Thanks for the inspirational words! I’ll keep on updating the project details as I move along. Revision 1.3 in the works.
Thanks! I’ll work on that. The garden code itself is somewhat lengthy, but my test sketches for the core board are much smaller and could go on github.
Thanks! I’m using the Vegtronix VH400 soil moisture sensor, DS18B20 Temperature sensor for soil temperature, standard meters with pulse counter output for water consumption, and I’m also monitoring battery voltage, signal strength, and chip temperature.
I’ll update this thread with new features and progress as I move along. Modifications I’m currently working on:
Automatic shut-off based on water flow at the Zone. I’ve had irrigation leaks and fittings pop off, so I’ll be adding the ability to automatically shut off the valve if that happens.
Manual shut-off based on water flow at the Region. Same concept on the Zone, but I don’t have a latching solenoid on the Region (collection of zones). Instead, I’ll notify (text) if there’s water flow when all valves should be closed.
JST connector for solar panels. I’m soldering them directly to the board right now.
I’ll also be adding a rain barrel to the back part of the property for my fruit trees. I’d like to water those without running new pipe. I’ll be adding a solar powered RV Pump which will be controlled the same way by opening/closing the latching solenoid.
Manage remote locations easily via Regions and Zones
1-step device registration for adding new devices to zones (region not supported yet) - I am able to seamlessly register devices with TTN via my mobile app. This was especially useful for me since I like to easily build new raised beds.
Control relays (water valves in this case) and setup notifications using either sensory data or schedules
Configure end nodes remotely (for instance, you can put a device into “Low-Power Mode” which sets the radio to call in every 12 hours).
Historical graphs for all monitored data (right now I have about 5-6 months)
Determine how much money you’re currently spending on water in real-time
I also have a Community tab which demonstrates how you could share data between consumers and growers. I show a map of different locations which could potentially show what’s being grown as well as other useful data.
As someone in the Ag sector and very interested in the application of IOT in the industy your designs intrigue me.
I have a few questions if you don’t mind: What soil moisture sensors do you use? Is there the ability to measure the moisture at multiple depths? Eg different rooting zones. Can you measure the ambient temperature as well? This is useful to see the difference.
Thanks Frankie. I use the Vegetronix VH400 sensors for soil moisture.
The probe can be inserted vertically or horizontally. For optimal results, you’ll probably want to install 2 sensors. One at the top of the soil and another at root zone. I’ve had the best luck installing them parallel with the ground plane to get the widest area possible. I only use one sensor though since I only need a rough estimate.
I use the DS18B20 temperature sensor which could be used for either ambient or soil depending on the enclosure. I currently use it for soil temperature since I like to see how the soil is doing underneath the mulch.
One thing to keep in mind is that temperature does have a slight impact on the soil moisture readings with these sensors.
This is a great project. I have been considering a similar project.
Which latching solenoid water valve did you decide on? The ones I have found made using solar and small batteries difficult as they required too many amps to switch.
Hye, good project may i know what software did you use to develop the mobile app and how you do it? i also developed an IoT project but need mobile app
Thanks! I used Xamarin Forms for my mobile app, but that’s what I do for a living (mobile developer/designer). Otherwise, as descartes mentioned there are platforms that can get you started quickly.
i have same project but with little different idea but i dont know how can i add read value of the soil moisture to the TTN to manage and monitoring
can you help me please with steps in detail
respects
thank you
but i dont find any example start from scratch to help me
can you help me please
i use node mcu8266 microcontroller and soil moisture sensor and temperature and humidity sensor and water pump