Trevor FlowersNov 17
TIL that OpenWRT can host a server, gpsd, that reads from location providing devices (e.g. cheap USB GPS/GLONASS dongles and many cellular modems) and exposes location info as a network service.
https://openwrt.org/packages/pkgdata/gpsd
I plan to use this in the van. A script will pull the location over WiFi and then update Home Assistant's GeoLocator plugin which calls out to a public web API to figure out the nearest town, state, etc.
https://github.com/SmartyVan/hass-geolocator
#vanLAN
[OpenWrt Wiki] package: gpsd

Show threadTrevor FlowersNov 1, 2025
Even with no solar input and no skimping on using the induction hotplate and other devices, I'm around halfway through the stored electricity in van power system v2. So, I'm pleased with that.
I haven't installed the roof mounted aircon, yet, and when that goes in it'll take a bite.
I am running the vanLAN but (other than my laptop charger) those devices are all little sippers.
#vanLAN #vanBuild
Trevor FlowersOct 6, 2025
The eternal urge to install a DIY GIS database and tile generator in the van so I can locally play with routes, maps, locale information, waypoints, etc. A little PostGIS.net, a little MapServer.org, a bunch of public datasets and boom, a totally not pointless at all tool project. 😺
#vanLAN
Trevor FlowersOct 6, 2025

It's been a fun distraction from *waves hand at world* to set up a few little LANs in the van, workshop, and house and then stitch them together. The workshop LAN is mainly a security system. The vanLAN is a playground. The house has a security system, cold storage, and a few other little thises and thats.

Main ingredients:
- Home Assistant
- Wireguard
- AlmaLinux + cockpit
- ~$25 LTE modems
- ~$35 travel routers
- PoE IP cameras
- Zigbee sensors

Good fun!
#vanLAN #vanBuild

Trevor FlowersOct 1, 2025
Home Assistant and third party additions like Alarmo and Reolink camera integration are just so pleasant when I'm in the mood to futz around. There's usually an easy way to get things up and running and then I have a mortal infinity of optional tweaks.
#vanLAN #homeAssistant
Trevor FlowersSep 22, 2025
Also, for ~$200 you can get a WiCAN Pro and this networking puck, ESPNetLink, to give any OBD-enabled vehicle all of the benefits of cloud services but without putting your data on someone else's servers. Also, apparently it'll integrate with Home Assistant.
Pretty amazing, really.
https://www.crowdsupply.com/meatpi-electronics/espnetlink
#vanLife #vanLAN
ESPNetLink

An ESP32 LTE and GPS module for IoT connectivity and vehicle tracking

Crowd Supply
Trevor FlowersSep 13, 2025
I just noticed that @shawnhymel offers an ESP-32 for IoT course. I may just dig into it once I'm on the road again and building smartvan doohickeys.
https://learnembedded.dev/courses/iot-firmware-development-with-esp32-and-esp-idf/
#vanBuild #vanLAN
Trevor FlowersAug 26, 2025
Top notch jank here in the van. 😹
I'm testing the router, modem, and antenna in various places in the van to figure out the best balance of radio penetration and convenience.
I suspect I'll mount both units to the wall just rearward of the sliding door.
#vanBuild #vanLAN
Trevor FlowersJul 17, 2025
Dear digital friends, do you have positive first-hand experience with a whiteboard slash zoomable canvas type web app that you self-host? I want to install one in my sporadically offline #vanLAN and while I can find many projects listed it's hard to gauge which are alive and well made.
Mostly, I want to collect and spatially group images from my adventures across the noosphere. I don't really need text, though it's OK if it's there.
Trevor FlowersJul 17, 2025
I don't know who needs to hear this but Miniflux is a dang simple news reader that you can spin up in docker or podman with very little fuss. At first I was running it locally on my lappie but now it's on a SBC in my #vanLAN, happily snarfing feeds every hour or so and always ready to provide a quick bump of news.
I'm less anxious when reading in Miniflux's calm and consistent UI compared to when I bounce between sites.
https://miniflux.app
Miniflux - Minimalist and Opinionated Feed Reader

Miniflux is a minimalist and opinionated feed reader