Automated Herb Irrigation System

[MegaSudds]

Hello All, I am trying to create my own auto irrigation system for a herb garden.

Components:
Arduino Uno R3 X1
Capacitive soil moisture sensors HW-390 X4
8 Channel Relay Module 2PH77506A X1
5V Pumps X4

Code:

// Auto irrigation system, capacitive soil moisture sensors, 8 channel relay controling 5v pumps,

int RelayControl1 = 6;                                            //Pump 1 relay
int RelayControl2 = 7;                                            //Pump 2 relay
int RelayControl3 = 8;                                            //Pump 3 relay
int RelayControl4 = 9;                                            //Pump 4 relay
//int RelayControl5 = 10;                                         //Spare
//int RelayControl6 = 11;                                         //Spare
//int RelayControl7 = 12;                                         //Spare
//int RelayControl8 = 13;                                         //Spare

int SMD1R; // = A3;                                               //Soil Moisture Data 1 Raw
int SMD2R; // = A2;                                               //Soil Moisture Data 2 Raw
int SMD3R; // = A1;                                               //Soil Moisture Data 3 Raw
int SMD4R; // = A4;                                               //Soil Moisture Data 4 Raw

int SMD1A;                                                        //Soil Moisture Data 1 Adjusted
int SMD2A;                                                        //Soil Moisture Data 2 Adjusted
int SMD3A;                                                        //Soil Moisture Data 3 Adjusted
int SMD4A;                                                        //Soil Moisture Data 4 Adjusted

//int SMP1 = 2;                                                   //Soil Moisture Power 1
//int SMP2 = 3;                                                   //Soil Moisture Power 2
//int SMP3 = 4;                                                   //Soil Moisture Power 3
//int SMP4 = 5;                                                   //Soil Moisture Power 4


void setup()  
{   
  Serial.begin(9600);
  
  pinMode(RelayControl1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(RelayControl2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(RelayControl3, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(RelayControl4, OUTPUT);
//  pinMode(RelayControl5, OUTPUT);
//  pinMode(RelayControl6, OUTPUT);
//  pinMode(RelayControl7, OUTPUT);
//  pinMode(RelayControl8, OUTPUT);

//  pinMode(SMP1, OUTPUT);
//  pinMode(SMP2, OUTPUT);
//  pinMode(SMP3, OUTPUT);
//  pinMode(SMP4, OUTPUT);


}
 
 
void loop()  
{
  Serial.println("debug 0.1");
  digitalWrite(RelayControl1,HIGH);                             // deactivate relay 1
  digitalWrite(RelayControl2,HIGH);                             // deactivate relay 2
  digitalWrite(RelayControl3,HIGH);                             // deactivate relay 3
  digitalWrite(RelayControl4,HIGH);                             // deactivate relay 4
  delay(5000);
  
 Serial.println("debug 1.1");
// digitalWrite(SMP1,HIGH);                                     //Power Soil Moisture Sensor, granularity of readings from sensor was very coarse
                                                                //range of diffrence between fully submerged in water to dry was 10units (dont know units).
                                                                //sensor directly powered from 5V rail provides range of ~400units
 delay(10000);
 int SMD1R = analogRead(A3);                                    //Read output voltage from soil moisture 1
 int SMD1A = map(SMD1R,256, 553, 100, 0);                       //Convert to %
 Serial.println(SMD1R);
 Serial.print(SMD1A);
 Serial.println('%');
  if(SMD1A <= 40)                                               //if soil moisture % <= 40%
    {
      Serial.println("debug 1.2");
      do
        {
          Serial.println("debug 1.3");
          digitalWrite(RelayControl1,LOW);                      //turn pump 1 on
          Serial.println("Pump 1 On");
          Serial.println(SMD1R);
          Serial.print(SMD1A);
          Serial.println('%');
          delay(10000);
          int SMD1R = analogRead(A3);                           //Read output voltage from soil moisture 1
          int SMD1A = map(SMD1R,256, 653, 100, 0);              //Convert to %
        } while(SMD1A <= 40);                                   //Pump remains on while soil moisture % is <= 40%
        
