From Lawns to Load Panels: Building the Connected Home with Gavin Campbell – HGG645

Gavin Campbell joins me this week to explore the latest innovations in home technology. From robotic lawn care with the Segway Navimow to smarter energy management through electrical upgrades and real-time monitoring with Emporia Vue. He shares practical insights on enhancing home security with reliable camera systems and highlights the growing momentum behind Home Assistant Community Days. It’s always great to have Gavin on the program. Thanks for listening!



















In this episode, we sit down with Gavin Campbell for an insightful discussion on emerging technologies transforming the modern home. From smart lawn care solutions to comprehensive energy management and advanced home security, Gavin offers a thoughtful perspective grounded in personal experience and practical application.



We begin with a timely conversation about lawn maintenance during the spring season, highlighting Gavin’s use of the Segway Navimow—a fully autonomous robotic lawnmower. He details how the device navigates complex yards, avoids obstacles, and operates efficiently enough to turn heads in the neighborhood. Gavin outlines the straightforward installation process and emphasizes the convenience and satisfaction of automating a traditionally labor-intensive task.



As the conversation progresses, we explore broader themes in home automation, focusing on Gavin’s recent upgrade to a 200-amp electrical panel. He shares the rationale behind this decision, driven by the increasing energy demands of modern smart homes and the anticipated growth of electric vehicle adoption. The discussion also includes a preview of his plans to implement the Emporia Vue energy monitoring system, which will provide real-time visibility into energy consumption at the circuit level. Gavin illustrates how this kind of insight not only supports cost efficiency but also enhances the functionality and intelligence of a connected home.



Home security emerges as another key topic. In light of recent car thefts in his neighborhood, Gavin underscores the importance of investing in high-quality security camera systems. He discusses the limitations of consumer-grade smart cameras and advocates for solutions that prioritize accurate human detection and reduce false alerts. His recommendations are informed by personal experience and reflect a commitment to ensuring both safety and reliability in home surveillance.



The episode also introduces listeners to Home Assistant Community Days—a growing initiative that fosters local engagement among home automation enthusiasts. Gavin explains how these events facilitate knowledge sharing, live demonstrations, and hardware exchanges, providing a valuable platform for both newcomers and experienced users to deepen their understanding and expand their networks.



Throughout the conversation, Gavin brings a balanced blend of technical expertise and real-world insight. His experiences offer practical guidance for anyone looking to enhance their home through technology—whether through intelligent automation, energy optimization, or robust security infrastructure. This episode is a comprehensive look at how thoughtful integration of smart technologies can improve everyday life and future-proof the modern home.



Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg645



Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #645 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.



WANT TO SUBSCRIBE?