Michal and I met today to set tasks for the next couple of weeks. Here are some notes:1. we're not going to bother with the piano bed. We pushed it to one side for now, which is much nicer!2. Michal and I nailed down the requirements for the electronics. Some notes:
- 5 wires per 'branch': {3.3V, Grnd, LED PWM, Sensor1, Sensor2} – we're leaving room to add extra sensors
- 1 extra branch for the temperature and humidity sensor: {5V, Grnd, Humidity, Temperature} – I think we can use the 5V out on the Seeeduino even when its in 3v3 mode. Check this!
- temperature and humidity sensor runs at 5V, so the output will need to be stepped down to 3V3 for the ADC's.
- Potentiometers will be wired in series with the LED's (no need for extra sensor inputs)
- Jane will lend a Darlington array for controlling solenoid valves. Probably needs diodes+capacitors for kickback – check solenoid circuits online or ask Martin/Elio. (These will require its own power source, 12V! – Jane/Michal, please check whether the 3V3 voltage regulator in the Seeeduino mega can handle a 12V power supply, otherwise you might need to install a beefy voltage regulator in the box for feeding the 3V3 stuff.)
- A separate 8-channel LED driver needs to be purchased for the LED's. The Seeeduino Mega has 15 PWM outputs.
- 8 channels available for soil senors. 2 channels for temperature/humidity sensor. That leaves 6 leftover for LDRs or whatever else.
3. Michal and Jane will work together on the electronics.4. Michal will build two window boxes, aprox. 10" deep, 54" long, 11" wide. (Laura, is 10" deep enough? Want deeper?) – we can use these to grow beans up the windows again!5. Michal will spruce up the 'valve stands' by drilling holes through the bamboo.Thanks Michal! – see you on Wednesday Jane,Morgan