      Serial.println("debug 1.4");  
      digitalWrite(RelayControl1,HIGH);                         //turn pump 1 off     
      Serial.println("Pump 1 Off");
      Serial.print(SMD1A);                                      //print moisture %, move to next sensor
      Serial.println('%');
    }
    
  else;
    {
     Serial.println("debug 1.5");
     Serial.print(SMD1A);                                       //print moisture %, move to next sensor
     Serial.println('%');
     }
     
//digitalWrite(SMP1,LOW);                                       //De-power Soil Moisture Sensor

 Serial.println("debug 2.1");   
 delay(10000);
// digitalWrite(SMP2,HIGH);                                     //Power Soil Moisture Sensor, granularity of readings from sensor was very coarse
                                                                //range of diffrence between fully submerged in water to dry was 10units (dont know units).
                                                                //sensor directly powered from 5V rail provides range of ~400units
                                                                
 int SMD2R = analogRead(A2);                                    //Read output voltage from soil moisture 2
 int SMD2A = map(SMD2R,280, 639, 100, 0);                       //Convert to %
 Serial.println(SMD2R);
 Serial.print(SMD2A);
 Serial.println('%');
  if(SMD2A <= 40)                                               //if soil moisture % <= 40%
    {
      Serial.println("debug 2.2");
      do
        {
          Serial.println("debug 2.3");
          digitalWrite(RelayControl2,LOW);                      //turn pump 2 on
          Serial.println("Pump 2 On");
          Serial.println(SMD2R);
          Serial.print(SMD2A);
          Serial.println('%');
          delay(10000);
          int SMD2R = analogRead(A2);                           //Read output voltage from soil moisture 2
          int SMD2A = map(SMD2R,280, 639, 100, 0);              //Convert to %
        } while(SMD2A <= 40);                                   //Pump remains on while soil moisture % is <= 40%

      Serial.println("debug 2.4");
      digitalWrite(RelayControl2,HIGH);                         //turn pump 2 off     
      Serial.println("Pump 2 Off");
      Serial.print(SMD2A);                                      //print moisture %, move to next sensor
      Serial.println('%');
    }
    
  else;
    {
     Serial.println("debug 2.5");
     Serial.print(SMD2A);                                       //print moisture %, move to next sensor
     Serial.println('%');
    }
    
//digitalWrite(SMP2,LOW);                                       //De-power Soil Moisture Sensor

 Serial.println("debug 3.1");    
 delay(10000); 
// digitalWrite(SMP3,HIGH);                                     //Power Soil Moisture Sensor,  granularity of readings from sensor was very coarse
                                                                //range of diffrence between fully submerged in water to dry was 10units (dont know units).
                                                                //sensor directly powered from 5V rail provides range of ~400units
                                                                
 int SMD3R = analogRead(A1);                                    //Read output voltage from soil moisture 3
 int SMD3A = map(SMD3R,280, 620, 100, 0);                       //Convert to %
 Serial.println(SMD3R);
 Serial.print(SMD3A);
 Serial.println('%');
  if(SMD3A <= 40)                                               //if soil moisture % <= 40%
    {
      Serial.println("debug 3.2");
      do
        {
          Serial.println("debug 3.3");
          digitalWrite(RelayControl3,LOW);                      //turn pump 3 on
          Serial.println("Pump 3 On");
          Serial.println(SMD3R);
          Serial.print(SMD3A);
          Serial.println('%');
          delay(10000);
          int SMD3R = analogRead(A1);                           //Read output voltage from soil moisture 3
          int SMD3A = map(SMD3R,280, 620, 100, 0);              //Convert to %
        } while(SMD3A <= 40);                                   //Pump remains on while soil moisture % is <= 40%

      Serial.println("debug 3.4");
      digitalWrite(RelayControl3,LOW);                          //turn pump 3 off     
      Serial.println("Pump 3 Off");
      Serial.print(SMD3A);                                      //print moisture %, move to next sensor
      Serial.println('%');
    }
    
  else;
    {
     Serial.println("debug 3.5");
     Serial.print(SMD3A);                                       //print moisture %, move to next sensor
     Serial.println('%');
     }
     
//digitalWrite(SMP3,LOW);                                       //De-power Soil Moisture Sensor
     
