Here is a quick project that I did to control lighting for our seedlings. I wanted something that could be controlled via MQTT and then managed in Thingsboard. On this initial prototype, I am using Adafruit’s IOT http://io.adafruit.com. It works pretty well, but is limited in some of the features that I want (like scheduling events on a timed basis).
The components of the project are:
- NodeMCU ESP8266 module. I am developing in c++
- Visual Micro plugin for Visual Studio. Much easier for debugging and features than just the straight Arduino IDE
- IOT Relay (See on Amazon): This is an enclosed relay for both AC and DC switching. And it has a simple port that allows you to control from a microcontroller.
NOTE: I have sample code below the video. Continue Reading →
OK, this isn’t a normal Catalina post about programming and how to integrate things. This is one of our side projects in gardening. One of the things that we are very passionate about is local farming and trying to figure out how to create economical farming that produces high nutritional value food, reduce water usage (we are in Southern California), and get food to people who need it.
I used Sketchup to design a simple rain gutter garden (Inspired by Larry Hall and the great folks at the Rain Gutter Grow System Page on Facebook Link to Group Page)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=er5iDGn3OIo]
If you want the file I did to create this model, you can download it here: Link for Sketchup file for rain gutter garden
If you don’t know what Sketchup is, you should. It is a great 3D tool that helps you design and explain ideas and designs to others with a simple to use interface. You can see more here Sketchup Website.
Here is the actual system in action:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXAdNOYUuuA]
