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Automated Aeroponics System Using Raspberry Pi

by darkstar1 on January 6, 2014

Table of Contents
Automated Aeroponics System Using Raspberry Pi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intro: Automated Aeroponics System Using Raspberry Pi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 1: Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 2: Painting the Bucket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 3: Preparing the Lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 4: Preparing the Lid (Continued) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 5: Water Level Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 6: Raspberry Pi Mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 7: Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Step 8: Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Step 9: Add the Cuttings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Step 10: Finished Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

http://www.instructables.com/id/Automated-Aeroponics-System-Using-Raspberry-Pi/

Intro: Automated Aeroponics System Using Raspberry Pi

In this Instructable, we'll learn how to make an Aeroponics system that's controlled via the Raspberry Pi, and uses the Raspberry Pi Camera module to take photos of
your plants. Aeroponics is a pretty unconventional method of gardening, but that's what makes it fun!
Aeroponics makes use of mist in a closed environment to provide a plant with the necessary elements to survive. Usually, a plant's roots are suspended in a mist
container, while the rest of the plant sits above the setup. As an indoor setup, aeroponics is compatible with pretty much anything you want to plant and can be used year
round! Some other benefits include: a cleaner environment which reduces the need for chemicals and pesticides, conservation of water and space, and consistent yields.
Aeroponics can be used to germinate seeds or develop cuttings all the way to full size. For this Instructable, I'll be using orange, curry, and lemon cuttings.
Fun Fact: NASA has a history of research in Aeroponics.

Step 1: Materials
You will need:
5 gallon Bucket (Any similar container should work, youll just have to adapt)
Black spray paint (If your bucket allows in a significant amount of light)
Net pots
Clay beads
Pond Fogger/ any misting device
Hole saw (should match the size of your net pots)
Clear tubing (1-2 feet will suffice if you're using a 5 gallon bucket)
Watertight sealant
Any sort of plastic/lexan (I used some of both)
Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi Camera
Jumper wires
PowerSwitch Tail II power cord
Plant cuttings (keep them in water or gather them during the necessary step so they don't dry out)
Saran Wrap (Optional)

http://www.instructables.com/id/Automated-Aeroponics-System-Using-Raspberry-Pi/

Step 2: Painting the Bucket

*This step is only necessary if your container allows in a significant amount of light (white,transparent,etc...). There will be water in the container and with too
much light unwanted mold/organisms can grow in the container*
Paint the container you plan to use completely.

Image Notes
1. The paint significantly reduces light

Step 3: Preparing the Lid

Here, we'll create holes in the lid that will house the net pots. Begin by dividing the lid into equal portions. Find and mark (or pilot hole) equally spaced locations, making
sure that they are spaced enough so that when the hole saw is used the holes don't overlap. Use the hole saw on the marked spots. Finally, I used a knife to clean up the
holes.

Image Notes
1. Made some pilot holes

http://www.instructables.com/id/Automated-Aeroponics-System-Using-Raspberry-Pi/

Image Notes
1. Using the hole saw
2. I had to temporarily use a different bucket as the other one still had wet paint on
it

Image Notes
1. Cleaning up the holes

Image Notes
1. The net pots fit snuggly

http://www.instructables.com/id/Automated-Aeroponics-System-Using-Raspberry-Pi/

Step 4: Preparing the Lid (Continued)

Two more cutouts will be added to the bucket. Let's start with with one for watering. First, create a cutout using the plastic/lexan, this will cover the hole you then make in
the bucket. The bucket I used had a convenient indent than ran around the rim, which allowed me to make a clever sliding cover. However, any sort of hole with a
lexan/plastic cutout cover will work. Next, simply choose another spot and drill a hole of the smallest size possible that will still allow the wire from your fogger through.
This completes the lid preparation!

Image Notes
1. Tracing the cutout. I used plastic

Image Notes
1. Hole for watering

Image Notes
1. Bent the end a little for easy access

Image Notes
1. The plastic slides quite smoothly

Image Notes
1. Hole for fogger

http://www.instructables.com/id/Automated-Aeroponics-System-Using-Raspberry-Pi/

Step 5: Water Level Indicator

The water level indicator is simply a tube that goes into the bottom of the bucket, and runs along the side, allowing you to see the level of water without having to open
the lid.
Drill a hole along the side of the bucket at the bottom (sized so that the tubing fits snuggly). Next, route the tube up to the top of the bucket, along the side. You can
attach it with tape, or if your bucket has extra plastic that bulges out you can drill a hole and put the tube through there as I did (see photos). Finally, apply sealant to the
bottom hole around the tube and allow it to dry. Later on I spray painted this area to match the rest of the bucket, but you don't have to. When you fill the bucket up with
water, the water level in the tube will rise to match the bucket. Now you'll know exactly when to add more water.

