Sunday, October 9, 2011

Update - Version 1.11 - Fixed Bugs and a Look into Moisture Sensors

After checking on my system yesterday I noticed it stopped updating the LCD display and operating the controllers within a couple hours after powering on the device. The issue was very simple to solve, all it involved was changing an "if" statement to a "while" statement. Also the updated version notifies the user when it cannot initialize the SD card during start up via the LCD display.

Here's the updated version:
Download v1.11




I've been googling moisture sensors for the past week or so. The most ideal product I found was the Vegitronix Soil Moisture Sensor but they run roughly $30 a piece which isn't a very ideal price. I then stumbled upon a tutorial for home made moisture sensors that uses galvanized nails to take measurements by passing a alternating current between the probes while taking readings on the one that isn't currently emitting a current. The probes are set in gypsum plaster to avoid corrosion from salts and to make sure they don't touch. During the next week i will be working on making a set of my own, once they are complete i will run some tests to get a better understanding on how to make them work accurately in the next update.

I'll be keeping you guys posted, thanks for listening in.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Now Available - Version 1.1 - Arduino Uno Compatible w/ Humidity Control

Hey peoples, I just finished debugging Version 1.1. I've included a pin map I made using Fritzing:
**Here's the Download Link

Like I mentioned earlier, this is most likely the last version that will be available on Arduino Uno and Duemilanove. If you intend on using a larger scale grow room controller with more features I recommend getting a Arduino Mega.

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!
Enjoy!

Debugging Version 1.1 - Arduino Uno Compatable + Humidity Control

Hey everyone, I've been working on version 1.1 the past few days. I've reduced the code down by 100 lines and have shrunk the code enough to add a humidity controller and it will fit on an Arduino Uno or Duemilanove. Right now I'm working out the last few bugs so it should be available within the next few days.

*After version 1.1 the project will be based on Arduino Mega because I'm running out of pins and flash memory.

I have also had time to get some feedback on various forums and have gotten a good idea of a release plan:

  • V1.1 - Arduino Uno compatable, humidity control
  • V1.2 - Arduino Mega based , soil moisture logging
  • V1.3 - Soil Moisture Control (automated watering)
  • V1.4 - Ph Logging
  • V1.5 - Ph Control
  • V1.6 - Larger LCD Display
  • V1.7 - Nutrient Control
  • V1.8 - Co2 Control
  • V1.9 - Fire, Leak and Leak Alarms and a Silent Intruder Alarm with SMS
  • V2.0 - Ethernet and PC server with full online control, monitoring, and surveillance (I better start learning javascript now lol)
These are subject to change and reordering but that generally the track the project'll follow.
**Download Version 1 - GrowRoomController_v1.zip