Empire Phoenix
776db785c4
- Removed outdated TODOs and legacy references in hardware documentation. - Added details on the new CH32V203-based Sensor Module for CAN bus soil moisture sensors. - Documented updates to the Battery Management System (CH32V203-based) replacing the older bq34z100 design. - Refined sensor, pump, and power module descriptions with updated specifications. - Expanded firmware documentation to include Rust-based ESP32-C6 platform details, new OTA procedure, and MQTT telemetry topics. - Simplified toolchain setup and compilation process with updated scripts and instructions.
54 lines
2.4 KiB
Markdown
54 lines
2.4 KiB
Markdown
---
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title: "Hardware"
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date: 2025-01-24
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draft: false
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description: "The Hardware"
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tags: ["esp32", "hardware"]
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---
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{{< gallery >}}
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<img src="pcb_front.png" class="grid-w50" />
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<img src="pcb_back.png" class="grid-w50" />
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{{< /gallery >}}
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{{< gitea server="https://git.mannheim.ccc.de/" repo="C3MA/PlantCtrl" >}}
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## Modular Design
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The PlantCtrl hardware has been redesigned from a single large PCB into a more flexible, modular system. This allows users to only build or use the components they actually need for their specific setup.
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The system now consists of a **MainBoard** which acts as the controller and several pluggable or connectable modules.
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## MainBoard (ESP32-C6)
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* **Processor:** ESP32-C6 (RiscV)
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* **Connectivity:** WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee/Thread support
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* **Form Factor:** Compact main board with headers for modules
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* **Fully Open Source:** Designed in KiCad
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## Available Modules
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* **MPPT Charger:** Efficient solar charging for batteries using CN3795.
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* **Pump Driver:** High-current outputs (up to 3A) for pumps and valves.
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* **Sensor Module:** CAN bus-based moisture sensors using CH32V203 microcontroller.
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* **Battery Management:** External BMS board with CH32V203 for battery monitoring.
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* **Light Controller:** For LED nightlights or growth lights using AP63200.
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## Sensor Module (CAN bus)
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The standard sensor module features its own **CH32V203 RISC-V microcontroller**, which handles the measurement of soil moisture and communicates the results back to the MainBoard via the CAN bus.
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* **Capacity:** Supports up to 16 sensors (typically 8 plants with an A and B sensor each).
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* **Reliability:** Digital communication via CAN bus ensures data integrity even over longer cable runs and in electrically noisy environments.
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* **Addressing:** The A sensor is always used; the B sensor is optional and suggested for larger planters to provide a better average of the soil moisture.
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## Capabilities
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* **Moisture Sensors:** Supports multiple capacitive or resistive sensors via CAN bus-based Sensor Modules.
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* **Pumps/Valves:** Support for multiple independent watering zones.
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* **Power:**
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* Solar powered with MPPT
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* Battery powered with optional Battery Management System (BMS)
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* Can also be used with a standard power supply (7-24V)
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* **Efficient Power:** Use of high-efficiency DC-DC converters for 3.3V and peripherals.
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## Made with:
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<a href="https://www.kicad.org/">
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<img class="lazy" src="kicad_logo_small.png" alt="Image">
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</a>
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