  Serial.println("debug 4.1");
  delay(10000);
// digitalWrite(SMP4,HIGH);                                     //Power Soil Moisture Sensor, granularity of readings from sensor was very coarse
                                                                //range of diffrence between fully submerged in water to dry was 10units (dont know units).
                                                                //sensor directly powered from 5V rail provides range of ~400units
                                                                
 int SMD4R = analogRead(A4);                                    //Read output voltage from soil moisture 4
 int SMD4A = map(SMD4R,262, 625, 100, 0);                       //Convert to %
 Serial.println(SMD4R);
 Serial.print(SMD4A);
 Serial.println('%');
  if(SMD4A <= 40)                                               //if soil moisture % <= 40%
    {
      Serial.println("debug 4.2");
      do
        {
          Serial.println("debug 4.3");
          digitalWrite(RelayControl4,LOW);                      //turn pump 4 on
          Serial.println("Pump 4 On");
          Serial.println(SMD4R);
          Serial.print(SMD4A);
          Serial.println('%');
          delay(10000);
          int SMD4R = analogRead(A4);                           //Read output voltage from soil moisture 4
          int SMD4A = map(SMD4R,262, 625, 100, 0);              //Convert to %
        } while(SMD4A <= 40);                                   //Pump remains on while soil moisture % is <= 40%

      Serial.println("debug 4.4");
      digitalWrite(RelayControl4,HIGH);                         //turn pump 4 off     
      Serial.println("Pump 4 Off");
      Serial.print(SMD4A);                                      //print moisture %, move to next sensor
      Serial.println('%');
    }
    
  else;
    {
     Serial.println("debug 4.5");
     Serial.print(SMD4A);                                       //print moisture %, move to next sensor
     Serial.println('%');
     }
     
//digitalWrite(SMP3,LOW);                                       //De-power Soil Moisture Sensor


Serial.println("loop");                                         //end of loop
Serial.println();
}

Schematic:

(yeah its jank I cant find a schematic for the 8 channel relay)

So the problems I am having are:
Starting code with all sensors in fully submerged conditions.
Behaves correctly while all sensors are submerged.
Reads sensor value, converts to % and prints, moves to next sensor, repeat for each sensor

If a sensor (same behaviour for all 4) is removed from water on next pass of loop it correctly reads sensor change and turns pump on.
Fails to turn pump off when sensor is re-inserted into water, sensor value reported does not change upon re-insertion to water.

Starting code in open air conditions.
Reads sensor value, turns pump on.
Fails to turn pump off when inserted into water

When each sensor is tested and calibrated in isolation they behave as expected correctly reading for both fully submerged and open air.

[Idahowalker]

@MegaSudds

else;

Could you explain what this line of code does?

Here is a copy of code I use to water a plant. Perhaps you could use it as a model for your code or not.