Image Notes
1. Bottom hole for tubing

Image Notes
1. wrapped the tubing with some tape so it didn't get sealant on it
2. Applied sealant

http://www.instructables.com/id/Automated-Aeroponics-System-Using-Raspberry-Pi/

Image Notes
1. This is where i routed the rest of the tubing
2. Here's the extra plastic bulge I was talking about

http://www.instructables.com/id/Automated-Aeroponics-System-Using-Raspberry-Pi/

Image Notes
1. Finished indicator

http://www.instructables.com/id/Automated-Aeroponics-System-Using-Raspberry-Pi/

Step 6: Raspberry Pi Mount

Now that you have a functioning aeroponics setup, it's time to add some raspberry pi! A quick test of the fogger (placing it in the bucket with water and routing it to a
power source) showed that the container works as planned.
Next, you'll want to get out the lexan and begin creating a mount for the Raspberry Pi. I started with a rectangular piece of lexan which i bent into a V shape, with some
bent flaps at the end. The mount grabs the indent on the bucket and holds itself along the side. This makes a level platform for the raspberry pi to simply sit on. Using
another thin strip of lexan, a simple mount could be made for the camera module. I drilled some holes in the camera mount, and using paper clips (resourceful, I know) I
attached the camera to the mount. The camera mount and RPi mount are simply glued together with super glue. Depending on what container you use, your mount will
probably have to be modified a bit.
I find that adding a small screw under the Raspberry Pi mount makes for added support.

Image Notes
1. Mount for the RPi

Image Notes
1. screw for support

Image Notes
1. Hooks on nicely
2. Screw provides more stability for mount to sit on

http://www.instructables.com/id/Automated-Aeroponics-System-Using-Raspberry-Pi/

Image Notes
1. RPi camera module mount

Image Notes
1. Paperclips to hold the camera module
2. Mounts glued together

Image Notes
1. As long is it works right?

http://www.instructables.com/id/Automated-Aeroponics-System-Using-Raspberry-Pi/

Image Notes
1. So far so good

Step 7: Wiring
Next is the wiring from the Raspberry Pi to the PowerSwitch Tail II. The PowerSwitch allows you to control power flowing from an outlet to another device, using a
microcontroller to oversee this process. First route one jumper cable from the Pi's GPIO pin 6 (0V) to the PowerSwitch's second port labeled -in. Then route a second
cable from GPIO 23 or any other 3.3V powered pin to the PowerSwitch's first port labeled +in. Then connect one end of the PowerSwitch to an outlet, and the other to
your fogger.

Image Notes
1. Pin 6 (0V)
2. Pin 23 (3.3V)

Image Notes
1. Pin 6 -> -in
2. Pin 23 -> in

Image Notes
1. To Fogger

http://www.instructables.com/id/Automated-Aeroponics-System-Using-Raspberry-Pi/

Step 8: Software
For the Raspberry Pi camera module I used the following command in the terminal:
raspistill -o image.jpg -tX -tlX
where the X's can be any amount of time (in ms). -t controls how long the camera will run, and -tl controls how often a photo will be taken.
I used another piece of code, running on idle 3, to cycle on/off periods for the GPIO, which controls the PowerSwitch Tail, which controls the fogger. Again, X is the
amount of time you choose for a cycle.
*I am sure there is a much more efficient way to do this part, but i'm still quite new to the Pi*

Image Notes
1. Choose whatever time you want (ms)

Step 9: Add the Cuttings

Finally, you are ready to place the cuttings.
Start by trimming the cuttings, so that there is enough stem exposed to be placed in the net pots. Then, fill the net pots with clay beads and place the cuttings in the
beads. Now you can place the potted plants into the aeroponics chamber. You can also cover the top of your net pots with saran wrap, making sure it covers the clay
beads. This will decrease water loss.
Run your code and you're finished!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Automated-Aeroponics-System-Using-Raspberry-Pi/

Step 10: Finished Product

Helpful Tips:
Remember to keep the water level to the specifications of the fogger.
You can add liquid nutrient solution to the water to help keep your plants healthy.
Some indoor environments can get pretty dry, so it can help to spray the cuttings with water when they look a bit dry.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Automated-Aeroponics-System-Using-Raspberry-Pi/

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Comments
18 comments Add Comment

Skymeat says:

Jan 12, 2014. 8:03 PM REPLY

So Areoponics are cool. But why use a pi just to take pictures? What about a ph meter, valve to fill the tank, nutrient dispensers....

darkstar1 says:

Jan 13, 2014. 4:17 PM REPLY

That was the original idea, but i'm still quite the noob at using the pi, and a lack of time and resources didn't let me get to that point. Hopefully i'll get there
at another time.

