#microcontroller based automated irrigation system
Explore tagged Tumblr posts
Text
Top 10 Projects for BE Electrical Engineering Students
Embarking on a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Electrical Engineering opens up a world of innovation and creativity. One of the best ways to apply theoretical knowledge is through practical projects that not only enhance your skills but also boost your resume. Here are the top 10 projects for BE Electrical Engineering students, designed to challenge you and showcase your talents.
1. Smart Home Automation System
Overview: Develop a system that allows users to control home appliances remotely using a smartphone app or voice commands.
Key Components:
Microcontroller (Arduino or Raspberry Pi)
Wi-Fi or Bluetooth module
Sensors (temperature, motion, light)
Learning Outcome: Understand IoT concepts and the integration of hardware and software.
2. Solar Power Generation System
Overview: Create a solar panel system that converts sunlight into electricity, suitable for powering small devices or homes.
Key Components:
Solar panels
Charge controller
Inverter
Battery storage
Learning Outcome: Gain insights into renewable energy sources and energy conversion.
3. Automated Irrigation System
Overview: Design a system that automates the watering of plants based on soil moisture levels.
Key Components:
Soil moisture sensor
Water pump
Microcontroller
Relay module
Learning Outcome: Learn about sensor integration and automation in agriculture.
4. Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Overview: Build a prototype for an electric vehicle (EV) charging station that monitors and controls charging processes.
Key Components:
Power electronics (rectifier, inverter)
Microcontroller
LCD display
Safety features (fuses, circuit breakers)
Learning Outcome: Explore the fundamentals of electric vehicles and charging technologies.
5. Gesture-Controlled Robot
Overview: Develop a robot that can be controlled using hand gestures via sensors or cameras.
Key Components:
Microcontroller (Arduino)
Motors and wheels
Ultrasonic or infrared sensors
Gesture recognition module
Learning Outcome: Understand robotics, programming, and sensor technologies.
6. Power Factor Correction System
Overview: Create a system that improves the power factor in electrical circuits to enhance efficiency.
Key Components:
Capacitors
Microcontroller
Current and voltage sensors
Relay for switching
Learning Outcome: Learn about power quality and its importance in electrical systems.
7. Wireless Power Transmission
Overview: Experiment with transmitting power wirelessly over short distances.
Key Components:
Resonant inductive coupling setup
Power source
Load (LED, small motor)
Learning Outcome: Explore concepts of electromagnetic fields and energy transfer.
8. Voice-Controlled Home Assistant
Overview: Build a home assistant that can respond to voice commands to control devices or provide information.
Key Components:
Microcontroller (Raspberry Pi preferred)
Voice recognition module
Wi-Fi module
Connected devices (lights, speakers)
Learning Outcome: Gain experience in natural language processing and AI integration.
9. Traffic Light Control System Using Microcontroller
Overview: Design a smart traffic light system that optimizes traffic flow based on real-time data.
Key Components:
Microcontroller (Arduino)
LED lights
Sensors (for vehicle detection)
Timer module
Learning Outcome: Understand traffic management systems and embedded programming.
10. Data Acquisition System
Overview: Develop a system that collects and analyzes data from various sensors (temperature, humidity, etc.).
Key Components:
Microcontroller (Arduino or Raspberry Pi)
Multiple sensors
Data logging software
Display (LCD or web interface)
Learning Outcome: Learn about data collection, processing, and analysis.
Conclusion
Engaging in these projects not only enhances your practical skills but also reinforces your theoretical knowledge. Whether you aim to develop sustainable technologies, innovate in robotics, or contribute to smart cities, these projects can serve as stepping stones in your journey as an electrical engineer. Choose a project that aligns with your interests, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your professors and peers. Happy engineering!
5 notes
·
View notes
Text
How Do Power, Motor & Robotics Development Tools Drive Innovation in Automation?

Introduction to Modern Development Ecosystems
As the era of intelligent machines, automation, and smart manufacturing continues to advance, Power, Motor & Robotics Development Tools have emerged as essential components in transforming ideas into functioning prototypes and commercial solutions. These tools serve as the backbone for developing precise and reliable control systems used in a wide variety of sectors—from industrial robotics to electric mobility.
With the increasing integration of microcontrollers, sensors, thermal management components, and electronic controllers, development tools offer a modular and practical approach to building sophisticated electronic and electromechanical systems.
What Are Power, Motor & Robotics Development Tools?
Power, Motor & Robotics Development Tools consist of hardware kits, interface boards, and control modules designed to help developers and engineers test, prototype, and deploy automated systems with precision and speed. These tools make it possible to manage current, voltage, mechanical motion, and real-time decision-making in a structured and scalable manner.
By combining essential components such as capacitors, fuses, grips, cables, connectors, and switches, these kits simplify complex engineering challenges, allowing smooth integration with controllers, microprocessors, and sensors.
Exploring the Primary Toolsets in the Field
Power Management Development Tools
Efficient energy management is crucial for ensuring stability and performance in any robotic or motor-driven system.
Development boards supporting AC/DC and DC/DC conversion
Voltage regulators and surge protection circuits for safe energy flow
Thermal sensors and oils to maintain system temperature
Battery management ICs to control charge-discharge cycles
High-efficiency transformers and current monitors
Motor Control Development Tools
Motor control kits are built to manage torque, direction, and speed across a range of motor types.
H-bridge motor drivers for bidirectional motor control
Stepper motor controllers with high-precision movement
Brushless DC motor driver modules with thermal protection
Feedback systems using encoders and optical sensors
PWM-based modules for real-time torque adjustment
Robotics Development Tools
Robotics kits merge both mechanical and electronic domains to simulate and deploy automation.
Preassembled robotic arm platforms with programmable joints
Sensor integration boards for object detection, motion sensing, and environmental monitoring
Wireless modules for IoT connectivity using BLE, Wi-Fi, or RF
Microcontroller development platforms for logic execution
Mounting hardware and cable grips for secure installations
Benefits of Using Professional Development Tools
Advanced development kits offer more than just experimentation—they serve as stepping stones to commercial production. These tools minimize development time and maximize productivity.
Enhance system performance with modular plug-and-play designs
Enable easy integration with laptops, diagnostic tools, and controllers
Reduce design errors through pre-tested circuitry and embedded protection
Facilitate rapid software and firmware updates with compatible microcontrollers
Support debugging with LED indicators, thermal pads, and status feedback
Key Applications Across Industries
The adaptability of Power, Motor & Robotics Development Tools makes them suitable for countless industries and applications where intelligent movement and power efficiency are essential.
