Automating a Greenhouse with LoRa! (Part 1) || Sensors (Temperature, Humidity, Soil Moisture)

$2 for 2Layer, 5pcs & $5 for 4Layer, 5pcs: jlcpcb.com
Previous video: • USB Type-C Power Deliv...
Transmitting an Alarm Signal with LoRa video: • Transmitting an Alarm ...
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Twitter: / greatscottlab
Support me for more videos: www.patreon.com/GreatScott?ty=h
More project information (schematic, code,......) on Instructables: www.instructables.com/id/Auto...
Parts list (affiliate links):
1x Solar Panel: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dSNkyma
1x Solar Charge Controller: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dZ5u0f4
1x 12V Battery: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dT3yvjs
1x Wood chest
Silicone Wire
1x LoRa Radio Node: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dYpwqA6
1x BME280 Sensor: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dSZ4I4W
2x Soil Moisture Sensor: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dZqKMNo
1x LM7805 Voltage Regulator: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dS0705s
1x LG02 LoRa Gateway: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d8jEIAK
Websites which were shown during the video:
github.com/IOT-MCU/LoRa-Radio...
www.dragino.com/downloads/dow...
github.com/dragino/arduino-lmic
github.com/sparkfun/SparkFun_...
In this project I will be showing you how I automated a greenhouse. That means I will show you how I built the greenhouse and how I wired up the power and automation electronics. Also I will be showing you how to program an Arduino board that uses LoRa in order to transmit the measured temperature, humidity and soil moisture inside the greenhouse to a LoRa gateway which then uploads it all to the internet. That means you can check on your greenhouse from everywhere in the world. Let's get started!
Thanks to JLCPCB for sponsoring this video
Visit jlcpcb.com to get professional PCBs for low prices
Music:
2011 Lookalike by Bartlebeats

[@fc3sbob]

hey, this is what I do for a living. I automate very large greenhouses! Hundreds of sensors, irrigation machines, water cleaning machines, pretty much everything!

[@greatscottlab]

Sounds like an interesting job :-)

[@Ruby_Mochii]

I wish I could learn and do everything 😭

[@fc3sbob]

@@eiliannoyes5212 Pretty much all sensors are 4-20ma, we have our own input and output cards that interface with the main computer over a kind of serial that uses Ethernet cables, but it's not Ethernet. That's for long distance runs between control boxes that contain the I/O Cards.

[@fc3sbob]

@@greatscottlab Ahh! you replied! I'm so happy now. Yes, it's a very interesting job! Can't wait for part 2!

[@BloodAsp]

I'd watch videos on that!

[@kumaran627]

Great Scott gardening : "let's say plants just appeared here"

[@homo_sapiens_sapiens]

Noo you cant just summon plants in your greenhouse GreatScott: haha plant go brrrr

[@leoornstein3963]

Scott be like: I normal summon water melon vine.

[@johnavonvincentius1884]

I guess he used /summon plants... LoL

[@Knee-Lew]

He went creative mode before he started filming.

[@francistheodorecatte]

"for this problem, assume the universe is a frictionless vacuum."

[@Asu01]

That's one weird way to end a video.. A bit of tip: when you have a silicone wire close to any sharp edge such as through a drilled hole on aluminium surface, cover the wire with some heat shrink layers or use rubber grommets for more professional solution. The reason is because silicone wires are easier to slice through compared to regular PVC wire, and you don't want short circuit to happen. Talking from an expensive experience. 11:30

[@batugunduz3950]

You sir have peaked my curiosity. What happened?

[@juanpedrolardet2088]

Now say it without crying hahahaha... It's a good recommendation though

[@Asu01]

I was working on custom made UAV for aerial mapping purpose a few years ago. The main power leads were rubbing with the grounded aluminium plate on the chassis but I didn't give it any second thought. One day when I was testing the aircraft, I didn't strap on the LiPo tight enough. A few seconds after take off, the LiPo slipped and the grounded aluminium part cut through the isolation on the positive lead. From here, you should know how it ends. Those were bad memories.. The most effective way to learn is through pain.

[@Ruby_Mochii]

Everything is a learning curve and you learn from mistakes. It's great when you get advice from others. Though I could never understand ElectroBooms mistakes.

[@batugunduz3950]

@@Asu01 Oh nooo thats terrible. At least you learnt a lesson, albeit a brutal one. Reminds me of the time i set RTL altitude to 75m instead of 7.5 on my drone.

[@tanmay______]

4:25 i think we need a GreatScott Garden Tips channel from now on

[@greatscottlab]

Maybe in my next life....

