Big problem this morning. The circuit which would incorporate all 3 probes was not reading correct pH. Vardhman thinks that as he was soldering parts onto one circuit board he might have soldered the ends of DC-DC converter together causing a short circuit. This is common when soldering. Patience and precision are key; not to say he didn't know what he was doing but these kinds of things happen all the time (4th and 5th pics show what we should expect by early next week-- the soldering problem is in there somewhere). Luckily Vardhman found a second DC-DC converter. So we should be set with cluster by next week. Fingers crossed!
Because we need to collect data over the weekend, Vardhman developed the circuitry below. If you've been keeping up with posts, the problem with collecting data simultaneous from probes is a voltage interference. The use of 2 arduinos as shown in picture isolates each probes voltage (each probe receiving 5V). The 3rd arduino collects information from 1 & 2 and with the use of Xbee transmits data remotely. From looking at the data and plotting a graph we will see at what time controls were activated. pH is the easiest to tell as we can visually look at dispenser and see a volume displacement. We will manipulate controls before we leave today by adding disturbances for DO levels, refilling tank (sonar pic below), and food disperser.
Our graph is created using MATLAB which is is a numerical computing environment and fourth-generation programming language. See pic below:
We are collecting data every 8 seconds. I'll describe our data using the third row of numbers:
26.43, 0, 7.20, 0, 8.78, 1, 15
(Temp), (0= open current), (pH), (0=open current), (DO), (1= closed current), (water level)
Great work! Somewhere hidden in the soldering path is the DC-DC converter short circuit.
Top view
Sonars for water loss in fish tank. A turn on/off system is incorporated here. Water displacement within fish tank will kick start system. We measured 7 inches from top of lid to water. The system activates at .7 in displacement. We will not get this much evaporated water over the weekend so will add disturbance today.
Velcrowed to bottom of lid
Bubbler once again. Remember a .5 value drop in DO levels will turn on bubbler. This is also an on/off system.
We have a flower!! :D We started collecting aquaponic system success by measuring growth in our plants. I know it's kinda late to do this but I bet we'll get a 1 or 2 in. growth before Friday's presentation.
pH dispenser once again.
Food dispenser. All systems are a go!
Top view.
Digital reading before deployment. This is an early picture, all readings stabilized shortly after. This is pretty cool!
Vardhman making sure everything is good to go. I actually asked him to pose. Normally he has his hands in there somewhere.
I changed our poster a little. The only things to add are our last data, graph, pics of completed cluster. Super excited!
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