EC Hydroponics - Arduino DIY

In this video, I show you how to construct and calibrate your own EC probe for use in hydroponics. Anyone can do this if you follow all the Arduino videos on this channel.
You may be interested in the following videos as well
Arduino Playlist (KZbin)
• Arduino
Request the code for the video here. You will receive it within minutes.
forms.gle/88PUfU8qjFuKvcAx5
Component list
1 x Arduino Uno any Arduino UNO board
1 x programming cable
1 x small breadboard
1 x 10k thermistors waterproof with metal casing any type
1 x 10k resistors 1/4W or 1/2W
1 x 1 k resistor
male to male breadboard connection wires

[@doitwithpierre210]

Thank you for watching my video! Please comment with where you are from so that I can say hi. If you want to you are also welcome to tell me about your system, or what you plan.

[@burakpilan1883]

Thank you for all the great information.

[@fivesensestravelcompany9466]

Excellent work! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@nottsoserious]

Thank you, Pierre! Love from California!

[@wigglecollective]

Pierre this is fantastic - saved me many hours of research :))

[@watoysland1137]

Thanks for sharing this valueable information.

[@doitwithpierre210]

My pleasure. The next video where we do an automatic dosing system will be out today.

[@GaryMcKinnonUFO]

Thank you Pierre, my TDS probe arrived just now :)

[@doitwithpierre210]

Enjoy it

[@philr4665]

This is excellent thank you. I am currently building an Arduino automated micro-hydroponics system, and this is exactly what I needed to measure TDS. Thanks again :-)

[@doitwithpierre210]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CRUZER150DTSI]

Hi Pierre, I am so excited to start the arduino automation. Just today i have ordered all the raw materials and would start my journey from now on. You have been a real motivator behind this. The simplicity and your way of teaching are amazing. Thank you once again for being so generous and helpful.

[@doitwithpierre210]

My pleasure Abhinav, glad you find it helpful.

[@samburezpatia]

Thank you for Sharing

[@rogerburris1075]

Yes, an easily made typo - silly me! Works fine, an extremely interesting programme - thankyou very much for the prompt reply.

[@doitwithpierre210]

No problem. Glad you're sorted.

[@shivendrasinghbisht3142]

Thanks a ton Pierre. Your way of explaining such complicated subjects with such simplicity is just amazing.

[@doitwithpierre210]

I am so glad you enjoyed my videos. Please remember that I also do online courses that is very affordable.

[@cribwalkgenetics9826]

Thank you for this amazing piece of information! I have ph and temperature sensors up and running, but I’ve been struggling to find a not so cost intensive solution for the EC

[@doitwithpierre210]

Glad it helped!

[@AlRa_creative]

Video ini sangat membantu dan menambah pengalaman tentang pembuatan sensor untuk hydroponik

[@doitwithpierre210]

Glad to hear

[@thevastuniverse246]

Hey Pierre, wonderful video, I was just curious about how you were able to calculate the EC Electrical Conductivity, I was under the assumption you calculated it from the resistance of the water and the calibrated cell constant. But in the code you used "EC =CalibrationEC*(1+(Temp_Coef*(Temperature_end-25.0)));" is it correct to assume that here you used a relationship between EC and temperature to find the EC? if yes, is there a way to directly calculate the EC independent of temperature? I really liked this video and I hope you will continue to post great content! Looking forward for your reply

[@dakoledakou358]

Thanks a lot Pierre, here i lean a lot for free. I am now one of your followers. Can you please make a video combining ph, ec, nutrients and water pump for Hydroponics? Thanks!

[@doitwithpierre210]

I get many requests for videos on combined Arduino systems. Systems with different combinations of EC, pH, temperature, humidity, dissolved oxygen, light intensity, LCD screens, touch screens, Bluetooth, Wifi, timers, pump switching and many more. Although it is not difficult to do, it takes a different level of commitment form a viewer to go thru these type of videos. The amount of variations is also infinite. I do help individuals who want to learn more about Arduino to get to the point where they can put together the code and build almost anything that they want. Not only in aquaponics and hydroponics but also in other systems. If you are interested in me helping you can check out the free parts of the online courses here. pierre-s-school-6cd8.thinkific.com/courses/learn-arduino-with-pierre

[@masterd23dazza]

Love your videos Pierre!! please can you create a video with a Relay "timer" so i can set schedules and run pumps or other devices for less than 1 minute as its difficult to find cheap off the shelf timers with this function! thank you!!

