How I Fixed a SimpliSafe SimpliCam That Would Not Scan the QR Code

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Introduction

While troubleshooting an unrelated Roku streaming device, I discovered that one of my SimpliSafe SimpliCam indoor security cameras was offline. The camera was no longer connected to my local wireless network, and I could not view its live video.

I have installed and configured six SimpliSafe cameras over the years, so I am familiar with the installation process. I figured that getting this camera back online would be a simple matter of resetting it and reconnecting it to my wireless network.

I was wrong.

After at least ten attempts to reconnect the camera, I finally discovered the solution. The problem was not my wireless router, a defective camera, or even an incorrect Wi-Fi password. The problem appeared to be the brightness of my iPhone screen combined with the distance between the phone and the camera when scanning the QR code.

Here is what happened and how I fixed it. Read more

Reviving a 2012 MacBook Pro A1278 with Linux Mint: Solving the 5 GHz Wi-Fi Mystery

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One of the reasons I enjoy working with older computers is that they still have plenty of life left in them if you are willing to invest a little time and patience. Recently, I purchased a Mid-2012 MacBook Pro A1278 from eBay as a revival project. My goal was simple: upgrade the hardware, install Linux, and create a useful machine that could continue serving someone for years to come.

As often happens with Linux projects, the journey turned out to be more interesting than the destination. Read more

Koosome 12 inch WiFi Auto Syncing Wall Clock from Amazon – User Manual PDF

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In July 2025 I bought my first WiFi controlled wall clock from Amazon. It is the “WiFi Analog Wall Clock with Auto Sync Time & DST, 12 Inch, Silent, Battery Operated, Smart Wall Clock – Modern Classic Style for Office, Living Room, Bedroom, Kitchen, and Home (Black)“. In other works a standard looking 12” wall clock, but this one syncs its time via WiFi. This clock is made by Koosome. I was intrigued since it is a WiFi syncing clock, not the older Atomic Clock syncing style. After running it for a couple of weeks I can report it works as advertised.  Read more

How to Upgrade AutoIndex to PHP 8

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Back in April 2018 I posted a fix so AutoIndex users could use this fantastic web folder directory listing utility with PHP 7. That fix does not work with PHP 8.  Updating the AutoIndex code to work with PHP 8 was taking more time than I had to do a good job. In my opinion it is much harder to update and fix someone else’s code than it is to work on your own source files.

So you can imagine my excitement when I got a blog comment from Thierry informing me about an updated version of AutoIndex that works with PHP 8.0, 8.1, and 8.2. I immediately downloaded the new code and installed in on my projects using the older version of AutoIndex. Read more

Gmail Setup in Mozilla Thunderbird

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Like so many other people, I use Google Mail (Gmail) everyday on my cell phone, tablet, and computers. In addition, the college where I teach uses Gmail for  student email accounts. I like to have Gmail setup in Mozilla Thunderbird on my computers (Windows 10 and CentOS8) so I have quick access to answer student emails and other electronic correspondence.  Read more