Industrial robotics and pick-and-place systems for manufacturing automation
Smart agriculture solutions including automated irrigation and drone control
Automotive design for electric vehicle propulsion and battery systems
Aerospace applications for lightweight, compact control mechanisms
Educational platforms promoting STEM learning with hands-on robotics kits
Essential Components that Enhance Development Kits
While the kits come equipped with core tools, several other components are often required to expand capabilities or tailor the kits to specific use cases.
Sensors: From temperature and light to current and magnetic field detection
Connectors and plugs: For flexible integration of external modules
Switches and contactors: For manual or automatic control
Thermal pads and heatsinks: For preventing overheating during operation
Fuses and circuit protection devices: For safeguarding sensitive electronics
LED displays and character LCD modules: For real-time data visualization
How to Choose the Right Tool for Your Project
With a vast array of kits and tools on the market, selecting the right one depends on your application and environment.
Identify whether your project focuses more on power management, motor control, or full robotic systems
Consider compatibility with popular development environments such as Arduino, STM32, or Raspberry Pi
Check the current and voltage ratings to match your load and motor specifications
Evaluate add-on support for wireless communication and real-time data processing
Ensure the tool includes comprehensive documentation and driver libraries for smooth integration
Why Development Tools Are Crucial for Innovation
At the heart of every advanced automation solution is a well-structured foundation built with accurate control and reliable hardware. Development tools help bridge the gap between conceptualization and realization, giving engineers and makers the freedom to innovate and iterate.
Encourage experimentation with minimal risk
Shorten product development cycles significantly
Simplify complex circuit designs through preconfigured modules
Offer scalability for both low-power and high-power applications
Future Scope and Emerging Trends
The future of development tools is headed toward more AI-integrated, real-time adaptive systems capable of learning and adjusting to their environment. Tools that support machine vision, edge computing, and predictive analytics are gaining traction.
AI-powered motion control for robotics
Integration with cloud platforms for remote diagnostics
Advanced motor drivers with feedback-based optimization
Miniaturized power modules for wearable and mobile robotics
Conclusion: Is It Time to Upgrade Your Engineering Toolkit?
If you're aiming to build smarter, faster, and more energy-efficient systems, Power, Motor & Robotics Development Tools are not optional—they’re essential. These kits support you from idea to implementation, offering the flexibility and performance needed in modern-day innovation.
Whether you're developing a prototype for a high-speed robotic arm or integrating power regulation into a smart grid solution, the right development tools empower you to transform challenges into achievements. Take the leap into next-gen automation and electronics by investing in the tools that make engineering smarter, safer, and more efficient.
#Power Motor & Robotics Development Tools#electronic components#technology#electricalparts#halltronics
0 notes
Text
How Do IoT Data Loggers Enhance Data Collection?
In the age of digital transformation, collecting and analyzing data has become the backbone of efficient operations across industries. Whether monitoring temperature in a cold storage facility, analyzing vibrations in machinery, or measuring electrical signals in research labs, data loggers play a vital role in recording and preserving data. Among the most commonly used tools in this field are the IoT data logger, digital data logger, and DAQ data acquisition systems.
What is a Data Logger?
A data logger is an electronic instrument designed to record various types of data over time. It typically includes sensors, microcontrollers, memory storage, and software to collect and store information for later use. Data loggers are used in diverse applications—from environmental monitoring and industrial control to logistics and scientific research.
The key benefit of a data logger is its ability to operate autonomously once configured. Users can deploy these devices in remote or hard-to-reach locations where constant human supervision is impractical. They are engineered to log everything from temperature, humidity, and pressure to voltage, current, and vibration.
Understanding the IoT Data Logger
One of the most innovative developments in the world of data logging is the IoT data logger. These devices leverage the power of the Internet of Things to transmit real-time data to cloud-based platforms. Unlike traditional loggers that require manual data retrieval, IoT data loggers provide instant remote access to critical metrics.
This functionality is particularly useful in industries like agriculture, manufacturing, smart cities, and utilities. For example, a smart farm may use IoT data loggers to monitor soil moisture, temperature, and rainfall—enabling automated irrigation systems and real-time alerts. Similarly, in industrial plants, these loggers help monitor equipment conditions and detect anomalies before they lead to costly breakdowns.
IoT data loggers often come with wireless communication features like Wi-Fi, cellular (4G/5G), or LoRaWAN. They are integrated with GPS for location tracking and equipped with dashboards or mobile apps for easy data visualization.
Digital Data Logger: A Reliable Workhorse
A digital data logger is one of the most widely used types of data loggers. These compact devices are designed to measure and store data in digital form, ensuring high accuracy and ease of integration with computers and management systems. Unlike analog data recorders, digital data loggers minimize the chances of human error and offer improved precision.
They are commonly employed in industries where continuous monitoring is crucial—such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, and transportation. For example, in cold chain logistics, digital data loggers are used to monitor the temperature of perishable goods during transit. If the temperature deviates from the allowed range, the logger stores the event and alerts the operator.
Modern digital data loggers come with LCD screens, USB or Bluetooth connectivity, long battery life, and configurable sampling intervals. Their plug-and-play functionality makes them ideal for non-technical users who still require dependable data.
DAQ Data Acquisition Systems: For Complex Data Needs
While digital and IoT data loggers are great for general-purpose monitoring, DAQ data acquisition systems are used for more advanced and high-speed data recording applications. These systems consist of sensors, signal conditioning hardware, analog-to-digital converters, and specialized software that works in tandem to gather, process, and analyze large volumes of data in real time.
DAQ data acquisition systems are frequently used in laboratories, engineering research, aerospace, automotive testing, and energy sectors. For instance, during crash tests in the automotive industry, DAQ systems capture a wide range of sensor data—force, acceleration, pressure, and more—at extremely high speeds.
What sets DAQ systems apart is their ability to handle multiple input channels simultaneously and offer highly customizable configurations. They are typically connected to a PC or an industrial controller, allowing users to visualize and manipulate data through sophisticated software tools like LabVIEW or MATLAB.
Choosing the Right Tool
Choosing between an IoT data logger, digital data logger, and DAQ data acquisition system depends on your specific application needs:
IoT data logger: Best for remote, real-time monitoring where wireless communication is key.
Digital data logger: Ideal for routine environmental or process monitoring with accuracy and ease of use.
DAQ data acquisition: Suited for research and engineering environments where complex, high-speed, multi-signal data is required.
