Me too- needed a break😊.

Thanks again! It was a great team to work with😊.

Me too. Years later, still finding useful applications. For creative people, it never stops giving 😊. Thanks for the support.

E-bikes are cool 👍

That was my first interaction with ChatGPT- won’t be the last I’m sure.

@@ModestMaker looking forward!

Great question! So, I believe the easiest way to measure rainfall electronically is by counting tips on a tipping bucket rain gage. I have a couple videos that explain how to do this, but the challenge is in that accuracy is questionable during the intense summer monsoons we get here in Tucson, Arizona. Specifically, the tips just can't keep up with the rainfall intensity. This results in under-estimation of rainfall. Another approach is in measuring accumulated rainfall weight to back out rainfall depth That is totally independent of intensity, but it creates other challenges having to do with strain-gages being influence by temperature and having to compensate for the same. I haven't given up on that approach but it's a little tricky given I then have to figure out a way to empty your weighted sample when you are away. It's doable but will take some engineering. Overall, I found the best way to do this is to use a high quality rain gage like the one shown in my video. I purchased my Stratus rain gage from this vendor which helps challenged individuals with job placement: productivemn.org/product/best-rain-gauge/?Search&Google&Rain%20Gauge&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAACVkaB7luX6qvtZiDT-yZxNLpVQv7&gclid=CjwKCAjwqre1BhAqEiwA7g9QhrDiYUV1qc6j6JBJJaLq_NV6-vq_afaFzwUVRjhFQDpbVsn_j_ZM2xoCAq0QAvD_BwE#work .I highly recommend this gage - it's well engineered and very easy to read-- definitely worth a few extra dollars compared to some knockoffs you might find on Amazon.

@@ModestMaker There is a method that I am using for measuring the amount of water in my rain barrels (for wife's garden) and it is very accurate. Waterproof UltraSonic distance sensors. Take a bucket or other container, mount an ultrasonic sensor on the lip of it and connect it to your microprocessor to save your data. Here is the one that I use and it is perfect for a project like this. Here is the part: "HiLetgo 2pcs JSN-SR04T Integrated Ultrasonic Module Distance Measuring Transducer Sensor Waterproof for Arduino" ,I have it hooked to a Pico w. I again use a sampling of the sensors output and I average that to compensate for the micro differences in the measurements . You could take something like a HomeDepot bucket (put a screen over the top) and mount the sensor under the screen and run the Power/Data wires back to your control box. Write a script to monitor and log the data. To take this project one step farther, purchase this electric solenoid Valve (N/C) and create an automatic drain for the bucket. You would 3D print an adapter to mount/glue to the bucket's bottom. Compensate for the m/Liters that would be required to refill the tiny valve cavity. Maybe reset the program when emptied to +xx m/Liters opposed to "0" to compensate for that small amount. You have to be accurate! Amazon "1/2" DC 12V Solenoid Valve N/C Normally Closed Water Inlet Flow Switch" I would use the 1/2' size and no smaller as some particles may somehow get into the bucket. At 00:00:01AM each morning have the script save the 24 hour data and empty the bucket. It can be a lot of work emptying that bucket every time it rains so you need to "Automate". Have a great day!

@@ModestMaker thanks for your answer it is very interest you Videos i learn many from you

This would be relatively easy to do at least up to the solenoid control. For measuring rain, this is a great alternative- I see a new experiment in the pipeline😊. Thanks and stay tuned.

Thanks for shedding additional light on those capacitive soil moisture sensors- great recommendation on sealing the sensor properly which is something I didn't do. In addition to the challenges you shared, I also observe that although they work great for capturing a soil-moisture pulse-- say after a rainfall event-- they don't do well in measuring the drying of soils over time (at least for my soil type). My own tests are summarized in this video with results captured in this queued summary: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6LMqImOncyBgdksi=JcvDKBczEtA584uO&t=665 . Of note, I've observed this insensitivity demonstrated by various models (including Adafruit's STEMMA soil sensor - PID 4026) as well as when installed in formal field conditions. I've also had similar results in commercial potting soils. I'd really like to make these cool little sensors work but haven't figured out how to mitigate that relative insensitivity to soil drying (?).

@@ModestMaker A couple things which I did not mention in my previous post. The unsealed sides of the moisture sensor can act like a wick and draw that moisture inward and unfortunately it may affect the sensor's moisture readings while drying out and cause the readings to be delayed as the core of the sensor may still contain moisture, until it reaches the moisture level of its surrounding soil. Is it possible that the zip lock bag you used (actually any bag) may have altered that actual readings as that bag will also contain moisture, and take time to adjust to its surroundings? Just thinking....

