I wanted to provide a recap of the work done since being selected as a finalist for the Green Hacks contest. Here are the highlights:

• Multiple revisions of the enclosure and circuit after testing
• Redesigned the analog front end with auto DC offset calibration to reduce interference from the earth's magnetic field
• Added amplification to the magnetic sensor output
• Implemented a leak detection circuit using digital logic that doesn't require the CPU allowing ultra long battery life
• Demonstrated passive gas meter reading by measuring small changes in the earths magnetic field caused by moving metal inside of the meter
• Demonstrated smart meter electricity reading
• Performed power measurements using the ESP32-C6 and WiFi 6, which will improve battery life and responsiveness once integrated into the software

Why is it unique?

This project was designed to solve the narrow issue of water leaks, but the resulting design has shown to be much more broad. The reconfigurable digital hardware provides a lot of flexibility for more ultra low power sensors applications some of which have been demonstrated.

YDrip is a unique solution in many ways. First, passive gas meter reading is a totally unique use case with no commercial products on the market. Additionally. it has the capability to be a three in one device measuring all of the utilities.

Next Steps

Polishing up the software, getting ESPHome certified, designing a water proof enclosure and fixing a few minor hardware issues.

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