Conclusion
Data logging technologies have evolved to match the ever-growing demand for precision, efficiency, and real-time access. Whether it’s the connectivity of an IoT data logger, the reliability of a digital data logger, or the power and complexity of DAQ data acquisition systems, these tools empower industries to make smarter, faster, and more informed decisions. As technology continues to advance, the future of data logging promises even greater integration, automation, and intelligence.
0 notes
Text
Best Arduino Projects for Engineering Students – Takeoff Projects
Arduino is a popular microcontroller that helps students create innovative electronic projects. It is easy to use and perfect for beginners and advanced learners. Engineering students can develop various projects using Arduino, such as home automation, robotics, IoT applications, and sensor-based systems.
At Takeoff Projects, we offer a wide range of Arduino projects for students to learn and implement in real-time applications. These projects help students improve their technical skills and understand how hardware and software work together.
One of the best Arduino projects is home automation, where students can control lights, fans, and appliances using a smartphone or voice commands. Another interesting project is automatic street lights, which turn on and off based on the surrounding light conditions. These projects help students learn about automation and energy efficiency.
IoT-based Arduino projects are also very popular among engineering students. For example, a smart irrigation system uses Arduino to control water supply based on soil moisture levels. This project helps in water conservation and is useful for agriculture. Health monitoring systems are another great project idea, where students can build devices to measure heart rate, temperature, and oxygen levels.
#Arduinoprojects#engineeringstudents#Arduinominiprojects#TakeoffProjects#electronicsprojects#IoT projects#Arduino-based projects#simple Arduino projects#final year projects
0 notes
Text
Want Engaged Students? Use STEM Labs to Power Up Project-Based Learning!
https://makersmuse.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/482096069_1175263770863884_542934720395910329_n.jpg
How One STEM Lab Transformed a Classroom
Mrs. Carter, a middle school science teacher, was losing her students’ attention. Traditional lectures and textbook exercises weren’t working. But when she introduced a STEM lab with project-based learning (PBL), everything changed.
Her students built solar-powered cars, designed water filtration systems, and programmed basic robots. Suddenly, they were engaged, collaborating, and eager to learn. Test scores improved, problem-solving skills sharpened, and curiosity soared.
STEM labs empower students with hands-on experiences, making abstract concepts tangible and exciting. By integrating PBL strategies, schools can create a dynamic learning environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving.
Why Project-Based Learning (PBL) Works
Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a proven educational method that makes learning more effective:
Students retain 25% more information when learning through hands-on projects compared to traditional instruction (Buck Institute for Education, 2022).
85% of STEM professionals say PBL experiences in school helped them develop essential career skills (National Science Foundation, 2021).
Schools using PBL see a 70% increase in student engagement and collaboration (Edutopia, 2023).
By using STEM labs as PBL hubs, schools can prepare students for the fast-changing job market and help them build problem-solving, teamwork, and technical skills.
How STEM Labs Enhance Project-Based Learning
A well-equipped STEM lab transforms education by enabling students to apply knowledge in real-world contexts. Here’s how:
1. Hands-On Experimentation
Students build, test, and modify their projects, learning from trial and error.
Example: Designing bridge models using physics and engineering principles.
2. Real-World Problem Solving
STEM labs allow students to tackle real-life issues through innovation.
Example: Developing renewable energy solutions for their community.
3. Technology-Driven Learning
Incorporating AI, robotics, and coding makes projects more engaging and future-focused.
Example: Coding a robot to navigate a maze using logic-based programming.
Best STEM Lab Projects for PBL
Here are some engaging, hands-on projects that boost learning in a STEM lab:
Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Simple Machines Challenge – Build working models of pulleys, levers, and gears.
Water Purification Experiment – Test different filtration methods using household materials.
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Egg Drop Challenge – Design and test a structure that protects an egg from a high fall.
Renewable Energy Models – Build working wind turbines or solar panels.
High School (Grades 9-12)
Smart Irrigation System – Program an automated watering system using sensors.
Build a Mars Rover Prototype – Design and test a small rover with mobility and obstacle avoidance features.
Making PBL in STEM Labs Successful
To maximize project-based learning in STEM labs, schools should focus on:
1. Providing the Right Tools
Equip labs with:
3D printers and laser cutters for prototyping.
Microcontrollers (Arduino, Raspberry Pi) for coding projects.
VR simulations for interactive learning experiences.
2. Encouraging Collaboration
Use team-based challenges to improve communication skills.
Have students present their findings to develop public speaking confidence.
3. Connecting with Real-World Experts
Invite industry professionals for mentorship and project feedback.
Partner with local businesses and universities for additional resources.
Final Thoughts – Transform Learning with STEM Labs
By integrating STEM labs with project-based learning, educators can boost student engagement, deepen understanding, and prepare future innovators.
Ready to Power Up STEM Learning?
Explore STEM lab solutions and project-based learning strategies. Get started today!
Website: https://makersmuse.in/
Email: [email protected]
0 notes
Text
DIY Smart Garden with Automated Irrigation System
Introduction
Welcome to our DIY project guide on creating a Smart Garden with an Automated Irrigation System! This innovative project uses technology to optimize water usage, ensuring your plants receive the right amount of hydration while minimizing waste. Perfect for home gardens, greenhouses, or small farms, this automated system uses soil moisture sensors and weather data to control water valves efficiently.
Why Build a Smart Garden?
Traditional gardening methods often lead to over-watering or under-watering plants, which wastes water and can harm your garden. By integrating smart technology into your gardening routine, you can monitor and control your garden’s irrigation system remotely, allowing for efficient water management.
Benefits of a Smart Garden
Water Conservation: Reduces water waste by watering only when necessary.
Healthier Plants: Ensures optimal moisture levels for plant growth.
Remote Monitoring: Check and control your garden from anywhere.
Data Insights: Analyze watering patterns and make informed decisions.
Key Components and Technologies
To build your Smart Garden, you will need the following components:
Microcontroller: Choose either a Raspberry Pi or Arduino as the central processing unit for your system.
Soil Moisture Sensors: These sensors measure the moisture level in the soil.
Temperature and Humidity Sensors: Monitor the environmental conditions that affect plant watering needs.
Water Pump or Solenoid Valves: Control the water flow to your plants based on sensor data.
Wi-Fi Module: Enables remote monitoring and control through a web application or mobile app.
Cloud Service: Use Cloudtopiaa to store and analyze data over time. This cloud platform allows you to log sensor data, analyze trends, and remotely monitor your garden’s status.
Additional Tools:
Jumper wires and a breadboard
A power supply for the microcontroller
Tubing for water delivery (if using a pump)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Set Up the Microcontroller
Choose Your Microcontroller: For this guide, we’ll use a Raspberry Pi for its ease of use and capabilities. Install the latest version of Raspbian OS.
