Automated Watering System

Automatic Plant Watering System with Adjustable Timing and Drying Cycles

Project Overview

This was another personal interest project. This project stemmed from my interest in circuit design, and my desire to learn how to solder. After being inspired by the death of one of my two plants, I decided that an auto-watering system would be a solid project that would push me to try things that I was unfamiliar with. After looking into designs that were readily available online, I noticed a common problem amongst them. Nearly all the designs I came across were a simple circuit that would essentially keep a soil moisture sensor at a set reading. However (though you wouldn't think it from the state of my plants at the time), I knew that keeping a constant soil moisture would end up killing a plant, as they need dry periods to oxygenate the soil, and allow the soil's ecosystem to stay healthy. So my plan was to build a system that would allow for moisture fluctuations, and could be tunable for a specific plant's needs. I also wanted indicator lights that would tell me the system and plant status without needing to connect the Arduino to a computer.

Circuit Simulation

For the initial design, I used flux.ai's simulation software to plan the circuitry and layout. 

Protoboard and Soldering

After coming up with a finalized design, I first laid out the components on a breadboard and wrote the code for the Arduino, then transferred everything to a protoboard and soldered everything together.

Assembly

After getting everything soldered together, I then soldered the peristaltic pump to the JST connectors, the reservoir was connected, and the board was assembled.

Testing

Once everything was setup, I was able to test the board and ensure functionality. After the testing phase, I ended up moving the setup to a more permanent container which housed the electronics and pump underneath a planter, but I unfortunately didn't take any photos before moving and disassembling everything.

Experience and Responsibilities