Electrical Design
System Overview
The system has complete electronic control over plant lights, failsafe for the water pump, as well as automated nutrient and pH adjustment systems.
All high-power components used are CSA-or-equivalent certified, ensuring safety of the system and the user.
Electronics
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2 USB webcams enable real-time monitoring of each plant tray in the system
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High quality EC and pH Sensors ensure stable plant growing conditions
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Several Liquid level sensors enable user notifications and overflow detection
PCB Design
The custom PCB acts as a carrier board for various off-the-shelf breakout boards. It enables noise-free signals, painless testing, and robust interfacing of the liquid level sensors, peristaltic pumps, air & water temperature sensors, and electrical outlets. Standardized connector types are used to guarantee secure connections; connector types are differentiated by their purpose and voltage level, to ensure no mismatch between components and voltage levels occur. The use of breakout boards alleviates the difficulties in procuring discrete Integrated Circuits (ICs) during the ongoing chip shortage.
Schematics
