Green House Data Logger

Using Arduino Project Guidance
1

Hello, Complete newb to the Arduino here, but I have a project that I think would be suitable for it.

I'm very comfortable writing code, working with soldering irons, electronics, etc and have been looking for a project to get into using an Arduino.

I'm putting in a greenhouse and plan on using passive solar to provide heating.

I'd like to create a data logging system using an Arduino that would

  • Collect 4 seperate temperature parameters (Air Temp, Soil Temp, Bottom of Water tank Temp, Top of water tank temp)
  • Collect Solar Intensity
  • Collect Water Tank Level
  • Monitor if the door is open/closed
  • Monitor if Vent is open/closed
  • Log all data to an SD card
  • Upload data readings to a web site for storage/real time display

So that's 8 different analog inputs. I've seen that there are sensors for all of the data I'd like to collect.

From what I've read it looks like I can get data logging and wifi 'shields'.

So the question(s) are

  • How many analog inputs can I collect data from
  • Can I combine two different shields (Data logger and Wifi) to do what I want?
  • Does this seem like a reasonable project

Thanks in advance for your hepl!

2

check - Data-Logger Shield for Arduino -

Its a great tutorial to get started

3

How many analog inputs can I collect data from

Six, on an Uno. But consider using the DS18B20 to collect your temperatures and you can get all four using one digital pin. You'll need a version with some waterproofing of course.

Can I combine two different shields (Data logger and Wifi) to do what I want?

Maybe - depends what pins they use.

Does this seem like a reasonable project

Well within the capabilities of the Uno.

4

Excellent. Thanks for the advice!

Been putting together a shopping list. Looks like it could be a lot of fun. Think I'll start with one of the basic kits and just start getting a feel for things before first.

5

Couple more things- If you're going to send data via wifi to a web server for display, do you really need the logging shield?

I built the most basic version of your project last year - it only sends air temperature. I was using the Async labs wifi shield and although it worked well in the house, it didn't have the range to communicate from the greenhouse. Brick walls in the way likely didn't help. I had to switch to a pair of xbees, thus needing an additional Arduino ethernet as well. Also, the low range xbees I bought didn't have the range either - I had to buy xbee pros. All in all, I went through rather a lot of expensive hardware before I got it working.