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Developing Sunflower: Tekst
21/06/2021 -Â Â 23/06/2021
Developing Sunflower: Tekst
Hi!
These last few days have been what can be summarised as; one step forwards two steps back.
As what was written in the last blogpost we've had problems regarding the pumping system and the Arduino code. Both have finally been solved but did take longer than we had hoped.
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The problem with the unread code was caused by the ESP-32 board being overwhelmed by using to many ACD2 ports which causes the 'WIFI' to "lock" specific pins from being in use. In our case it happened when we introduced the voltmeter code to the main script and the LED pin not working suddenly, when implementing a time interval from NodeRed. These were solved by changing a few pins around to ensure that only analog ports that require wifi to function are connected, and using the GI36 pin for the voltmeter.
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The problem regarding the water pumps were originally caused by the pumps not stopping the waterflow when they're not turned on. This was a big problem as the plants have to be watered max every 20 min, and having a constant flow of water would risk drowning the plants and therefore go against the purpose of the product.
To solve this we've looked at many different solutions and built many different prototypes using different combinations of valves and pipe connections, to see which work. This has been very time consuming and a process filled with trial and error.
We ended up implementing push fittings with a valve from Heinz ketchup bottle. These work well, but it is hard to to get the right level of tightness, as if they are too loose they are not watertight, but to tight and the pressure needed for the pumps to build up is to high.
To eliminate the whole problem new and better pumps can be implemented that have a closing function when they´re not in use. A future work possibility is to rely on the water pressure from the tank to supply the waterflow, and introduce electric valves that open for the flow.
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We've also looked into stabilising the solar panel, making it easier for it to move upwards, as we have encountered problems with the servo motors not being strong enough to hold it up for a longer period of time and burning up due to the weight. This is solved by using elastics to help the gizmo hold it up. The elastics are loose enough to not compromise the moving ability of the solar panel.
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On the app front everything works as well as we can make it, with the time slot that we have had. There is a small delay from choosing a function in the app and Arduino executing it. We have not been able to completely eliminate it, but we have reduced it as much as we can.
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The final assembly was one of the last things we did before the beginning of the video.
One part of the assembly that isn't a part of the design, which is also very noticeable, are the two white hinges that have been added as a precaution and as an exclusive feature for the exam to be able to see the wire setup.
To summarise these past few days; It has been tough. From what you probably can tell from what has been written above, not everything has worked as they should've and we have had many technical problems that were not an obvious fix. But fixing the problems that caused so many headaches has been very rewarding and we've learn a lot; Who knew wifi locking was a thing?!
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We'll see you to the presentation!
- Occultistinvasive xx
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Developing Sunflower: Tekst
19/06/2021 & 20/06/2021
Developing Sunflower: Tekst
Developing Sunflower: Billede
Hi!
The weekend has been very exciting and full of work.
The focus was to be done with the final prototype and code.
Saturday we worked waterproofing the case, design the hygrometer cases and hide the solar power cables away.
Sunday was a combination of continued work from Saturday and work on the voltage system and LED code.
We did encounter some hard problems to solve this weekend. The first problem is the implementation of the voltmeter code in Arduino. The code will work connected to the battery on its own, but when we copy it into the main script it will not work. We still haven't solved this, but we know it will work soon!
The other problem is introducing a stopping valve to the pipes. These need to be watertight, and not press too much on the pipes. This will be solved tomorrow!
See you next time,
- Occultistinvasive xx
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Developing Sunflower: Tekst
SPRINT 2
18/06/2021
GOAL SETTING
For this week the goal is to make the subsystems work all together this includes:
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Electrical circuit
Plantbox case
NodeRED app
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This means creating integrated prototypes to display the whole product, test if the plantbox is waterproof, make fritzing diagrams of the electrical circuit, fill out the BOM and PRD papers, decide where to place the two float switches and lastly divide the app into tabs and make it more manageable.
TASKS AND KEY QUESTIONS TO ANSWER
The questions we asked ourselves for this week were:
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Find the best way for the user to interact with the product verify and check for errors in code and in electrical connections.
Verify the final hydration method chosen in sprint 1, conclude on the placement of the hygrometer.
The key questions we asked ourselves this week were:
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Is it possible to see the amount of sun in the app? How does the user best position the hygrometers? What happens if the internet connection fails? How do we ensure that the plantbox is waterproof? By what percentage should the float swiches be placed?
PROTOTYPING STRATEGIES
As we're wanting to finish our beta prototype this week, were working on full scale physical prototypes of the plantbox and solar panel each with high fidelity, that will combine at the end of the week with the working connection between Arduino and NodeRed.
EVALUATION AND FUTURE WORK
This week had its ups and downs. We ran into several problems regarding the prototypes caused by a combination of human error and a difficult tasks regarding the code. This meant that we've had a couple of set backs and have had to work long days to solve them.
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Overall we did end the week successfully with Sunflower working!
For the next sprint we will focus on the hand ins and the video. See you next week!
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Developing Sunflower: News
17/06/2021 & 18/06/2021
Developing Sunflower: Tekst
Developing Sunflower: Billede
Hi!
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It is safe to say that it has been two busy days filled with problem solving, innovative work and football:).
We unfortunately short circuit our power supply system, by accidentally switching a power and ground connection. Most of the electronic components were okay and it only effected the ESP32 board, the relays and the humidity sensors. Luckily we have extras, but we do need to buy three new humidity sensors. At first we did not know which components or wires had gone, which meant testing every single component separately and that was very time consuming. But now its working again!
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The short circuit put us a couple of days back as we can't test if every system is working or not without the power supply circuit. We took this as an opportunity to do more administrative work that needed to be done.
We've also continued working on our prototypes and have 3d printed new watering pots for the herbs which have been spray painted. The water tank was tested to see if it was watertight, which is extremely important as no water is allowed near the electric components.
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We assembled the solar panel prototype and looked into ways of hiding the cables without compromising its ability to move. After we resolved the problems that came from the short circuit, we began testing of the communication from the app to the arduino.
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We have a couple of busy days ahead of us, but now we will celebrate that it is Friday;)
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Have a good weekend!
We'll see you tomorrow!
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- Occultistinvasive xx
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Developing Sunflower: Tekst
Developing Sunflower: Pro Gallery
16/06/2021
Developing Sunflower: Tekst
Developing Sunflower: Billede
Hi!
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Today has been a laborious day. We have worked a lot on small subsystems to improve them and as they have been relatively small they haven't given us big results.
We worked on:
In NodeRed
Setting a time integer to Arduino code
Fixing the weather forecast
The problems we had with the headers
Adding a picture of the explaining of watering lavelse created in illustrator to app
Physical prototyping
3D print of base for the solar panel in which the breadboards and Arduino board will lie
Connecting said base to stand and minimising the wiring to save space
Pointing the watertank/shell for another layer to make sure it is watertight
3d printed slide in add ons for the electric circuit for the battery and better its set up
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See you tomorrow!
- Occultistinvasive xx
Developing Sunflower: Tekst
Developing Sunflower: Pro Gallery
15/06/2021
Developing Sunflower: Tekst
Developing Sunflower: Billede
Hi!
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Today was an absolute success! Everything just worked beautifully and today is probably the most efficient day by far! We finished several functions in the app that we have had difficulties solving. This includes:
Adding plants in NodeRed and only submitting added plants when a watering setting has been chosen (High - Medium - Low)
Making the Gauge update its numbers based on the selected watering setting.
Deleted the time interval
Make the system submit when passing a button
Setup code for the UV light with time connected with Arduino
On the physical prototyping side we actually managed to assemble the final shell of the product. To do this we lasercut the plantbox case in acryllic and glued the shell together. This means we are ready to point(ing) the shell tomorrow to make sure it's watertight.
