Watagage 2000

Freddy is an internet enabled plant watering moisture detecting frog. Using a Spark iOT controller, Freddy (from the Phil and Freddy app series) can be used to check on and water your favorite plant--from anywhere on the internet.

So, how does this happen. First, Freddy was converted to a one of a kind plush toy by my wife, Annelle.

Next, Freddy was scanned. Then he was modified (hole in interior) to accept a Spark controller. Finally, he was 3d printed.

After being cleaned up, Freddy became a painted frog.

Now, we finish our 3d printing with an electroncs/moisture leg holder and a stake to hold the plant watering hose.

Solder an 8 inch piece of wire wrap wire to each brass leg. The brass legs are six inches long and 1/8 inch in diameter.

Put heat shrink tubing on the legs. This is done to control the amount of conductive leg that is exposed when Freddy is placed in soil.

Place wire wrap wire on each end of a 100K resistor.

Place heat shrink tubing over the resistor and shrink it. We don't want anything shorting out.

Connect this resistor between A0 and 3v3+ on the Spark controller.

Bring long wires from the six volt dc power supply to Vin and Gnd on the Spark module.

Take a long wire from D7 on the Spark module and route it through the legs.

Push all these wires and the Spark module into the electronics container.

Two wires are already soldered to the legs. There should be three additional wires, two for the six volt power supply and one to operate the water pump. Insert the electronics into Freddy's body.

Assemble the relay circuit as shown on the schematic. The wire from the Spark module will cause the transistor to turn the relay on and off.

Connect the 12 volt dc pump motor to the circuit. Attach tubing to the pump motor.

Friction fit the tubing through the stake. This will hold the water output hose near the plant.

Set up the Spark module--it's really easy.

Load the Spark app on your smartphone. Power up the Spark module and your phone near your wireless router. Make sure that your phone is operating on wifi.

Open the Spark app. It will ask for the wifi password. The Spark app will find the Spark module (the module will be flashing all kinds of colors to indicate that it is ready). Name the Spark module whatever you want (I called this one "Plant").

Now, using the Spark Tinker program (default), choose "digital write" for pin D7. When you toggle pin D7 on and off, it will cause your pump to turn on and off.

Using the Spark app, choose "Analog Read" for pin A0. If the number is high (2500), then your plant is dry. If low (around 1100), the plant is moist.

Place Freddy in the plant of your choice. Place the pump input hose into a source of water. Place the pump output hose/stake next to the plant.

Open the Spark app (from anywhere in the world) and choose the "Plant" module. Perform an "Analog Read" of pin A0 and you will know the plant's moisture status.

If the plant needs water, do a "Digital Write" on pin D7. When "on," the pump runs and the plant is being watered.

Don't forget to turn the pump off before you leave!