We recently took on a challenge: to transform an automated dosing system into a fully functional, all-in-one hydroponics system. This system was built for an agricultural trade show—to highlight the features and ease of use of AppBlocks + TPS.
We had a functional automated dosing system (for more information, check this blog post) built with a TPS2, a pair of peristaltic pumps, a PH sensor, and an EC sensor. We also had another project (Smart Plants) created to keep my Monstera alive. By putting these two projects together, plus some other features, we're able to build a pretty well-rounded hydroponics system.
We decided that we wanted more to show for the expo, so we went ahead and challenged ourselves to build a full-blown hydroponics system, all from existing capabilities documented here.
To do this, we took the existing automated dosing system and added the following features:
- Irrigation and water flow control: Two pumps, controlled by two independent relays, one for moving water around the tank and another for providing the plants with water.
- Lighting control: Two sets of LED strips, controlled by two independent relays. One relay controls the AC power delivered to an extension cord, while the other directly powers DC LED strips.
- CO2 monitoring: A Telaire CO2 sensor.
- Fan Control: One relay controls a group of DC fans.
- Liquid level sensing: MaxBotix sensor.
- Temperature monitoring: Bus Probes.
Hardware and Physical Assembly
Boards
- TPP3G2: Most of the action—controling all sensors and relays—happens here. In applications which don’t require constant human intervention, only one "large" TPS is more than enough.
- TPP2G2: Since we want booth visitors to play around with the system, we need an HMI. The touchscreen and buttons on the TPS2 are perfect for this task.
- LTPP3G2: The LTPS doesn't have a 'greater purpose' in this system, as it's only used to display the web dashboard through a generic browser.
Sensors and Peripherals:
- Bus probes are used for Air Temperature and Humidity monitoring.
- LED strips for lights, some are 12V and some are AC (have a converter inside).
- Small 12V DC pumps for water movement.
- PH and EC Modbus sensors.
We also posted pictures of the hydroponics system while we we're working on it. To keep up with more updates, make sure to follow us on LinkedIn or X!