If you’ve followed TekOnline for a while, you’ll know I don’t really sit still.
I tend to build things that solve problems I’ve personally run into — whether that’s digital platforms, automation tools, or hardware projects in the shed.
Right now I am working across five practical projects:
- 🌐 WeHireIt
- 🚗 LocalParts
- 🏗 JobSight
- 🚘 Auction FastView
- 🔧 A custom ESP32 HVAC Zone Controller
Here is what each one is about. For a quick overview, visit the TekOnline projects page.
🛠 WeHireIt — A Smarter Way to Share Equipment
WeHireIt is a local hiring marketplace designed to help people rent out equipment they already own.
Instead of buying tools you’ll use once, you can:
- Hire from someone nearby
- List your own gear for extra income
- Reduce waste by sharing instead of buying new
- Build stronger local community connections
The idea came from frustration with large platforms that prioritise ads and engagement metrics over actual buyer–seller outcomes.
This one is about real utility.
🚗 LocalParts — Local Car Parts Marketplace
LocalParts (localparts.tekonline.com.au) is aimed squarely at automotive buyers and sellers.
If you’ve ever tried to source parts for:
- A project car
- A daily driver
- A restoration
- A repair job
…you’ll know how painful national marketplaces can be.
LocalParts focuses on:
- Local discovery
- Faster transactions
- Connecting mechanics, wreckers and enthusiasts
- Reducing shipping friction
It’s intentionally simple and practical.
🏗 JobSight — Australian Site Diary and QR Check-ins
JobSight (jobsight.tekonline.com.au) is built for construction and trade businesses.
It replaces paper site diaries with:
- Daily activity logs
- Photo documentation
- Safety tracking
- Visitor QR check-ins
- Organised site records
Construction compliance isn’t getting simpler — so the tools shouldn’t make it harder.
This project is about bringing clarity and structure to job sites without enterprise bloat.
🚘 Auction FastView — Auction Listings and Inspection Openings
Auction FastView turns cached vehicle auction listings into a quick visual shortlist, with links back to the auction source. Where enough matching auction history is available, it shows a conservative price guide. A separate monitor tracks Queensland written-off vehicle inspection openings and can alert for selected locations and time windows.
Auction listings and inspection availability can change, so check the source before making plans.
🔧 ESP32 HVAC Zone Controller (Hardware Project)
This one is closer to my “maker” roots.
I’m building a custom HVAC zone controller powered by an ESP32.
What it does:
- Accepts 24V AC input
- Switches that power through relay outputs
- Controls multiple zone dampers
- Designed to integrate into existing HVAC systems
Most off-the-shelf zone controllers are:
- Expensive
- Locked down
- Hard to integrate into home automation
- Overkill for smaller installs
This controller is designed to be:
- Affordable
- Modular
- Home Assistant / ESPHome friendly
- Flexible for custom installs
It’s still in development — but it’s the kind of build I enjoy most: combining hardware, firmware and real-world problem solving.
🧠 The Common Thread
Although these projects are different, I keep coming back to one question: how can I make a real task easier?
That could mean finding gear to hire, sourcing a car part locally, keeping jobsite records organised, checking auction listings and inspection openings, or controlling heating zones at home.
Some of these may turn into full businesses.
Some may stay passion projects.
Some may evolve into something completely different.
That’s part of the fun.
🤝 Want to Connect?
If any of these projects resonate with you — whether you’re:
- A tradie
- A car enthusiast
- A developer
- A builder
- A maker
- Or just someone curious about these projects
I’d genuinely love to connect.
Got feedback?
Spotted something that could be improved?
Want to collaborate?
Interested in testing one of the platforms or the HVAC controller?
Reach out.
TekOnline has always been about building in public — sharing what works, what doesn’t, and learning along the way.
Let’s build better tools together.