[@tanmay______]

@@greatscottlab hahaha it seems like gardening has been a nightmare for you so far. But trust me once you see the plants growing healthily it is so satisfying...

[@hansjorg7828]

@@greatscottlab why not? It looks like you have a "green thumb".... ;-)

[@SolarWebsite]

Well, Kim Wilde successfully changed her career into into gardening, so why not GreatScott? 😉

[@PhilippTV1000]

Yes, but it has to be very scientific and full with graphs, data and data analysis. (And everything has to be marked by a highligter. 😁)

[@DantalionNl]

Recommendation for getting cheaper higher quality greenhouses: Look for second hand sellers

[@ronaldd2154]

Cheapest is diy PET plastic Waterbottles, uv resistant and last very long time.

[@99Mrber]

I would recommend to add a Grommet (german: Durchführungstülle) to the hole for the cables. Also i would protect the edges of the PCB of the soil sensors, the material of the PCB could get soggy (not sure if you already did it)

[@mogelzz]

Real rubber cabels are always the best option but the silicone ones are quite nice to especially around water

[@PanSatyr]

I second the advice to protect the side of the soil sensors. I'd be interested in seeing how you handle the data from them. I'm currently using an esp82 and mqtt across wifi to collect data from 2 of them.

[@rainbowananas5040]

It's fiberglass so osmosis will destroy it like on fiberglass boats if surface is damaged.

[@abhirupsengupta]

Ever since you mentioned this in a video, I've been waiting for this project. 🤩

[@greatscottlab]

Thanks for the patience :-) I hope to start production on part 2 soon.

[@oniruddhoalam2039]

He mentioned in the video video about diy or buy episode of water pump.

[@Travis_Yu]

You spin me right round baby right round like a record baby right round round round~

[@greatscottlab]

Haha

[@lucien7904]

This was perfect outro

[@akhurash]

This is a great project. Can’t wait until part 2.

[@shauryarathod9845]

He posted 4mins ago you replied 5 days ago??howww

[@davidpacak8462]

@@shauryarathod9845 maybe he is supporting GreatScott on Patreon, do he has access to his videos before we do

[@nielshvorslev4227]

@@shauryarathod9845 shit

[@PokemonGonesad]

SHAURYA RATHOD hack

[@davidpacak8462]

@@PokemonGonesad nah

[@cheesyvin8078]

That's the most GreatScottish thing I've ever seen and its beautiful

[@greatscottlab]

Thanks :-)

[@cheesyvin8078]

@@greatscottlab Holy sh- you actually replied to me?!! AAAHHHHH BIG FAN HERE! I started doing and getting into electronics because of you! Thanks to you!❤️

[@adrianbadea1179]

Add some rubber rings 😎

[@NicholasElliott]

Was looking for smart-greenhouse videos like this recently, thanks for uploading this!! Can't wait for part two!!!!

[@Elektrotechnik-einfach]

Awesome project, this is engineering for life! I love how you used all kind of electrical engineering like power elektronics, sensors, automation ect.

[@MladenMijatov]

Very important thing for anyone trying to do this, all those sensors need to communicate over digital protocol. You can not use analog and just measure voltage output. Parasitics would drive you insane as readings would be all over the place. Also important note is never to try and maintain soil humidity. Plants don't like ideal conditions. It needs to be periods of moisture combined with dry periods. In drip irrigation, you would water every 3rd or 4th day for few hours (depending on temperature). That is for plants in the ground. If they are in some other containers like pots, they need to be watered more frequently. I would also advise pulling up dirt on the outer walls until height of metal foundations. It would allow greenhouse to be used earlier in the year as metal is good conductor of heat and above ground is the coldest temperature. Adding that dirt would isolate from heat loss and prevent frost from affecting plants. As for those self-adhesive pads, I predict they will fail within first week. Have fun! :D

[@TheEpicPineapple56]

Do you have any book recommendations for learning more? I have heard that plants like cycles of wet and dry periods from another KZbin channel called Practical Engineering, but I always wondered what the source was. Interested in learning other little tidbits about plants and how to maintain their health

[@MladenMijatov]

@@TheEpicPineapple56 Sadly there are no international gardening books I can point you to. My parents farmed vegetables for most of their lives, still do in smaller quantities for personal use. All the books we have are in local language from farming schools.

[@davetinoco]

Not totally true or else hydroponics would not work. This is true only when using soil as a medium.

[@beratbaki1681]

Fİnally! The content I was looking for.

