Big Sky Tech Consulting
Smart properties & growing systems ยท Homes & greenhouses
Local-first automation that keeps working when the internet goes down.
Lighting, heating, cameras, and grow systems run on a small box inside your building, so routines keep going through outages and your data stays with you.
What it looks like in your setup
Private smart buildings
Bring lighting, heating, locks, and cameras together on Home Assistant, running on a small box inside your building. Your Google, Apple, Tuya, and Kasa devices work together, and Siri and "Hey Google" still work. Routines keep running through internet outages, and your data stays with you.
Automated growing systems
Climate and watering schedules for greenhouses and indoor hydroponics. Pumps run on precise cycles (like 15 minutes on, 45 off), water levels are tracked, and pH is monitored, with alerts sent to your phone if anything drifts.
Examples
Home or rental
Routines across every brand
"When the last person leaves, lock the doors, turn off the lights, and drop the heat." It runs on a local hub, so it keeps working when the internet is down.
Backyard greenhouse
Hands-off hydroponics
Pumps, lights, and fans run on schedule, pH and nutrients are logged, and you get a text if anything drifts out of range.
Driveway or shop
Cameras that know what they're looking at
Alerts for people and vehicles, not every tree branch or passing deer. Clips are saved on your own hardware.
Away from home
Check in from anywhere
See and control everything from your phone through Apple Home or a private connection we set up, without opening your home network to the internet.
Common questions
Will it work without the internet?
Yes. The hub, cameras, and greenhouse controllers run on hardware in your building. Only text alerts and remote access need a connection, and they catch up when it comes back.
Can I still use the Apple Home or Google Home app?
Yes. Home Assistant can share your devices with Apple Home, so Siri and the Home app keep working, and it links with Google and Alexa voice too.
Can I check on things when I'm away?
Yes, through Apple Home (with an Apple TV or HomePod at home), Home Assistant Cloud, or a private connection we set up. We never open your network to the whole internet.
Do you need an electrician?
Not for plug-in and battery devices, which covers most setups. For switches, thermostats, or cameras wired into your building's electrical, we bring in a licensed electrician for that part.
Is there a monthly fee?
Not for the system itself. You own the hardware and software. Optional extras like Home Assistant Cloud or our support plan are monthly, and you choose whether you want them.
Tell us about your home or greenhouse.
Start with a free 30-minute tech audit. We'll look at what you have today and suggest what's worth automating first.