I'm new to these forums, but I have been very interested in the Arduino kit for a long time. I have finally started a project that I can use Arduino with. I specialize in computer science and psychology, and one of my favorite things to deal with is automation and machine learning.
Basically what I have built so far is a habanero grow box. I'm looking to create my own super-hot type of pepper. While I need to brush up on my biology in terms of plant breeding, I think I have the general outline of the system down.
My inquiry regards if I can use the Deumilanove for the whole thing. I will detail the project requirements that I have established. I am looking for something similar to the Garduino, but a little bit more involved. (http://www.instructables.com/id/Garduino_Gardening_Arduino/)
Thanks to some suggestions, the top level elements of this list will be their own modular system, which will hook up to the communication protocol. There will be audible speakers/noise making devices to inform me if I'm experiencing hardware failure/faults.
It is my goal to have this system controllable via computer, and I'd like to code a daemon to run so I can hit it from command line remotely. Oh, and I want to automate it via PC, not via Arduino.
Communicator
Receive sensory information
Communicate information to computer/interwebs (wireless preferred, USB will do for now though)
Issue instructions to the subsystems (eg: tell climate system to increase humidity, decrease humidity)
Climate
Monitoring temperature & humidity
Reacting
Adjusting a vent to let in more cold or hot air
Adjusting a vent to let in more humid/less humid air
Turning on an outlet to allow a fan to be turned on
Watering (pretty much turn on and off an outlet/switch)
Air flow (turn on/off a fan, probably via electrical outlet)
Air purification (engage/disengage corona-arc generator)
Before I get into researching every individual component, I just wanted to ping you all and see if anyone had quick off-the-top-of-their-head suggestions/opinions. It would appear that the Arduino will work for this system. Now I'm trying to gather quick design tips from all the experts! I'm using this project as a segue into designing Arduino-based hardware throughout my house, including washer/dryer, oven, lighting, etc, etc. Can't wait to dig in!
Just from a short reading, I think this is all doable on the platform. But I will say that (1) possibly it will not fit entirely within ONE Arduino, and (2) you might find some good design benefits from implementing it as a series of subsystems like your list.
If you get familiar with the Arduino development a little bit, work on implementing one subsystem that does watering, one that does grow lights, one that does temperature monitoring, and so on. Then you may make a "mastermind" Arduino that can manage each subsystem according to a master schedule or a master set of rules.
In the meantime, each subsystem can be improved without affecting the rest of the project, and can apply to more situations than habanero peppers. Someone wants perfect tomatoes outdoors, they don't need the air purifying subsystem, but they still want the watering scheduler. Mix and match. And so on.
Well I don't think I see anything in that application that an Arduino couldn't handle as far as number of inputs and outputs required. Memory size should also not be a problem I would think.
Most of the effort will be in selecting the sensors and designing the control output switching needed, more effort required in external hardware design trade-offs. Don't forget to add a audible alarm buzzer to warn of problems if control is not working properly due to external faults of external devices not functioning, like broken motors or failed temperature sensors, etc. A stand-by battery back up could keep the Arduino working enough to sound a pizo type alarm in the event the AC power for the motors and vent controls were lost, etc.
Halley, I had definitely been considering doing a modular system. Good call on the mastermind arduino, I didn't think of that one... Perhaps that mastermind can be the communication protocol between PC and the subsystems.
Retrolefty, I agree with you regarding the selection of the sensors. I know my way around a circuit board/saudering/general electric work, however I don't know much about sensors themselves. I was researching a way to monitor temperature and humidity, and I thought I saw hydrometers that would do both, but I didn't really reach a conclusive answer. I'm hoping to address these specific issues in the Interfacing forum. Also, good call on the audible buzzer -- definitely didn't think of that one, and i'm sure it will shave off frustrating debugging time.
Thank you so much for your input so far. I'm going to hit the whiteboard again and perhaps post a sketch of the systems.
PS: I'm an open source advocate, so I'm going to draw everything up, document the process, and publish my designs/code/etc under GPL/BSD. I also plan on making an instructable. Any tips for linux-friendly graphing/circuit design would be welcome!
Intresting, i thought of the XBEE tech, to prevent chaos with cables and plants/water.
Even though it might be good to build the devices in a closed box/sealed against water vapor and stuff.
To make sure the parts are save when under extreme weather conditions.
And i would also make the system solar or wind empowered.