[@greatscottlab]

Glad you like it :-)

[@oniruddhoalam2039]

Same

[@sakthisara29]

Yeah!!

[@siamsurf]

The timing for this video couldn't have been more perfect. I just finished my green house, and this was going to be the next thing.

[@Xenos_AR]

you know, I just started to have a hobby in gardening, with soil and hydroponics, and I was thinking about how to automatized it. what a coincidence, you came when I needed an inspirations !

[@AmnesiaPhotography]

Love this video, there’s something about off the grid, automated installations that really peek my interest! Especially if they’re off in the middle of nowhere. Not sure why! One thing I think you should have added was rubber grommets for passing into the greenhouse. Over time I can see those cables getting cut from the sharp metal edges. Love your videos, keep up the interesting, informative and inspiring work!

[@swedneck]

can it really be called off the grid since it relies on a single website?

[@lolmetauto4579]

love your vids they really inspire me and you are the reason i started with arduino. thanks

[@snyper7979]

I really enjoy watching your video's. I am always in awe with your abilities and knowledge you have when it comes to creating your projects. I look forward to part 2 video and all future video's that you make. Thank you

[@microdesigns2000]

I've been wanting to build a robogarden. This video gives me more inspiration. Thanks for your great videos, and this one that gets you out of the lab and into the "field"!

[@alext5310]

I love your videos. Keep it up.

[@greatscottlab]

Thanks :-)

[@PaceWithGrace]

Love these system integration videos!

[@greatscottlab]

Glad you like them! :-)

[@IvanGeorgiev76]

You did an excellent job there. It is a pleasure to watch... and also your trademarked :) "stay creative" just makes my day

[@greatscottlab]

Thank you😁

[@HellFire178]

I'm so happy this exists!! its been a project ive always wanted to do

[@ChrisRid]

Cool project! I thought about doing this for my mum's greenhouse

[@ag6371]

You should start using Home Assistant it has dedicated plant information cards

[@markarca6360]

Google?

[@NicholasElliott]

If GreatScott was already using HA in the rest of his house then I'd 100% agree with this, however imo HA seems a bit overkill for a couple of sensors and straightforward automations, especially as there doesn't seem to be remote control capability (although we won't know for sure until Part 2???) I think HA really shines in more complex projects such as _My DIY Home Assistant Garden Automation System_ (by another youtuber) and actually adds a lot of value with the straightforward dashboards and easy remote control.

[@Ruby_Mochii]

He's got a wifi thing so I could imagine there's information about the state and everything and probably remote control as well.

[@lolo_o4309]

@@markarca6360 Nah dude, home assistant is an open source project to help you automate your home

[@lezbriddon]

@@markarca6360 not google assistant, home assistant

[@tim3609]

This is the video I´ve been waiting for

[@LitesLAB]

That was great! A very practical project that everyone could benefit from! Looking forward to the next part!

[@MkmeOrg]

Data-driven gardening... LOVE IT :)

[@cokefridger]

hehe, "planted the idea", hehe

[@greatscottlab]

Haha get it? ;-)

[@fleaniswerkhardt4647]

​@@greatscottlab Besides the pun, ambiguity of the sentence at 0:40 "...'planted the idea of an automated greenhouse inside my head" is quite funny.

[@0552131]

Another awesome video. Can't wait for the follow up on automatically watering plants and controll of the window. Keep on going Scott!

[@omarkamel3662]

Amazing job, can't wait for part 2!

[@Ivor_Nastyboil]

What was the advantage to drilling holes through the foundation to feed the wires through, rather than digging a small hole under the foundation and feeding the wires through there?

[@ChilliChump]

Great video. Always enjoyed your content! I've done something similar over the last few years, with a couple videos showing my setup. However, moisture sensors are pretty much a waste of time in my experience. They just aren't good enough...and are affected by things like salt content in the water.

[@GiNyYu222]

true i confirm

[@xXxSolidIcexXx]

because of this i soon switched to a completly mechanical watering system called 'Blumat Tonkegel' whitch is cheap and always waters perfecly. They even work with hose connectors or just a reservoir that is just a bit higher.

[@JjMn1000]

Ok

[@keagantrey8743]

you probably dont care but does any of you know a way to get back into an instagram account..? I was dumb forgot the login password. I would appreciate any tips you can offer me.

[@keagantrey8743]

@Walter Andy I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and im trying it out now. Takes quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@OnezOgirdor]

Might sound stupid but exactly this is what fascinates me the most about electronics. The way how mundane everymans problems can be solved or at least helped with technology just amazes me.