[@doitwithpierre210]

Thank you Darren. I will keep that in mind for the future.

[@masterd23dazza]

@@doitwithpierre210 please!!!

[@mohamedaminemechichi6751]

It's just amazing but what we should change to run it in esp32

[@claudiocarvalho8760]

Muito bom

[@taktiklerleiddaa2193]

The EC measurement range is very close, so when it is calibrated with 1.413, it cannot read 12.88 correctly, and when it is calibrated with 12.88, it cannot read 1.413 correctly.

[@multiengineeringprojects540]

Sir firstly i wanted to say thank you for developing this amazing code on Calibration of Ph and TDS, i am using that code of yours and fulfilling my requirements but now sir there is an ISSUE i am facing and that is when i calibrate the sensors with smaller values of PH and TDS like (under 1000ppm and Ph around 7-8) then it will only shows the correct values of ph and TDS under that values only i.e. When the system is calibrated at like 800ppm and the system is fed with like 4000ppm then it only shows 2500 ppm . sir i will be very thankful to you if you can provide me yours insights on this issue.

[@TheShoes43]

Great video and thank you very much. Excited to go to the store tomorrow to get what i need. One question i have is have you seen this work with a ph sensor? Some people say that i need to turn on sensor off and the other on because they are effecting each other. Wil that be what i have to do in this case also? I can believe the ppm meter i got on amazon only goes to 1000 ppm and it says its for hydroponics :(

[@benmedka]

❤❤❤❤

[@egoistzxc]

Can NPK sensors be used in water?

[@benmedka]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@manojns1278]

Sir can you share circuit diagram of Hydroponic system? (Consisting of Ph, EC, Relay modules, Temperature sensor, dosing pump etc in one circuit diagram)

[@MrEagleeye58]

ACID flux will get it soldered.. Buy from Radio Control Hobby Shop.. it allows you to solder diff metals

[@francoismorkel]

Hi Pierre. Although this will work in principle, there is a serious flaw in your sensor design. You are driving the EC probe with DC. This will drive electrolysis in the sollution. Not only will it invariably change the sollution itself, it will also cause the probe to self-destruct via electrode corrosion. The better way is to drive it with a high frequency AC signal (sinusoidal or blokwave), using a rectifier, filter and peak detector on the signal returned. Although much more complex, it avoids electrolysis and catostrophic probe failure.

[@doitwithpierre210]

Thank you for the comment. Not driven by DC. It is pulsed.

[@francoismorkel]

Ok, but only positive pulse, corrosion will still be an issue, only slower.

[@doitwithpierre210]

Design as it is will last for years.

[@ramiltalinioddiyman3830]

Hi! I buy a temperature probe with 3 cables in your video you have 2 cables what should I do

[@doitwithpierre210]

Hi, your sensor is probably a one wire temperature sensor. If you want to use it you need to change the code.

[@naadirprofootballeur]

Hey, thanks! Great video, just have one question, could it be possible to replace the thermistor by a K-type thermocouple?

[@doitwithpierre210]

You will need to make major changes.

[@taylorjsam]

Would there be any changes running this on a 3.3v system with a NodeMCU?

[@hafizramli11]

Thank you for the video Pierre. I have some problem with the EC reading inconsistent. Can you advise on how to overcome this. Is the size & length of the wire important to get the consistent reading?

[@doitwithpierre210]

EC readings can be tricky. Is your solution well mixed?

[@TheTurbotommi]

Thanks for the great Video! Just to be sure, you pulse the VCC for EC Sensor by an output pin. You do this to avoid electrolytic corrosion? I ask because I would like to use an external ADC as the ESP8266 has only one analog pin and a very low resolution (0-1V in 1024 steps) Maybe it’s worth for you to make a Video to demonstrate with external i2c ADC like e.g. ADS1115, as it has also the benefit of much higher resolution.

[@doitwithpierre210]

Yes it was done in order to minimize electrolytic erosion of the probes.

