FlowerPot Monitor

Arduino Web Editor

SparkFun Soil Moisture Sensor (with Screw Terminals)

LED (generic)

DHT11 Temperature & Humidity Sensor (4 pins)

9 Volts Battery Box

433Mhz RF transmitter

Jumper wires (generic)

Resistor 221 ohm

16x2 LCD display with I²C interface

433Mhz RF Transmitter

Arduino Uno Rev3

9 Volts Battery

<h3 >Overview</h3>It is great to grow a flower, watch it bloom and let its beauty inspire you. But not if you forget to water it, and the next think you know, it died out. Taking care of a flower can be challenging, everyone has many things on their heads and the last thing you have time for is asking yourself if you watered your plant.FlowerPot Monitor monitors your plant's environment and notifies you on the plant's condition wirelessly, so you can know in an instance if your plant needs attention. This way, your plant will always be safe.<figure><img src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/20bbe369-4a72-4342-8f02-92dfee1f9e19.JPG /><figcaption>FlowerPot Monitor</figcaption></figure>FlowerPot consists of two parts; the transmitter and receiver. The transmitter collects the readings and then transmits them to the receiver.<h3 >Functionality</h3>FlowerPot will continuously monitor the environment that the plant is placed in, indoor or outdoor. The device will monitor; <ul ><li >Soil Moisture</li></ul><ul ><li >Atmosphere Humidity</li></ul><ul ><li >Atmosphere Temperature</li></ul>After the transmitter (Arduino Uno reading and transmitting values) stores all the sensor readings, it sends them to the receiver (Arduino Uno receiving values and displaying them) via RF (Radio Frequency) where the data is displayed on an LCD. This is the code overview:<div id="gallery"><img id="gallery" src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/64711242-8abf-4a43-8007-5ac58e6a2545.png /><figcaption>Transmitter Code</figcaption><img id="gallery" src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/2ee8ac7b-f7b6-4035-98ac-51d2ddb32182.png /><figcaption>Receiver Code</figcaption></div>The transmitter must pack all the three <code >int</code> (integer) variables into a <code >unit8_t</code> variable and then send the data over RF communication to another Arduino Uno equipped with a receiver. Here is a diagram displaying this process.<figure><img src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/db259c32-ef46-4f33-9490-3b99eefd10ee.png /><figcaption>Transmitting Protocol</figcaption></figure>When the data is received, the receiver must process the data and convert it back into the three variables that were sent.<figure><img src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/3768c28c-a854-4ce3-a5e9-8ce5bd029ec3.png /><figcaption>Package Configuration</figcaption></figure>Both devices work on batteries, the receiver can be 20 or less meters away from the transmitter (provided nothing is blocking the path of the devices eg. doors) so you can monitor your plant from anywhere in your house. These are some pictures taken when watering the plant.<div id="gallery"><img id="gallery" src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/7ea8aca5-9909-4ec8-82fe-194d41e267a8.JPG /><figcaption>Before Watering</figcaption><img id="gallery" src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/a47e8063-63ec-42cb-b75a-8ba32c503824.JPG /><figcaption>After Watering</figcaption></div><h3 >Benefits</h3><ul ><li >Acknowledge your plant's current condition</li></ul><ul ><li >Acknowledge the plant's environmental conditions</li></ul><h3 >Constructing the Project</h3>Step 1: Required ApparatusThis project requires two circuits; one for the transmitter and one for the receiver.For Receiver<ul ><li >jumper wires</li></ul><ul ><li >1, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/433Mhz-transmitter-receiver-Arduino-project/dp/B00E9OGFLQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1512925911&sr=8-3&keywords=arduino+rf+transmitter">433Mhz RF receiver</a></li></ul><ul ><li >1, resistor (220Ω)</li></ul><ul ><li >1, LED</li></ul><ul ><li >1, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/UMTMedia%C2%AE-Backlight-Arduino-MEGA2560-letters/dp/B00VBIO1SW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1512928022&sr=8-2&keywords=arduino+i2c+16x2+lcd">I2C (16x2) LCD</a></li></ul><ul ><li >1, 9v Battery</li></ul><ul ><li >1, 9v Battery Holder</li></ul>For Transmitter<ul ><li >jumper wires</li></ul><ul ><li >1, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/433Mhz-transmitter-receiver-Arduino-project/dp/B00E9OGFLQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1512925911&sr=8-3&keywords=arduino+rf+transmitter">433Mhz RF transmitter</a></li></ul><ul ><li >1, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/BESTIM-INCUK-Temperature-Relative-Humidity/dp/B00NTXJSBC/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1512926018&sr=1-1&keywords=arduino+DHT11+temperature+and+humidity+sensor">DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor</a></li></ul><ul ><li >1, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/HALJIA-Hygrometer-Detection-Moisture-Automatic/dp/B06WLHM15C/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1512926045&sr=1-4&keywords=arduino+Soil+Moisture+Sensor">Soil Moisture Sensor</a></li></ul><ul ><li >1, 9v Battery</li></ul><ul ><li >1, 9v Battery Holder</li></ul><div id="gallery"><img id="gallery" src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/30e9c2e4-90c1-48d3-b71e-048000f6f6dd.JPG /><figcaption>Receiver Components</figcaption><img id="gallery" src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/54ca07c6-930f-46fd-8e2e-519cad4fa2ad.JPG /><figcaption>Transmitter Components</figcaption></div>Step 2: Connecting the CircuitNow we have to connect all the components together, I used a breadboard for both circuits (transmitter and receiver). For the receiver I used a Genuino Uno and the breadboard I received with the Genuino starter kit a while ago because it was fairly compact.<figure><img src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/cb1d6eb7-6119-4f67-ac65-176ad39c16c3.png /><figcaption>receiver schematics</figcaption></figure><figure><img src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/71cc216c-f928-4416-834d-820b7d462c8d.png /><figcaption>transmitter Schematics</figcaption></figure>Step 3: Acknowledging the CodeThis project consists of two different sketches; one for the receiver and the other for the transmitter. Both sketches consist of many functions, these are explained below.<ul ><li >Read Values (receiver)</li></ul><pre ><code >void readValues() { uint8_t buf[VW_MAX_MESSAGE_LEN]; // create buffer where the data is received uint8_t buflen = VW_MAX_MESSAGE_LEN; if (vw_get_message(buf, &amp;buflen)) // if we receive a message { for (int i = 0; i &lt; buflen; i++) { data[i] = buf[i]; // store message } if(buflen == 4) { temperature = data[1]; // store temperature humidity = data[2]; // store humidity soilMoisture = data[3]; // store soil moisture } } } </code></pre>This loop will read the unit8_t variable that the transmitter sends and converts it into three variables: temperature, humidity and soil moisture.<ul ><li >Display Temp, Hum and Display Soil Moisture (receive)</li></ul><pre ><code >void displayTempAndHum() { lcd.setCursor(0,1); lcd.print(&#34;Temp &#34;); lcd.setCursor(5,1); lcd.print(temperature); lcd.setCursor(7,1); lcd.print(&#34;C&#34;); lcd.setCursor(9,1); lcd.print(&#34;Hum &#34;); lcd.setCursor(13,1); lcd.print(humidity); lcd.setCursor(15,1); lcd.print(&#34;%&#34;); } void displaySoilMoisture() { lcd.setCursor(1,0); lcd.print(&#34;Soil Moist &#34;); lcd.setCursor(12,0); lcd.print(soilMoisture); lcd.setCursor(14,0); lcd.print(&#34;%&#34;); } </code></pre>These loops display the received and processed data on the LCD, the plant's soil moisture is displayed as a percentage (100 being fully liquid) as well as the plant's environment temperature and humidity.<ul ><li >Read Temp and Hum and Read Soil Moisture (transmitter)</li></ul><pre ><code >void readTempAndHum() { chk = DHT.read11(11); temperature = DHT.temperature; humidity = DHT.humidity; } void readSoilMoisture() { int sensorValue = analogRead(A0); // read the raw value soilMoisture = map(sensorValue,550,0,0,100); // map the received value } </code></pre>The transmitter will firstly read the values from the DHT11 temp and Hum sensor and the Soil Moisture sensor.<ul ><li >Send Data (transmitter)</li></ul><pre ><code >// Send these values valueToSend[1] = temperature; // send temperature valueToSend[2] = humidity; // send humidity valueToSend[3] = soilMoisture; // send soil moisture valueToSend[4] = 0; // this data does not represent anything vw_send((uint8_t *) valueToSend, 4); // send the message vw_wait_tx(); // Wait until the message is sent </code></pre>This piece of code is part of the void loop, after the transmitter reads the values from the sensors, the micro controller packs all the data into a unit8_t variable and sends it via RF communication to the receiver. <code >valueToSend[4]</code> represents <code >'0'</code> because a timeout usually occurs with the last value and the receiver does not receive it.LibrariesvirtualWire - copyright (c) 2018 Mike McCauley GNU General Public Licence this library is in the public domainwire - copyright (c) 2006 Nicholas Zambetti GNU Lesser General Public Licence this library is in the public domainDHT - Author Rob Tillaart this library is in the public domainliquidCrystal_I2C - author DFROBOT, posted on GitHub by fdebrabanderSetupEnsure that the circuits are correctly wired, connect both devices (transmitter and Receiver) to a computer and upload the code below. Make sure that you upload the receiver code to the receiver board, if you have plugged both micro controllers to the computer via separate ports then change the usb port on your computer to the other board and upload the transmitter sketch. Now you are all set!FinalI have designed an enclosure for the receiver board out of cardboard, I decided that the transmitter does not need a cover as I do not mind some wiring beside my window. It is very easy to make this enclosure.