@donaldhoudek2889 that’s a valid point regarding moisture wicking. I will have to revisit. The bag you saw in the video was to protect the microcontroller which I would periodically attach to the sensor for readings so not really a factor. I will have to try these experiments again - will seal and try with the Adafruit sensor which is higher quality. What did you use to seal? Conformal counting?

Me too. Only challenge is changing a flat on the rear wheel, but I suspect that’s typical for most electric bikes.

Thank You. Yes- I understand the potential for error but based on other experiments, the challenges are similar in field conditions independent of being in a column. I am not clear as to the reason- it perhaps may have something to do with soil compacting after wetting. I just find they are not reliable at least for my tested soil type. See 10:40 for field installation.

Van rocks- one of my favorites- does things right. I just started a KZbin channel for his company here if you want to see more Van goodness. youtube.com/@streamdynamics?si=4boLtymvoKw2MFR9

@@ModestMakerthanks subscribed!

😊

De centro a centro, 29 pulgadas.

I weighed everything with a scale. There’s a link to a spreadsheet with calculations in the description of the video.

Actually, the method described in this video is being used in southern Arizona with great success. Over time, the banks will lay back and things will come to a new equilibrium. I highly recommend his book if you’d like further details since only so much can be communicated in 14 minutes😉.

Of course- especially in regards to wind speed and wind direction. There are algorithms to average that data properly as noted in the video.

I am so happy to know people appreciate these beautiful animals in their natural state, or as close to it as possible in an urban environment. It’s a privilege to have my yard visited by Avery’s family and to be able to share these experiences with others. Thank You!

Glad you enjoyed it!

Right? And Jax doesn’t hiss when momma bobcat comes around 🙄.

I will have to try vinegar on fries- learn something new everyday.

Reasonable for $900. It still serves me well ❤️.

Tempted, but the better half of my brain kicks in every time this happens 😂.

Simply because you don’t know how the house cat will actually react to this bobcat kitten and obviously, this bobcat kitten is a wild animal that does have a mother close by… wild animals need to stay wild… the less human interference, the better for the wildlife.

Yes- we try to minimize use of the yard so Avery can raise her kittens in peace. I only share these videos once she has moved out to ensure she isn't disturbed. It’s her yard- we are the visitors👍. This was my meaning in regards to “the better half of my brain”😊.

@@bobbiebonanno3632 Not true my uncle had 2 orphaned bobcats and they got along very well with his cat and dog ❤️

The bobcat kitten is way to young to be away from its mother. It may be illegal in that state to have a bobcat. If you take the kitten in, it's mother might come looking for it. It could be dangerous to try to reunite them. The kitten could be carrying a disease or parasites that could endanger your cat.

Avery, her daughter and all the kittens have sadly moved out after a brief return. Maybe they’ll be back.

Thank you kindly!

Me too! They do come back to visit occasionally 😊.

Awesome- glad you enjoyed it. If it just makes a few people happy, it was worth it😊.

Thanks. I am happy all that came through!

That is awesome! Vignettes like these makes the effort totally worthwhile. Thank You!

It's wonderful to know Avery and her kittens are appreciated and loved by others! What a great community we live in!

I adore bobcats. Smart and agile survivors.

Best comment ever! Thanks to Avery for giving us something so wonderful to be distracted by in this troubled world.

Thanks- hope to have the last chapter out soon after a few more edits 😊

Thanks for supporting BIT and sharing your own stories at the meeting. Glad to know we have a healthy population!

Saving the best for last 😉. Thank you for watching!

Thanks so much- I enjoy any wildlife no matter how small. I just visited the native bee condo in the back yard- still going strong. Do you have native bees in Florida? Stick around for an upcoming video of an owl dive bombing Avery in the dark - amazing stuff. It looked like a vampire bat dropping in on a victim; coming soon.

@@ModestMaker The wife has a butterfly garden in the backyard and today I used some of my 150 feet of spare window screen (still have to replace the window screens) to make an overhead shade for her plants. The sun is brutal! As for bees, there are some honey bees, but mostly Wasps and mud daubers.

@@donaldhoudek2889 Well thank you for supporting Florida with shade and an insect friendly garden-- every little bit counts . My own passionflower vines and milkweeds get eaten down to the nub every year but the prolific presence of monarchs and other insects is well worth it. The plants come back every year so no big deal!😁

Cool! I haven’t had much luck with the capacitive soil moisture sensors in my own yard- please keep me posted on how it works out.