[@onalennasehume4586]

Thanks for this. Are EC meters necessary for small setups? Like a few kratky buckets for example

[@doitwithpierre210]

Not for Kratky, but for most hydroponics setups.

[@PetaniKacak]

Hi Pierre. Thanks for the video. Can u help me? my Hanna EC meter says its 30c, but my temp says its 50+C. what can gone wrong?

[@doitwithpierre210]

Make sure you have a 10k thermistor paired with a 10k resistor. Temp should be spot on.

[@GargamelCZ]

Hi, thank you for an amazing video - I learned a lot. I'd like to implement this with an ESP32 - the two problems I see are: 1) it has 12bit ADC - what do I need to change in the math? 2) it runs on 3.3V only - will it have impact on the code or HW? Also I'm going to use ds18b20, making at least the temperature easier to get (at least for me).

[@doitwithpierre210]

It will be a new design.

[@nikicrow8003]

Hey Pierre I was just wondering on how you connected the wires of the temperature sensor and metal rods to the male to male breadboard connection wires ?

[@doitwithpierre210]

Hi Niki. It was soldered.

[@roberto190676]

hello nice project, after making it I noticed a problem on the reading of the ec. After having done the calibration the reading is accurate but immersing the wave in a liquid with a different ec the reading is not correct. I do the calibration again and the reading returns to be correct. essentially the reading and accurate if it is close to the calibration value.

[@doitwithpierre210]

EC readings are tricky. Make sure your calibration is 100% and the temperature is stable.

[@varminpanchal841]

I apply code circuit is same but pen type tds and this tds reading are very different

[@doitwithpierre210]

EC is tricky. Would you please make sure you do your calibration correctly?

[@peterseiler9572]

pierre great stuff making one as we speak having a hard time to find original arduino they are selling copies everyware any info to check that it is original equipment thx

[@doitwithpierre210]

The copies also work.

[@pieternel2039]

Hi Pierre, Thanks for the very informative videos. I have 2 questions . How do you use the 3 pin temp. probe in this system. I have been using just the temp. probe but with the data pin on a digital pin of the Arduino bu am stumped as to hw to use with the ec meter. Thanks

[@doitwithpierre210]

Pieter, you will have to change the code to use the one-wire digital sensor.

[@pieternel2039]

Thanks Pierre, I will give it a go.

[@eastern815]

thank you Pierre for the code, and What is that component on the EC probe at Video 5:07? Sorry, I can not read Nederlands

[@doitwithpierre210]

Ii is a DIY EC probe. There is a video on the channel on how to construct it.

[@eastern815]

@@doitwithpierre210 thanks.

[@rogerburris9139]

I finally got around to trying to calibrate the probe using a standard solution, I cant seem to get the same reading as the solution. HELP! Please!

[@doitwithpierre210]

Please check the calibration part of the video carefully. There are specific steps that you must follow.

[@rogerburris9139]

Lovely project. I downloaded your code, it stops at both GetEC statements. I gat find out what this command does or how it works. Research seems to tell me Get is a command associated with Eprom. Could you help please. Roger

[@doitwithpierre210]

Hi Roger, check for a copy-paste error. Code is working fine (Copy and paste in new sketch and compile). GetEC is a function. Let me know what happened.

[@joeypicinich4943]

Hi Pierre. Thanks for the video. I filled out the for to get the code and got it but the attachment states the file type is not supported. Is there any site I can go to and download the code. I have the probe and temp sensor already built awaiting code. Thanks, Joey

[@doitwithpierre210]

It is pdf

[@oldgrumpy]

Hi Pierre, what is the max length cable between probes and Arduino?

[@doitwithpierre210]

Depends on the cable. I will not go too far.

[@renoboy3125]

Hi Pierre, thank you for your detailed video of DIY EC measurement. I've 2 questions need your help. 1. Can I use a 10k resistor instead? 2) Can I use this example on a ESP32 instead of Arduino? TIA

[@doitwithpierre210]

Yes, you can with modifications. You must have a temperature sensor for temperature compensation.

[@renoboy3125]

@@doitwithpierre210 thanks man!

[@randomtechguy.]

