blog post on new projects and updated index with projects

_posts/2024-08-11-new-projects-for-awhile.md

@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+---
+layout: post
+title:	"New projects for awhile"
+date: 2024-08-11 12:34:27 +0100
+categories:
+    - self-improvement
+tags:
+    - arduino
+    - raspberry pi
+    - project outline
+---
+
+I've been sitting on some ideas for a few years now. I have wanted to automate my garden towers for some time. I found the project to be a bit overwhelming as an idea alongside my work at SmartRent. 
+
+As I approach my 2 year anniversary at SmartRent, I am starting to feel more confident in my abilities to problem solve and troubleshoot novel projects. I am also feeling braver about firmware, more generally speaking. 
+
+So I am proud to announce two upcoming projects! 
+
+The first will be a re-building of my garden towers with a focus on automation. I'm taking inspiration from a pre-existing product - the Gardyn - and relying on some OSS projects based around that product. A friend has one of these towers, so I should be able to poke around and learn more about it with her help. 
+
+From there, I'm going to try and create a custom automation for both of my towers. I'd love to be able to monitor pH, water level, lights, etc. So we will see how this goes. 
+
+My second project will be an electric modification and automation for my Gaggia Classic Pro. 
+I love espresso and have wanted to get a nice machine for quite some time, however, I am limited by cost. I acquired a machine second hand and then happened upon a pre-existing project. The ("Gaggiauno")[https://gaggiuino.github.io/#/]. 
+
+I've ordered the parts and will be starting with this project. It's a bit intimdiating as it will involve altering the electrical wiring of my machine, but I think I'm ready to tackle the challenge. 
+
+I'll be updating this blog with my project, trials, and results! 

index.md

@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ I currently live in the mountains where I spend my time working remotely, traini
 
 -  Reading more.
 -  Automation for my hydroponics garden (w / hardware)
+-  Re-wiring my Gaggia Classic Pro and setting it up with a microcontroller to help pull perfect shots every time. 
 -  Building a long-distance data network using ham radio
 -  Using bio-sonification to take MIDI samples of various fungus in the San Juan National Forest
 -  Building a machine from scrap parts and setting up an alternative OS (written in Forth) on the machine with the intent of being able to accomplish basic computing from "scratch".