CHEAP WIFI Relay Automatic Watering System

[@paratrooper8916]

This dude is to smart, excellent explanation.

[@LK-mr9pf]

You are one talented person, your DYI projects Rain barrel, solar, Wifi, Compost tumbler are so helpful. Ive done the rain barrel pump, solar and wifi projects. The videos are so easy to follow and I like how there isn't a bunch of added filler conversation. Thank you so much.

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks for the feedback Louis! :D

[@mskels7456]

Omg! You’re so intelligent, I just needed a regular water catchment and now I stumbled on this 🤦🏽‍♀️🤞🏾 I’m gonna try my best lol

[@GreenTechTown]

You got this!

[@OBEECHI1]

Mm

[@miamited69]

Just what I was looking for to control same harbor freight water transfer pump.

[@JosueVC]

I saw the whole series in one sitting! Im gonna copy it all! Thanks for showing us! Watching from San Juan, Puerto Rico

[@jonahavri9606]

Your skill and hardwork is so respectable on its own yet what amazes me more is your explanation and presentation, a clear example of how we can use modern tech to its full practical potential whilst being educational and simple asf .. respects to you and you hardwork, keep up the great work, best wishes to your channel

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks Jonah for your feedback. Very much appreciated.

[@BobSmith-kd6lq]

Outstanding! I missed the video of you installing the solar panel and controller. When you opened up the lid it looked like the radio shack elves had visited. You do a great job of showing what you are doing as well as explaining it.

[@lkelle3]

thank you for taking the time to explain each step! It is so great knowing why each step is important!! I just found your channel and I'm so excited to keep watching.

[@GreenTechTown]

You are welcome! Welcome aboard! :D

[@Dunken15]

Sir you are an inspiration. I now have a particle and am learning alot. loved your comment "don't be afraid of all the wires. the new technology is a challenge for a transistor guy.

[@khanhcan]

WOW!!!! I need a blow my mind emoji!!

[@douggibson9084]

Excellent information 👍👍 thanks

[@mvmcali6900]

you are an excellent communicator. 👍

[@khayfer]

Thank you so much! I am getting ready to set up my rain barrel and I've been using your videos as a shopping list... But that other video was way over my head. And even though this one intimidates me, it feels more doable. Thank you!

[@GreenTechTown]

I completely understand khayfer! That's one of the primary reasons I created this video after someone shared this idea with me in the comments and I too was shocked at how much easier this was. You do lose out on some customizable features the other solution provides, but for the average person, it should work out just fine.

[@TheSippi2010]

You are the man. Thank you for your easy follow videos. 👍🏾

[@Benlikesstuff]

This is such satisfying diy. And very well presented

[@lynardburt5992]

Make a clear plexiglass top for it. Your presentation was good and detailed, has given me inspiration

[@hroman5]

Great project. I'm copying it!

[@GreenTechTown]

Go for it!

[@bloodynorahvan2203]

This is cool! I’ve been thinking about making a hose system that runs off a water butt/rain filled tank. Your videos take me right along that journey - thanks from the UK!

[@GreenTechTown]

Awesome, glad to be able to help in some way.

[@charitysmith7486]

You are amazing!!! You explain this so well. You rock!

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks! :D

[@msizinxumalo6585]

Thank Bro....this will go a very long way.

[@fyremoon]

You could drill an output pipe on the side rather than the front so the hose is concealed inside the box. The front spigot could then be used to drain any sludge that builds up inside the water butt.

[@livingtheflipside6409]

You, sir, are an absolute boss.

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks :D

[@jamesmoore1743]

Very informative information you putting out

[@MySocialExperiments]

Excellent instructions. Thank you for being so detailed. I think I may be able to do this thanks to you. With solar, this is my fantasy setup for an aquaponics garden. 👋😀

[@GreenTechTown]

You welcome! And I am sure you can do it if I did it!

[@doncoyote73]

Very nice and simple explanation of your setup, thanks for this - doing video all time during working on it... respect!

[@GreenTechTown]

Much appreciated!

[@codyseibert9775]

20k subs! Awesome job man! What do you use for editing? It was great

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks Cody. For this video I used Final Cut Pro X as the primary editor and ScreenFlow for screen recording. In the past, I've only used ScreenFlow for the entire video, but for the last 2 videos, I wanted to trial FCPX to see what options are available and if it makes the video editing process easier. So far, I'm a little torn between the two, they both have their strong and weak points.

[@kathrynforester2676]

Will you please offer an electrical diagram for this project like you did for the smart solar powered outdoor string lights video you made?

[@johndigiovanni]

Excellent video! Looks like a fun project.

[@GreenTechTown]

It was, thanks for watching!

