ABOUT THIS PROJECT

Automatic watering system

A device that helps reduce labor time in watering trees morning and evening, using a temperature calibrator to determine the function.

EXPANDED TECHNICAL DETAILS

The Automatic Watering System is a foundational step in practical robotics. Unlike internet-connected weather systems, this builds an incredibly robust, standalone mechanical system. It must operate flawlessly for weeks while you are on vacation without requiring Wi-Fi.

Soil Moisture Mapping

A moisture sensor does not return a percentage; it returns an analog voltage from 0 to 1023 based on electrical resistance in the dirt.

1. The Calibration Phase: You insert the sensor into bone-dry dirt and note the Serial output (e.g., 850). You then submerge the sensor in a glass of water and note the number (e.g., 300).
2. The Logic Trap: The biggest mistake beginners make is writing if (moisture > 800) { water(); }.
3. If the pump runs for exactly 1 second, the water hasn't had time to sink down to the sensor. The Arduino checks again, thinks it's still dry, and waters it again, quickly flooding your living room!
4. The Watering Delay: You must enforce a hard delay. Water_Pump_ON(); delay(3000); Water_Pump_OFF(); delay(300000); (Wait 5 full minutes before checking the dirt again!).

Physical Pumping Hardware

• You use a cheap, 5V or 12V Mini Submersible Water Pump. You drop it directly into a 1-gallon jug of water hidden under the table.
• The Relay Board: The Arduino clicks a 5V relay module to switch the heavy current to the motor.
• The Check Valve: If your water jug sits higher than the plant pot, turning off the motor won't stop the flow! A gravity siphon will form and dump the entire gallon. You must ensure the hose end sits higher than the water level, or install a mechanical one-way check valve!

Needed Build Output

• Arduino Uno/Nano: The logic manager.
• Capacitive Soil Moisture Sensor v1.2 (Avoid resistive sensors that corrode).
• 5V Relay Module and Submersible Pump.
• Flexible PVC Tubing (e.g., 8mm diameter).

Step

Step 1

• In order to use it, we have assembled the circuit we need to work in each part of the device.

Step 2

• Once assembled, we will put the code into the Arduino program.

Step 3

• When Run Code The command is as follows:
  • 3.1 When the value of the gauge is greater than the set value, a red light will appear.
  • 3.2 When the value of the gauge exceeds the set value, the watering system will activate.