The connection to the UV-light and arduino setup will be further worked on tomorrow and connected to NodeRed (knock on wood).
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See you tomorrow!
-Occultistinvasive xx
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Developing Sunflower: Tekst
Developing Sunflower: Pro Gallery
14/06/2021
Developing Sunflower: Tekst
Hi!
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Today we finished:
Laser cut plantbox drawing
Made sprint 2 goals
3D drawing of foot of solar panel
Blogpost ending sprint 1
Test bottom up prototype again (New timing)
Mock up of the planbox in cardbox.
Continued working on:
NodeRed code to make plant humidity work with user input of plants
UV-light working in NodeRed
Solar panel P4.2
Set the correct time zones in app
Furthermore we had our second design brief with group 5, who also working on a smart watering system for plants. Even though our concepts are similar at first glance, the way they work is pretty different. ​It was nice to discuss our work and theirs as it gave an insight as to how the somewhat similar elements were solved by two very different ways.
A somewhat negative experience was how our solarpanel prototype stopped working unexpectedly as we were about to leave for the day. This will be solved first thing tomorrow. Looking past that we are looking forward to tomorrow and hope we will have another great day with several achievements!
See you then :)
- Occultisinvasive xx
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Developing Sunflower: Tekst
Developing Sunflower: Pro Gallery
SPRINT 1
11/06/2021
SPRINT GOALS
Starting of this week we set up Sprint 1. Our goals for this week was to make the sub-systems work satisfactory individually and at the end of the week begin collecting the components.
The following subsystems include:
Power supply (make the electrical setup work - including 12v to 5v system).
Soil hydration (pump, floatswitch and hygrometer).
UV light with light sensor.
TASKS AND KEY QUESTIONS TO ANSWER
Tasks
Updating function means tree.
Find the most effective way to hydrate the soil (bottom up and top down approaches).
Test the power supply.
Verify the sensitivity of the solar panel.
Set up NodeRed app and make it work with different prototypes. ​
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Key Questions
Are we able to handle all relevant soil types?
What is the optimal placement of the hygrometer?
What is the most optimal way to water the plants?
How do we get the solar panel to move as smoothly and stable as possible?
How de we make it as compact as possible? Regarding the design and hardware.
PROTOTYPING STRATEGIES
Our prototyping strategies consists of:
Full scale prototypes of sub-functions.
Prototypes of low-medium fidelity.
Physical prototypes of the sub-functions.
Running the initial prototypes as parallel concepts.
EVALUATION AND FUTURE WORK
This weeks sprint was mostly successful. We were able to achieve our goals, but to different levels of finishes. The soil hydration pump system is almost done and ready to be implemented in the designs, whereas the power supply has been met with several technical difficulties and errors as our boards and wires have been burnt off setting our work on this subsystem back by a day or two.
For future work we will look at combining the systems, make them work and finish our final prototype.
Developing Sunflower: News
10/06/2021
Developing Sunflower: Tekst
Hi!
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Today was a little bit different than the others we have had until now in the three week period. Today we looked at further iterations on the solar panel prototype and combined and built a fully functional power source which is connected via a mcu-board. On the programming front, we programmed each plant to have their individual water need based on the research we did yesterday. This is now connected to the gauge. And for tomorrow we will try and make it possible for the system to remember a custom new plant and the water need that the user will choose for it.
The power source setup is built, it did create some problems as the connected mcu board does not work. This was solved by borrowing another board from another group temporarily until we have bought one ourselves.
We also started sketching design ideas for the solarpanel stand
All in all we have made some progress today but not as much as we have hoped, so tomorrow will be a busy day.
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See you tomorrow!
- Occultistinvasive xx
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Developing Sunflower: Tekst
Developing Sunflower: Pro Gallery
09/06/2021
Developing Sunflower: Tekst
Hi!
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Today was another eventful day, where we:
Assembled the powersource and connected it to the waterpump system.
Set up the hardware for 3 waterpumps to begin testing the code for each watering system.
