Any experience about the robustness of Moteinos - using it in a rough scenario?

[rocsta]

Hi all,

I'm the German guy with strange projects and project ideas.

Actually, I have a new idea, working name: "BoarControl"

The idea is quite simple:

Background: We have in Germany a problem with wildboars, at some places the population is too big, therefore we have to hunt them. For hunting we use places, where we put a little amount of corn, the boars come to this places frequently and sometimes one or more of them find the way to my grill.

But: we are in Germany. And of course, the amount of corn to be placed on this places is strongly regulated. So, only 1 Liter may be offered to the boars. But: if you put today 1 liter on the place, tomorrow it will be less due to mouses, birds, nutria, deers, ...
And: if the boars will come in the night, the place is empty, so you have to go there and throw out 1 new liter.

The idea is as follows:
I use a Moteino for controlling a gamefeeder (like that http://www.cabelas.com/product/hunting/trail-cameras-feeders/game-feeders%7C/pc/104791680/c/104767380/sc/104354280/boss-buck-350lb-12-volt-feeder/1332093.uts?destination=%2Fcategory%2FGame-Feeders%2F104354280.uts , but much more cheaper, an analog version) I replace the original timer clock with a moteino, rtc, gsm-module, ...

Then I need a second moteino (with a gyroscope) detecting the movement. This moteino I would place on the ground in a stabil case (like that: https://www.askari-jagd.de/gehaeuse-wilduhr_0150123.html, which is waterproof and "firm to the bite" (?)), hopening, that the boars will move it around.
I would pack the Moteino e.g. in rubber foam to protect it. This moteino will send, when it was moved around, some signal to the gamefeeder moteino.

But: And now my question:
The boars probably or perhaps will play with the case, will throw it around, ... will bite on the case ...

Does someone has experiences using Moteinos in a a rough scenario like that?

Kind regards,

rocsta

[davegravy]

Hi all,

I'm the German guy with strange projects and project ideas.

Actually, I have a new idea, working name: "BoarControl"

The idea is quite simple:

Background: We have in Germany a problem with wildboars, at some places the population is too big, therefore we have to hunt them. For hunting we use places, where we put a little amount of corn, the boars come to this places frequently and sometimes one or more of them find the way to my grill.

But: we are in Germany. And of course, the amount of corn to be placed on this places is strongly regulated. So, only 1 Liter may be offered to the boars. But: if you put today 1 liter on the place, tomorrow it will be less due to mouses, birds, nutria, deers, ...
And: if the boars will come in the night, the place is empty, so you have to go there and throw out 1 new liter.

This sounds like a fun project!

The idea is as follows:
I use a Moteino for controlling a gamefeeder (like that http://www.cabelas.com/product/hunting/trail-cameras-feeders/game-feeders%7C/pc/104791680/c/104767380/sc/104354280/boss-buck-350lb-12-volt-feeder/1332093.uts?destination=%2Fcategory%2FGame-Feeders%2F104354280.uts , but much more cheaper, an analog version) I replace the original timer clock with a moteino, rtc, gsm-module, ...

Then I need a second moteino (with a gyroscope) detecting the movement. This moteino I would place on the ground in a stabil case (like that: https://www.askari-jagd.de/gehaeuse-wilduhr_0150123.html, which is waterproof and "firm to the bite" (?)), hopening, that the boars will move it around.
I would pack the Moteino e.g. in rubber foam to protect it. This moteino will send, when it was moved around, some signal to the gamefeeder moteino.

But: And now my question:
The boars probably or perhaps will play with the case, will throw it around, ... will bite on the case ...

Does someone has experiences using Moteinos in a a rough scenario like that?

Kind regards,

rocsta

No, but I have experience with electronics in general in harsh environments. I think your enclosure will be what determines how rugged the system is - make sure it's tough, has a good seal, and won't corrode. Any cable penetrations should use IP (ingress protection) rated cable glands. Throw some desiccant in the enclosure with your moteino to make sure it stays dry.

If you want to be extra cautious, rather than buying a moteino from lowpowerlab.com you could build your own moteino and use through-hole components. These solder joints have increased mechanical strength, and I think most if not all the parts on the moteino have through-hole variants (the RFM69 is SMD but can be mounted to a custom moteino PCB using headers).

EDIT: Removed political joke.

[TomWS]

You certainly DO have interesting applications!  I agree with Dave, as long as your enclosure remains intact and sealed, the Moteino will be able to withstand the shaking and vibration that an animal can dish out.  Loosely packing it in foam wrapping, like that used for packing dishes (http://www.amazon.com/Pratt-Perforated-Dish-Thick-Every/dp/B00AI6DA0I), will keep the Moteino board from slamming against the insides of the case (this will cause a high frequency shock that could be damaging).

That enclosure shouldn't affect radio transmissions.

I don't think switching to through hole components is necessary and adds complexity and manufacturing unreliability.  The SMT components on Moteino will withstand the shock if you follow the above recommendation.  The risky part will be the daughter card and its interconnects with whatever sensing device you use. 

For this application, I wouldn't bother with any sophisticated electronics (like an accelerometer) unless you need to quantify the shock.  A rolling ball tilt switch could be all you need.

Tom

[rocsta]

This was fun to read, especially because in my head I replaced "boar" with "Dideldei [changed by rocsta]" 

No, but I have experience with electronics in general in harsh environments. I think your enclosure will be what determines how rugged the system is - make sure it's tough, has a good seal, and won't corrode. Any cable penetrations should use IP (ingress protection) rated cable glands. Throw some desiccant in the enclosure with your moteino to make sure it stays dry.

Thanks for the hints. But I think I don't need any cable penetrations. all the techniques can stay inside this box.

If you want to be extra cautious, rather than buying a moteino from lowpowerlab.com you could build your own moteino and use through-hole components. These solder joints have increased mechanical strength, and I think most if not all the parts on the moteino have through-hole variants (the RFM69 is SMD but can be mounted to a custom moteino PCB using headers).

Ok, but Building my own Moteino seems to be too sporty for me at the moment. :-)

[rocsta]

You certainly DO have interesting applications! 

:-) I have another idea, working name is "BeefControl"  , I will post it in projects, when I'm ready.

I agree with Dave, as long as your enclosure remains intact and sealed, the Moteino will be able to withstand the shaking and vibration that an animal can dish out.  Loosely packing it in foam wrapping, like that used for packing dishes (http://www.amazon.com/Pratt-Perforated-Dish-Thick-Every/dp/B00AI6DA0I), will keep the Moteino board from slamming against the insides of the case (this will cause a high frequency shock that could be damaging).

That enclosure shouldn't affect radio transmissions.

I don't think switching to through hole components is necessary and adds complexity and manufacturing unreliability.  The SMT components on Moteino will withstand the shock if you follow the above recommendation.  The risky part will be the daughter card and its interconnects with whatever sensing device you use. 

For this application, I wouldn't bother with any sophisticated electronics (like an accelerometer) unless you need to quantify the shock.  A rolling ball tilt switch could be all you need.

OK, sounds good. I will try it and report my experiences.