Hello, thank you for the videos. I have a quick question though..the power for the ec probe is connected to a1, couldn`t it simply be connected to the 5v of the arduino? For my project i will be using an exterior power supply anyway but just out of curiosity...This would be kinda problematic if you had a shortage of analog inputs then..

[@doitwithpierre210]

It is done to prevent excessive corrosion.

[@KlemenVidmar]

@@doitwithpierre210 interesting, would you say this could also be a problem with store bought tds meter?

[@Godstrenth]

I copied and pasted the code directly into Arduino IDE but it is giving back a lot of errors. Is there anywhere you have a trouble shooting forum? to help with the errors when compiling?

[@doitwithpierre210]

All code is tested and working. Look for errors in your process.

[@rochedwet]

Good day Pierre , thank you for this great video. Quick question what is the max mS/cm this will be able to test ?

[@doitwithpierre210]

Not sure.

[@rochedwet]

Thank you very much , i would love to try this on salt water @@doitwithpierre210

[@Jimmywbailey]

I keep getting this when trying to do calibration. I have checked over the wiring and every thing seems right. Any tips? Replace K in line 23 of code with K = nan Temperature difference start to end were = nan*C

[@doitwithpierre210]

Hi Jimmy, I want to help but do not know what you meen with "this".

[@didadaba]

Hi! Greetings from Finland! Just starting my hydroponics project with Arduino. I have bought DFRobots expensive PH&EC-sensors for project. Too bad, that i found your channel little bit late, already bought those... Now I have problem with those sensors working together. I can measure pH or EC if sensors are alone, but if I put those at the same time into my bucket, sensors just freak out. Do you have any videos or suggestions what to do with this situation?

[@doitwithpierre210]

Unfortunately not

[@s.husain6125]

Can this probe used for soil EC measurement sir

[@doitwithpierre210]

Have not done so

[@bmerkel9963]

Hi Pierre, I followed your whole tutorial, however after the calibration and setting the calculated K value, the probe is not able to correctly measure the EC value of my prepared and validated test solutions (except the calibration solution). Also, the K value is relatively low (at 0.7). Do you have any idea why ? I'm using a 2m 75mm^2 cable and soldered 0.8mm diameter stainless steel wire as electrodes to the ends.

[@doitwithpierre210]

Hi, it is extremely difficult to say where the fault may be. There are so many things that can influence it.

[@copernicofelinis]

Maybe due to the use of DC instead of AC? DC causes electrolysis, polarization of electrodes, formation of a double layer and would alter the measure.

[@frederiko1982]

Hello Pierre, Love your videos. Im looking to build a EC sensor probe that could run with the ESP8266 to provide data to growbuddy and Home Assistant? Can you give me some ideias how to develop it? Thanks

[@doitwithpierre210]

Maybe I will do a video on it in the future. Best of luck with your project.

[@doitwithpierre210]

If you are interested, I can do a short mini-course on it. Adding a display and PPM set function as well as connecting to "blynk". It will take less than a week to compile the course. The course will contain all the information that you need as well as the code. Enrolment fee is $12. Let me know if you are interested.

[@8889films]

Hi, the link for code is not working, would you update it? I am interested in trying it, and the PH project too, cheers

[@doitwithpierre210]

Link is working

[@blueivy2295]

hello sir!! i liked this project a lot so I'm planning to recreate it... i just want to know if u were using a PTC or NTC thermistor?

[@doitwithpierre210]

It is a negative temperature coefficient thermistor.

[@blueivy2295]

@@doitwithpierre210 Sir is it possible to replace the 10k thermistor with a ds18b20? If yes, what changes should i do?

[@doitwithpierre210]

@@blueivy2295 Yes it is possible, you need to change the code. I do the 18b20 in my online Arduino course.

[@mohammadgamaslazuardi6438]

Does the diameter of the stainless steel wire important?

[@doitwithpierre210]

No, but it must not deform or bend after calibration.

[@ayemjake]

Hi, im new to Hydroponics so pardon me for asking.. What is an EC and what is the significance of having one in my setup?

[@doitwithpierre210]

EC is the electrical conductivity of your nutrient solution, and is basically an indicator of the amount of nutrients in the solution.