Researched the 10 most common kitchen herbs for their optimal living conditions
Set up choosing plants in Node Red and being able to type in a new unknown plant (for the system), log in its data, and then remember it for future use.
We did set a goal yesterday of fixing our solar panel prototype and setup a new version, but this did not happen, as the fixing of the prototype took longer than we originally expected.
Tomorrow we have another fun day ahead of us. See you then!
- Occultistinvasive xx
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Developing Sunflower: Tekst
Developing Sunflower: Pro Gallery
08/06/2021
Developing Sunflower: Tekst
Developing Sunflower: Billede
Hi!
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Today has been exponentially better than yesterday, we have been very productive (Which may have something to do with us getting an hour more of sleep, and having a snack buffet;) ). We started the day off by having a group meeting where we made a to-do-list and delegated the different tasks.
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During which we solved the problems we had with the water pump prototype, which was solved by adding a Relay to the mcu board and by making changes to the wiring, and now it works! After which we began to connect the prototype to Node Red where the connection to the float switch, and humidity sensor was made and is displayed correctly in the app. This is only connected to one plant, but we are optimistic about the implementation of being able to make it work for two more.
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But today has not only been smooth. Our new prototype of the solar panel has been challenging, as a combination of loose connections between wires and the breadboard created several problems and were difficult to identify. This was solved by soldering the problematic wires together and making the circuit from scratch again.
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We tested the up-down watering system, which worked well. Because of its big design and not being happy about the idea of the user having to put the hygrometer down in the pot themselves. We decided to modify the bottom-up watering system - physically and in code, to where there is a delay of an hour that will hopefully ensure that the water has a chance of being absorbed. This will be tested tomorrow and after which a final decision will be made about how the watering system will work. - Fingers crossed!
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Sketches of different designs were made as well.
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The most exciting news of today is: We officially have a logo! We are very excited about finally publishing it, as it has been in the workings for a long time.
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Tomorrow will be an exciting day!
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- Occultistinvasive xx
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Developing Sunflower: Tekst
Developing Sunflower: Pro Gallery
07/06/2021
Developing Sunflower: Tekst
Developing Sunflower: Billede
Hi!
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To start the week of well we met early, and began to prototype straight away. We split up into small groups where we:
Looked at a new setup for the solar panel, which will better its movement upwards.
Made and tested a new watering prototype with the implementation of a float switch.
Connected said prototype to Node Red.
Looked at the possibility of measuring sunlight with a code - How, Why and Does it make sense?
Set up a weather forecast in Node Red
Drew new CAD drawings of the product and new prototypes.
Furthermore we had our first design review which went well. The feedback from this was overall positive, but we were told to focus more on our prototype mapping, and make sure it is updated for each prototype.
Today has been a bit hectic. Some things have gone very well and some haven't as the coding has been giving us trouble. But even though we have been met with some difficulties today, we are ready for tomorrow to start again with the same level of enthusiasm as always.
See you tomorrow!
- Occultistinvasive xx
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Developing Sunflower: Tekst
Developing Sunflower: Pro Gallery
04/06/2021
Developing Sunflower: Tekst
Hi!
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Today we started the further development of Sunflower. To start this exciting process we made a timeline of the project with all its fascinating upcoming milestones. We laid out the different prototype and management strategies that will be used during the process. This helped us to organise and structure the project.
An updated version of the function-mean tree was made. Hereafter we began building and testing two of our prototypes that have an essential function for the product namely, the moving solar panel and watering system.
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The prototype of the moving solar panel that was made today, was an iteration of the existing prototype with the addition of a functioning solar panel. This was made to test if the solar panel would be able to deliver enough power to the battery. Unfortunately the solar panel that was bought is not capable of this, but we know it can be done with another solar panel of better quality.
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Looking forward to present our first milestone on Monday. See you soon!
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- Occultistinvasive xx
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Developing Sunflower: Tekst
Developing Sunflower: Pro Gallery
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