Posts tagged homelab
TrueNAS Slots Tool for Me Mini
- 14 July 2025
I wrote a script that displays the slot number of each SSD in the TrueNAS web UI, since all the labels face inward. If an SSD needs to be replaced I’d rather not have to pull each one out to see if the serial matches. The script also shows the PCIe generation (by way of the link speed) and width (how many PCIe lanes the SSD is using). It also shows if the SSD is operating below its maximum capability.
TrueNAS SCALE Runbook
- 13 February 2025
This is the runbook I’ve been developing since 2022 for setting up and maintaining TrueNAS SCALE on my portable/travel NAS as of this date. Originally developed for a more traditional 24/7 server, it’s now scoped to a NAS that is frequently powered off and no longer has access to the intenret.
Travel NAS 2024
- 04 May 2024
Last year I made up my mind to move away from Austin and sell all of my belongings, though I swear I’m not a minimalist. This included my homelab. However I still wanted to keep my data with me and ruled out cloud storage or a simple portable hard drive. I wanted a portable NAS for resilliency and I’ve grown to like TrueNAS.
Custom Fabricated Rack 2022
- 30 June 2022
I got a couple of items that warranted rewiring my TV cabinet rack: StarTech extenders and P-Link server rails. I inverted the extenders so I could recess the patch panel and switch, making room for the SFP modules and fiber cables. I can’t believe I can’t find any right angle adapters for the LC/UPC fiber patch cables!
Custom Fabricated Rack 2020
- 06 June 2020
Having my equipment hidden in a TV cabinet was all fine and well but after a while I got the server rack itch. So during the pandemic I learned Fusion 360 and made my own custom 10u rack posts. It turned out nicer than I expected! 3D models are available here: Robpol86/TV-Cabinet-Rack-Posts
TV Cabinet Rack 2017
- 12 July 2017
I replaced my super cool Dell rack recently with a more normal-looking setup in my living room. After countless weeks looking for the right TV cabinet I finally found one deep enough to house a couple of 2U rackmount cases and a rackmount switch. It turned out nicer than I had expected! Don’t ask me how much all this cost.
Dell Rack 2016
- 17 September 2016
My server rack cabinet at home. Built my own router and zip tied a keystone panel so pulling out my rack doesn’t involve disconnecting my speaker wire. Listen to https://youtu.be/WPDZoOKX8ag to hear how much noise this puts out (not really that much). For pix of the underside look at last year’s gallery.
Bareos Tape Backup on a 124T
- 23 August 2015
I use Bareos (a fork of Bacula) to backup my data at home from a Linux computer to tape. Backing up to tape is a lot more convenient that backing up to DVD-R/BD-R, though it’s probably debatable when compared to backing up to an external hard drive. But having a tape autoloader is so cool!
Dell Rack 2015
- 13 July 2015
My server rack cabinet at home. Removed everything from it, cleaned and dusted it, and installed only the things I’m using.
Dell Rack 2013
- 25 October 2013
Taken after finally re-wiring it and setting it up after moving to San Francisco. I only took one photo of it :(
Dell Rack 2012
- 21 August 2012
After over a whole year since receiving it I have finally made full use of my rack and transferred all of my computers and equipment to it.
Dell Rack 2011
- 10 June 2011
Ever since I took a Cisco CCNA class back in high school in 2002 I’ve always wanted a rack at home. I even bought one on Craigslist in 2007 for $100 but it had round holes and it was very shallow. Turns out it was meant for music equipment.