Connect the Components:
Connect the soil moisture sensors to the GPIO pins on the Raspberry Pi.
Connect the temperature and humidity sensors (DHT11 or similar).
If using a water pump, connect it to a relay module that can be controlled by the Raspberry Pi.
Step 2: Install Required Libraries
Open the terminal on your Raspberry Pi and install necessary libraries for sensor data collection and Wi-Fi connectivity:sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get install python3-pip pip3 install Adafruit_DHT
Step 3: Program the Sensors
Create a Python script to read data from the sensors. Here’s a basic example:import Adafruit_DHT import time import RPi.GPIO as GPIO
# Set GPIO mode GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BCM)
# Sensor setup DHT_SENSOR = Adafruit_DHT.DHT11 DHT_PIN = 4 # GPIO pin for DHT sensor MOISTURE_PIN = 17 # GPIO pin for soil moisture sensor
def read_sensors(): # Read temperature and humidity humidity, temperature = Adafruit_DHT.read_retry(DHT_SENSOR, DHT_PIN) # Read soil moisture level moisture_level = GPIO.input(MOISTURE_PIN) return temperature, humidity, moisture_level
while True: temp, humidity, moisture = read_sensors() print(f'Temperature: {temp}°C, Humidity: {humidity}%, Soil Moisture: {moisture}') time.sleep(10)
Step 4: Control the Water Pump
Expand the script to control the water pump based on the moisture level:WATER_PUMP_PIN = 27 # GPIO pin for the water pump relay GPIO.setup(WATER_PUMP_PIN, GPIO.OUT)
def water_plants(moisture): if moisture < 300: # Adjust threshold based on your sensor calibration GPIO.output(WATER_PUMP_PIN, GPIO.HIGH) # Turn on water pump print("Watering the plants...") time.sleep(10) # Watering duration GPIO.output(WATER_PUMP_PIN, GPIO.LOW) # Turn off water pump
while True: temp, humidity, moisture = read_sensors() water_plants(moisture) time.sleep(600) # Check every 10 minutes
Step 5: Remote Monitoring and Cloud Integration with Cloudtopiaa
To monitor your garden remotely, integrate it with Cloudtopiaa for real-time data logging, trend analysis, and remote control of your irrigation system. Here’s how:
Sign Up and Set Up Cloudtopiaa:
Create an account on Cloudtopiaa and set up a cloud project for your garden.
Obtain your API key and configure the project to receive data from your Raspberry Pi.
Install Cloudtopiaa SDK:
Install the Cloudtopiaa SDK for data transmission. In your Raspberry Pi terminal, install the SDK:pip3 install cloudtopiaa-sdk
Update Your Python Script to Log Data to Cloudtopiaa:
Use the Cloudtopiaa SDK to log sensor data, set alerts, and monitor trends.
from cloudtopiaa_sdk import Cloudtopiaa
cloudtopiaa = Cloudtopiaa(api_key='Your_Cloudtopiaa_API_Key')
while True: temp, humidity, moisture = read_sensors() # Log data to Cloudtopiaa cloudtopiaa.log_data({ "temperature": temp, "humidity": humidity, "moisture": moisture }) water_plants(moisture) time.sleep(600) # Check every 10 minutes
This integration enables you to monitor your garden’s conditions from anywhere, set up notifications when moisture levels are low, and analyze long-term data to optimize water usage.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully built a Smart Garden with an Automated Irrigation System using Cloudtopiaa. With this setup, you can efficiently manage your garden’s water needs, conserve resources, and monitor conditions from anywhere. As you refine your project, consider exploring additional features like integrating weather APIs for advanced irrigation control or adding more sensors to enhance functionality.
Additional Resources
Raspberry Pi Documentation
Arduino Project Hub
Cloudtopiaa Documentation
By applying these skills in IoT sensor integration, automation, and cloud data logging, you’re well on your way to mastering smart gardening techniques!
#cloudtopiaa #ITServices #SmartGarden #AutomatedIrrigation #DIYGarden #IrrigationTech #GrowWithTech
0 notes
Text
Arduino Based Smart Irrigation System
Arduino Based Smart Irrigation System Project Overview: The Arduino Based Smart Irrigation System is an innovative and efficient solution designed for EEE final year students. This project leverages the power of Arduino Uno as the main microcontroller to automate and optimize the irrigation process. It ensures that the plants receive the right amount of water at the right time, promoting healthy…
0 notes
Text
PROJECT TOPIC- CONSTRUCTION OF A MICROCONTROLLER BASED T-JUNCTION TRAFFIC LIGHT CONTROLLER
PROJECT TOPIC- CONSTRUCTION OF A MICROCONTROLLER BASED T-JUNCTION TRAFFIC LIGHT CONTROLLER
PROJECT TOPIC- CONSTRUCTION OF A MICROCONTROLLER BASED T-JUNCTION TRAFFIC LIGHT CONTROLLER ABSTRACT
T-junction traffic light controller is such a device that will play a significant role in controlling traffic at junctions, to ease the expected increased rush at such junctions and reduce to minimum disorderliness that may arise, as well as allowing the pedestrians a right of the way at…
View On WordPress
#a microcontroller based power management system#microcontroller based anesthesia machine#microcontroller based applied digital control#microcontroller based applied digital control pdf#microcontroller based automated irrigation system#microcontroller based baby incubator using sensors#microcontroller based blood pressure monitoring system#microcontroller based diode and bipolar junction transistor (bjt) tester#microcontroller based electronic projects#microcontroller based function generator#microcontroller based generator/alternator control and monitoring system#microcontroller based greenhouse project#microcontroller based home security system with gsm technology#microcontroller based induction motor speed control#microcontroller based projects with circuit diagram
0 notes
Text
India Internet of Things Market Research Report
India Internet Of Things Market
Growth opportunities in the Indian internet of things market look promising over the next six years. This is largely due to the increasing government steps and efforts to push the adoption of emerging technologies, growing internet penetration, rising adoption for affordable devices, and analytics and enhancing living standards.
Request for a FREE Sample Report on India Internet of Things Market
India Internet Of Things Market Dynamics (including market size, share, trends, forecast, growth, forecast, and industry analysis)
Key Drivers
The augmenting adoption of affordable devices and analytics coupled with the accelerating internet penetration are the major drivers responsible for the growth of India's Internet of Things market. The government initiatives like Make in India, Smart Cities, and Digital India to increase the adoption and usage of emerging technologies also help strengthen the market share. The ongoing technological developments and surging investments in research and development to expand the internet of things are fuelling the demand throughout the country. Improving living standards, sustaining the environment and the rising acceptance of smart applications are some other factors stimulating the growth of the market. The growing use of IoT- driven solutions in the manufacturing and agriculture sector, like the adoption of precision farming methods, also boosts the market growth. However, the rising concerns related to data privacy and other security issues are the factors that may hamper the market growth.
