[ale] semi OT: interface

[Alex Carver]

Arduino would work for this application especially if the "smarts" for
scheduling are put elsewhere (e.g. a larger server that runs cron jobs,
websites, etc.)

RPi would also work but the GPIO aren't as tolerant as the Arduino
unless you get a hat for the RPi.

In both cases hats/shields/capes/etc typically only have a few relays.

What I've done is use an RPi as my "larger server" running all the
scripts and web interfaces for other devices (e.g. my phone) and then
I've scattered around dumb(er) wifi devices.  Options here include XBee
wifi modules (very dumb modules, you can control GPIO but with a very
specific UDP packet), also have picked up some ESP8266 devices which
have the ability to run small Arduino programs on-board meaning you can
make your own protocol for flipping GPIO and also for talking to extra
devices like Dallas one-wire temperature sensors, I2C sensors, or I2C
and SPI peripherals (e.g. LCD displays, etc).

XBee WiFi: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12569
ESP8266 module: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13231
ESP8266 Module: https://www.adafruit.com/products/2471
Feather: https://www.adafruit.com/products/2821
(The Feather has two processors, one Arduino and one in the ESP8266 so
you don't have to keep track of idle states when running code on the
Arduino)
There are cheaper ESP modules but not all the GPIOs are broken out on them.

I currently have three XBees working as dumb monitors (one to monitor
the washer/dryer and temperature in the garage with an analog sensor,
another handles the attic fan and attic vent along with the temperature)

I have two ESP8266 modules that are acting as intelligent portable
thermometers/hygrometers with recording ability.  They are running an
I2C temperature and humidity sensor, a small OLED display to show the
current temperature and humidity readings plus battery voltage (portable
after all), and they report back to a daemon that pumps data into a
database for observing and recording long term trends (data sent via a
JSON formatted string).  My next module will be for the
refrigerator/freezer with a local LCD and remote data logging.

I2C is handy to have because there are several GPIO expanders available
for I2C that will allow you to have more GPIO than the base processor
allows (https://www.adafruit.com/products/732)

On 2016-05-25 18:16, Jim Kinney wrote:
> I'm envisioning an arduino or RPi with relays and soleniods to open/close 1/4 
> turn ball valves. Microcenter has a selection of arduino capable relay blocks.
> 
> On May 25, 2016 7:46 PM, "Boris Borisov" <bugyatl at gmail.com 
> <mailto:bugyatl at gmail.com>> wrote:
> 
>     I would like to automate my garden watering system. Maybe some other stuff.
>     What interfaces can I use. Anyone one with experience and recommendations.
> 
>     Thank you.
> 
> 
>     -- 
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