A few months ago, I updated a kernel module I wrote (qnap8528) to expose an interface to the LEDs on my QNAP TS-473A NAS. I use the LEDs on the device to indicate the system state. For example, when shutting down, I set the status LED to blink in an alternating green-red pattern, visually indicating that a shutdown sequence has been initiated.

I was running some unattended tasks on my computer and wanted a quick and easy way to monitor the state of the tasks and other parameters while away from my local network. I have the option of tunneling to my local network via a VPN and then using a SSH session to view my computer remotely, however, I wanted the notifications to be convenient oon the go.

UPDATE 19/09/2024: Added the ISO mount process and the recursive copy to the flash drive I mistakenly ommited. Thank you Josep. In my project of replacing the QNAP operating system (QTS/QuTS) I needed to create a bootable Debian USB drive to boot a live environment.

When I got my NAS, I also got two NVME drives and some extra memory to fit in it, while fitting in the NVME drives I noticed a bunch of connectors on the top of the motherboard and one on the bottom.

Background Almost two years ago, I purchased the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra, a vacuum and mopping robot with an “Ultra” docking station for filling its moping water tank, cleaning the mop, and emptying the dustbin into a larger bag. For almost two years, both the robot and dock functioned flawlessly, with no issues.

unRAID requires a physical USB to boot and I hate that. It all started when I decided to upgrade my home server, I’m currently looking for a better solution to manage my growing media and home services storage requirements. I’m considering NAS software like unRAID, TrueNAS, or OMV to properly handle storage, either by replacing Proxmox or by running it as a virtual machine with pass-through for a PCI HBA.

Approximately 2 years ago, I bought a Xiaomi YeeLight bulb (color) for my bedroom. It is one of those IoT smart bulbs that connect to the WiFi and can be controlled with a phone app / Google assistant. I never really used the color features of the bulb, it was always on a warm white setting but it was a convenient way of turning off the lights without needing to get out of the bed to the light switch.