Component Segment Drivers
Based on the component, the platform is anticipated to grow at a higher CAGR over the forecast period owing to its multi-layer technology that allows easy automation, provisioning, and management of connected devices inside the internet of things. It mainly connects the hardware to the cloud by using flexible options for enterprise-grade security mechanisms, connectivity coupled within the broad data processing power.
Application Segment Drivers
On the basis of application, agriculture is expected to dominate the market over the forecast year. This is due to the smart farming practices used in agriculture, based on IoT technologies that allow the farmers or the growers to minimize the waste and enhance productivity ranging from the quantity of the fertilizers used to the number of journeys made by the farm vehicles. In IoT-based smart farming, a system is set up to monitor the crop field with the help of sensors and hence automates automating the system of irrigation.
India Internet Of Things Market’s leading Manufacturers:
· Amazon Web Services, Inc.
· Google LLC
· Oracle Corporation
· Cisco Systems Inc.
· Intel Corporation
· Hewlett Packard Enterprise
· Siemens
· Microsoft Corporation
· SAP SE
· IBM Corporation
India Internet Of Things Market Segmentation:
Segmentation by Component:
· Software Solution
· Services
· Platform
Segmentation by Software Solution:
· Data Management
o Product Data
o Location Data
o Customer Data
o Supplier Data
o Asset Data
· Real Time Streaming Analytics
· Remote Monitoring
· Security Solution
o Data Encryption and Tokenization
o Distributed Denial of Service Protection
o Identity Access Management
o Secure Communications
o Others
· Network bandwidth management
o Bundled Network Management
o Standalone Network Management
Segmentation by Service:
· Professional service
o Support and Maintenance
o Deployment and Integration
o Consulting Service
· Managed Service
Segmentation by Platform:
· Device Management
· Cloud Platform
· Network Management
· Application Management
Segmentation by Node of Component:
· Sensor
o Inertial Measurement Unit
o Accelerometer
o Pressure Sensor
o Image Sensor
o Others
· Processor
o Microprocessor
o Microcontroller
o Application Processor
o Digital Signal Processor
· Connectivity IC
o Wireless
o Wired
o Logic Device
o Memory Device
Segmentation by Application:
· Smart Manufacturing
· Building & Automation
· Connected Logistics
· Smart Energy & Utilities
· Agriculture
· Smart Mobility & Transportation
· Government and Defense
· Smart Retail
· Connected Healthcare
· Others
Segmentation by Network Infrastructure:
· Storage
· Server
· Ethernet Switch & Routing
· Gateway
Segmentation by Connectivity Technology:
· Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
· Wi-fi
· Near Field Communication
· Cellular
· Satellite
· Others
About GMI Research
GMI Research is a market research and consulting company that offers business insights and market research reports for large and small & medium enterprises. Our detailed reports help the clients to make strategic business policies and achieve sustainable growth in the particular market domain. The company's large team of seasoned analysts and industry experts with experience from different regions such as Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, among others, provides a one-stop solution for the client. Our market research report has in-depth analysis, which includes refined forecasts, a bird's eye view of the competitive landscape, key factors influencing the market growth, and various other market insights to aid companies in making strategic decisions. Featured in the 'Top 20 Most Promising Market Research Consultants' list of Silicon India Magazine in 2018, we at GMI Research are always looking forward to helping our clients to stay ahead of the curve.
Media Contact Company Name: GMI RESEARCH Contact Person: Sarah Nash Email: [email protected] Phone: Europe – +353 1 442 8820; US – +1 860 881 2270 Address: Dublin, Ireland Website: www.gmiresearch.com
0 notes
Photo


AUTOMATED MOISTURE TEMPERATURE CONTROLLING SYSTEM..!
An automated irrigation system was developed to optimize water use for agricultural crops. The system has a distributed wireless network of soil-moisture and temperature sensors placed in the root zone of the plants. In addition, a gateway unit handles sensor information, triggers actuators, and transmits data to a web application. An algorithm was developed with threshold values of temperature and soil moisture that was programmed into a microcontroller-based gateway to control water quantity. The system was powered by photovoltaic panels and had a duplex communication link based on a cellular-Internet interface that allowed for data inspection and irrigation scheduling to be programmed through a web page.
#AUTOMATED MOISTURE TEMPERATURE CONTROLLING SYSTEM#moisture#system#agriculture#farming#sustainable farming#sustainable agriculture#plant#crop protection
0 notes
Photo

Design and Development of Automated Irrigation System
BY Arjunsing T. Rathod | Dr. A. U. Awate "Design and Development of Automated Irrigation System"
Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-3 | Issue-1, December 2018,
URL: http://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd19178.pdf
Direct Link: http://www.ijtsrd.com/engineering/mechanical-engineering/19178/ design-and-development-of-automated-irrigation-system/arjunsing-t-rathod
open access journal of engineering, ugc approved journals for engineering, call for paper engineering
In India, agriculture plays an important role for development in food production. In our country, agriculture are depends on the monsoons which is not sufficient source of water. So the irrigation is used in agriculture field. The greenhouse based modern agriculture industries are the recent requirement in every part of agriculture in India. In this technology, The overhead structure is created for the movement of water spraying machine. This machine unit which is programmed by the microcontroller will spray the water from start to end plant in the rows. This system provides the equal amount of water to every plant in the greenhouse unit. One of the objectives of this work is to see how human control could be removed from irrigation and also to optimize the use of water in the process. In greenhouse effect it is very difficult to provide adequate amount of water by manual watering process Hence, Automated irrigation system plays an important role. It also helps in time saving, removal of human agriculture and the climatic conditions. The most important factor of this system is microcontroller is used to control the movement of water spraying machine.
0 notes
Text
Engineering Projects at ROBO360
Password Based Door Lock System using 8051 Microcontroller:
This system demonstrates a password based door lock system where in once the correct code or password is entered, the door is opened and the concerned person is allowed access to the secured area. After some time, the door would be closed.
Interfacing GPS with 8051 Microcontroller:
In this interfacing of GPS with 8051 circuit, GPS module calculates the position by reading the signals that are transmitted by satellites.
