There’s something about October that always feels like the year’s grand finale is approaching. The leaves turn, the evenings draw in, and suddenly you’re caught between soaking up the last of the autumn sun and embracing the cosy indoor season. This October, we managed to do both – and then some.
Escape to Egypt
The highlight of the month was undoubtedly our trip to Egypt. Me and the girlfriend had been looking forward to this one for ages, and after months of the usual routine, there’s nothing quite like stepping off a plane into warm air and completely different surroundings to reset the batteries.
One of those bucket-list moments happened when we went camel riding along the beach at sunset. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect – camels are surprisingly tall and have a very particular way of getting up that nearly unseated me. But once you’re up there, watching the sun dip towards the horizon while gently swaying along the shoreline with the girlfriend, you forget all about the slightly precarious seating arrangement.
The beaches were stunning – proper relaxation mode with crystal clear water and not a care in the world. We spent a good chunk of the trip just soaking up the sun, reading, and doing absolutely nothing productive. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
We also explored some incredible caves and gorges during the trip. The geological formations were fascinating – millions of years of history carved into rock. It’s the kind of thing that makes you feel pleasantly small in the grand scheme of things.
Halloween Season
Back home, October means one thing: Halloween. And we went all in this year.
We visited Psycho Path, one of those scare attractions where actors in genuinely unsettling costumes jump out at you in the dark. I’d like to say I kept my cool throughout, but there may have been a few undignified moments. The production value was impressive though – they really commit to the atmosphere with hay bales, fog machines, and lighting that keeps you constantly on edge.
Halloween itself saw some costume preparation at home. There’s something quite satisfying about putting together a proper costume rather than just throwing on a cheap mask from the supermarket. The face paint took a while to get right, but the end result was worth the effort.
Tech Corner: 4-Channel Dimmer Module
In between holidays and horror attractions, I found time to continue the ongoing smart home project. This month’s addition: wiring up a 4-channel dimmer module.
These multi-channel dimmers are brilliant for controlling several lights from one module. Perfect for rooms where you’ve got multiple light fittings but want unified control, or for setting up different zones within a single space. Each channel can be independently dimmed, which opens up loads of possibilities for scenes and automations.
If you’re getting into home automation with dimmer modules, here are a couple of tips I’ve picked up:
Tip 1: Label Everything
When you’re wiring up dimmer modules, especially ones that go behind switches or in ceiling spaces, label your wires before you connect them. Future you will be incredibly grateful when something needs troubleshooting at 10pm on a weekday. I use a simple colour-coding system: live, neutral, switched live, and any extras for dimming control. A bit of coloured tape or heat shrink makes identification instant.
Tip 2: Check Your Load Ratings
With a 4-channel dimmer, it’s tempting to max out every channel. But pay attention to the total load rating – most modules have both per-channel and total wattage limits. Running four channels of LED downlights is usually fine, but if you’re mixing in some higher-wattage bulbs, do the maths first. Nothing ruins your evening like a tripped breaker or, worse, a fried module.
Tip 3: Document Your Setup
Keep a simple spreadsheet or note with what each channel controls and its network address. When you’ve got multiple modules around the house, trying to remember which channel controls the landing light versus the dining room becomes genuinely difficult. I use a Notion database with the device name, location, IP address, and channel assignments. Takes two minutes to update when you add something new, saves hours of head-scratching later.
Looking Ahead
October felt like a month of contrasts – exotic travels with the girlfriend and familiar home projects, spooky thrills and peaceful tinkering. As we head into November, the focus shifts to cosier indoor activities. I’ve got a few more smart home bits to install, and there’s talk of some early Christmas market visits on the horizon.
But first, there’s the small matter of recovering from the Halloween sugar rush.
Until next time.
Be First to Comment