This is just what I was looking for two years ago - nice job. As a network data guy, the wiring doesn’t scare me at all. Am just putting a 5 barrel system together and you addressed every question I had. Awesome and thanks!
OK my man I just discovered channel and this is right up my alley. Unfortunately I don’t have the time to complete such a project. But this can be a business idea for you because I would definitely purchase this if you’re selling them as a plug and play system. Especially to work with rain barrels. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
I'm really old! I use to program COBOL, FORTRAN, and a little ASSEMBLY programming. Your phone has more core storage than the old 360 I.B.M. reel to reel that I used. You absolutely have it and lost my ass in the process. Nicely done.
Haha, thanks. There are actually some easier methods out there. One method I'm thinking about looking into is a WIFI Relay which would cut out 99% of the programming and you should be able to accomplish the same goal.
Haha, that's what I thought when attempting the project, but it turns out with a little dedication and patience, it is a lot easier than I thought. :) There are also easier methods out there such as the Orbit Smart Hose Faucet that will accomplish the same goal and some but with less effort.
I just stumbled across your channel yesterday. I LOVE your content!! You explain things clearly and thoroughly, the demonstration is perfect! Absolutely awesome!
Great video! Rainwater is so much better for the plants than city water. Would love to see your genius come up with a way for everyone to use their gray water for outdoor irrigation.
There is a much easier way to setup your Wifi relay. A simple Wifi relay would do the exact same thing and skip all the Blynk setup stuff. Just search Amazon for a "12v Wifi Relay" and you can use one of those. I LOVE your videos. Keep up the great work!!!
Thanks for the feedback. My upcoming video will be about using a WIFI relay for those looking for a simpler approach and not looking for a lot of customizability 🙂.
This is really great! And the best part is with the microcontroller setup you can always add features later. a pressure off switch would be a nice feature that could override all inputs in case of an overpressure situation. Like if you're spraying and then you have to walk away to take a phone call you can leave the pump on and it won't burn up. Also you could add capacitive moisture sensors
@@GreenTechTown if your interested in getting the best soil sensors Andreas Spies did a vid testing them out, but it would be cool to see them in a real world scenario with your blynk app
So, came across your rain barrels first... as of two weeks of pulling and repulling ideas for my greenhouse, I came across this video. I am currently in the process of building something similar through Arduino IDE and an ATMEGA chip. My additions are soil capacitive sensors, to measure moisture contents of soil, temperature and humidity sensors (because it is a green house and I can control those better than outdoor), and as a result, have programmed in the tolerances for such. Unsure if you are like me and this is all an experiment with additional rewards, but it may be something you want to look into or run a video on. With the expansion of a larger board (or slaving a larger board) you could add nutrient dosing and measuring to your system... Just thoughts if you wanted to run it... other than that, much luck from a former Tiny Town resident.
Thanks for the idea Neal. It's definitely something that I've had some curiosity about, but have not dove too deep into it. I'll definitely add it to the to-do list to explore. Also, what made you decide to use the Arduino? I know they are really popular.
Wow. Great tutorial. As I mentioned in a previous post we have made a rainwater harvesting prototype with timer control. We were wondering about a mobile app. interface and this answers those questions. Great stuff.
Yeah a timer is a good idea too. There are many solutions to this concept out there it seems rather you go the DIY route I took or buy a solution already made which I may try out one day.
@@GreenTechTown If you're ever looking to pump rainwater into your house to flush toilets etc.. let us know. That's what our pump is designed for! Thanks
This is awesome and exactly what I've been looking for. It's perfect for water starved parts of California (could probably even qualify for some kind of municipal rebate). Have you thought about developing this commercially as an off the shelf system? Super impressed with your video presentations as well as your engineering, by the way! Bravo all around!
I'm pretty sure the Particle Photon Module Charges the Dilithium Crystals which makes the Flux Capacitor possible ? I think Robert is an Alien Hybrid. LOL Great stuff
It is very likely, it just boils down to using the correct components to interact with the module to get the job done. I've never done that, but sounds like a fun project.
very nice, question how did you make the app that blink loads? i have a larger program with arduino using for buttons for inputs looking to build the app so it can work with /arduino or perhaps use photon.
It's been some time since I made that app, but I believe at the time of this video, I made it using the app itself and maybe the blink website. I watched a few tutorials on RUclips from some other RUclipsrs and was able to get a basic understanding for what to do after a few hours. I think they have made several changes since then and it's even easier to make apps, but they limit you if using the free subscription.
I wish you would do off grid automation water system. I have some property that I hope in a few years to start building a home, but at this time it's only land and a storage building. I want to start an orchard now, but don't have a water system. I'm wanting to install catch water system and solar panel to water my trees during the day. I can follow your system up until you installed the wifi automation system. I need help.
Attempting to follow along here, when trying to flash the device from the IDE I keep getting an error that reads: waterpump.ino:6:10: blynk.h: No such file or directory any help here is appreciated.
It sounds like the Blynk.io library was not imported into your project. In the IDE on the left pane, click on Libraries, search for "blynk", click on the blynk result, and then click on the Include In Project button.