Skymeat says:

Jan 13, 2014. 6:57 PM REPLY

Cool! I'll keep an eye out for any updates. I've been wanting to make an aeroponic herb garden for a kitchen window for quite some time.

diy_bloke says:

Jan 13, 2014. 12:07 AM REPLY

I have always been a bit surprised at the use of this type of waterindicator as it creates a vulnerable spot in your container.
Another option would be a small hole in the lid with a tube going down to almost the bottom. put a float in the tube with a stick coming out. the rising of the
stick gives a good indication of the waterlevel

darkstar1 says:

Jan 13, 2014. 4:15 PM REPLY

That's a great idea thanks for the feedback!

shensher says:

Jan 13, 2014. 9:09 AM REPLY

In a system this size, do you really need a mister? Wouldn't a simple airstone provide enough mist from the bubbles breaking on the surface? Also, if you
want to grow plants to maturity more effectively, you could turn this into a mini aquaponics system by adding some small fish into the bucket.

ymasullo says:

Jan 12, 2014. 3:46 PM REPLY

Very interesting...from where are net pots purchased? I imagine the fogger can be bought at someplace like Home Depot? Lowes?... (I live in
Manhattan...that's all I can think of). What would a fogger cost more or less?

darkstar1 says:

Jan 12, 2014. 4:27 PM REPLY

Then net pots and fogger were purchased through Amazon. I believe the fogger was about $15, it's original intention is for use as a decorative piece in
home ponds.

sheldor says:

Jan 12, 2014. 4:03 PM REPLY

So all the Pi does is take a picture? Seriously? :D When I read the title, I was expecting it to do some part of the "automation", like control water level,
dispense fertilizer or maybe a switch a growing lamp? Track and adjust pH Levels?
The actual Aeroponics System is nice though, thanks for this part of the Instructable :)

random squigles says:

Jan 12, 2014. 9:06 AM REPLY

Hi, thats nice. I know those misters have a narrow range of water depth they will work in. Hydro systems need balanced nutrients and proper PH. Are you
planing on incorporating system monitoring? here is some info using a pic and a pc instead of the Pi to monitor the water level, PH, and conductivity of the
solution so you know when to add water, add nutes and replace the water.
http://hmeter.sourceforge.net/
Also this might be right up your ally.
http://hapihq.com/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Automated-Aeroponics-System-Using-Raspberry-Pi/

kshea19 says:

Jan 12, 2014. 12:42 PM REPLY

Brian Kuschak. Good software! You are the man. Don't have the skills, but I can beta-test the software.

darkstar1 says:

Jan 12, 2014. 11:47 AM REPLY

Wow, thanks for the resources! I probably will incorporate some system monitoring when I have the time. In fact, the original idea was to have some
sensors (humidity and pH), but unfortunatley I wasn't able to get to that.

kshea19 says:

Jan 12, 2014. 12:38 PM REPLY

Thanks for your focus to detail and aesthetics. Thanks also for using the raspberry pi to control it. I have work in Nicaragua and I like smart stuff to allow my
workers to focus on other things.

waemisegger says:

Jan 10, 2014. 8:22 PM REPLY

what function does the camera do and what code do you use to determine when the plants need to be misted with the fogger? I'm a little lost on the camera
aspect but setup and layout of this is brilliant thank you for the post.

darkstar1 says:

Jan 10, 2014. 10:08 PM REPLY

Hey thanks for the feedback. So the camera serves to simply take a photo of the plants and save the image in your current directory on the Raspberry Pi,
the idea here being that you can go back and view the progress your plants made. My hope is that those who understand the Pi better than me can take
this a step further and get these pictures to be automatically included in emails, tweets,etc...The code that controls the mister is a picture in step 8, and .
It simply goes through on/off cycles for the mister that you can set. Hope this helps.

Kdemon says:

Jan 12, 2014. 6:47 AM REPLY

How is your system working? How often does your Aeroponics system take a picture? Have you tried making a timelaps of growth? Keep up the
good work.

darkstar1 says:

Jan 12, 2014. 10:31 AM REPLY

So far everything is working well with no leaks, fires, or other issues! I have set it to every few hours but this quickly becomes a memory space
issue. As for time lapse, the Pi is running on its time lapse mode, but if you want a legit time lapse you'll have to use other software to combine
the photos.

Kdemon says:
You should deffdiently make a time lapse of your plants growing, that would be epic!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Automated-Aeroponics-System-Using-Raspberry-Pi/

Jan 12, 2014. 11:16 AM REPLY