[@maxximumb]

Excellent video.

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks Maxx B

[@greatone2717]

Amazing thank you

[@Mostruggles]

This is fantastic! I got so many ideas running through my head on how to use this Thanks so much for posting. Super well done. Subscribed!

[@GreenTechTown]

No problem, glad it was helpful! :D

[@tednoggles7311]

excellent videos!!!

[@victoryak86]

Really a helpful detailed video. I’m a contractor and thought you were a licensed plumber when I watched the video setting up the pvc lines! I have been thinking of a simple watering system with rain barrel and some sort of powered pump as you showed (very well). I’m interested in powering it through solar (the battery as you used).

[@debbiehicks4987]

Thank you for your time! I love your videos! You're a great teacher

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks Debbie, great to hear.

[@terrencedoman3596]

Brilliant! well done and well presented!

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks Terrence!

[@noirprncess]

Your set up is impressive.

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks!

[@nickwaah2702]

@@GreenTechTown Good day. I finally got to set up a system with the help of your videos. I want to set the wifi relay as well but my pump seems to still let water through when there is not power. Any idea how to fix this issue?

[@jonsadevntures433]

Great explanation, and walk through. Thanks

[@TheWormeryLLC]

Dude you rock

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks! :D

[@jim9520]

Thank you for the information. You made it look easy.

[@GreenTechTown]

Always good to hear, that's the goal :D

[@iBradWatson]

Great instructional video. This could also be used for hydroponic watering schedules. I’ve had issues with the eWeLink app messing up with the schedule on my chicken coop door opener so I just use the Alexa app to run my schedules.

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks for sharing! I'm new to the eWeLink app but that is a good tip to know for setting schedules.

[@YTSD]

It’s all good you have a clean way to work. The only thing I did not like when alexa or goggle was added. I think it works great without Amazon Alexa or google!

[@Intellistan]

Awesome!!

[@edkruzel5020]

What is the range capability of the wifi relay? How close/far is your router or range extender? Thanks, Ed

[@GreenTechTown]

I'm not sure on the range capability since it did not list it on the website, but from the Q&A section on Amazon for this product, some have reported using it up to 50' with no issues. However, of course it would depend on what type of router you have as well. My unit is probably 20-25 feet away from the router.

[@edkruzel5020]

That’s good info. Does the router have a clear view or is there a wall in the way? Thanks and nice work!

[@MrSkinnyn71]

Awesome channel and content. Thanks for the informative ideas.

[@GreenTechTown]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching.

[@edbuurman3262]

Working my way through all your videos. I noticed you set your timer at, I think, 25 min duration of watering. However, in an earlier video you tested the floater by emptying the barrel in 5 min. One of the questions for my own use is how long a single barrel will last and whether I should add more. Can you give some background as to how that works for you? Also, do I understand correctly that the app does not warn you whether there is no water in the barrel, or, for example, when it runs out halfway during the 25 min? One would think that the floater switch signal could be used to do that? Longwinded question, but I hope you get the gist.

[@afelandr]

You are definitely inspiring!

[@CBL138]

Had to sub!! This is awesome! Can I hit you up if I have questions setting up my project? Great content...keep them coming bro.

[@GreenTechTown]

Hey Chris. Sure, I will try to help as much as I can. I also have a full time job, so it can be a little difficult to reply back in a timely manner but I do my best :D

[@CBL138]

@@GreenTechTown appreciate it. Something else to consider, I know you have a manual backup water valve from your city supply. What happens if you’re away from home? Haven’t watched you video on the float installation, assume the float has a normally closed (NC) contact that opens when the barrel is empty. Would it be difficult to install a normally open (NO) to your float that would energized a 12V solenoid (where you manual city water is) to open that supply? Also, which Wifi board did you install? There are several under the link to Amazon you provided. Awesome video series!!

[@shaho3125]

How safe is eWeLink in terms of privacy and data collection?

[@hughmanatee7433]

Why is the pump in the same bucket as the electronics?

[@dakotajones151]

Given the fact it's a wifi based device do I have to be connected to the same network the controller is on in order for it to work? Or can I be on vacation somewhere and still water my crops remotely?

[@GreenTechTown]

Great question. You can be on vacation or on a different network and still operate it. :D

[@ambroserickli]

Quick question reguarding your wifi remote. Considering there is a manual button on the module. Do you know of a way to connect a second manual button that can be placed in a different location but still turn the system on and off. With out having to be connected to the wifi throught the app. Say a guest wants to turn on and off the system without using Google or Alexa. I'm trying to apply the system as a toilet filler.