Agreed on cost- fortunately that’s not my domain since I am just helping out 😊. Also, thanks for the heads up on the calibration challenges. I have an email I no longer use, but will keep an eye out for a message should you wish to share more details: [email protected] . Thanks!

No- relays were what we had on hand from the original project. Not being an EE, can mosfets handle the power required to engage and hold irrigation solenoids open? I understand mechanical switches are not ideal, but they do seem to work fairly well.

​@ModestMaker I'm also not an EE. But I wanted to heat plants with a microcontroller, controlling the power with a mosfet. Although using a mosfet is a lot more complicated variables than when using a relay. Most mosfets should be able to power the 12v solenoids although a bit more components are needed since the circuts are not physically separated anymore. A moset can switch faster and is more durable than a relay, but not sure if this has a benefit since the solenoid and relay use both electromagnets they probably have a similar lifespan

It’s an interesting approach but not one we are likely to take on at this time given fast-approaching deadlines. I honestly don’t know.

@ModestMaker deadlines are always a struggle with these kind of projects 😅 good luck with finishing the project, it sounds super promising!

I know- there’s half a dozen things we can do to improve, but just need to get something going now. It’s okay- continuous improvement.

Thanks and yes- the Teros sensor is what my colleagues at the University of Arizona are using. I wish I could get my hands on one to explore- a bit too pricey though for a backyard citizen scientists. I still think there’s a lot we might determine from temperature as an affordable analog : kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqrJmX2Iepmkercsi=IPuJ9EaXba2qnj67

@@ModestMaker Dielectric permittivity is a decreasing function of temperature. Generally for subsurface probes we don't take this into account as diurnal soil temperature does not fluctuate to the same degree as air temperature. To estimate available water capacity including the permanent wilting point, the soil water characteristics calculator may be helpful to you www.ars.usda.gov/research/software/download/?softwareid=492&modecode=80-42-05-10 Estimates of percent sand, silt, clay, bulk density, organic matter, and salinity for your soil are input values. Bulk density is easy to measure, percent sand, silt, clay can be obtained from USDA-NRCS Web Soil Survey for your soil type (preferred) or estimated via column sedimentation. Since you're located in an arid region salinity (saturated extract) may be important. Check with Web Soil Survey or measure this with an inexpensive meter. And good luck with your adventures in capacitive soil moisture sensors.

Thanks! An ARS calculator for wilting point- I love it. Agreed- not too much temperature variance at depth, but definitely a diurnal signature a few inches down. io.adafruit.com/biod101/dashboards/soil-experiment-ambient-shade. Maybe the first few inches can tell me something, although I agree rooting depth is the key. It’s fun to measure all this stuff anyway. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5euoKuidr2Ud7csi=pQZ5eV6Q4TPdMJfG

For what it's worth, I've been working with the University of Arizona on an irrigation control system that uses Teros 12 sensors (metergroup.com/products/teros-12/). Working with a student, we managed to get these to interface with an ESP-32-S3 for controlling a suite of irrigation control valves (solenoids) at a research site. The Teros 12 sensor supports the SD1-12 communication protocol for which there is an Arduino Library. Since the code and project are not my own, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to share that on my channel but I will confirm it's doable. I have reached out to Meter Group asking if they would donate a sensor so I can produce a formal tutorial on how to do this for the benefit of others, but they declined. The issue is the sensor is costs about $258 which is something I can't afford, but it is an alternative you might explore.

@@ModestMaker the Teros 12 sensor is highly unlikely to pass the better half approval test. But I will check into it. I was planning on building at least 4 sensors, but more likely 8, as we have winter storage in 4 different location. We have a large collection over wintering. I am fine with a sampling technique in each area. Thinking a large pot and medium pot sample would get me close enough for my objectives. I want each one to be wireless, so I can remote monitor them. As a retired professional coder, software will not be an issue. I am new to esp32s. I have done a little bit of micro PLC work, so building the hardware should not be an issue. I love the work you have done. Very nicely executed !

Thanks. My experience has been that the capacitive sensors do not hold up to the elements very well over time. Here is the full playlist : kzbin.info/aero/PLqJ5k4cakypy1E4J_tvEiD0kpFK1tGY3D&si=r4vya3sAPACIluSV

I checked all that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opOXeZeZpb6KebMsi=_xzaAGwenIYx4eBV . All sensors went through thorough quality control before selection.

You're most welcome.

Thanks for the feedback☺️

Wow, thanks! I do have other Arduino-related videos on my channel. Appreciate that!

Rest assured I will be checking in 👍.

Sorry- been away from this project outside of range tests so really can’t say for sure.