I turned into a Lockdown meme

April 18, 2020

My friend Bryan just blew my mind with a Lockdown Starter Pack fb post the other day that caused me to realize the pandemic lockdown has turned me into a meme. Let's explore how I won this unfortunate bingo prize.

Teckin SS31 wifi smart plug installation with Alexa

March 29, 2020

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

🔗 My photos made the news!

https://coralspringstalk.com/family-fun-bubble-run-raises-25647

March 5, 2020

I recently was able to get some great photos and drone footage of a PTO fundraiser for the local elementary school that made the local paper!

Ecobee review 2 years later

February 22, 2020

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.

Automated database testing with Nightwatch.js

February 9, 2020

When writing automated browser tests at the UI using frameworks like Selenium or Nightwatch.js it can be useful to validate your front-end interactions cause the desired changes in the backend database. This tutorial will show you how to use Nightwatch to write database tests against SQL databases.

Yale smart door lock installation review

February 1, 2020

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

January 26, 2020

The nooie aurora smart LED light bulb may be a solution for color controlled smart lights and a competitor to Philips Hue.

Automated web accessibility testing with Nightwatch.js and axe

January 19, 2020

There are quite a few web accessibility testing tools out there, but I thought I'd see if any could fit in with my existing automated Nightwatch tests.

How to fix an unresponsive Unifi Cloud Key

January 16, 2020

If your Unifi cloud key has a white led, is unresponsive, or hanging at login read on to learn how to fix it.

TP Link HS200 wifi smart switch installation with kasa

January 15, 2020

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.

Securing your IoT devices with Ubiquiti VLANs

January 13, 2020

IoT or smart home devices such as lights, plugs, and security cameras haven't had to best track record for security so before you let them in behind your firewall let's look at how to secure them using VLANs.

Review and installation of TP-Link KL430 smart light strip

January 12, 2020

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

Getting started with NightwatchJS

January 11, 2020

I've been looking at newer browser automation frameworks that might also be written in NodeJS and Nightwatch was a match.

Getting faster iPhone and iOS Wi-Fi speeds with Unifi UAP-AC-HD access point

January 9, 2020

I realized my iPhone and iPad didn't seem to be transferring large files very fast so I set out to see if upgrading my Ubiquiti access point would help.