#include <ESP32Time.h>
#include <WiFi.h>
#include <PubSubClient.h>
#include "certs.h" // include the connection info for WiFi and MQTT
#include "sdkconfig.h" // used for log printing
#include "esp_system.h"
#include "freertos/FreeRTOS.h" //freeRTOS items to be used
#include "freertos/task.h"
#include <driver/adc.h>
#include <SimpleKalmanFilter.h>
////
WiFiClient      wifiClient; // do the WiFi instantiation thing
PubSubClient    MQTTclient( mqtt_server, mqtt_port, wifiClient ); //do the MQTT instantiation thing
ESP32Time       rtc;
////
#define evtDoParticleRead  ( 1 << 0 ) // declare an event
#define evtADCreading      ( 1 << 3 )
EventGroupHandle_t eg; // variable for the event group handle
////
SemaphoreHandle_t sema_MQTT_KeepAlive;
SemaphoreHandle_t sema_mqttOK;
////
QueueHandle_t xQ_RemainingMoistureMQTT;
QueueHandle_t xQ_RM;
QueueHandle_t xQ_Message;
////
struct stu_message
{
  char payload [150] = {'\0'};
  String topic;
} x_message;
////
int    mqttOK = 0;
bool   TimeSet = false;
bool   manualPumpOn = false;
////
// interrupt service routine for WiFi events put into IRAM
void IRAM_ATTR WiFiEvent(WiFiEvent_t event)
{
  switch (event) {
    case SYSTEM_EVENT_STA_CONNECTED:
      break;
    case SYSTEM_EVENT_STA_DISCONNECTED:
      log_i("Disconnected from WiFi access point");
      break;
    case SYSTEM_EVENT_AP_STADISCONNECTED:
      log_i("WiFi client disconnected");
      break;
    default: break;
  }
} // void IRAM_ATTR WiFiEvent(WiFiEvent_t event)
////
void IRAM_ATTR mqttCallback(char* topic, byte * payload, unsigned int length)
{
  // clear locations
  memset( x_message.payload, '\0', 150 );
  x_message.topic = ""; //clear string buffer
  x_message.topic = topic;
  int i = 0;
  for ( i; i < length; i++)
  {
    x_message.payload[i] = ((char)payload[i]);
  }
  x_message.payload[i] = '\0';
  xQueueOverwrite( xQ_Message, (void *) &x_message );// send data
} // void mqttCallback(char* topic, byte* payload, unsigned int length)
////
void setup()
{
  x_message.topic.reserve(150);
  //
  xQ_Message = xQueueCreate( 1, sizeof(stu_message) );
  xQ_RemainingMoistureMQTT = xQueueCreate( 1, sizeof(float) ); // sends a queue copy
  xQ_RM = xQueueCreate( 1, sizeof(float) );
  //
  eg = xEventGroupCreate(); // get an event group handle
  //
  sema_mqttOK =  xSemaphoreCreateBinary();
  xSemaphoreGive( sema_mqttOK );
  //
  gpio_config_t io_cfg = {}; // initialize the gpio configuration structure
  io_cfg.mode = GPIO_MODE_INPUT; // set gpio mode. GPIO_NUM_0 input from water level sensor
  io_cfg.pull_down_en = GPIO_PULLDOWN_ENABLE; // enable pull down
  io_cfg.pin_bit_mask = ( (1ULL << GPIO_NUM_0) ); //bit mask of the pins to set, assign gpio number to be configured
  gpio_config(&io_cfg); // configure the gpio based upon the parameters as set in the configuration structure
  //
  io_cfg = {}; //set configuration structure back to default values
  io_cfg.mode = GPIO_MODE_OUTPUT;
  io_cfg.pin_bit_mask = ( 1ULL << GPIO_NUM_4 | (1ULL << GPIO_NUM_5) ); //bit mask of the pins to set, assign gpio number to be configured
  gpio_config(&io_cfg);
  gpio_set_level( GPIO_NUM_4, LOW); // deenergize relay module
  gpio_set_level( GPIO_NUM_5, LOW); // deenergize valve
  // set up A:D channels  https://dl.espressif.com/doc/esp-idf/latest/api-reference/peripherals/adc.html
  adc1_config_width(ADC_WIDTH_12Bit);
  adc1_config_channel_atten(ADC1_CHANNEL_3, ADC_ATTEN_DB_11);// using GPIO 39
  //
  xTaskCreatePinnedToCore( MQTTkeepalive, "MQTTkeepalive", 10000, NULL, 6, NULL, 1 );
  xTaskCreatePinnedToCore( fparseMQTT, "fparseMQTT", 10000, NULL, 5, NULL, 1 ); // assign all to core 1, WiFi in use.
  xTaskCreatePinnedToCore( fPublish, "fPublish", 9000, NULL, 3, NULL, 1 );
  xTaskCreatePinnedToCore( fReadAD, "fReadAD", 9000, NULL, 3, NULL, 1 );
