Howest MCT: EasyAqua

As a student of Multimedia & Creative Technology at Howest Kortrijk, I undertook a comprehensive project that integrated all the modules covered in the initial year. For this endeavor, I opted to create a smart aquarium designed to oversee and streamline the various requirements of a pet fish. This innovative setup allows users to manually control or set up automatic routines for the aquarium's lighting, pump, and feeding system. Furthermore, it provides real-time monitoring of crucial parameters such as pH levels, temperature, and ambient light intensity within the aquarium.

Hardware:

• SuperFish aquarium Panorama 35L
• Raspberry Pi 4
• SD-card minimum 16GB
• Breaboard
• Jumper Wire Cables
• DS18B20: Waterproof Temperature Sensor
• PH0-14: PH Module Sensor
• LDR Photoresistor
• 230V 2-Channel Relay Module
• 16x2 LCD Screen
• I2C Interface
• MG996R Micro Digital Servo Motor
• Resistors: 4.7kΩ en 10kΩ
• 3D printer
• PLA Filament
• 4 meter elektriciteitsdraad 1.50mm
• 1 plug
• 2 Outlets
• Double-sided tape

Software:

• WIN32 disk imager
• Visual Studio Code
• MySQL Workbench
• VNC viewer

Before we proceed with any other tasks, it is important to establish a clear concept of our project's direction. In this context, we will construct a Fritzing diagram, as they are user-friendly and provide a comprehensive visualization of our project layout. Possessing these diagrams proves invaluable, especially in cases where wire configurations are modified, potentially leading to malfunctions. By referring to the diagram, we can identify any erroneous wiring and rectify the situation.

Carefully insert all components onto the breadboard according to your plan. Pay close attention to the placement of components, ensuring they are securely connected in their respective rows and columns. Use jumper wires to establish connections between the various components. Follow your schematic

Connect the power supply to your circuit. Ensure that the voltage and current requirements match the specifications of your components. Double-check connections to prevent any potential short circuits.

Ensure that your Raspberry Pi is correctly plugged in and connected to your computer before proceeding with this step.

1. Access the provided GitHub link.
2. Launch Visual Studio Code and locate the branch icon; this will reveal the source control panel.
3. Click on the "Clone repository" option within the panel and input the GitHub link, then press Enter.
4. Subsequently, click on the file icon to unveil the explorer tab.
5. Choose "Open folder" and navigate to the GitHub directory.
6. Choose the appropriate folder and confirm by clicking "OK." Following this, you will need to input your password once again.
7. Now you have the code.

Power on your circuit and start testing each component's functionality.

3D print the 3D model files that were provided to you.

Once you 3D printed the models, you can assemble everything.

Place the double-side tape on the feeder and put it inside the aquarium.

Now you have the final outcome. Run the code and your own 'EasyAqua' works.