<ul ><li >Step 1: Required Apparatus</li></ul>All you need for this enclosure is a scissors, some tape and a piece of thin cardboard, approximately 200mm by 180mm.<ul ><li >Step 2: Shaping the Parts</li></ul>Fallowing the diagram below, shape the piece of cardboard into smaller pieces using a scissors or guillotine.<figure><img src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/0bed83ce-21a2-4c38-bedf-5f5656d1629d.JPG /><figcaption>The parts cut out</figcaption></figure>bottom piece<div id="gallery"><img id="gallery" src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/1b8ad5c7-6389-4d98-9b5e-a4cb422e568e.JPG /><figcaption>Photograph</figcaption><img id="gallery" src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/640a3e7e-4581-4d79-bda2-33af6fcb4354.png /><figcaption>Schematics</figcaption></div>right cover<div id="gallery"><img id="gallery" src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/1e327119-1e1b-464d-81a2-3da6d0acffec.JPG /><figcaption>Photograph</figcaption><img id="gallery" src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/052167be-5e7f-485e-9bd7-1a2413510e32.png /><figcaption>Schematics</figcaption></div>left cover<div id="gallery"><img id="gallery" src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/a115b709-93c6-4f85-9080-33cd2195aabc.JPG /><figcaption>Photograph</figcaption><img id="gallery" src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/a008b144-d3ea-42cf-8c4f-35ce2e53626c.png /><figcaption>Schematics</figcaption></div>extras<div id="gallery"><img id="gallery" src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/d8020dcc-cb8e-46d9-aef1-f83bea22615c.JPG /><figcaption>Photograph</figcaption><img id="gallery" src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/93c34450-3cba-4218-bb24-844ed1274d0f.png /><figcaption>Schematics</figcaption></div><ul ><li >Step 3: Cut top For Screen</li></ul>The top cover is divided into two pars, with a gap in the centre to reveal a glimpse of the inside and the LED. This makes the device look cool. The screen also has to be seen, so we need to cut a spacing on both cover pieces for the screen. Measure the screen and do the calculations.<div id="gallery"><img id="gallery" src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/3d7839a3-f67c-4c13-b761-2ad7401fc23a.JPG /><figcaption>Measured</figcaption><img id="gallery" src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/9ecff69f-8045-4285-be4f-6b2d36094afa.JPG /><figcaption>Cut</figcaption></div><ul ><li >Step 4: Putting it Together</li></ul>Now it is time to put all the parts together, firstly glue the Arduino Uno and breadboard to the bottom piece.<figure><img src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/0b0e9df1-d2fe-4d01-ae71-3e8feca233ad.JPG /><figcaption>It is Glued</figcaption></figure>Next we will place the cover on top, ensure to cut a hole for the power input on the Arduino Uno. Glue the larger cover piece on the right and the smaller on the left, ensure that the LED is in the gap between.<figure><img src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/4cf5ffec-ad60-40b0-af2f-cf18421e14fe.JPG /><figcaption>Cover Placed</figcaption></figure>Now the project is done! Here are some images with the completed device:<ul ><li >Transmitter</li></ul><figure><img src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/dabd5e1e-8afb-493f-962c-307de2bdfbf0.JPG /><figcaption>transmitter</figcaption></figure><ul ><li >Receiver</li></ul><figure><img src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/f4d76a32-9d58-4cfa-b576-5e6edb2256e7.JPG /><figcaption>Receiver</figcaption></figure><ul ><li >Overview</li></ul><figure><img src=https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/98edbe4d-dbd9-4add-8471-4e931a4773d1.jpg /><figcaption>FlowerPot Monitor</figcaption></figure><h3 >Background</h3>My Mum and Grand Mum like taking care of flowers, but they sometimes forget to water them and they die, and then all the work and care vanishes. To prevent those sad moments from occurring, I created this device, which will help them in their gardening.

FlowerPot Monitor

Monitor your precious plant wirelessly with FlowerPot monitor.