Inexpensive Water Quality Testing System

Well the temperature sensor works! Its not pretty or calibrated (software) yet but measuring something is a lot more fun than beating my head against the wall. One I get the pH sensor tested I will put together something to pull all the information together and store it.

The GPS logger shield in the picture is working as well, but I still have a lot to learn on building the program I need to take measurements etc. The first step is to get the individual pieces working on their own with the Arduino, then start pushing things together to get a working prototype up and running.

To be completely honest, making something small and pretty will be hard given abilities, timelines, and funds...but it wouldn't be as fun if it wasn't a challenge :)

Wow I am rusty!!! I started trying to get individual components working with the Arduino and feel flat on my face pretty much right out of the door. The example code supplied with the LCD didn't work and after troubleshooting I needed to step back and stop trying to rush it. I am insanely rusty with programming in general let alone hardware interfacing so this could get interesting.

While trashing around on the code I found a inexpensive pH meter to add in. So far so good, but it didn't come with the tip wet so I am hopeful it won't be too problematic.

Well back into it... I am skipping the scree for the moment in hopes I can focus on getting the individual sensors working together and calibrated to some useful level. For the few of you following this project I apologize for the lack of updates. Two of my busiest month were the last two so I should be less brain dead when I get home at night to play with this project.

As part of the 2015 Hackaday Prize projects can win random draws for some products. One of the first giveaways was for this lovely little guy: http://hackaday.com/tag/lightblue-bean/

It is tiny! I am looking forward to playing with it to see what I can do from a mobile point of view. It uses a small Arduino controller (ATmega 328p) with Bluetooth connectivity, a 3 axis accelerometer, a temperature sensor and more!

For the random chance you stumble upon this project log remember that all you have to do is start your project for a chance at prizes....and in starting you will have taken the first big step in achieving something great!

Thank you Hackaday for not only the hardware, but also giving a great place for people to work together!

After some traveling for work I finally was able to order some parts. The Arduino UNO I already had but the Adafruit GPS logger shield I did not. This will cover me in two spots: The GPS signal, and the logging capability with the SD card reader.

The screen is a 128x64 liquid crystal display that will cover both the size and back lighting that I want.

I've been able to grab a pretty cheap and simple temperature sensor for liquids, as well as a general environmental temp/humidity sensor for the air.

The biggest problem I am having right now is being able to afford a pH or O2 sensor (not a great excuse, but it is the unfortunate truth). I have been in contact with someone who works on gas sensors in the hops to at least borrow one for a proof of concept.

Now to get the rest of a few things I've forgotten and the build the proof of concept!

It has been a busy week of traveling around for work, and researching for this project....My first order should go out this weekend to pick up some things to get a proof of concept together. The first few things are the screen, gps, etc so that there is a way to see things, know where we are, and interact with the device. (Images below are from adafruit, I just didn't want to put out an all text log)

http://www.adafruit.com/products/250

https://www.adafruit.com/products/1272

The next step is to grab some of the sensors. Temperature is an easier one that will happen quick and easy. The next ones will give a good start, but are the harder ones to find inexpensive versions. The main three that I feel are both necessary and easiest to find are: pH, O2, and conductivity. So far I feel pH and conductivity will be the easier of the two; dissolved O2 so far is looking a lot more expensive, but I have an idea of someone to talk to to find out some more options.

One thing that I am trying to toy with is how to "join" the sensors together into one unit. Is one unit possible? Is it the best way to do things? With there be negative interaction between the sensors in the water? The initial idea did include one hand held unit not many. The final decision will come down to the type and amount of sensors.

I really wish I could find a way to work a LightBlue Bean board into this ,but just don't think it will cover all the I/Os I need. It does look like an awesome product I want to eventually play around with though!