[@juanpedrolardet2088]

Your video editing skills are as polished as ever

[@joshm264]

Glad to see you're now using a TS100 instead of that Dremel brand one, seeing you use it in your garage video seemed very difficult

[@greatscottlab]

Works pretty well :-)

[@Lauriemine]

Really a great idea, might have to get a greenhouse :)

[@greatscottlab]

Thanks😁

[@dieselgeezer18]

weld it on your own. It isn't hard

[@EvertZwevert]

YES, the video i've been waiting for... Thanks !

[@PEROXOR]

Danach hab ich lange gesucht, ich danke Dir!

[@JoaoSilva-jr9ez]

5 meter I2C via an unshielded cable near the earth. Ahh yes, perfect!

[@AcctistaZ]

Works though.

[@christianniemeijer97]

I think as long as the clock frequency is below 100 MHz it shouldn't be a problem to have a cable of such length. Perhaps once the cable length exceeds 10 meters or so, then it's a different story...

[@bixenbaer]

@@christianniemeijer97 kHz, but yes :)

[@digitalmarcel]

Dude! I was thinking of a similar idea for my green house. Then I realised that you can get an automatic window opener which uses no electrics. It works on heat and metal expansion. 🧐

[@thekingoffailure9967]

Yeah but you cant make any cool graphs with that :P

[@Weromano]

sounds cool

[@mostercanada]

Bayliss

[@dfbess]

This is a build I have been thinking about for a few years now, I believe with the right sensor data over time you could dial in a perfect growing cycle increasing your crop output..

[@pewgamingbros9263]

I waited for this so long!

[@NiHaoMike64]

Instead of the 7805, you could have used the USB output on the charge controller which most likely will be a switcher.

[@chengL10]

You haven’t protected the pcb edges of the moistures sensor with polish nail. It will get damage with the time 🙈

[@chengL10]

Also You should insulate the cable entries with rubber to avoid corrosion

[@Scott_C]

Also, a coated wooden box isn't a real good way to protect electronics. Moisture will still get through.

[@legend8614]

Hey Scott thanks for the instructions you just helped me safe the planet!

[@gorinandsadh]

You are really great. I really learn new things on this channel

[@DMadHacks]

It is Sunday my moist enthusiasts...

[@lynspyre]

Hey, I haven't see you in a while on Wintergatan. Hope you're fine!.

[@DMadHacks]

@@lynspyre i'm fine lol, KZbin just decieds to bury my comments after about an hour

[@michaels8297]

LOL

[@prakharmishra3000]

Monday here

[@DMadHacks]

@UCs9yfDwAVCzW_K10LQc3KBQ well yeah, the video was uploaded yesterday lol

[@rahultej2248]

Place your weather(the WiFi one) station in there! It would be great!

[@ericcartmann]

WiFi is for netflix, not sensors.

[@rahultej2248]

Eric Cartman kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpK2Y3Z7Yt95hNE You dumb!

[@ilampaulino]

Always learning something new from your videos... Nail polish for water proofing, got me good right there! Thankyou!

[@gregf9160]

Thanks! This is very interesting. Looking forward to Part 2!

[@casperdh]

Scott: builds a greenhouse Plants: It’s free real estate

[@ole381]

11:26 remove the sharp edges of the holes pls. because Health and Safety

[@userou-ig1ze]

I don't really see how it would add to health and safety. These holes are basically never touched

[@linagee]

Easily fixed by smearing some silicone caulking over it.

[@ole381]

@@linagee or maybe put a champfer on it

[@SyberPrepper]

Lots of tech packed into this video. Thanks for this and for your previous videos.

[@alemarcortega1594]

Hi Scott, I really like your videos, I will try to use these models to help people around me. Thank you for sharing knowledge.

[@satxsatxsatx]

Extremely disappointed Where is the two axis solar panel positioner? :)

[@Reach3DPrinters]

Thats part 3... next year... when he augments fall temps with electric heater.

[@eDoc2020]

GreatScott! covered this in a previous video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWe0eqiqj8umfNU

[@SolarWebsite]

Germany has a temperate, marine climate which means a relatively high number of cloudy days. On cloudy days, a tracked solar panel does not produce any more energy than a fixed one. In this type of climate, and with current low (and still falling) solar panel prices, you'd be better off installing a second or larger panel. Less complex, more reliable and probably cheaper. The only thing that might be useful is to change its angle with the horizon twice of four times per year. By setting the panel to a steeper angle during the winter months, you'll get more energy, and in a climate like Germany, that's very useful. Also saw some things that are not optimal, but GreatScott probably knows this. A car battery is not optimal for this kind of application. A deep cycle lead acid, or lithium, battery would have been better. Also installing lead acid battery outdoors, at potentially freezing temperatures during the winter, will not be good for it's lifespan. But I'm sure it'll work for a while 😁

[@simo2555]

So many r/woosh's to make

[@creazychannel]

5:48 You ordered yourself on Internet? Lol

[@userou-ig1ze]

seems grammatically correct tho

[@MrSaigy]

Nice VID man! First time on your channel. I scanned the other video's. Just wow. Thanks for these educational video's! Subscribed!

