layout: post title: Pluto Home created: 1073248860 categories:

• Home Server
• Multimedia PC

Pluto sells a Linux-based system that enables whole-home automation, with everything from telecommunications to security features.

It’s annoying that most of the information about the system is "hidden" in the Flash version of the site.

There are also little details on the specs of this system. I really wish that there was more standards work in this home gateway/server/automation area. Well, I guess it actually needs more publicity — OSGi still looks to be moving along, and is even being used as an automotive platform as well.

But read on for a brief run-down on the Pluto system.

The system’s main server component is called the Core. It sits next to your wiring closet and includes PBX functionality, media storage, as well as all the standard server systems of web serving, email, etc.

The Media Director plugs into a TV and/or stereo and serves media from the Core. It also serves as a fully functional PC if you add a keyboard, using your TV as the monitor.

Lastly, the Orbiter modules are the control devices, coming in either tablet-like form or the "mobile orbiter", which is like a cordless phone.

These types of solutions are fine for the well-to-do that are looking for systems to power their homes, but they simply aren’t suitable for mass deployment. Apparently, a typical whole-home system will run you around $15K! Standards that can be used by device manufacturers as well as service providers is what will truly drive adoption.

• [[2026-01-26 00:48:06+00:00]] [[amblergee@indieweb.social]] https://indieweb.social/@amblergee/115958643862224567 pull

# YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

and working from home

For some people working from home can be a socially isolating experience that impacts on their mental health. Workplaces provide the opportunity to interact with colleagues, have social conversations and engage with people. We can take several steps to help look after our mental health while working from home. Stick to a routine

• Keep your alarm set for the same time you would if you were commuting to work.
• Have a shower—get out of your pyjamas and into casual comfortable clothes.
• Have breakfast and lunch at the usual times. Be innovative—have virtual lunches with your colleagues or friends.
• At the same time, be flexible and not too rigid. Try not to over-schedule yourself. Include breaks. Your workspace
• Make sure your workspace is tidy, inviting and ergonomic. A clean and tidy workspace will be more encouraging and safer for you to work at.
• A small diffuser, a scented candle, a coffee cup coaster or a small plant can help improve the mood.
• If possible, separate your workspace from your family. Noise and distractions can become frustrating, heightening emotional responses. Adapt your work
• Acknowledge that this is not a normal time, and won’t be here forever.
• Pretending it is ‘business as usual’ but from home is not helpful—adjustments need to be made.
• Work with your colleagues and manager to identify essential areas of focus. Channel your energy into those tasks, meetings and priorities. Stay active
• Exercise is important for physical and mental health.
• You can exercise outside as long as you follow required social distancing rules. Take a walk in your lunch break.
• Exercise at home! There are a range of free exercise apps you can download.
• Challenge you friends and work colleagues to home-based exercise challenges. Stay in touch with your work mates
• Connect with your colleagues through platforms such as Zoom, Team, Skype, Facetime etc.
• Use these platforms for work meetings and social interaction
• They’re a great way to stay in touch with family and friends, too. Music
• Workplaces are rarely completely silent environments. Make a playlist of songs and music you like to listen to.
• Spotify and other platforms have background noise playlists designed for workplaces—they won’t interfere with your concentration. News exposure
• Stay informed on current developments.
• Limit your exposure to the media.
• Use trusted news sources. Eat well
• Ensure you maintain a balanced diet for your health and immune system.
• Eat fresh, unprocessed and whole food. Avoid takeaway, high fat foods.
• Plan your lunch and work snacks in the same way you do when working in the office.
• Don’t drink alcohol during your working hours. Be conscious of how much alcohol you are drinking. Are you OK? These are very difficult times and it is OK, not to be OK. If you need help, reach out and seek the help you need. The organisations below are here to help you. Don’t forget—you can always see your GP. Phone numbers and websites Apps

Lifeline 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 MensLine Australia 1300 789 978 Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au Headspace 1800 650 890 www.headspace.org.au ReachOut au.reachout.com Care Leavers Australasia Network 1800 008 774 www.clan.org.au 10% Happier (meditation) Beyond now (suicide safety) Buddify (meditations) CALM (meditation) Daisy App (domestic & sexual violence) Headspace (mindfulness & meditation) MY3 (suicide support) nOCD (mindfulness & motivation) Pacifica (meditation) Pocket Rehab (recovery assistance) PTSD Coach Australia (PTSD assistance) Recovery Record (eating disorders) Self-help for Anxiety Management (anxiety) Smiling Mind (mindfulness) Snapshot (wellbeing) What’s up (coping mechanisms) UCSF Prime (schizophrenia) Youper (mindfulness & meditation)

YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

and working from home

The information contained here is for general information only. None of the material is, or should be regarded as clinical advice. St John Ambulance Australia Ltd accepts no liability or responsibility to any person as a consequence of any reliance upon the information contained here or in the listed applications. The user assumes all responsibility and risk for their general or personal use of any of these applications.

• an [[idea]].
• a [[project]].
  • #go https://flancia.org/home pull

• [[2023-07-15 18:12:24]] [[@flancian:matrix.org]] (link):
  • I would love to talk here about the idea of a [[Flancia home]]

Open Home§

• [[go]] [[git]]
• https://twitter.com/sn_fk_n/status/1365386588436520968 pull
• Viewable to members of the [[fedstoa]] only for now as it undergoes a security review.
  • [[git]] gitlab.com/flancian/open-home

• [[schmidt_fu@mstdn.social]] https://mstdn.social/@schmidt_fu/109774867856119273 pull

• [[smallcircles@social.coop]] https://social.coop/@smallcircles/110201327681795209 pull

Using solar panels for the home§

Notes from Alan§

• 14 panels

• Generate 20 kWh in a good day in summer

• Average of 5 / 6 kWh usage per day

• About 1 kWh used one Sunday in April where they weren’t home.

• Excess can be sold back to the grid.

• Storage batteries, e.g. Tesla Powerwall, are very expensive.

• Use a low wattage kettle so that it doesn’t end up taking a draw from the grid if you go over what panels are currently generating.

• Some things you wouldn’t expect use a fair chunk of power - e.g. heating the home, even though it’s gas central heating

  • the pumps in the oil-powered boiler use a fair bit
  • and then the pump that pumps the water around

• you need to be synchronised with the grid to feed back in to it

  • which interestingly means you can’t actually use your solar panels during a power cut

I liked how it seemed you get more in tune with the weather and nature - even though you’re backed up by the grid, you still pay attention to good times to make use of your electricity. Like you become more attuned to the fact that it isn’t just endlessly abundant.

Other stuff§

Solar panels convert energy from the sun into electricity. Stronger sunlight creates more electricity, which can then either be used in your home or exported to the national grid.

– Solar panels: a ray of hope as UK energy prices go through the roof | Money |…

Domestic systems are generally made up of between 10 and 15 panels, each of which generate between 200W and 350W of energy, according to the Energy Saving Trust, a charity promoting energy efficiency. The more panels on the roof, the higher the installation cost but also the potential for more energy.

– Solar panels: a ray of hope as UK energy prices go through the roof | Money |…

The average price for an installation of a 3.5kW system is £4,800, including labour. This tends to be about 12 panels.

– Solar panels: a ray of hope as UK energy prices go through the roof | Money |…

Working from near home§

• Working from near home – Doug Belshaw’s Thought Shrapnel