17. Application and Implication
What will it do?
My final project will create the perfect environment for mushroom growth; regulating heat, moisture, ventilation and light.
Who has done what beforehand?
Open Ecotron , from Fab Lab Barcelona 2017, by Esteban Martín Gimenez
A device capable of generating a range of physical and chemical conditions applied to terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems. Its principle is to confine a biological system (natural or artificial, complex or simplified one) in a enclosure sealed in matter but not in energy, and simultaneously measure and control flows of matter and energy. For this purpose, the enclosures are equiped with many sensors to obtain precise real-time measurements and different actuators to control and modify the enclosure environmental conditions.
H.E.R.M.E.T, from Fab lab Ecostudio 2018, by Mathew Hotsko
A climate controlled chamber for something to be incubated. It has DHT11 Temperature and Humidity and Relay contolled switches for Light and Heat.
Cogus Home , from Fab Lab Aldeias do Xisto 2018, by João Milheiro
A microwatering system for Cogus Kits, a system that gives autonomy to the mushroom growth, considering environment variables (humidity, sunlight, C02, etc.).
What will you design?
I have designed the case, humidifying system and the electronics.
What materials and components will be used?
B.O.M
| Part | Fab inventor y/n | Other Locations | Quantity | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5V heat pad | No | robotshop.com | 1 | €5.75 |
| 5V Fan | Yes | Aliexpress | 1 | €0.34 |
| Water sensor | Yes | Aliexpress | 1 | €1.05 |
| DHT22 | Yes | Aliexpress | 1 | €1 |
| Esp32c3 | Yes | Digikey.nl | 1 | €5.65 |
| Neo pixel LED's | Yes | ledstripkoning.nl | 10 | €2.20 |
| N-type mosfet | Yes | rs-online.nl | 2 | €0.70 |
| Led | Yes | Digikey.nl | 1 | €0.30 |
| Resistor | Yes | Digikey.nl | 6 | €0.30 |
| Capacitor | Yes | Digikey.nl | 1 | €0.60 |
| USBC-Plug | Yes | Digikey.nl | 1 | €2.50 |
| PLA | Yes | ec3d.nl | 1kg | €19.99 |
| Acrylic | Yes | 1m2 | €20 | |
| TOTAL | €60.38 |
Part and Process
| Process | Software | Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics Design | Ki-Cad | N/A |
| CNC Milling PCB | Mods, UGS | Lunyee 3018, Roland modela |
| 3D Printing | Prusa, Cura | Prusa MK3S, Ender 3, SainSmart INFI 20 |
| Laser cutter | Fusion 360, Lightburn | Brm 90130 |
How will it be evaluated?
To be successful my project must do the following:
- Regulate temperature, giving heat when temperature drops below 18 degrees
- Regulate humidity, giving optimal growing conditions of between 75-95% humidity
- Warn user of low water level
- Have a controllable light source
- Circulate air
- Have a user interface, where inside conditions can be read by the user
- Grows mushrooms
Updates
Water indicator
This week I tested the MH-Sensor-Series soil moisture sensor. I was able to use my onboard LED as an indicator for when there was little moisture present. This works well and I think will be sufficient for what i need, i just need to design a holder and make a container for the water.
From testing this water indicator out, I soon realized it was not the ideal component for my project, it started to corrode and you actually some particles falling away in the water due to electrolysis. For that reason I have upgraded to a capacitive soil moisture sensor. I tested it out this week and here ae the results.
Gluing panels
Lighting/Lid
Humidity/Fan
What questions need to be answered?
-
Printing: I still have a few parts to print to replace existing parts tht didn't turn out so well.
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Programming: Now I have controllable outputs on a local web server, can I set up a remote protocol? Next spiral maybe.
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Building: Putting everything together.
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Mycelium: Would be good to have something growing inside before the 13th.