Upcycle It - Washing Machine Hydroponic Grower - #1 Introduction

28 Mar 2017

Brent Papesh bpapesh and I will be working on this project.

We will use an old front load washing machine to be used as the main assembly of the rotary hydroponic system controlled by the Intel Edison Kit for Arduino

Steps to adapt the washing machine:

- The washing machine drum will be adapted to hold the growing medium;
- A mounting for the light source will be fit in the centre of the drum;
- Provision for water pump, fans and sensors;
- Motor and drum turning mechanism will be preserved.

Items monitored and actuated by the Intel Edison

- Nutrient solution
  - Electrical conductivity;
  - Acidity (PH);
  - Level of solution in the tank.

- Ambience
  - Light intensity;
  - Relative humidity;
  - Temperature;
  - Plant growing medium moisture;
  - Drum RPM.

- Energy Consumption

- Controlled Outputs
  - Water Pump;
  - Air Pump;
  - Drum Motor;
  - Lights;
  - Fan.

Intel Edison also will also be connected to the network through WiFi, allowing remote control, monitoring status through a dashboard, getting data in the cloud and sending alert messages.

Top Comments

Parents

Workshopshed over 8 years ago

What kind of sensor do you use for pH?
- Cancel
- Vote Up 0 Vote Down
- Sign in to reply
- More
- Cancel
nandohila over 8 years ago in reply to Workshopshed

Hi Andy,

I was initially planning on using a Gravity - Analog pH Sensor / Meter Pro Kit For Arduino - https://www.dfrobot.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=1110&search=ph&description=true
This sensor apparently can stay submerged for long periods. However, it is a bit expensive so I am thinking to use a cheaper option. Cheaper sensors will not last long if constantly submerged so I may need to divert a bit of the water through the sensor only to get the value every hour or so.
- Cancel
- Vote Up +2 Vote Down
- Sign in to reply
- More
- Cancel

Comment

nandohila over 8 years ago in reply to Workshopshed

Hi Andy,

I was initially planning on using a Gravity - Analog pH Sensor / Meter Pro Kit For Arduino - https://www.dfrobot.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=1110&search=ph&description=true
This sensor apparently can stay submerged for long periods. However, it is a bit expensive so I am thinking to use a cheaper option. Cheaper sensors will not last long if constantly submerged so I may need to divert a bit of the water through the sensor only to get the value every hour or so.
- Cancel
- Vote Up +2 Vote Down
- Sign in to reply
- More
- Cancel

Children

mcb1 over 8 years ago in reply to nandohila

I'd purchase that one.
Most of the others I've seen are far more expensive.

The sensor needs to be wet all the time, but you can put it in neutral solution.

Mark
- Cancel
- Vote Up 0 Vote Down
- Sign in to reply
- More
- Cancel
nandohila over 8 years ago in reply to mcb1

I was thinking about running a water system for the probe where I could inject the sample and after getting the value flushing with neutral solution. It would be fun if a calibration cycle could be implemented as well but I don't know if I want go that far...
- Cancel
- Vote Up +2 Vote Down
- Sign in to reply
- More
- Cancel
mcb1 over 8 years ago in reply to nandohila

For our version I looked at having a container that the PH probe was immersed in all the time.
When we wanted to measure, the content would be replaced with the fluid to be measured, and when complete flush it out with fresh water.

Never did get past thinking about it ....

Mark
- Cancel
- Vote Up +1 Vote Down
- Sign in to reply
- More
- Cancel