Battery and Solar Powered Moisture Sensor Enclosure

prusaprinters

<p>This little project incorporates some simple sensor electronics into a package to measure soil moisture. In my case, I loaded the computer processors with Dan Orgochock's remarkable collection of Smarttthings libraries (<a href="https://community.smartthings.com/t/release-st-anything-arduino-esp8266-esp32/77707">https://community.smartthings.com/t/release-st-anything-arduino-esp8266-esp32/77707</a>) to report moisture to a Smartthings home automation system.</p> <p>The project can be done with or without the solar panel. There is a single cell battery in the case that should power the module for days and can be recharged with a micro USB power cord.</p> <h3>Print instructions</h3><p>You'll need these parts in addition to the print:</p> <ul> <li>Wemo D1 ESP8266 microcontroller<br/> <a href="https://www.teachmemicro.com/getting-started-wemos-d1-mini/">https://www.teachmemicro.com/getting-started-wemos-d1-mini/</a></li> </ul> <p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081PX9YFV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081PX9YFV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1</a></p> <ul> <li><p>A capacitive moisture sensor<br/> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SYBSHGX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SYBSHGX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1</a></p> </li> <li><p>A battery holder<br/> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C5FZETO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C5FZETO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1</a></p> </li> <li><p>A rechargeable battery<br/> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010ABNW5S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010ABNW5S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1</a></p> </li> <li><p>A battery charger board<br/> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071RG4YWM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071RG4YWM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1</a></p> </li> </ul> <p>and if you choose to do the solar charger version, you'll need the solar panel<br/> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FGY5VDK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FGY5VDK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1</a></p> <p>plus some wire, solder and a few tools. You'll also need the Arduino development environment and some fluency with its use.</p> <p>This article on putting the arduino into deep sleep will help to preserve battery consumption: <a href="https://randomnerdtutorials.com/esp8266-deep-sleep-with-arduino-ide/">https://randomnerdtutorials.com/esp8266-deep-sleep-with-arduino-ide/</a></p> <p>One assembly note: The posts in the lid are intended to hold the boards in place. It snaps into place with a firm, but satisfying click. You'll need a screwdriver or other skinny thing to pry the lid back off.</p>