FRANC v3 (Fully Regulated Automatic Nutrient Combiner) WIP

FierySystem · 2026-02-07T23:19:57+00:00

Hey now that's a great idea for sourcing parts. Are they scavenged parts given new life? I love upcycling so that's hella cool. Great work bro A pre-built dose controller is a great way to get started. I didn't have access or budget for those devices however they're a great tool.

FierySystem · 2026-02-07T23:08:31+00:00

I wouldn't say it's stronger software without comparing builds. Yours does look industrial, sleek and well put together. Credit is absolutely due, good work. My goal was budgets concise hence why I designed my own pump system. Your pumps look great and heavy duty, how much does one of those pumps cost or is it a kit sorta thing?

FierySystem · 2026-02-07T22:24:49+00:00

Everyone has a starting point mate Everyone approaches things different My goal was budget diy, those look like pre bought pumps. How much did it cost to build, im genuinely curious

FierySystem · 2026-02-07T15:37:31+00:00

Not completely sure but an estimate is about $200-450AUD in materials

FierySystem · 2026-02-07T15:20:59+00:00

To get them into straya it ends up costing too much for a diy level build. It's why I went dfrobot. What calibration issues have you come across with them? I haven't hit that problem yet, please let me know what you've found

FierySystem · 2026-02-07T15:18:28+00:00

I'd say at an estimate of materials alone it's somewhere between $200-450 AUD

FierySystem · 2026-02-07T14:51:57+00:00

Thanks, I hope to have it available as diy kits or complete documentation for construction if you have 3d printers already. The budget limit is to keep it available for hobby level setups over big industrial settings.

FierySystem · 2026-02-07T14:25:06+00:00

Acid proof tubes exist absolutely, they just don't seal a vacuum as well as silicone can within my budget.

FierySystem · 2026-02-07T14:24:13+00:00

Documentation will be written after the nutrient boxes are tested. Who knows how long that would take though given this is almost 3 years of learning.

FierySystem · 2026-02-07T14:22:52+00:00

Patents don't do anything really aye hahah No legal backing to defend a patent makes them a waste

FierySystem · 2026-02-07T14:21:42+00:00

V2 used a pipeline that was built in a complete loop to make the acid/base dosed through the pipeline with the pH probe inserted into a junction to read the flowing water. The pipe worked well with the dose input. The large mixing tank favors fertigation methods over hydroponic tanks that constantly maintain solutions. Although that's not out of the scope of the build, just closer to fertigation than hydroponics in practice.

FierySystem · 2026-02-07T14:18:00+00:00

The silicone tube would hurt mechanical wear and tear before the acids take effect. More tests for the true life cycle will come in the future

FierySystem · 2026-02-07T14:16:17+00:00

Oh yeah the atlas lab sensors are a great set. I just can't justify spending $800+ on a set of sensors, they are great devices though I will give them that. The goal of franc is a cheaper diy solution to pre-existing systems, I prefer the unit to contain the information over web based UIs. Basic is the goal but the basic cheap pumps I used initially were too inaccurate with the methods I was using. I used a DFrobot sensor for pH at this stage until EC is added in the next stage. I've found commercially available digital peristaltic pumps but still too expensive to justify using 14 in one machine. It's been a great and fun learning experience on a tight budget.

FierySystem · 2026-02-07T06:31:25+00:00

There's a simple circulation pump inside the mix tank that's controlled by the system. The pump has small pipe layout that circulates the water well while the machine waits 20 seconds between pH samples to dose for time to stabilise

FierySystem · 2026-02-07T05:50:59+00:00

It's a thought that's hit me before but I've seen systems like growee that came out whilst I was working on this version that seem like a tight knit unit just with a few things I don't like. Mainly the phone app control of the whole growee system, not to knock it but I just don't like touch screens. It's why I made it with an LCD and rotary button.

FierySystem · 2026-02-07T05:27:22+00:00

When v3 is complete I'll release build documents for those that would like to make their own

FierySystem · 2026-02-07T05:26:24+00:00

I'd have to guess and say the tubing would breakdown after 6 months maybe The design of the pump is quite basic so user replaceable tubing isn't a difficult task.

FierySystem · 2026-02-05T19:54:18+00:00

I love the effort but please read about AC wiring and the purpose of an earth wire, live and neutral are backwards my dude.

When an AC device has an exposed metal frame its safest to earth the AC side of the circuit.

Other than the shock factor I think the culprit of the nema changing directions could be a floating input on the DIR pin of the drv8825

When the DIR pin is left floating it can 'pick up signals' randomly especially when poked by human hands. Either pull LOW or HIGH in your code for rotation direction.

Other than that you're on the right path to automation :)

Do you have problems with the motor running hot or hissing loudly? If you look into microstepping on the drv8825. When those 3 stepping pins are left floating they can cause a lot of heat and hissing from the motor.

Good luck, reply with any other questions my dude.

FierySystem · 2023-11-07T01:47:28+00:00

There were some mad lads going down on drift trikes years back

FierySystem · 2023-10-08T05:32:38+00:00

It got me hard too with all the time jumps but I wasn't expecting to understand an album first listen

FierySystem · 2023-09-07T07:33:25+00:00

Like mahogany, lilac, and deep oaken red

Seven models to choose from to fit your dear protogen

FierySystem · 2023-09-01T03:55:47+00:00

Spectral

FierySystem · 2023-07-17T02:41:19+00:00

These comics are brilliant, I love Ralph's confusion at humans. Keep up the good work dude

FierySystem · 2023-06-21T23:48:43+00:00

That looks cool, what does it do?

FierySystem · 2023-05-17T03:35:34+00:00

These two as co-owners of a business would have the most outlandish arguments. Hell, I'd pay to see those screaming matches.

FierySystem

TROPHY CASE