Hello,
I´m relatively new to Arduino and it´s my first post in this forum, so I just hope to hit the right section with my topic.
To make it more reader friendly, the short version:
What do I want to achieve?
- activate a solenoid at desired times
- set the times via HTML interface
- supply power by battery (e.g. 2xAA)
- save space (most mechnical parts are 3D-printed, so size is limited)
What is done?
- electrical circuit is finished on Arduino pro Mini 3v3
(solenoid is activated via MOSFET, can be controlled by a 3-5V pin) - clock module (DS3231) is integrated
What needs to be done?
- integrate WIFI (ESP8266)
- program HTML interface
How do I achieve the goals most effectively?
- Arduino + ESP8266 + DS3231 or
- Arduino + ESP8266 or
- ESP8266 as standalone or
- a completely other way
Long version:
I´m trying to realize a time controlled battery supplied Catbowl, which I can programm (set the desired times when it should open) via a HTML interface in my home WIFI. The mechanical job is almost done and the cap is released by a solenoid, that snaps back. So far so good, simple programm is written to an arduino pro mini 3v3 and the electrical circuit works. Alltogether, I need 2 controllable pins: one for the solenoid, that delivers 3-5V to control a MOSFET and one that receives feedback if the cap was opened (and consequently send an email or so). But now, trying to include time and WIFI and so on, I wanted to ask the community for the best way how to finish my project.
At the moment I´m reading through so many articles about the ESP8266 (WIFI module), the DS3231 (clock module) and power saving (because of the battery issue) and ask myself, what my final configuration will look like.
At the moment I have the ESP8266 and the DS3231 connected to the Arduino. The DS3231 delivers time perfectly and was already tested. But do I need it when I´m able to fetch time information from the ESP8266 via internet? Do I even need the Arduino, because the ESP8266 works as standalone? Does the ESP8266 satisfy my needs for a low power consumption? Or is it better to attach it to the Arduino and wake it up when I call it from my home WIFI (if possible), because I only need it for setting the unlocking times? But when I put it to sleep, can I fetch time when I need it? Are there enough pins on the ESP8266 to run my programm?
You can see, I´m at a point where perceived 100 paths exist that I could follow. I hope someone can give me a general hint, what my perfect setting could look like, especially when it comes to the battery issue. It would be great if I only needed to change for example 2xAA once every 2 months or so.
Thanks to everyone who hung on until the end!
Greatings,
Fosekosz