This latest version of the board allows you to choose what you want to monitor in the tower. This board has been designed to be modular to suit your needs.
We will look at each module one by one:
Main module :
This module is mandatory. It is the brain of the tower with the ESP32 and it is the one that allows the power supply of the board, the generation of the fog and the filling of the small tank thanks to the pump.
Component | Quantity | Cost | Link |
PCB | 1 | 1.6€ | |
Lolin 32 Lite | 1 | 2.85€ | Aliexpress |
CN3903 5V 3A DC-DC Step down | 1 | 0.49€ | Aliexpress |
Capacitor 400V104J | 2 | 0.12€ | |
TN0604N3-G | 1 | 1€ | |
DC Charger connector | 1 | 0.2€ | |
18-20 V Charger | 1 | 12€ | |
330uH coil | 2 | 0.32€ | |
100 ohm resistor | 2 | 0.025€ | |
10K ohm resistor | 2 | 0.025€ | |
FQB19N20LTM | 2 | 1.81€ | Onsemi |
Mini JST 2.0 PH | 3 | 0.088€ | |
Usb Pump connector | 1 | 0.3€ | |
5V Pump | 1 | 10€ | Aliexpress |
108kHz Disk | 2 | 2€ | Aliexpress |
EC module:
This module allows you to know the mineral concentration of the solution. Optional module.
Component | Quantity | Cost |
330 ohm resistor | 2 | 0.025€ |
22nF capacitor | 1 | 0.013€ |
Mini JST 2.0 PH | 1 | 0.088€ |
EC probe | 1 | 1€ |
pH module:
This module allows the acidity of the solution to be known, given that a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 is desired. This module is optional.
Component | Quantity | Cost | Link |
MCP6487 | 1 | 0.4€ | Microchip |
TC7660 | 1 | 0.99€ | Microchip |
BNC connector | 1 | 0.73€ | Aliexpress |
pH probe | 1 | 11€ | |
200k ohm resistor | 2 | 0.025€ | |
10k ohm resistor | 2 | 0.025€ | |
22K ohm resistor | 1 | 0.025€ | |
82k ohm resistor | 1 | 0.025€ | |
4.7k ohm resistor | 1 | 0.025€ | |
1uF capacitor | 2 | 0.013€ | |
10uF capacitor | 2 | 0.013€ |
Temperature module:
It provides information on the temperature of the ambient air, the root chamber and the water in the main tank. It also compensates for pH and EC sensor values that are correlated to the water temperature. This module is optional. You can also use a single sensor depending on your needs.
Component | Quantity | Cost |
DHT22 | 1 | 2.46€ |
DS1820 | 2 | 2€ |
10k ohm resistor | 1 | 0.025€ |
4.7k ohm resistor | 1 | 0.025€ |
Conclusion:
The electronics of the tower cost 61.4€ with all the modules but it works with only the main module which costs 36.4€. You can reduce the price by recycling an old laptop 18-20V charger.
This PCB can also control 2 additional pumps to adjust the pH and nutrient concentration. But I haven't implemented this in the code yet.
You can find the gerbers in the project files. (gerber_PCB_final)
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