Upcycle It - Washing Machine Hydroponic Grower - #9 Interfacing Edison X Grower

4 Jun 2017

Details of electrical connections for the grow light and water pump

The relays that switch the light and the water pump were enclosed inside a junction box so there are no exposed wires and terminals for this part of the circuit.

The control cables came through the bottom of the box, just next to the Edison Board. The relay block has 4 relays but at this stage, I am using only 2.

The other 2 I will have as spare as I have plans to install an air blower to force air into the drum if it gets too hot or too humid and an air pump to aerate the nutrient.

Edison/Arduino Board & LCD Display

The Edison board was fixed next to the relay "junction" box. The display was mounted in a piece of timber and fixed on the top frame facing the front of the machine. The PH sensor board was mounted on the back of the same mounting.

Temperature/Humidity & Light Sensors

The sensors to monitor the drum temperature, humidity and light intensity were fixed on the light mounting. This is the only spot I could find that will not be on the way of the moving plants or blocking the light.

Stepper Motor/Driver

It was mounted in the frame next to the stepper motor.

PH probe/board

The PH probe was fixed in the dump pipe with a metal clip secured by a cable tie.

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balearicdynamics over 8 years ago

Fernando, I saw the video you posted in replay to my answer about the gravity question and - obviously - I compared this industrial versions with your setup and I should admit that you was really good in your building. Maybe a good recycling project for all.

Enrico
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nandohila over 8 years ago in reply to balearicdynamics

Thank you, Enrico.

I also found that using the washing machine ended up in a very solid and reliable mechanism, probably stronger than the commercial units. The only disadvantage I see is the size as I cannot grow anything taller than 30cm. Anyway, I might look for an industrial washing machine to upgrade it in the future.
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balearicdynamics over 8 years ago in reply to nandohila

The size maybe an issue, especially if you plan to grow palm plants (bu banas are better, duh?)
Seriously, ss far as what i see also the industrial systems are just for an averagr small plants.
Thisbmethos is great for lettuce growing and it is already a great building... I have in mind to do something similar replicating your project in the future. I need a couple of months befote starting but I will do.

BTW... Instead of a only kne jndustrial washing machine why not to occupy a public laundry? It will be very ecological and with great socual impact! LoL

Enrico
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nandohila over 8 years ago in reply to balearicdynamics

Yeah, the size might not be an issue for most of the herbs and salad leaves.
It would be great seeing you replicating this project. I will keep upgrading mine so by the time you start yours I might have more info to share. The idea is to keep this blog alive so I can keep posting improvements and hopefully the havesting results.
I loved the idea to transform a loundrette into a veggies producer. People living in the city would have access to fresh local produced!
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balearicdynamics over 8 years ago in reply to balearicdynamics

Sorry for the typos, I wrote this comment from my mobile
(just to say my English is bad but not so bad!)

Enrico
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balearicdynamics over 8 years ago in reply to balearicdynamics

Sorry for the typos, I wrote this comment from my mobile
(just to say my English is bad but not so bad!)

Enrico
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