[@edslab5383]

Great! I was waiting for this project.

[@davejack8973]

dude ive been watching ur vids for fucking YEARS now and the way u say WIRE still makes me fucking giggle i love it man i love all ur projects keep up the GREAT WORK brother

[@Marco9K]

Nice! I have been trying to complete a solar powered garden watering system myself so I am looking forward to the second video. The basic setup is one (or more) valve controller(s) (for different parts of the garden) that also measures soil moisture in several places (different plants have different needs) and uses rain water. These components report values over mqtt to home assistant which then decides whether to water or not (I use home assistant for other things as well). Code is done and components have been tested, "just" need to solve some power issues and put it all together. In the meanwhile I created a simpler version that wakes up every three hours, checks battery charge and then pumps until battery voltage gets too low and then sleeps down until next time. That last project is closer to completion. :)

[@RadioactvPanda]

I love these kinds of videos! Thanks!

[@L3X369]

This video started randomly after listening to some music while gardening, heard the Great Scott voice and came to the computer, I expected some wires and some PCB's, got some plants instead

[@mj2068]

loved the last rotating camera work.

[@tiagocosta5642]

This guy is a better version of who I want to be, def subscribed

[@aridorjoskowich7283]

Great video, keep up the good work.

[@shanemitchell5807]

Really cool, I did the same project for micro controllers class in engineering, 27 years ago with 68HC11. Coded in assembler.

[@DDryTaste]

Love it, always wanted to get a greenhouse myself and automate it.

[@Godshole]

Brilliant, just brilliant. Something else to add to my list!

[@mmmm768]

Can't wait till part 2!

[@sandih2o]

Cool project cant wait 2 part😀

[@marksterling8286]

Wonderful video, made me chuckle that it’s not just me that finds tree stumps very difficult.

[@kikithebestdu53]

This video arrives at the perfect time ! I planned to do the same this summer !

[@MCsCreations]

Really, really interesting project, dude! 😃 Looking forward to part 2!!! Stay safe there! 🖖😊

[@Stoneman06660]

Great work, mate! I'm in the process of a similar gig but for an indoor plant cabinet.

[@alexcaceres3060]

finally u did this project, nice!

[@Vader294]

These video always inspire to get coding and do fun projects.

[@zarinth]

Great stuff Scott.

[@PartiZan1992]

Wie immer coole Sache!

[@leratosangweni4490]

Thank you for this video. Just what I needed.

[@FOATE]

Awesome project! been following you for a while and learned alot from this channel because ive been doing pretty much exactly this: automating my greenhouse and collecting climate data! So this is like the best thing ever on youtube to me lol

[@WhiskyPankcake]

Can't wait to see the rest

[@lostrocket9126]

coool!!!! waiting for the part 2!

[@SvartAdamSolander]

Cool! Can’t wait for part 2... and 3.. and 4... and so on :)

[@root_x]

Soo creative thx Great Scott 🤗

[@rahultej2248]

Great Scott! That’s huge!

[@vijithviswambharan775]

Impressive ❤️ Nicely done 👌💕

[@shabukajla3876]

Nice i think i discoverd your new intrest in greenery

[@NicholasMaietta]

I bought your hackrf one, I absolutely love it.

[@RobinHilton22367]

Looking forward to part 2 and beyond

[@Redbuild_]

4:58 overkilly are awesome (I really like those!)

[@hamsterSNAKE]

I've been wanting to do this exact project. Thanks :D

[@leftitbythecurb8350]

We also have those small kind of strawberries here in Canada.., but the large 200G one's are what we usually find on the shelves year long

[@We1hrm0cht]

Keep it up .You are incredible

[@dzorzstops5136]

Great video keep the great work👍👍

[@greatscottlab]

Thanks :-)

[@PhG1961]

Awesome video !

[@acousticanimal5514]

Awesome Video!

[@gummel82]

That's exactly what i'm trying to build in the future! Richtig geil!

[@Spasmomen]

Cool project!