@@GreenTechTown I originally set it up to test water moisture and automatically water my plants, but I didn't really get further than that. My pump was very small too. I want to do something larger scale like you. I am totally going to see if I can work it with the arduino and if it makes sense cost wise.
not a plug but...... you could use a WYZE wifi plug. it can run up to a 15 amp device and its updated to work with ALEXA so you can then talk and have it turn on.
I won't go into detail, but I'm not a fan of anything I can hack, the solar street light is also easily hacked considering all those lights have the same IR frequency, Water is too important to hook up something like that to.
If the WIFI goes out, I programmed my unit so that I can still use the manual toggle switch. I also added safety code that if the pump was remotely turned on but left on too long, it would automatically shut off after a certain time limit. You can program the unit to operate however you like, which is the nice part of it.
Over complicated.... just get a wifi relay switch from ebay or amazon and splice it between your battery and your pump, next download one app, pair it with the switch. job done...
Dear lord, this is an excellent channel. I've been needing someone to help me get over this last hurdle of hardware fears
Thank you
Just found your channel today working on my rain water system... SUBSCRIBED...thanks for your help
Awesome, welcome aboard!
This is a fantastic video, very clear and concise. I would definitely pay for your expertise and inginunity for my own farm.
You, SIr, are the James Bond of Everything!
haha, I wouldn't say that but thanks!
This is just what I was looking for two years ago - nice job. As a network data guy, the wiring doesn’t scare me at all. Am just putting a 5 barrel system together and you addressed every question I had. Awesome and thanks!
Awesome! Always good feedback to hear.
OK my man I just discovered channel and this is right up my alley. Unfortunately I don’t have the time to complete such a project. But this can be a business idea for you because I would definitely purchase this if you’re selling them as a plug and play system. Especially to work with rain barrels. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Damn brother. This is the best gardening video on RUclips.
Thanks!
I'm really old! I use to program COBOL, FORTRAN, and a little ASSEMBLY programming. Your phone has more core storage than the old 360 I.B.M. reel to reel that I used. You absolutely have it and lost my ass in the process. Nicely done.
Haha, thanks. There are actually some easier methods out there. One method I'm thinking about looking into is a WIFI Relay which would cut out 99% of the programming and you should be able to accomplish the same goal.
This is FLYING over my head but I'll keep watching and learn what I can. :)
Haha, that's what I thought when attempting the project, but it turns out with a little dedication and patience, it is a lot easier than I thought. :) There are also easier methods out there such as the Orbit Smart Hose Faucet that will accomplish the same goal and some but with less effort.
There's also a lot of tutorials on the internet on how to do something like this. :D.
Just like this fine tutorial right here!
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. This has given me a winter project (amongst the honey do list).
I just stumbled across your channel yesterday. I LOVE your content!! You explain things clearly and thoroughly, the demonstration is perfect! Absolutely awesome!
Awesome! Thank you!
Great video! Rainwater is so much better for the plants than city water.
Would love to see your genius come up with a way for everyone to use their gray water for outdoor irrigation.
There is a much easier way to setup your Wifi relay. A simple Wifi relay would do the exact same thing and skip all the Blynk setup stuff.
Just search Amazon for a "12v Wifi Relay" and you can use one of those.
I LOVE your videos. Keep up the great work!!!
Thanks for the feedback. My upcoming video will be about using a WIFI relay for those looking for a simpler approach and not looking for a lot of customizability 🙂.
This is really great! And the best part is with the microcontroller setup you can always add features later.
a pressure off switch would be a nice feature that could override all inputs in case of an overpressure situation. Like if you're spraying and then you have to walk away to take a phone call you can leave the pump on and it won't burn up.
Also you could add capacitive moisture sensors
That's a really good idea. Thanks for sharing!
@@GreenTechTown if your interested in getting the best soil sensors Andreas Spies did a vid testing them out, but it would be cool to see them in a real world scenario with your blynk app
So, came across your rain barrels first... as of two weeks of pulling and repulling ideas for my greenhouse, I came across this video. I am currently in the process of building something similar through Arduino IDE and an ATMEGA chip. My additions are soil capacitive sensors, to measure moisture contents of soil, temperature and humidity sensors (because it is a green house and I can control those better than outdoor), and as a result, have programmed in the tolerances for such. Unsure if you are like me and this is all an experiment with additional rewards, but it may be something you want to look into or run a video on. With the expansion of a larger board (or slaving a larger board) you could add nutrient dosing and measuring to your system... Just thoughts if you wanted to run it... other than that, much luck from a former Tiny Town resident.
Thanks for the idea Neal. It's definitely something that I've had some curiosity about, but have not dove too deep into it. I'll definitely add it to the to-do list to explore. Also, what made you decide to use the Arduino? I know they are really popular.
Wow. Great tutorial. As I mentioned in a previous post we have made a rainwater harvesting prototype with timer control. We were wondering about a mobile app. interface and this answers those questions. Great stuff.
Yeah a timer is a good idea too. There are many solutions to this concept out there it seems rather you go the DIY route I took or buy a solution already made which I may try out one day.
