Updated: January 5, 2023

Preamble

This project is currently my biggest as the project contains elements from different disciplines such as electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. I began with a prototype which had many issues, but I am currently resolving them and adding new features to this project. The GitHub repository is not updated as of now but the code, 3D printed enclosure and PCB design will all be uploaded shortly.

Updated: January 23, 2023

Designing the PCB

To make the project more professional and to practice my PCB design, I am designing a PCB using KiCad. The schematic is almost complete and I will be starting the layout shortly.

Updated: October 11, 2022

Designing the Enclosure

Instead of the current method of keeping the electronics protected by the elements by the means of an airtight container, a more suitable option is a Stevenson screen. The benefit of a Stevenson screen is that, it allows air to continuously pass through the electronics thus receiving more accurate sensor readings. It would also allow me to practice my 3D design skills using SolidWorks.

Using SolidWorks, I began designing a 3D printable enclosure. The design is made of three sections, a bottom, top and mid section. After 3D printing the top and bottom, the middle section could be printed as many times as needed to allow the PCB to fit inside.

Updated: September 10, 2022

Prototype 2

This prototype was the second prototype. It received new features such as a battery, a digital voltage meter which could have only been observed when looking at the device and was not monitored for remote view. It also received an enclosure which was a food container. The device was now more self sufficient as it did not require AC power, although the battery did not last long, and the container did not allow air to get to the BME280 sensor. Lastly, using the ADC, it was possible to obtain the voltage of the battery. Since the ADC pins of the ESP32 are 3.3V sensitive, I used a voltage divider to lower the voltage across the ADC pin and then scale the voltage in the firmware of the microcontroller.

Updated: November 10, 2021

Prototype 1

This prototype was the very first prototype. It did not include a battery thus required AC mains to power the microcontroller.