  xTaskCreatePinnedToCore( fDoMoistureDetector, "fDoMoistureDetector", 70000, NULL, 4, NULL, 1 );
  xTaskCreatePinnedToCore( fmqttWatchDog, "fmqttWatchDog", 3000, NULL, 2, NULL, 1 );
} //void setup()
////
void fReadAD( void * parameter )
{
  float    ADbits = 4096.0f;
  float    uPvolts = 3.3f;
  float    adcValue_b = 0.0f; //plant in yellow pot
  uint64_t TimePastKalman  = esp_timer_get_time(); // used by the Kalman filter UpdateProcessNoise, time since last kalman calculation
  float    WetValue = 1.07f; // value found by putting sensor in water
  float    DryValue = 2.732f; // value of probe when held in air
  float    Range = DryValue - WetValue;
  float    RemainingMoisture = 100.0f;
  SimpleKalmanFilter KF_ADC_b( 1.0f, 1.0f, .01f );
  for (;;)
  {
    xEventGroupWaitBits (eg, evtADCreading, pdTRUE, pdTRUE, portMAX_DELAY ); //
    adcValue_b = float( adc1_get_raw(ADC1_CHANNEL_3) ); //take a raw ADC reading
    adcValue_b = ( adcValue_b * uPvolts ) / ADbits; //calculate voltage
    KF_ADC_b.setProcessNoise( (esp_timer_get_time() - TimePastKalman) / 1000000.0f ); //get time, in microsecods, since last readings
    adcValue_b = KF_ADC_b.updateEstimate( adcValue_b ); // apply simple Kalman filter
    TimePastKalman = esp_timer_get_time(); // time of update complete
    RemainingMoisture = 100.0f * (1 - ((adcValue_b - WetValue) / (DryValue - WetValue))); //remaining moisture =  1-(xTarget - xMin) / (xMax - xMin) as a percentage of the sensor wet dry volatges
    xQueueOverwrite( xQ_RM, (void *) &RemainingMoisture );
    //log_i( "adcValue_b = %f remaining moisture %f%", adcValue_b, RemainingMoisture );
  }
  vTaskDelete( NULL );
}
////
void fPublish( void * parameter )
{
  float  RemainingMoisture = 100.0f;
  for (;;)
  {
    if ( xQueueReceive(xQ_RemainingMoistureMQTT, &RemainingMoisture, portMAX_DELAY) == pdTRUE )
    {
      xSemaphoreTake( sema_MQTT_KeepAlive, portMAX_DELAY ); // whiles MQTTlient.loop() is running no other mqtt operations should be in process
      MQTTclient.publish( topicRemainingMoisture_0, String(RemainingMoisture).c_str() );
      xSemaphoreGive( sema_MQTT_KeepAlive );
    }
  } // for (;;)
  vTaskDelete( NULL );
} //void fPublish( void * parameter )
////
void WaterPump0_off()
{
  gpio_set_level( GPIO_NUM_4, LOW); //denergize relay module
  vTaskDelay( 1 );
  gpio_set_level( GPIO_NUM_5, LOW); //denergize/close valve
}
////
void WaterPump0_on()
{
  gpio_set_level( GPIO_NUM_5, HIGH); //energize/open valve
  vTaskDelay( 1 );
  gpio_set_level( GPIO_NUM_4, HIGH); //energize relay module
}
////
void fmqttWatchDog( void * paramater )
{
  int UpdateImeTrigger = 86400; //seconds in a day
  int UpdateTimeInterval = 85000; // get another reading when = UpdateTimeTrigger
  int maxNonMQTTresponse = 12;
  TickType_t xLastWakeTime = xTaskGetTickCount();
  const TickType_t xFrequency = 5000; //delay for mS
  for (;;)
  {
    xLastWakeTime = xTaskGetTickCount();
    vTaskDelayUntil( &xLastWakeTime, xFrequency );
    xSemaphoreTake( sema_mqttOK, portMAX_DELAY ); // update mqttOK
    mqttOK++;
    xSemaphoreGive( sema_mqttOK );
    if ( mqttOK >= maxNonMQTTresponse )
    {
      ESP.restart();
    }
    UpdateTimeInterval++; // trigger new time get
    if ( UpdateTimeInterval >= UpdateImeTrigger )
    {
      TimeSet = false; // sets doneTime to false to get an updated time after a days count of seconds
      UpdateTimeInterval = 0;
    }
  }
  vTaskDelete( NULL );
} //void fmqttWatchDog( void * paramater )
////
void fDoMoistureDetector( void * parameter )
{
  //wait for a mqtt connection
  while ( !MQTTclient.connected() )
  {
    vTaskDelay( 250 );
  }
  int      TimeToPublish = 5000000; //5000000uS
  int      TimeForADreading = 100 * 1000; // 100mS
  uint64_t TimePastPublish = esp_timer_get_time(); // used by publish
  uint64_t TimeADreading   = esp_timer_get_time();