@@GreenTechTown If you're ever looking to pump rainwater into your house to flush toilets etc.. let us know. That's what our pump is designed for! Thanks
Wow - that was amazing.... i had no idea... thanks for the great explanations an sharing your code.
You're welcome!
Thank you for the time you put into making this video. I think I need another video to define the terminology...lol
Haha, and no problem.
I can hear the Macgyver music in my head
love the content! i appreciate you making this explainable and doable for a tech minimalist like myself.
Nice. Well thought out. Can't wait to see what else you come up with.
Thanks!
This is awesome and exactly what I've been looking for. It's perfect for water starved parts of California (could probably even qualify for some kind of municipal rebate). Have you thought about developing this commercially as an off the shelf system? Super impressed with your video presentations as well as your engineering, by the way! Bravo all around!
Thanks Curious Cat for the feedback! And the thought has crossed my mind, just not sure I have the time to invest in such a task lol.
Wow that's awesome!
I would like to make a custom app to control all of my home systems.
I can you're already doing it. I'll keep watching.
You should do it!
Very impressive.
Wow! Your videos are amazing. Keep up the great work!
Thank you! Will do!
I'm pretty sure the Particle Photon Module Charges the Dilithium Crystals which makes the Flux Capacitor possible ? I think Robert is an Alien Hybrid. LOL Great stuff
This is GREAT!!! ❤
Cool. Can your controller control a thermostat and manual switch on the wall for my gas fireplace?
It is very likely, it just boils down to using the correct components to interact with the module to get the job done. I've never done that, but sounds like a fun project.
Amazing - so very good!
very nice, question how did you make the app that blink loads? i have a larger program with arduino using for buttons for inputs looking to build the app so it can work with /arduino or perhaps use photon.
It's been some time since I made that app, but I believe at the time of this video, I made it using the app itself and maybe the blink website. I watched a few tutorials on RUclips from some other RUclipsrs and was able to get a basic understanding for what to do after a few hours. I think they have made several changes since then and it's even easier to make apps, but they limit you if using the free subscription.
Wow. Very impressive.
Thanks and thanks for watching!
I wish you would do off grid automation water system. I have some property that I hope in a few years to start building a home, but at this time it's only land and a storage building. I want to start an orchard now, but don't have a water system. I'm wanting to install catch water system and solar panel to water my trees during the day. I can follow your system up until you installed the wifi automation system. I need help.
Freaken amazing videos!! Super smart!
How about installing a 2 part system water filter for the whole house?
Sounds like something worth looking into, however, I'm not sure what the local code/laws are for such a setup.
Wow…just wow
Represent!
Ive just entered an altered universe
WHo are you? Are you superman? You got skills bruh!
Haha thanks.
@@GreenTechTown I'm serious. I wonder if I could hire you to do this stuff to my yard.
Very cool. If you make it open source (without gumroad paywall) I'll open a PR.
Hey Birdie. Thanks for watching. Can you refresh my memory on what a PR is?
This is fascinating. Looking to do something similar - how can I get in contact?
Good talent brother
Thanks!
Attempting to follow along here, when trying to flash the device from the IDE I keep getting an error that reads: waterpump.ino:6:10: blynk.h: No such file or directory
any help here is appreciated.
It sounds like the Blynk.io library was not imported into your project. In the IDE on the left pane, click on Libraries, search for "blynk", click on the blynk result, and then click on the Include In Project button.
Impressive!
Wow too much technology for me but happy for you!
I already have an arduino. Do you think I could use it instead of the photon?
Most definitely from what I've heard people use Arduino for in the past.
@@GreenTechTown I originally set it up to test water moisture and automatically water my plants, but I didn't really get further than that. My pump was very small too. I want to do something larger scale like you. I am totally going to see if I can work it with the arduino and if it makes sense cost wise.
Wow mr
Can this board be used to open and close my garage door remotely?
Yes, it can be programmed to do that and a lot more.
@@GreenTechTown would you produce a video showing us how?
5 different apps?
not a plug but...... you could use a WYZE wifi plug. it can run up to a 15 amp device and its updated to work with ALEXA so you can then talk and have it turn on.
Looks good, but unfortunately you lost me at the wireing 😎
I won't go into detail, but I'm not a fan of anything I can hack, the solar street light is also easily hacked considering all those lights have the same IR frequency, Water is too important to hook up something like that to.
What if the internet goes out?
Should work if your wifi is still active..
If the WIFI goes out, I programmed my unit so that I can still use the manual toggle switch. I also added safety code that if the pump was remotely turned on but left on too long, it would automatically shut off after a certain time limit. You can program the unit to operate however you like, which is the nice part of it.
Hey Robert... I am new here, do you have email, thx sir...
ehh? What did you say? lol.
This seems very confusing
Over complicated.... just get a wifi relay switch from ebay or amazon and splice it between your battery and your pump, next download one app, pair it with the switch. job done...
can you explain a bit more? I searched "one app" on apple store and didn't get good results
Not very friendly DIY.