[@mansidhingra4358]

hello Pierre, how do you take numerical values in finding the temperature? temp =1/(0.001129148+(0.000234125+(0.000000087641*temp*temp)) *temp)

[@doitwithpierre210]

The Steinhart equation is used. You can find more info here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steinhart%E2%80%93Hart_equation

[@aminhassan9648]

Thanks a lot , kindly can you send me the link of your code for this EC hydroponics

[@doitwithpierre210]

Link is in the video description.

[@muarifridwan205]

is it work with DS18B20?

[@doitwithpierre210]

You will have to change the code.

[@robertvincent5169]

How to know conversion factor ?

[@doitwithpierre210]

Check with manufacturer of your calibration instrument.

[@mickeyvanaudenhaege3692]

Dankie Pierre. is dit dalk moontlik on die leesing te vorder op LCD asb. Kan jy asb die skets aanpas vir LiquidCrystal_I2C. Baie Dankie

[@doitwithpierre210]

Sal dit doen in 'n volgende video.

[@supplies4reptiles228]

How can i get in touch with you pls ,i need to join your classes

[@doitwithpierre210]

My email is [e-mail]

[@karinabobadilla5578]

Hi, I requested the code and I still haven't received it

[@doitwithpierre210]

Kindly look in your spam folder, or do the request again.

[@tafiasabilakhairunnisa1563]

hi i want to appropriate this for esp32, anyone managed to crack the code?

[@aminhassan9648]

Dear Pierre, i'd lik to build a system for measuring PH, TDS and temperature of water. can you help m in that issue? Thanks in advance, Amin is my name

[@doitwithpierre210]

Maybe in a future video.

[@watoysland1137]

1K ohm resistance is must or any resistance can be used?

[@doitwithpierre210]

Mansoor use a 1K if you want it to work. Let me know how it goes.

[@watoysland1137]

@@doitwithpierre210 ok I will arrange 1k resistance. I have made probe also aslo bought temprature probe. I will share results.

[@yannsovann]

Can we use on nodemcu ?

[@doitwithpierre210]

If you like you can.

[@yannsovann]

@@doitwithpierre210 but nodemcu has only one analog pin.

[@doitwithpierre210]

This video was not aimed at the nodemcu. If you want to charge the design you can use it.

[@petrusraats65]

Hi Pierre,Thanks very much for the code. Are you in South Africa??I live in Brackenfell. I have done an Arduino project for hothouses, indoor cannibis growing etc. Humidity, temperature, light control, soil moisture with 3 probes, etc. Nice guages and can switch heater, humidifier etc. Cycles 18-6.12-12 ans 24-0 can be selected. Over 3300 lines of code. I am retired and was wondering if it is possible to sell this system?Money not very abundant at the moment. Thanks, Peet

[@doitwithpierre210]

Hi Petrus, good to hear from you. Maybe someone will see your comment and buy your system.

[@ayoubmemes675]

I can't find the code :'(

[@doitwithpierre210]

Link is in the description

[@dougfranklin9443]

I do not see the code for this project.

[@doitwithpierre210]

In the first comment.

[@dununan7]

I also do not see the link for the code

[@doitwithpierre210]

​@@dununan7, the code is in the comments just go up or down to the first comment (depending on your settings). Please let me know if you found it.

[@dununan7]

@@doitwithpierre210 Thank you, found it

[@dununan7]

Pierre, I want to use a ESP32 that is only 3.3v tolerant on the GPIO pins. How will this affect the code? Then I can use Blynk to monitor my EC

[@doitwithpierre210]

Request the code for the video here. You will receive it within minutes. forms.gle/88PUfU8qjFuKvcAx5

[@Happy-yf7oj]

give me the code plz

[@doitwithpierre210]

Kindly find link for code in video description.

[@benmedka]

Up

[@alfianachmad1126]

i already request the code, can u pls send me the code sir, thanks :)

[@doitwithpierre210]

Kindly look in your spam folder, or do the request again.

[@ozkayainsaat127]

The EC measurement range is very close, so when it is calibrated with 1.413, it cannot read 12.88 correctly, and when it is calibrated with 12.88, it cannot read 1.413 correctly.

[@benmedka]

Up