  TickType_t xLastWakeTime = xTaskGetTickCount();
  const TickType_t xFrequency = 10; //delay for 10mS
  float    RemainingMoisture = 100.0f; //prevents pump turn on during start up
  bool     pumpOn = false;
  uint64_t PumpOnTime = esp_timer_get_time();
  int      PumpRunTime = 11000000;
  uint64_t PumpOffWait = esp_timer_get_time();
  uint64_t PumpOffWaitFor = 60000000; //one minute
  float    lowMoisture = 23.0f;
  float    highMoisture = 40.0f;
  for (;;)
  {
    //read AD values every 100mS.
    if ( (esp_timer_get_time() - TimeADreading) >= TimeForADreading )
    {
      xEventGroupSetBits( eg, evtADCreading );
      TimeADreading = esp_timer_get_time();
    }
    xQueueReceive(xQ_RM, &RemainingMoisture, 0 ); //receive queue stuff no waiting
    //read gpio 0 is water level good. Yes: OK to run pump : no pump off.   remaining moisture good, denergize water pump otherwise energize water pump.
    if ( RemainingMoisture >= highMoisture )
    {
      WaterPump0_off();
    }
    if ( !pumpOn )
    {
      log_i( "not pump on ");
      if ( gpio_get_level( GPIO_NUM_0 ) )
      {
        if ( RemainingMoisture <= lowMoisture )
        {
          //has one minute passed since last pump energize, if so then allow motor to run
          if ( (esp_timer_get_time() - PumpOffWait) >= PumpOffWaitFor )
          {
            WaterPump0_on();
            log_i( "pump on " );
            pumpOn = !pumpOn;
            PumpOnTime = esp_timer_get_time();
          }
        }
        //xSemaphoreGive( sema_RemainingMoisture );
      } else {
        log_i( "water level bad " );
        WaterPump0_off();
        PumpOffWait = esp_timer_get_time();
      }
    } else {
      /*
         pump goes on runs for X seconds then turn off, then wait PumpOffWaitTime before being allowed to energize again
      */
      if ( (esp_timer_get_time() - PumpOnTime) >= PumpRunTime )
      {
        log_i( "pump off " );
        WaterPump0_off(); // after 5 seconds turn pump off
        pumpOn = !pumpOn;
        PumpOffWait = esp_timer_get_time();
      }
    }
    // publish to MQTT every 5000000uS
    if ( (esp_timer_get_time() - TimePastPublish) >= TimeToPublish )
    {
      xQueueOverwrite( xQ_RemainingMoistureMQTT, (void *) &RemainingMoisture );// data for mqtt publish
      TimePastPublish = esp_timer_get_time(); // get next publish time
    }
    xLastWakeTime = xTaskGetTickCount();
    vTaskDelayUntil( &xLastWakeTime, xFrequency );
  }
  vTaskDelete( NULL );
}// end fDoMoistureDetector()
////
void MQTTkeepalive( void *pvParameters )
{
  sema_MQTT_KeepAlive   = xSemaphoreCreateBinary();
  xSemaphoreGive( sema_MQTT_KeepAlive ); // found keep alive can mess with a publish, stop keep alive during publish
  MQTTclient.setKeepAlive( 90 ); // setting keep alive to 90 seconds makes for a very reliable connection, must be set before the 1st connection is made.
  TickType_t xLastWakeTime = xTaskGetTickCount();
  const TickType_t xFrequency = 250; // 250mS
  for (;;)
  {
    //check for a is-connected and if the WiFi 'thinks' its connected, found checking on both is more realible than just a single check
    if ( (wifiClient.connected()) && (WiFi.status() == WL_CONNECTED) )
    {
      xSemaphoreTake( sema_MQTT_KeepAlive, portMAX_DELAY ); // whiles MQTTlient.loop() is running no other mqtt operations should be in process
      MQTTclient.loop();
      xSemaphoreGive( sema_MQTT_KeepAlive );
    }
    else {
      log_i( "MQTT keep alive found MQTT status %s WiFi status %s", String(wifiClient.connected()), String(WiFi.status()) );
      if ( !(wifiClient.connected()) || !(WiFi.status() == WL_CONNECTED) )
      {
        connectToWiFi();
      }
      connectToMQTT();
    }
    xLastWakeTime = xTaskGetTickCount();
    vTaskDelayUntil( &xLastWakeTime, xFrequency );
  }
  vTaskDelete ( NULL );
}
////