Wireless Mobile Battery Charger Circuit:
This circuit mainly works on the principle of mutual inductance. This circuit may be used as wireless power transfer circuit, wireless mobile charger circuit, wireless battery charger circuit, etc.
Wireless Switch Circuit using CD4027:
This is a simple circuit which needs no physical contact with the appliance. In this circuit, all you need is to pass your hand above LDR to ON or OFF the switch.
Temperature Controlled DC Fan using Microcontroller:
The main principle of the circuit is to switch on the fan connected to DC motor when the temperature is greater than a threshold value.This can be used in home applications and in CPU to reduce heat.
Cell Phone Controlled Robotic Vehicle:
This is simple DTMF based Cellphone controlled robotic vehicle circuit without using microcontroller. It can be used in industries and surveillance systems.
Fire Alarm Circuits:
The fire alarm circuits are used to detect the fire automatically and inform to the people immediately with an alarm.
RFID based Attendance System:
This simple RFID based attendance system is designed using Atmega 8 Microcontroller and is mainly used in educational institutions, industries, etc. where authentication is needed.
DTMF Based Home Automation System Circuit:
This is a simple and very useful circuit in our real life named DTMF controlled home appliances system. It helps to control the home appliances using DTMF technology.
Automatic Plant Irrigation System:
This project circuit is more useful in watering plants automatically without any human interference. It is more useful when the owner is not present in the home for few days.
Automatic Battery Charger:
This charger automatically shut off the charging process when battery attains full charge. This prevents the deep charging of the battery. If the battery voltage is below 12 V, then circuit automatically charges the battery.
Automatic LED Emergency Light Circuit:
This is the simple and cost effective automatic emergency light circuit with light sensing. This system charges from main supply and gets activated when main supply is turned OFF. This emergency lamp will work for more than 8 hours.
Biometric Attendance System:
The main aim of this circuit is to take the attendance using biometric method and display when requested. This can be used in educational institutions, industries, etc.
Metal Detector Circuit:
This is a simple metal detector circuit which is very useful for checking the person in shopping malls, hotels, cinema halls to ensure that person is not carrying any explosive metals or illegal things like guns, bombs etc.
Automatic Washroom Light Switch:
This is a simple but very useful circuit in our real life which helps to automatically turn On the lights when a person enters the washroom and it automatically turns Off the lights when he leaves it.
Automatic Door Bell With Object Detection:
This automatic doorbell with object detection circuit helps to sense the presence of a person or an object automatically and rings the doorbell.
more enquiry visit our official website: http://www.robo360.in/
0 notes
Text
Assignment 2
Kirk Edja B. Accion
BSCS - 3A
A.
Moisture Sensor with Automated Irrigation System Powered By Solar Energy
C.A
The most common structure of the paper is that in review literature part they are more on methodological review rather than the other two which is theoretical review and chronological review. However, 2 of the paper I read they are theoretical review based.
C.B
Optimum Water Content - based on what I research it is the water content at which a maximum dry weight can be achieved after a give compaction effort.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optimum_water_content_for_tillage
Loam Soil - based on what I research it is a mix of sand, clay, and various organic materials. This type of soil is called "Rich Soil".
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loam
ADC 0809- it is a device that device eliminates the need for external zero and full-scale adjustments.
Source: http://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/adc0808-n.pdf
Zigbee - is specification is IEEE 802 it is use for a suite of high-level communication protocols and with this you can be able to create a personal network, low-power.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zigbee
Model predictive control(MPC) - is an optimal control strategy based on numerical optimization over a finite horizon
Source: J. Maciejowski, Predictive Control with Constraints, Prentice Hall, London, UK, 1st edition, 2000.
Microcontroller ATMEGA328 - The picoPower ATmega328PB is a low-power CMOS 8-bit microcontroller based on the AVR enhanced RISC architecture. By executing powerful instructions in a single clock cycle, the ATmega328PB achieves throughputs close to 1MIPS per MHz. This empowers system designers to optimize the device for power consumption versus processing speed.
Source:https://www.avnet.com/shop/apac/p/atmega328pbmu3074457345631993838?r= ASIA&&CMP=AVNET-APAC-PPC-GG-EN-AVE14-SKU-918002380- 47626144482- 92017
PIC16F87AA microcontroller - PIC microcontrollers are a family of specialized microcontroller chips produced by Microchip Technology in Chandler, Arizona. The acronym PIC stands for "peripheral interface controller,"
Source: http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/PIC-microcontrollers
C.C
C.C.A.
Wheat plants that were irrigated automatically had higher photosynthesis rates compared to the manually irrigated ones[1]. the evidence of this on is the graphical reports that they have shown in Figure.10-11.
DIM has little or no water losses through conveyance[3]. basically the evidence of this are from a person who on water industry and he was able to gather amount of data to be able to come up with this prediction.
C.C.B.
Sprinkler irrigation (SIM) methods differ in many important parameters such as flow rate, pressure requirement, wetted area and mobility, price [5]. this is because you can't estimate how much amount of water sprinkler will release. In addition, the initial installing of sprinkler will cost vast amount of cash and it would be hard for the farmers especially in the Philippines.
In the modern drip irrigation systems, the most significant advantage is that water is supplied near the root zone of the plants drip by drip due to which a large quantity of water is saved [6].
C.C.C.
The term water use efficiency is based on the assumption that a plant with high water use efficiency should have a greater productivity under water-limited conditions than would a plant with low water use efficiency [6]. In the result and discussion they were able to conclude that it is much better to use drip irrigation rather than sprinkler.
The system has the potential to be useful in water limited geographically isolated area[7]. because this papers was conducted in a isolated area and with this study it improves sustainability.
C.C.D.
This experiment found that the speed of sound decreases with the moisture content following, depending on the kind of soil[8].
Recent advances in microelectronics and wireless technologies created low-cost and low-power components, which are important issues especially for such systems such as WSN [9]. By reducing its cable restriction on the cable they were able to create a low cost and low power components
C.C.E.
World population would face total water shortage by the year 2025[2]. based on the data that he have shown it can make a predict on what will happen in the future year.
In the past decades, factory automation has been developed worldwide into a very attractive research area. Because our technologies nowadays are innovating really fast and with this factory owner was able to adopt it in use in their production.
C.C.F.
Software dedicated to sprinkler control has been variously discussed [10].
These approaches consider detailed implementation issues. Because they haven't include a model for the process dynamics and as a result controller design is simple.
C.C.G.
The relationship between the use of water at the field and at the level of irrigation system is complex [11]. This is because there are some factors involves some of these factor are hydrological, infrastructural, and economic.
