May 2022 Update

We now have a semi-working PCB located in an enclosure plus various sensor enclosures and a solar panel mount. Most recently, I have been working on the SD Card functionality so a config file can be utilised and there is somewhere for a small amount of data to be stored.

My main aim right now is to get this system located in our garden collecting data so I can work on the software aspects while I have a reliable and on-going source of continuous data.

Questions and Hurdles

There are a number of hurdles and/or unanswered questions including:

• The sensors currently communicate over i2c which has limitations of distance. Is this going to be a problem? Will a solution or alternative be required.
• Will the current power arrangement work and keep everything alive?
• The enclosures are currently printed in ‘PLA blend – NatureWorks‘ PLA which although is environmentally better than the vast majority of plastics isn’t that keen on Sun/UV and rain. Will an alternative be required. I have a source of Bio-Pro to be tested.
• I have ideas for a number of additional sensors which may or may not be possible or realistic including: Weight, Soil, Wind, Entrance Traffic.