Intro: Automated Aeroponics System Using Raspberry PiIn this Instructable, we'll learn how to make an Aeroponics system that's controlled via the Raspberry Pi, and uses the Raspberry Pi Camera module to take photos ofyour plants. Aeroponics is a pretty unconventional method of gardening, but that's what makes it fun!
Aeroponics makes use of mist in a closed environment to provide a plant with the necessary elements to survive. Usually, a plant's roots are suspended in a mistcontainer, while the rest of the plant sits above the setup. As an indoor setup, aeroponics is compatible with pretty much anything you want to plant and can be used yearround! Some other benefits include: a cleaner environment which reduces the need for chemicals and pesticides, conservation of water and space, and consistent yields.
Aeroponics can be used to germinate seeds or develop cuttings all the way to full size. For this Instructable, I'll be using orange, curry, and lemon cuttings.
Fun Fact: NASA has a history of research in Aeroponics.
Step 1: MaterialsYou will need:5 gallon Bucket (Any similar container should work, you’ll just have to adapt)Black spray paint (If your bucket allows in a significant amount of light)Net potsClay beadsPond Fogger/ any misting deviceHole saw (should match the size of your net pots)Clear tubing (1-2 feet will suffice if you're using a 5 gallon bucket)Watertight sealantAny sort of plastic/lexan (I used some of both)Raspberry PiRaspberry Pi CameraJumper wiresPowerSwitch Tail II power cordPlant cuttings (keep them in water or gather them during the necessary step so they don't dry out)Saran Wrap (Optional)
Step 2: Painting the Bucket*This step is only necessary if your container allows in a significant amount of light (white,transparent,etc...). There will be water in the container and with toomuch light unwanted mold/organisms can grow in the container*
Paint the container you plan to use completely.
Image Notes1. The paint significantly reduces light
Step 3: Preparing the LidHere, we'll create holes in the lid that will house the net pots. Begin by dividing the lid into equal portions. Find and mark (or pilot hole) equally spaced locations, makingsure that they are spaced enough so that when the hole saw is used the holes don't overlap. Use the hole saw on the marked spots. Finally, I used a knife to clean up theholes.
Step 4: Preparing the Lid (Continued)Two more cutouts will be added to the bucket. Let's start with with one for watering. First, create a cutout using the plastic/lexan, this will cover the hole you then make inthe bucket. The bucket I used had a convenient indent than ran around the rim, which allowed me to make a clever sliding cover. However, any sort of hole with alexan/plastic cutout cover will work. Next, simply choose another spot and drill a hole of the smallest size possible that will still allow the wire from your fogger through.This completes the lid preparation!
Image Notes1. Tracing the cutout. I used plastic
Image Notes1. Hole for watering
Image Notes1. Bent the end a little for easy access
Step 5: Water Level IndicatorThe water level indicator is simply a tube that goes into the bottom of the bucket, and runs along the side, allowing you to see the level of water without having to openthe lid.
Drill a hole along the side of the bucket at the bottom (sized so that the tubing fits snuggly). Next, route the tube up to the top of the bucket, along the side. You canattach it with tape, or if your bucket has extra plastic that bulges out you can drill a hole and put the tube through there as I did (see photos). Finally, apply sealant to thebottom hole around the tube and allow it to dry. Later on I spray painted this area to match the rest of the bucket, but you don't have to. When you fill the bucket up withwater, the water level in the tube will rise to match the bucket. Now you'll know exactly when to add more water.
Image Notes1. Bottom hole for tubing
Image Notes1. wrapped the tubing with some tape so it didn't get sealant on it2. Applied sealant
Step 6: Raspberry Pi MountNow that you have a functioning aeroponics setup, it's time to add some raspberry pi! A quick test of the fogger (placing it in the bucket with water and routing it to apower source) showed that the container works as planned.
Next, you'll want to get out the lexan and begin creating a mount for the Raspberry Pi. I started with a rectangular piece of lexan which i bent into a V shape, with somebent flaps at the end. The mount grabs the indent on the bucket and holds itself along the side. This makes a level platform for the raspberry pi to simply sit on. Usinganother thin strip of lexan, a simple mount could be made for the camera module. I drilled some holes in the camera mount, and using paper clips (resourceful, I know) Iattached the camera to the mount. The camera mount and RPi mount are simply glued together with super glue. Depending on what container you use, your mount willprobably have to be modified a bit.
I find that adding a small screw under the Raspberry Pi mount makes for added support.
Image Notes1. Mount for the RPi
Image Notes1. screw for support
Image Notes1. Hooks on nicely2. Screw provides more stability for mount to sit on
Step 7: WiringNext is the wiring from the Raspberry Pi to the PowerSwitch Tail II. The PowerSwitch allows you to control power flowing from an outlet to another device, using amicrocontroller to oversee this process. First route one jumper cable from the Pi's GPIO pin 6 (0V) to the PowerSwitch's second port labeled -in. Then route a secondcable from GPIO 23 or any other 3.3V powered pin to the PowerSwitch's first port labeled +in. Then connect one end of the PowerSwitch to an outlet, and the other toyour fogger.
Step 8: SoftwareFor the Raspberry Pi camera module I used the following command in the terminal:
raspistill -o image.jpg -tX -tlX
where the X's can be any amount of time (in ms). -t controls how long the camera will run, and -tl controls how often a photo will be taken.
