Hardware Behind Realm Labs
Realm Labs is built from a mixture of servers, storage, networking, Raspberry Pis, microcontrollers, automation hardware and repurposed equipment. This page covers the hardware I actually use across the lab, along with newer or equivalent products where the original kit has been superseded.
I don’t replace hardware simply because something newer exists. A lot of Realm Labs has been built around reusing equipment, finding new jobs for older machines and expanding the lab only when there is a genuine reason to do so. Some Amazon links therefore point to current equivalents rather than the exact older model installed in my lab.
Servers & Storage
The systems providing storage, virtualisation, containers, directory services, backups and the persistent data behind Realm Labs.
Synology DS224+
Seido is the storage backbone of Realm Labs. It provides central file storage, project shares, NFS, backups, containers, MQTT services and other infrastructure used across the lab.
Current Amazon equivalent: Synology DS225+2 × 4TB Hard Drives
A pair of 4TB hard drives provide the main storage pool inside the Synology NAS. The drives are mirrored so the NAS can remain available if a single disk fails, while separate backups provide another recovery layer.
Shuttle DS81
QuanChi is a repurposed Shuttle DS81 running Proxmox. It provides the virtualisation platform for Linux systems, infrastructure services and other lab workloads without needing a large dedicated server.
Current Amazon equivalent: compact mini PCExternal USB Backup Drive
A dedicated external hard drive provides another backup destination for the Synology. RAID protects against a drive failure, but the USB backup provides a separate recovery path if the NAS itself is lost or damaged.
Networking
Managed switching, mesh Wi-Fi and wired infrastructure connect the servers, PCs, Raspberry Pis, automation devices and remote services around Realm Labs.
HP ProCurve 2810G-24
OutworldCore forms a major part of the wired network backbone. This managed Gigabit switch connects infrastructure, storage, client systems and the Ethernet backhaul used by the Deco mesh.
Current Amazon equivalent: HP 2530-24GHP ProCurve 2510G
Another older enterprise switch that has remained useful for lab networking, managed switching and configuration work.
Current Amazon equivalent: HP 2530-24GTP-Link Deco X55
The Deco X55 system provides the main Wi-Fi and routing platform for Realm Labs. Multiple nodes cover the property, with wired Ethernet backhaul used wherever possible for reliability and performance.
TP-Link TL-SG116E
A 16-port Easy Smart switch used when a larger number of local wired connections are required.
TP-Link TL-SG108E
An eight-port Easy Smart switch used around the lab for local wired connectivity while retaining useful management features.
TP-Link TL-SG105E
A compact five-port Easy Smart switch used where only a handful of wired connections are needed.
Virgin Media Hub
The ISP connection feeds into the wider Realm Labs network, while internal switching, Wi-Fi, local services and remote access are handled by the lab’s own infrastructure.
Raspberry Pi & Microcontrollers
Small computers and microcontrollers connect software services to the physical world through GPIO, MQTT, LEDs, relays, audio and custom automation projects.
Raspberry Pi 4
NoobSaibot is one of the hardest-working devices in the lab. It runs Python services, GPIO control, MQTT-connected hardware, monitoring and several physical projects including the TARDIS, McLaren, Executor and KITT-inspired systems.
Raspberry Pi 3
The older Pi remains useful as a test platform, especially for restore testing and proving that backed-up services can be rebuilt onto replacement hardware without disturbing the main Pi 4.
ESP32-C3
ESP32-C3 boards provide small Wi-Fi-connected endpoints where a full Raspberry Pi would be unnecessary. They are ideal for MQTT-controlled lighting, PWM effects and small embedded automation jobs.
GPIO Relay Modules
Relay boards allow low-voltage GPIO signals from Raspberry Pis to control independent loads used in model lighting and automation projects.
LEDs, Strips & PWM Lighting
Lighting hardware is used throughout Realm Labs projects for status indication, breathing effects, scanner animations, strobes and remotely controlled model lighting.
Speakers & Audio Hardware
Compact speakers and audio hardware add sound effects and synchronised audio to physical projects, particularly the TARDIS and other automated displays.
Home Automation & Control
Home Assistant, Node-RED and MQTT tie together commercial devices, repurposed hardware and completely custom controllers.
Repurposed Tablet
An older tablet has been reused as a permanent Home Assistant dashboard rather than buying a dedicated smart-home control panel.
MQTT-Connected Hardware
Many Realm Labs projects communicate locally through MQTT rather than relying entirely on cloud services. Raspberry Pis, ESP32 boards, Node-RED and Home Assistant all share the same local messaging layer.
Models & Experimental Hardware
Not every piece of hardware has to solve an infrastructure problem. Some exists because building something interesting is reason enough.
Smart TARDIS
The TARDIS project combines a physical model with Raspberry Pi control, separate lighting zones, GPIO, MQTT, Node-RED, Home Assistant and audio. It is one of the clearest examples of Realm Labs software controlling something physical.
McLaren Formula 1 Display
The McLaren display combines the model with custom lighting controlled by the Raspberry Pi. MQTT commands provide on, off, low-brightness and animated lighting modes while a relay controls additional functionality.
Executor Star Destroyer
The Executor display is integrated with the same Raspberry Pi, MQTT and Node-RED infrastructure used by other Realm Labs models, allowing its lighting to be controlled and scheduled remotely.
KITT Scanner
A Raspberry Pi controlled scanner reproduces the classic sweeping Knight Rider lighting effect. The controller runs as a persistent service and accepts MQTT commands from the wider automation system.
KARR Project
KARR combines local AI, a custom web interface, voice experimentation and Knight Rider inspired visual hardware including the distinctive yellow scanner.
PC & Sim Racing Hardware
Realm Labs also includes dedicated PC hardware for development, local AI, gaming and sim-racing projects.
Gaming & Project PC
The main project and sim-racing system handles development, gaming workloads, local services and experimental projects that benefit from more power than the always-on lab infrastructure.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
The GTX 1080 Ti continues to handle gaming, sim racing and local AI experimentation, including work on the KARR project.
Fanatec Wheel
The steering wheel provides the main interface for the Fanatec rig and forms part of the higher-end sim-racing setup.
Fanatec Wheel Base
The wheel base provides the force-feedback side of the rig, translating steering load, kerbs, grip changes and track effects into physical feedback through the wheel.
Fanatec Pedals
Dedicated pedals complete the Fanatec setup and provide separate throttle and braking control for the sim-racing rig.
Logitech G923
The Logitech G923 provides an all-in-one wheel and pedal setup used for racing, testing and the Realm Labs Top Gear-style leaderboard.
DriveHub
Used to bridge steering hardware and console compatibility, extending the useful life of existing sim-racing equipment across different platforms.
Arcade1Up Cabinet
Part of the wider Realm Labs collection and another device represented alongside the servers, PCs and Raspberry Pis around the lab.
Use What Works
Realm Labs isn’t built around replacing hardware every few years. The Shuttle became a Proxmox server. An older tablet became a Home Assistant control panel. Enterprise HP switches still form part of the network, and Raspberry Pis continue to run physical projects reliably.
That’s a big part of what the lab is about: understand the hardware, find a useful job for it, integrate it properly and document what happens along the way.