Michael Graves

Smart thermostat goes offline: Not Cool

“I’m sorry, Dave. I can’t do that.” – HAL 9000

Back in 2021, we had an American Standard Platinum 18 air conditioner installed, with the accompanying Nexia 850 smart thermostat. We can control the thermostat locally, via their mobile app, via Home Assistant or its mobile app.

Early in the evening of November 24th I reached for my phone. I wanted to adjust the thermostat. On this particular occasion, the American Standard app on my phone reported a connectivity failure.

Ruminations on a toothbrush

November 22, 2025
Michael Graves
Home
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The other day, we were coming back from taking Julio to the vet. Stella wanted me to stop at a pharmacy to pick something up. There was a CVS on the route home, so I pulled in. She waited with Julio in the car while went in to pickup what she needed.

Once in the store I found what she wanted quite easily. Then it occurred to me that I needed something myself, but what? Scanning the store I finally remembered that I needed a new toothbrush.

For many years I’ve used the battery operated “Spin Brush” electric toothbrushes. I’ve had a number of these. The heads are replaceable, but the mechanism itself doesn’t last forever.

Tivo is finally done selling DVR hardware

October 18, 2025
Michael Graves
Tivo
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“This is the end. My only friend, the end.” – Jim Morrison, The Doors

According to a story in Variety, as of October 1, 2025 Tivo has finally stopped selling their hardware DVRs.

“TiVo no longer manufactures hardware, and our remaining inventory is now depleted, though we will continue to offer support for the products going forward,” the company told Variety.

We still have a Roamio Pro and three Tivo Mini’s hereabouts. We’re had these a good long while. They’re not in use at present, but I’m not planning to get rid of them.

A few months ago I bought a used Tivo Roamio OTA specifically to address receiving our local network affiliates. The OTA models have an antenna connection and do not require a Cable Card.

Further Revisiting the Alto Professional Presenter

October 12, 2025
Michael Graves
Audio
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I’ve described my use of the Alto Professional Presenter twice before. My typical use case is straightforward. I need a podium & PA for the regular public meetings of our civic association that are typically held in a nearby church. Given that I abandoned the included gooseneck microphone, it works quite well.

Recently, I’ve used it in a couple of different ways.

What’s up, Doc? I mean, with docks?

September 26, 2025
Michael Graves
Computing
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In mid-September we spent a week in Canada visiting with family. This picture is one of the docks at Birchland Cottages, a small resort run by my brother, near Iron Bridge, Ontario. It’s a beautiful spot, with dock for each cottage.

Now, that’s a dock. Note how each boat is tied right to the dock. Secured. That’s as it should be.

A dirty little tale of a Mitsubishi mini-split heat pump

I’ve worked from my home office in Houston since May of 2001. Technically, it’s the apartment that’s part of our detached garage. When we bought this place it was equipped with a hefty through-the-wall heat pump that roared like a locomotive. It wasn’t long before that noisy old beast failed.

Since then we’ve had three different ductless mini-split systems installed. And learned a bit about them along the way. Some lessons take some time to really sink in. That makes them worth sharing.