void connectToMQTT()
{
  // create client ID from mac address
  byte mac[5];
  int count = 0;
  WiFi.macAddress(mac); // get mac address
  String clientID = String(mac[0]) + String(mac[4]);
  log_i( "connect to mqtt as client %s", clientID );
  while ( !MQTTclient.connected() )
  {
    MQTTclient.disconnect();
    MQTTclient.connect( clientID.c_str(), mqtt_username, mqtt_password );
    vTaskDelay( 250 );
    count++;
    if ( count == 5 )
    {
      ESP.restart();
    }
  }
  MQTTclient.setCallback( mqttCallback );
  MQTTclient.subscribe( topicOK );
}
////
void connectToWiFi()
{
  int TryCount = 0;
  while ( WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED )
  {
    TryCount++;
    WiFi.disconnect();
    WiFi.begin( SSID, PASSWORD );
    vTaskDelay( 4000 );
    if ( TryCount == 10 )
    {
      ESP.restart();
    }
  }
  WiFi.onEvent( WiFiEvent );
} // void connectToWiFi()
//////
void fparseMQTT( void *pvParameters )
{
  struct stu_message px_message;
  for (;;)
  {
    if ( xQueueReceive(xQ_Message, &px_message, portMAX_DELAY) == pdTRUE )
    {
      if ( px_message.topic == topicOK )
      {
        xSemaphoreTake( sema_mqttOK, portMAX_DELAY );
        mqttOK = 0; // clear mqtt ok count
        xSemaphoreGive( sema_mqttOK );
      }
      if ( !TimeSet )
      {
        String temp = "";
        temp = px_message.payload[0];
        temp += px_message.payload[1];
        temp += px_message.payload[2];
        temp += px_message.payload[3];
        int year =  temp.toInt();
        temp = "";
        temp = px_message.payload[5];
        temp += px_message.payload[6];
        int month =  temp.toInt();
        temp = "";
        temp = px_message.payload[8];
        temp += px_message.payload[9];
        int day =  temp.toInt();
        temp = "";
        temp = px_message.payload[11];
        temp += px_message.payload[12];
        int hour =  temp.toInt();
        temp = "";
        temp = px_message.payload[14];
        temp += px_message.payload[15];
        int min =  temp.toInt();
        rtc.setTime( 0, min, hour, day, month, year );
        log_i( "%s  ", rtc.getTime() );
        TimeSet = true;
      }
      // manual pump control
      if ( str_eTopic == topicPumpState )
      {
        if ( String(strPayload) == "off" )
        {
          WaterPump0_off();
          manualPumpOn = false;
        }
        if ( String(strPayload) == "on" )
        {
          WaterPump0_on();
          manualPumpOn = true;
        }
      }
    }
  } //for(;;)
  vTaskDelete ( NULL );
} // void fparseMQTT( void *pvParameters )
////
void loop() {}

[MegaSudds]

It should be the else to the previous if statement, so if moisture % >40 it prints the % and moves on, I left the semicolon there by mistake (one thing fixed I guess ty).
Thanks for the code ill have a dig through it.

[wildbill]

Here:

 Serial.println("debug 1.1");
// digitalWrite(SMP1,HIGH);                                     //Power Soil Moisture Sensor, granularity of readings from sensor was very coarse
                                                                //range of diffrence between fully submerged in water to dry was 10units (dont know units).
                                                                //sensor directly powered from 5V rail provides range of ~400units
 delay(10000);
 int SMD1R = analogRead(A3);                                    //Read output voltage from soil moisture 1
 int SMD1A = map(SMD1R,256, 553, 100, 0);                       //Convert to %
 Serial.println(SMD1R);
 Serial.print(SMD1A);
 Serial.println('%');

You have created a new variable called SMD1R. You already have a global variable with that name. Later, in your do while loop, you have created yet another copy. Lose the leading int on those lines.

[MegaSudds]

Awesome thanks for the help