Agriculture accounts for 85% of global consumptive water use, and 50% of nearly available renewable freshwater supply is consumed by human activity[12].
C.C.H
There are two important parameters to be measured for automation of irrigation system[13].these are the temperatures and the soil moisture
Automatic irrigation systems are convenient, because these systems can help save money and water conservation[14].
C.C.I
There is only about 27% of the cumulative design service area of the example of irrigation systems was actually irrigated during the dry period on the average[15]. The canal system in the Philippines are considered failure or poor because some farmers cannot get the water from the distributor.
C.C.J
Water resources have become gradually stressed in various agricultural areas in Midwestern states[16]. This is because of the increased demand of biofuel production.
Energy savings, reduced labor cost and control in fertilizer application are among some of the major advantages in adoption of automatic applications of techniques in drip irrigation systems[17]. The system will govern the production and mostly the works that need to be done.
References:
[1] TaharBoutraa, AbdellahAkhkha, AbdulkhaliqAlshuaibi,Ragheid Atta, “Evaluation of the effectivenes of an automated irrigation system using wheat crops.” Agriculture and Biology.
[2] Narayanamoorthy, A. “Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation in India: Benefits, Potentials and Future Directions”, in Upali A. Amarasinghe; Tushaar Shah and R.P.S. Malik (Eds.), India’s Water Future: Scenarios and Issues, International Water Management Institute, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2009, pp. 253-266.
[3] Narayanamoorthy, A. . Economic Viability of Drip Irrigation: An Empirical Analysis from Maharashtra.Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics, Vol.52, No.4, October-December, pp.728-739.
[4] Prateek Jain, Prakash Kumar, D.K. Palwalia, "Irrigation management system with micro-controller application", Electronics Materials Engineering and Nano-Technology (IEMENTech) 2017 1st International Conference on, pp. 1-6, 2017.
[5] Kulkarni, S. A., Looking Beyond Eight Sprinklers. Paper presented at the National Conference on Micro-Irrigation. G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India, June 3-5, 2005.
[6] Boutraa, T (2010). Improvement of water use efficiency in irrigated agriculture: A review. Journal of Agronomy, 9, 1-8.
[7] Joaquín Gutiérrez, Juan Francisco Villa-Medina, Alejandra Nieto-Garibay, and Miguel Ángel Porta- Gándara “Automated Irrigation System Using a Wireless Sensor Network and GPRS Module ” IEEE 2013 [8] Samy Sadeky, Ayoub Al-Hamadiy, Bernd Michaelisy, Usama Sayedz,“ An Acoustic Method for Soil Moisture Measurement ”, IEEE 2004
[8] Samy Sadeky, Ayoub Al-Hamadiy, Bernd Michaelisy, Usama Sayedz,“ An Acoustic Method for Soil Moisture Measurement ”, IEEE 2004
[9] J. S. Lee, Y. W. Su, and C. C. Shen, “A comparative study of wireless protocols: Bluetooth, UWB, ZigBee, and Wi-Fi,” in Proc. IEEE 33rd Annu. Conf. IECON, Nov. 2007, pp. 46–51.
[10] Y. Kim and R. G. Evans, “Software design for wireless sensor-based site-specific irrigation,” Comput. Electron. Agricult., vol. 66, no. 2, pp. 159–165, May 2009.
[11]. Bouman, B. A. M., Lampayan, R. M., Tuong, T. P., (2007). Water Management in Irrigated Rice: Coping with Water Scarcity, International Rice Research Institute, Los Banos, Philippines
[12] Alliezza Jayne B. Balaga Giselle Angelee G. Cube Nico L. Duran. Microcontroller-based Soil Moisture Analyzer with Automated Watering System, Mapúa Institute of Technology September 2015 Philippines
[13] Swamy, D. K., et al, (2013). Microcontroller Based Drip Irrigation System, Volume 1 (6)
[14] Gunturi, V. N. R., (2013). Microcontroller Based Automatic Plant Irrigation System, Volume 2 (4)
[15] David, W. P., et al, (2012). Faulty Design Parameters and Criteria of Farm Water Requirements Result in Poor Performance of Canal Irrigation Systems in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, Volume 95 (2), 199-208.
[16] Irmak, S., (2014). Plant Growth and Yield as Affected by Wet Soil Conditions Due to Flooding or Over-Irrigation, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska—Lincoln Extension
[17] Yildirim, M., et al, (2011). An Automated Drip Irrigation System Based on Soil Electrical Conductivity, Volume 94 (4), 343-349.
0 notes
Text
Plantr is an automated participatory community garden project that aims to create greenspaces across public spaces. The gardens use sensors and irrigation to keep track of the condition of the plants within it and relay the information to a website. Participation is done on a purely voluntary basis and can be as simple as replenishing a water reservoir or as involved as building and installing a whole new garden. The system measures user involvement and rewards them with Plantr points which can then be exchanged for perks and bonuses. The goal of the project is not only to greenify open spaces but to give the possibility to passers-by to feel part of the project and learn basics in gardening, coding and DIY design. In order to make the project as accessible as possible, costs are kepts to a minimum, materials are chosen to be readily available and all necessary resources are made publically available. Although this version of the build is better suited to growing small plants and herbs, it can easily be adapted and modified to grow fruits or vegetables in order to increase access to locally grown, fresh produce. Moreover, by modifying materials, the project could also be made to function outdoors to create rooftop gardens. Our project therefore responds to multiple sustainabilty concerns: energy needs for food production, urban heat island effect and more generally, global warming. In creating this project the work load was split into different modules of developement each with their own set of challenges, and decisions. Each module necessitated research for materials, design and technolog; protoptyping; building and testing. After completing what we are calling Plantr v.1.0 we also have a better idea of how to improve the project and how to make the building of each module mode accessible for would-be participants.
1. The garden. Pintrest is littered with design ideas for decorative indoor gardens so it's probably safe to say that pretty much everything has been done in this departement. Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, we chose the tried and true tower design as it would offer an effecient use of space with its limited footprint and vertical design.
Although PVC is the most commonly used material when looking at examples online, we were hoping to steer away for the usage of new plastics. Therefore we opted for a cylindrical concrete pouring form. This is an object that is easy to work with and to cut into and the waxy coating on its surface makes it sufficiently water resistant in case of spills. To insure some stability we designed two base pieces that give the whole project an unintentional but welcome space-rocket look. Another objective was to keep as much of the electronics and irrigation out of sight in order to make the final object visually appealing. This proved to add to the challenge especially when trying to troubleshoot faulty wires with the electonic devices anchored to the inside of the tube.
