Propose a final project masterpiece that integrates the range of units covered,
answering:
Your project should incorporate 2D and 3D design,
additive and subtractive fabrication processes,
electronics design and production,
embedded microcontroller interfacing and programming,
system integration and packaging,
Where possible, you should make rather than buy the parts of your project.
Projects can be separate or joint, but need to show individual mastery of the skills, and be independently operable.
Hydroponics/Aeroponics systems have brought somewhat of an ease to all the hard work that comes with agriculture yet depending on the expanse of a system or farm it still demands some time and effort. These systems require water testing and monitoring, fertilizer measuring and testing, etc. From my own experience, an issue I encountered was if there is a leak in the reservoir, the water can be drained leaving the plants all dried up if unnoticed over a period of time. My initial idea for the system was to switch to an alternate water source should the main reservoir run too low. I came up with a solution to this by using a media (cocpeat and vermiculite) in my plant holders. This was a partial solution since some of my plants I placed in nft runs which I didnt use a media. So I still needed to include a system that can monitor or respond to water levels.
The Terrepon-X controller will be able to detect when the water level runs low and can be viewed on an OLED display. It will also add fertilizer solution to the reservoir. If the water runs below a certain level, the reservoir will be refilled by an external water source and fertilizer will be added. The water will be able to flow to the plants when the reservoir is filled.
I came up with the idea for this project based on experience with my own Hydroponic system. I have done some research trying to find someone who did similiar projects but I didn't find anyone in the Fab Academy with a system that adds fertilizer. I did however found a farmer on youtube known as the "Mad Scientist" with a more advanced system to my idea. This system I found gave me the push to realise it can be done.
I will design the entire control unit which includes the microcontroller board, the housing case and the sensor probe. I will also design the frame structure that will support the reservoir and plants as well as the nft run for the plants as well as the reservoir intake system.
The plumbing materials, submersible pumps and storage container will be purchased at a local hardware. The remaining materials and components will be purchased online from Amazon and Digikey.
I intend to make all the parts of this project except for the reservoir.
No major questions at this point.
The system will be evaluated based on three spirals: