ESP32 Soil Moisture Monitor with Blink App
Building a Soil Moisture Monitor System with Blink Mobile App |
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In this project, we will create a soil moisture monitor system using an ESP32 board, a soil moisture sensor, and the Blink Mobile app. The system will allow us to remotely monitor the moisture level of the soil.
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Hardware Requirements |
To build this project, we need the following hardware components:
- ESP32 board (microcontroller)
- Soil moisture sensor
- Breadboard and connectors
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Hardware Setup |
To set up the hardware, follow these steps:
- Place the ESP32 board on the breadboard.
- Connect the VIN pin of the ESP32 to the positive terminal of the breadboard.
- Connect the GND pin of the ESP32 to the negative terminal of the breadboard.
- Place the soil moisture sensor on the breadboard.
- Connect the VCC pin of the soil moisture sensor to the positive terminal of the breadboard.
- Connect the GND pin of the soil moisture sensor to the negative terminal of the breadboard.
- Connect the analog output pin of the soil moisture sensor to GPIO34 pin of the ESP32.
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Blink Dashboard Setup |
To set up the Blink dashboard, follow these steps:
- Go to the Blink website and create a new template.
- Create a virtual PIN data stream within the template.
- Create a web dashboard with a gauge for displaying moisture level.
- Create a new device using the template.
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Mobile Dashboard Setup |
To set up the mobile dashboard in the Blink app, follow these steps:
- Go to your GitHub repository and copy the code for this project.
- Paste the code into Arduino IDE software.
- In the beginning of the code, replace the Blink template ID, name, and authentication token with the values obtained from the Blink website.
- Enter your Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password in the code.
- Select the board as ESP32 dev module and upload the code.
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Result |
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After completing the above steps, you should be able to see the moisture level of the soil on your mobile dashboard in the Blink app.
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| Soil Monitor |
A soil monitor is an electronic device used to measure and monitor various parameters of soil, such as moisture levels, temperature, pH, and nutrient content. The device typically consists of a probe or sensor that is inserted into the soil, which transmits data to a receiver or display unit. |
| Background |
The concept of soil monitoring dates back to ancient civilizations, where farmers would observe and record changes in soil conditions to optimize crop growth. With the advent of modern technology, electronic soil monitors were developed to provide more accurate and efficient measurements. Today, soil monitors are widely used in agriculture, horticulture, and environmental monitoring applications. |
Introduction |
| Monitoring soil moisture levels is crucial for optimal plant growth and water conservation. The ESP32 Soil Moisture Monitor with Blink App is a innovative solution that allows you to track soil moisture levels remotely using your smartphone. In this article, we will explore the details of this system and how it works. |
Hardware Components |
| ESP32 Module: The brain of the system is the ESP32 module, a low-cost, low-power microcontroller with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. |
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| Soil Moisture Sensor: The soil moisture sensor is used to measure the moisture levels in the soil. It provides an analog output that is proportional to the soil moisture level. |
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| Breadboard and Jumper Wires: The breadboard and jumper wires are used to connect the ESP32 module, soil moisture sensor, and other components. |
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Software Components |
| Blink App: The Blink app is a mobile application that allows you to monitor and control the ESP32 Soil Moisture Monitor remotely. It provides a user-friendly interface to view soil moisture levels, set alerts, and adjust sensor settings. |
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| ESP32 Firmware: The ESP32 firmware is the software that runs on the ESP32 module. It reads data from the soil moisture sensor and sends it to the Blink app via Wi-Fi. |
System Diagram |
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Working Principle |
| The ESP32 Soil Moisture Monitor with Blink App works as follows: |
| 1. The soil moisture sensor measures the moisture levels in the soil and sends an analog output to the ESP32 module. |
| 2. The ESP32 module reads the data from the soil moisture sensor and converts it into a digital format. |
| 3. The ESP32 module sends the digital data to the Blink app via Wi-Fi. |
| 4. The Blink app receives the data and displays it on your smartphone. |
| 5. You can set alerts and adjust sensor settings using the Blink app. |
Advantages |
| The ESP32 Soil Moisture Monitor with Blink App offers several advantages, including: |
| 1. Remote monitoring: You can monitor soil moisture levels from anywhere using your smartphone. |
| 2. Real-time data: The system provides real-time data on soil moisture levels. |
| 3. Alerts and notifications: You can set alerts and receive notifications when the soil moisture level falls below a certain threshold. |
| 4. Water conservation: The system helps you conserve water by optimizing irrigation schedules. |
Conclusion |
| The ESP32 Soil Moisture Monitor with Blink App is a innovative solution for monitoring soil moisture levels remotely. It provides real-time data, alerts and notifications, and helps you conserve water. With its user-friendly interface and remote monitoring capabilities, it's an ideal solution for farmers, gardeners, and anyone interested in precision agriculture. |
| Q1: What is ESP32 Soil Moisture Monitor with Blink App? |
The ESP32 Soil Moisture Monitor with Blink App is an IoT-based project that uses the ESP32 board to monitor soil moisture levels and send notifications to a mobile app called Blynk. |
| Q2: What is the main component used in this project? |
The main component used in this project is the ESP32 board, which is a microcontroller board that supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. |
| Q3: How does the soil moisture sensor work? |
The soil moisture sensor works by measuring the electrical conductivity of the soil. When the soil is moist, it conducts electricity better than when it's dry, allowing the sensor to detect changes in soil moisture levels. |
| Q4: What is Blynk App and how does it relate to this project? |
Blynk App is a mobile app that allows users to control and monitor IoT devices remotely. In this project, the ESP32 board sends soil moisture data to the Blynk App, which then displays the data in a graphical interface. |
| Q5: What programming language is used for this project? |
The programming language used for this project is C++, specifically using the Arduino framework. |
| Q6: How does the ESP32 board connect to Wi-Fi? |
The ESP32 board connects to Wi-Fi using its built-in Wi-Fi module, which allows it to communicate with the Blynk App and send data to the cloud. |
| Q7: What are the benefits of using this project for soil moisture monitoring? |
The benefits of using this project include real-time monitoring of soil moisture levels, remote notifications when the soil needs watering, and automated data logging. |
| Q8: Can I customize the Blynk App to display additional data? |
| Q9: How does the ESP32 board handle power management? |
The ESP32 board has built-in power management features that allow it to enter low-power mode when not in use, reducing energy consumption and prolonging battery life. |
| Q10: Can I integrate this project with other smart home devices? |
| Rank |
Pioneer/Company |
Description |
| 1 |
Espressif Systems |
Creator of the ESP32 microcontroller, a popular choice for IoT projects like soil moisture monitoring. |
| 2 |
Blynk |
Developer of the Blynk app, a popular platform for building IoT projects and connecting devices like soil moisture monitors. |
| 3 |
Adafruit Industries |
Prolific maker of open-source hardware, including the Feather HUZZAH32 board based on the ESP32. |
| 4 |
SparkFun Electronics |
Well-known maker of open-source hardware, including the ESP32 Thing board and various soil moisture sensors. |
| 5 |
Seeed Studio |
Manufacturer of the Wio Lite board, a compact ESP32-based board suitable for IoT projects like soil moisture monitoring. |
| 6 |
Makerfabs |
Creator of the Makerfabs ESP32 board, a highly-integrated board with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. |
| 7 |
Pycom |
Makers of the Pyboard D-series boards, which are based on the ESP32 and designed for IoT development. |
| 8 |
ITEAD Studio |
Manufacturer of the Sonoff series of Wi-Fi-enabled boards, including some based on the ESP32. |
| 9 |
WEMOS |
Makers of the D1 mini board, a compact ESP8266-based board that can be used for soil moisture monitoring. |
| 10 |
HelTec Automation |
Creator of the WiFi LoRa boards, including some based on the ESP32 and designed for IoT development. |
| Component |
Description |
Technical Details |
| ESP32 Microcontroller |
The brain of the project, responsible for reading sensor data and sending it to the Blink App. |
- Microcontroller: Tensilica LX6
- Clock Speed: 240 MHz
- RAM: 520 KB
- Flash Memory: 4 MB
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities
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| Soil Moisture Sensor (YL-83) |
A simple sensor that measures the moisture levels in the soil. |
- Sensor Type: Resistive
- Operating Voltage: 3.3V - 5.5V
- Current Consumption: <20mA
- Output Signal: Analog (0-4.2V)
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| Blink App |
A mobile app that receives data from the ESP32 and displays it in a user-friendly interface. |
- Platforms: Android, iOS
- Communication Protocol: MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport)
- Data Visualization: Line charts, gauges, and tables
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| Battery and Power Management |
A rechargeable battery that powers the ESP32 and sensor. |
- Battery Type: LiPo (3.7V, 1200mAh)
- Charging Method: USB-C (5V, 1A)
- Power Management IC: Texas Instruments TPS63051
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| Circuit and PCB Design |
A custom-designed printed circuit board that connects all the components. |
- PCB Material: FR4 (Flame Retardant)
- Thickness: 1.6mm
- Copper Weight: 1 oz
- Solder Mask Color: Green
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