In order to add a bit of polish we wanted to paint the outside of the tube. Spray paint would have been an easy choice but would have clashed with our sustainability objectives. We therefore opted for an acrylic based chalkboard paint which would give participants an extra outlet of creativity. After all, this first prototype is installed in the art building of concordia.
2. Sensing and watering system. The choice for sensors compatible with single-board computers and microcontrollers is vast, ever expanding and can be overwhelming. A multitude of data points were discussed along with various methods to collect them. Ambient humidity, temperature, atmospheric pressure and light levels were all discussed but discarted for simplicity and cost's sake. We narrowed it down to hygrometers (soil moisture sensors) for each plant and a water level sensor for the reservoir.
Hygrometers for DIY project come in two main flavors, capacitive and inductive. The choice here was not particularly difficult as the inductive type can cost upwards of 40$ each. While they do offer a more precise and durable output, especially for outdoor use, we needed 8 of these for the initial prototype which would make the system cost prohibitive. The capacitive snesors on the other hand ranged from 2$ to 8$ depending on the materials used in their fabrication. Although we would have been thrilled to see the cheaper variety (Sparkfun SEN-13322) succeed, we noticed performance degrading corrosion on these while testing and were forced to upgrade to the 8$ gold plated versions (DFRobot SEN0114). The output of these sensors are analog so the use of an ADC (analog digital converter) is necessary if the computer or microcontrol used does not have analog inputs. Luckily the MCP3008 works perfectly for this application using the SPI serial communication protocol present on most GPIO pins of single-boards. As for water level, again there are two main schools: float or ultrasonic sensor. Intuitively, we were drawn to the float sensor as it seemed easier to use. Unfortunately, the less expensive variety of these only offer the ability to measure whether the water level has exceeded a certain level. This would give us an indication when the reservoirs would need to be refilled but we preffered having an acual level to work with. Luckily, the ultrasonic sensor HC-SR04 can give supprisingly accurate and reliable readings of the distance between it and the surface of the water. Wiring and programming slightly more involved as it needs one pin to output a ping and another one to measure the time taken for the ping to bounce back.
Of course, with this data being input into our single-board, we now needed to use this interpreted data to trigger the automated irrigation to water our plants. Our initial plan was to split the water output of the reservoir to 8 individual soft tubed lines that would each have an electronically controlled valve and would run to each plant. While this idea remains feasable and applicable for projects with larger plants, having a costly valve per plant made little sense for our build. We instead chose to have a single valve leading to a rotating piece of plumbing that would direct the flow of water to one of 8 funnels, each leading to one of the palnts. With a single valve and a servo motor, we are able to water the plant that needs it. Those who have worked with servos may know that their range is often limited to around 180 degrees. We found two viable solutions to this, either going with a specialized, more expensive, winch servo for model sail boats which does cover a full 360 degrees, or go with a standard servo and use gearing to give us the range we needed. Although we beleive that using a gear system would be more advantagous in terms of cost and availability, it would require extra time and testing which were running low on at this point in the project. We therefore opted for the more expensive sail winch servo which is still reasonably priced at around 20$ (vs 8$ for a servo with 180 degrees range).
3. Gathering, analyzing and sending the data The valve, motor and sensors need to plug into something to be interpreted and sent out to the world and this is where the single-board computer or microcontroller comes in. Ever since the advent of the arduino uno and the raspberry pi, dozens of companies have decided to offer their own variation on these devices with different features with some even offering hybrids. While the arduino type devices offer direct control, dedicated resources and a mix of analog and digital inputs, the raspberry pi type devices offer every possible feature of a linux based computer including integrated wi-fi, storage and support for multiple programming languages. Hybrid boards like the Udoo Neo offer the best of both worlds with the same pinout as an Arduino Uno and an arm based CPU to run a full fledge linux distribution. Obviously, the extra features come at a cost and in the end, even the least expensive option is overkill in terms of computing power for this project. While we used a raspberry pi 2b that we had on hand to do the build, a pi zero W would do the trick and its cool 10$ price tag definately fits in with our goal of low cost accessibility.
Setting up the pi for wi-fi connectivity proved to be one of the most annoying challenges of this project. While it's easy enough to do so on a home network with standard WPA2-PSK security, Concordia (and most campuses) use a form of WPA2-Enterprise PEAP without certificate. Without getting into technical details, this meant hours of testing, tinkering and half a dozen e-mails exchange with Concordia technical support to get a connection going. Once that was done, the next step was to find a way to remotely control the Pi (having a screen and keyboard hooked up to it while it is anchored to the inside of the planter is obviously not ideal). Although it is easy enough to connect to a device via SSH on a home network, doing so on a campus network is usually prohibited. In order to circumvent this issue, the SSH port had to be bridged to an external server that is publically visible. This acts as an intermediary connection that redirects the traffic directly to the Pi. A script was written to ensure that the Pi would automatically re-establish the bridge if the device were to reboot or the bridge to fail. The advantage with this method is that it is now possible to remotely control the Pi from anywhere, even outside Concordia's network. As a matter of fact, a decent part of the code was written from the comfort of my living room while the Pi was locked away in a room in the arts building. Speaking of code, the script that controls the sensors and watering system was written in python as it offers all the necessary compatible libraries to interface with the Pi's GPIO pins. The algorithm is relatively simple. If one of the plant's hygrometer has a reading that is below a certain threshold and if the plant has not been recently watered, the motor moves the plumbing towards correct funnel and the valve is opened for 3 seconds. At every loop, the ultrasonic sensor checks the water level. All the data is collected. If the information has not been updated in more than 15 minutes, the Pi connects to the website's server via FTP and updates a json file containing all the information.
4. Displaying the information and point system Once all this information is collected and uploaded, it needs to be displayed online for users to see. We use a bare-bones virtual server from OVH that has a datacentre in Beauharnois that uses water-cooling to reduce energy usage of their machines. By using a combination of google API and javascript, we can parse the data from the json file and display the status of the plants on a map in a way that is meaningful to users. The website is also designed to offer users the possibility to create an account and accumulate points for their participation. This feature however was not implemented and a dummy version is displayed for demoing purposed. The map however does show live data from the garden.
While we were succesfully able to test the technical functionalities and how the organic interacts with the electronic we would need more time to measure the social aspect of the project. This would enable us to have a reading of how feasible it would be to implement in an uncotrolled environement. Still, the build has proven to work and be adaptable for personal or educational use for anyone who would want to reproduce it in their home or classroom. We welcome any initiative to iterate on the current design to adjust it to different situations.
0 notes