Security is a trade-off between easy to use and secure.
In this blog we are going to take a look at a method of security that is often overlooked and yet can make a system a lot more secure.
The humble password.
For years we have all been taught to use a password that is a mix of letters and symbols. But should we rather be using a passphrase?
Which is better to use and why?
Topics: groov, Internet of Things, Tips, IoT, Networking
One of my all-time favorite groov features is the Video Camera gadget.
The gadget is pretty interesting as it's simply an image placeholder. Just point the gadget at a URL that resolves in an image and the gadget will display it and update it.
Of course, for an IP video camera, this usually means a JPG image. The groov user's guide has a nice section down the back that will help you get your camera showing up in groov, so be sure to check it out.
If you're interested in some other uses for the gadget, then read on and let's have some fun!
Topics: Videos, groov, Internet of Things, Remote monitoring, Electronics, IoT
groov 3.0 is available now! And here are two reasons to get excited about this easy-to-use tool for building and viewing your own mobile apps for automation:
- First, new features like events, notifications, and built-in simulated tags
- Second, new platform options with lower pricing for simple remote installations and machine builders/OEMs
Topics: groov, Updates, optonews, OptoNews 2015-05-21
Introducing 3 new groov platforms with lower prices for OEMs, machine builders, and simple remote installations, in addition to platforms for more complex monitoring and control:
Topics: groov, Updates, optonews, OptoNews 2015-05-21
Nothing like a cold shower to get you moving:
Most of us never give any thought to our hot water service pilot flame. But when it goes out...cold shower first thing in the morning, anyone?
Bleh.
The first time it happened, I simply re-lit the pilot and showered with cold water. After the third cold shower, I knew it was time to be a little more proactive!
Topics: Energy management, groov, Internet of Things, Remote monitoring, Water & wastewater, Electronics, Tips, IoT, Machine builder
Get a mop, I spilt some electricity:
The past few blogs we have talked about visualizing water usage in groov and how it not only helped me save water, but also highlighted the fact that I was not seeing all the water use I thought I was.
Electricity is a bit different from most other things. Spill water on the floor and it's pretty obvious; spill electricity and often no one is the wiser.Topics: Energy management, groov, Internet of Things, Remote monitoring, Electronics, IoT
If you've already got your groov, make sure it's activated and back up your project.
If you don't have groov yet, you'll definitely want it now.
Get ready for some great new features in groov 3.0, available soon. Here's a preview of just a few:
Topics: groov, Updates, optonews, OptoNews 2015-04-29
Monitoring the water mains:
As mentioned in my blog last week, it was not until I monitored my water usage that I found out I was not monitoring ALL of my water usage.
My whole house water meter was just that, the whole house. It did not show any of the garden/lawn water use.
Let's talk about how we might get that data and what it could mean for conserving water in all aspects of our lives.
Topics: Energy management, groov, Internet of Things, Remote monitoring, Water & wastewater, Electronics, IoT
You've probably heard about the continuing drought in California.
The U.S. Drought Monitor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln currently categorizes more than 94% of the state's total area as in "severe drought" or worse, and notes that snowpack statewide (from which we get most of our water through the year) is at only 5% of normal.
The worst-hit area is the center of the state, especially the Central Valley that produces many of the vegetables, fruits, and nuts that appear on dining tables throughout the U.S.—and the world.
Topics: groov, Remote monitoring, Water & wastewater, optonews, OptoNews 2015-04-15
Visualizing water usage with groov:
As an Australian living in southern California I have been conflicted lots of times driving around seeing green lawns in baking hot sun.
When we moved to California from Australia in 2008, one of the worst droughts in history was still very much a huge issue for Victoria, the state we lived in. So when we arrived, the seemingly endless sea of green really, really surprised us all.
Australians have had little choice but to let their lawns brown off (often totally die) in the summer for many, many years...... It's just a fact of life of living in a sunburnt country.
As soon as we were able to buy our own home, I knew that monitoring our water usage was up near the top of my to-do list.
The challenge was how to share the data with the family, my wife and two teenage kids.
Topics: groov, Internet of Things, Water & wastewater, IoT