Author Topic: Moteino Based Battery Operated Sprinkler Valve  (Read 39814 times)

DonpK

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Re: Moteino Based Battery Operated Sprinkler Valve
« Reply #45 on: September 10, 2018, 11:20:08 AM »
My Moteinos in their "waterproof" boxes have only been outside for several months this  summer.
Quote
I've never had an enclosure that, by itself, prevented corrosion inside the box
Where on the Moteino board would you expect to see the first signs of corrosion and after what period of time, roughly (I'm sure it depends on  the actual conditions of the specific installation).

TomWS

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Re: Moteino Based Battery Operated Sprinkler Valve
« Reply #46 on: September 10, 2018, 12:31:24 PM »
Where on the Moteino board would you expect to see the first signs of corrosion and after what period of time, roughly (I'm sure it depends on  the actual conditions of the specific installation).
Corrosion is only noticeable when it starts to affect the behavior, so the most obvious places are connector pins and battery contacts.  However, the first places it starts to 'grow' is where it begins to bridge between nearby metal surfaces that have a different electrical potential on them - the most obvious is the processor's pins.  After about a year or so, depending on the humidity and temperature extremes, without protection, you'll see 'hairs' growing on and between the pins. 

I can post photos in October - I don't have access to those at the moment.

Tom

DonpK

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Re: Moteino Based Battery Operated Sprinkler Valve
« Reply #47 on: September 10, 2018, 12:38:44 PM »
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I can post photos in October


Please do. I'm sure many of us are working on outdoor projects.

ecliptic

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Re: Moteino Based Battery Operated Sprinkler Valve
« Reply #48 on: September 28, 2018, 09:44:36 AM »
Another question if you don't mind.

It looks like your PCB is supported inside of the case; however, the drill holes do not line up with the case (from what I can tell).  Where did you end up putting your battery holder/batteries inside of your case?  My assumption is that it's underneath your PCB, but I wasn't sure if there was some part that helps support the PCB when the stock drill holes do not align.  Thanks!

TomWS

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Re: Moteino Based Battery Operated Sprinkler Valve
« Reply #49 on: September 28, 2018, 04:18:45 PM »
Another question if you don't mind.

It looks like your PCB is supported inside of the case; however, the drill holes do not line up with the case (from what I can tell).  Where did you end up putting your battery holder/batteries inside of your case?  My assumption is that it's underneath your PCB, but I wasn't sure if there was some part that helps support the PCB when the stock drill holes do not align.  Thanks!
The module is just held in place by gravity, supported by the battery case which is mounted on the back side of the PCB.  Since the valve box is held fairly solidly on the ground, there isn't any problem with the unit being loose in the enclosure.  There is no vibration or movement to affect it.

Tom

ecliptic

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Re: Moteino Based Battery Operated Sprinkler Valve
« Reply #50 on: September 30, 2018, 12:45:29 PM »
Again.. thank you!

lowpowerfarm

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Re: Moteino Based Battery Operated Sprinkler Valve
« Reply #51 on: July 12, 2019, 02:20:23 AM »
Hi,

Firstly, thank you Tom for making your design available. Its awesome (from whatever little hardware knowledge I have :P)

I am thinking of using your design on my farm (details [1]). In my setup, I have a cluster of 3-4 valves that I need to control, and was wondering what will it take to incorporate the ability to control one of these in your design. The alternative is to just have one Moteino per valve -- which seems to be an overkill, given that these 3-4 valves are all in close proximity.

(Warning: I am *not* a hardware person by trade), Do I need an analog demultiplexer (something like these [2]), that can dump the triggering pulse (~12V/2amp?) to appropriate output (controlled by another set (2 for 4 outputs?) of control lines to the demux from the moteino)? If so what would be the appropriate way to wire this? Or is there are better/cheaper ways to do the same?

Thanks in advance for your advice/thoughts!

[1] https://lowpowerlab.com/forum/rf-range-antennas-rfm69-library/please-help-selecting-rfm69hcw-vs-rfm95_lora-for-outdoor-agriculture-field-use/msg26492/#msg26492
[2] https://www.mouser.com/Semiconductors/Logic-ICs/Encoders-Decoders-Multiplexers-Demultiplexers/_/N-4s67o?P=1yvcyi3Z1yzmm1d

TomWS

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Re: Moteino Based Battery Operated Sprinkler Valve
« Reply #52 on: July 12, 2019, 07:27:02 AM »
Sent a PM to iron out details.