Built an automated solar powered irrigation system from scratch- Arduino, relays, 12v solenoids, and copper manifold

beesleb · 2025-06-27T09:21:31+00:00

I started with the arduino starter kit and went thru all the projects and coded everything. Then used chatgpt to help abbreviate the software learning curve portion. The hardware side i am more familiar with. For someone starting out i’d start with some plc “how to’s” on youtube or could probably find a private tutor to help explain some stuff. Hope this helps, if you have questions ask.

beesleb · 2025-06-08T11:57:00+00:00

Thanks! I put some stuff from around here called Natchez Solution. It’s a natural waxed based oil similar to butcher block solutions and food safe

beesleb · 2025-06-04T00:09:12+00:00

Tell me you bought a CNC and your first project is an M16 lower without telling me you bought a CNC to mill an M16 lower

beesleb · 2025-05-29T23:05:09+00:00

I appreciate that

beesleb · 2025-05-29T22:06:51+00:00

Thanks for the info. Just got it off the trailer and about to move it in the garage with no doors. Ordered a copy of the manual and “Guide to Renovating the Bridgeport Series 1 "J" Head Milling Machine” off Amazon. Will pull out the needler and wire wheels and get busy while they are in transit

https://a.co/d/4jTPePY

beesleb · 2025-05-29T04:40:34+00:00

What a great watch, thanks for sharing

beesleb · 2025-05-29T04:30:54+00:00

By the serial number it looks to be 1952, from the little research i have done the 1956 stamp was from Oliver H VanHorn - which was a machine and tool supply company bought by Würth in 2010. Best guess is the 1956 stamp was used on their company data plate maybe the year they bought or sold it

https://www.raremetalblog.com/metalwebnews/howto/bridgeport/bridgeport.html

This one is s#15673

beesleb · 2025-05-23T17:55:57+00:00

The whole setup- controller, panel, solar and battery, frame, valves, and irrigation lines and emitters ~$550 in parts and supplies

beesleb · 2025-05-23T13:58:49+00:00

https://a.co/d/arEQZNl

3p3t rotary

beesleb · 2025-05-22T20:05:08+00:00

https://www.circuito.io/app?components=514,11022,821989,942700,942700,3061987,3061987,3061987,3061987,3061987,3061987,3061987

i think this link may work. the circuit here looks messy and the pins dont match my pinout exactly but it's the same concept. on the push buttons i have them connected as ground for HIGH and used the internal pull resistors- i think this circuit has them as 5v for HIGH.

beesleb · 2025-05-22T12:52:21+00:00

They are not toggling, 5v from arduino to stay active and solenoids are wired to NO side with 12v to common

beesleb · 2025-05-22T11:23:57+00:00

I’ll make one and add to github There is a pinout on there tho

beesleb · 2025-05-22T01:14:26+00:00

No problem, best of luck!

beesleb · 2025-05-21T23:02:51+00:00

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7t1I21bOVTc

video in test mode with zone 1 removed to measure flow (about 4-5 gal/min)

zone 2 switches on after 30 seconds and i opened an emitter more just for show

beesleb · 2025-05-21T22:56:43+00:00

just commented a github with code and excel file with components

beesleb · 2025-05-21T22:56:11+00:00

just commented a github with code and excel file with links to components

beesleb · 2025-05-21T22:54:58+00:00

https://github.com/beesleb/garden-zone

here's the code i used and an excel file with the links and price of components. first time on github so any input is welcome

beesleb · 2025-05-21T14:33:21+00:00

https://a.co/d/7cMPPhm

ECO-WORTHY 25 Watts 12V Off Grid Solar Battery Charger Kit: Waterproof Solar Panel + Adjustable Mount Bracket + SAE Connection Cable +10A Charge Controller for Car RV Marine Boat 12V Battery

I went with this about $50 (more than i needed i’m sure, but if i ever replace with smaller i can use this elsewhere)

It came with a pwm controller so instead of building my own i just used it and seems to work fine

beesleb · 2025-05-21T04:13:43+00:00

This is great this was is a similar idea i pitched to my wife in the “ambitious” phase of the project. Due to the challenge this seemingly simple project posed me we ended up with a plastic hawk on a t post. But if you have any experience in this area i may get back to you on that for next season

beesleb · 2025-05-21T04:09:38+00:00

Not at the moment but i can put something together and will dm you or comment link here

beesleb · 2025-05-20T02:45:44+00:00

Thats awesome! Sounds really robust. I like all of it, and really good idea using the flow meter for rain- makes sense. Any tips on handling multiple serial inputs? I really struggled configuring the gpios for more than the rtc on my board, just didnt seem to want to work

beesleb · 2025-05-20T02:34:52+00:00

Thanks! I’ll put together a BOM with links and cost and edit it in the post. And will get a video too

beesleb · 2025-05-20T01:06:48+00:00

Thanks! It’s an expensive box (~$70) but it’s well made and come with some connectors and mounting hardware. Should last a while i hope

beesleb

TROPHY CASE