I used another piece of code, running on idle 3, to cycle on/off periods for the GPIO, which controls the PowerSwitch Tail, which controls the fogger. Again, X is theamount of time you choose for a cycle.
*I am sure there is a much more efficient way to do this part, but i'm still quite new to the Pi*
Image Notes1. Choose whatever time you want (ms)
Step 9: Add the CuttingsFinally, you are ready to place the cuttings.Start by trimming the cuttings, so that there is enough stem exposed to be placed in the net pots. Then, fill the net pots with clay beads and place the cuttings in thebeads. Now you can place the potted plants into the aeroponics chamber. You can also cover the top of your net pots with saran wrap, making sure it covers the claybeads. This will decrease water loss.
Remember to keep the water level to the specifications of the fogger.You can add liquid nutrient solution to the water to help keep your plants healthy.Some indoor environments can get pretty dry, so it can help to spray the cuttings with water when they look a bit dry.
Skymeat says: Jan 12, 2014. 8:03 PM REPLYSo Areoponics are cool. But why use a pi just to take pictures? What about a ph meter, valve to fill the tank, nutrient dispensers....
darkstar1 says: Jan 13, 2014. 4:17 PM REPLYThat was the original idea, but i'm still quite the noob at using the pi, and a lack of time and resources didn't let me get to that point. Hopefully i'll get thereat another time.
Skymeat says: Jan 13, 2014. 6:57 PM REPLYCool! I'll keep an eye out for any updates. I've been wanting to make an aeroponic herb garden for a kitchen window for quite some time.
diy_bloke says: Jan 13, 2014. 12:07 AM REPLYI have always been a bit surprised at the use of this type of waterindicator as it creates a vulnerable spot in your container.Another option would be a small hole in the lid with a tube going down to almost the bottom. put a float in the tube with a stick coming out. the rising of thestick gives a good indication of the waterlevel
darkstar1 says: Jan 13, 2014. 4:15 PM REPLYThat's a great idea thanks for the feedback!
shensher says: Jan 13, 2014. 9:09 AM REPLYIn a system this size, do you really need a mister? Wouldn't a simple airstone provide enough mist from the bubbles breaking on the surface? Also, if youwant to grow plants to maturity more effectively, you could turn this into a mini aquaponics system by adding some small fish into the bucket.
ymasullo says: Jan 12, 2014. 3:46 PM REPLYVery interesting...from where are net pots purchased? I imagine the fogger can be bought at someplace like Home Depot? Lowes?... (I live inManhattan...that's all I can think of). What would a fogger cost more or less?
darkstar1 says: Jan 12, 2014. 4:27 PM REPLYThen net pots and fogger were purchased through Amazon. I believe the fogger was about $15, it's original intention is for use as a decorative piece inhome ponds.
sheldor says: Jan 12, 2014. 4:03 PM REPLYSo all the Pi does is take a picture? Seriously? :D When I read the title, I was expecting it to do some part of the "automation", like control water level,dispense fertilizer or maybe a switch a growing lamp? Track and adjust pH Levels?
The actual Aeroponics System is nice though, thanks for this part of the Instructable :)
random squigles says: Jan 12, 2014. 9:06 AM REPLYHi, thats nice. I know those misters have a narrow range of water depth they will work in. Hydro systems need balanced nutrients and proper PH. Are youplaning on incorporating system monitoring? here is some info using a pic and a pc instead of the Pi to monitor the water level, PH, and conductivity of thesolution so you know when to add water, add nutes and replace the water.
kshea19 says: Jan 12, 2014. 12:42 PM REPLYBrian Kuschak. Good software! You are the man. Don't have the skills, but I can beta-test the software.
darkstar1 says: Jan 12, 2014. 11:47 AM REPLYWow, thanks for the resources! I probably will incorporate some system monitoring when I have the time. In fact, the original idea was to have somesensors (humidity and pH), but unfortunatley I wasn't able to get to that.
kshea19 says: Jan 12, 2014. 12:38 PM REPLYThanks for your focus to detail and aesthetics. Thanks also for using the raspberry pi to control it. I have work in Nicaragua and I like smart stuff to allow myworkers to focus on other things.
waemisegger says: Jan 10, 2014. 8:22 PM REPLYwhat function does the camera do and what code do you use to determine when the plants need to be misted with the fogger? I'm a little lost on the cameraaspect but setup and layout of this is brilliant thank you for the post.
darkstar1 says: Jan 10, 2014. 10:08 PM REPLYHey thanks for the feedback. So the camera serves to simply take a photo of the plants and save the image in your current directory on the Raspberry Pi,the idea here being that you can go back and view the progress your plants made. My hope is that those who understand the Pi better than me can takethis a step further and get these pictures to be automatically included in emails, tweets,etc...The code that controls the mister is a picture in step 8, and .It simply goes through on/off cycles for the mister that you can set. Hope this helps.
Kdemon says: Jan 12, 2014. 6:47 AM REPLYHow is your system working? How often does your Aeroponics system take a picture? Have you tried making a timelaps of growth? Keep up thegood work.
darkstar1 says: Jan 12, 2014. 10:31 AM REPLYSo far everything is working well with no leaks, fires, or other issues! I have set it to every few hours but this quickly becomes a memory spaceissue. As for time lapse, the Pi is running on its time lapse mode, but if you want a legit time lapse you'll have to use other software to combinethe photos.
Kdemon says: Jan 12, 2014. 11:16 AM REPLYYou should deffdiently make a time lapse of your plants growing, that would be epic!