[@GreenTechTown]

Yes there is. I was actually planning on making a video about it, because I had a similar need since I sometimes forget to bring my phone when I'm inside the garden lol I haven't installed it yet, but this is the device I plan to replace my current WIFI module with: amzn.to/3LwlLDV It basically has all the same features as the current WIFI module but also has a radio receiver that will allow you to use a small remote that is in range to trigger the relay. The remote looks like a little toy, but it does work from my quick testing. However, I believe you can buy other style remotes that use the same frequency if you wanted to program a different style.

[@ambroserickli]

@@GreenTechTown that's awesome. I found similar remotes. I followed and created a version of your water tank and solar. It's working great! I thank you. I plan on using the new module in the near future but swapping out the wifi module that is installed now. I haven't made the move to jump to a bigger solar panel yet but do want to and then eventually connect to the house panel. Any ideas there?

[@jasons1059]

Great vid series and instructions. Where were you 2 yrs ago. Ha. I have almost this exact set up (same pump same switch 20W Newpowa panel and controller) on a slightly larger scale. I’m using 4 IBC totes and drip irrigation and am trying to run the pump for 1 hr. about every two days. The problem I had was that the Newpowa controller will kick off with an error code of E13. I believe it is an “Overload protection“ code. I think my pump is getting too hot do you know of any tips or better pump that could help? Thank you!

[@GreenTechTown]

Hey Jason. I am thinking about adding a solid state relay or some other type of relay between my pump and my controller as the pump I am running is rated for 10Amps, and my controller is also rated for 10Amps. I would prefer to use a device that can handle at least 20Amps or more for the initial surge of current when the pump turns on to protect my controller's built in 10Amp relay.

[@jasons1059]

@@GreenTechTown I was wondering if that could be a solution to my problem. I have the same, a 10A controller and a 10A pump. My issue is never at startup but after running for 30min or so. Thanks for the idea and keep up the great vids and reviews!

[@Okrollins1]

How can I get my 12v pump to work with my timer?

[@GreenTechTown]

I would recommend you use an on-demand pump if you want to use a timer. I used a transfer pump for my application, so I always need to make sure the exit point is opened so I do not damage the pump. The on-demand pump will automatically shut the pump off if the pressure builds up.

[@scotttaylor6451]

This is awesome!. Do you have a downloadable schematic of the wiring?I am a noob with the automation components and want to make sure they are in the correct sequence. I am using a D1 mini with a Relay shield

[@GreenTechTown]

Hey Scott. Unfortunately I did not create a full electrical schematic, only the electrical diagram shown on the video. What part are you not so sure on in your setup?

[@scotttaylor6451]

@@GreenTechTown sorry for the late reply. I was confused on the schematic combining the battery and solar charger into one item around the 9.29 mark of the video. I assume the microcontroller is attached to the solar controller right?

[@rishithachandu9938]

Can i use this to operate pump from my office?

[@GreenTechTown]

You can use it to operate a pump anywhere you have a WIFI or cellular connection. :)

[@mattbarusic3090]

Can someone clarify where the black wire from the float switch is connected to, is it the pump or battery?

[@GreenTechTown]

Hey Matt. The float switch is wired in series with the power source (the battery, the fuse, and the pump). It acts as a switch and breaks the circuit. Check out this video if you have not done so already that goes into more detail regarding the float switch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/poaTkqyXrLOCotE

[@dwayned.5238]

Why do the relay when a $20 smartplug could control the pump? Too expensive electrically? Or a problem with AC power over the relay’s DC power?

[@GreenTechTown]

No true electrical issues. At the time of making this video, I was not aware of the cheap smart relays on the market. I later made a video using one that you can find on my channel. :D

[@scubahealer]

Great video. I'm off grid. No wifi.

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks. If I was in your situation, I would probably just use a basic timer style watering system. Something that could potentially retrieve the forecast or detect how damp your soil currently is before watering would also be a nice add-on.

[@antonyrajarathinam9976]

Wish to be my neighbor. Good job 👍🏻

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks Anthony!

[@knowyuhgrow420]

Thanks for sharing 👍🏽 know yuh grow and grow it yuhself 🇧🇧👉🏾🇨🇦💨💨👍🏽@420

[@hernanviera1]

do they not make smart plugs that are 12 v DC rated :) lol

[@GreenTechTown]

I'm sure there is probably something on the market that may allow that, but I have not looked into any others other than the one I used in this video.

[@juniorharris1796]

You know you can take Alexa and tell her to set a timer every day to cut on your water pump and cut it off

[@KINTAROMAR]

Why not just use an on demand water pump simple and automatic!

[@GreenTechTown]

I think an on-demand pump is great for the built in pressure sensor, but in the case where you want to automatically remotely control the pump or set a schedule, you need some type of controller. I would like to try an on-demand pump one day though.