How to make a automatic watering system?

[ashriyavarri]

I am making a DIY project called a seedling planting system and I am stuck in this specific part of the project. The watering system. Is there a way that when a planter pulls out the lever (to the left) , somehow the water from the jerry can run through the PVC pipes and a spray nozzle connected to the end of it? Maybe some sort of switch? I don't know how to make this part of the watering system automatic... 

The aim of that is to water the seedlings in the seedling container to where are the pipes are running through....

[EricL · Accepted solution]

Hello @ashriyavarri 

Your watering system looks very clever. I believe all it needs is a source of power. You can either use a hand pump like the Nylex 2L Rethink Hand Pump Sprayer or an Aquapro AP210 Tabletop Water Feature Pump. You'll need to rethink your design with the water flowing through as it might be too strong.

I suggest drawing the pumping system on paper and describing how each piece will work with the other parts of your watering/seeding system. For example, when the hand pump is pumped full of air water will get pushed out of the outlet when the release switch is activated. The water then goes through the plastic pipe and lands in the seed catch.

If you have a vision of the device you want to create, I suggest breaking it down to its core components. We can then make recommendations on what parts will be suitable for your machine.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[ashriyavarri]

Hi Eric,

Thank you for reaching out. I appreciate the suggestion of using a water pump. However, my goal is to implement an automatic watering system. I envision utilizing the water pump in conjunction with automation, although I'm unsure how to achieve this at present. One idea I had is to incorporate a switch mechanism, where pulling out the lever (the rectangle on the left) could activate the watering system through a connected wire. Alternatively, I'm open to exploring ways to automate the seedling dropping process. I believe it's crucial to minimize manual tasks for tree planters, hence the focus on automation. Ultimately, the aim of this project is to reduce the physical labor involved in planting seedlings to aid in deforestation efforts. Therefore, I aim to make at least one component, if not all, automatic.

Is there anyway I can talk to someone in person to explain in detail as its hard to do over text? 

Thank you for your kind assistance.

[EricL]

Hello @ashriyavarri 

Your explanation is quite clear to me. But if you wish to speak to someone that can give you onsite recommendations immediately, I suggest visiting your local store and speaking to the hardware specialist or plumbing specialist. They will be able to refer parts to you and you can quickly tell if it will work or not.

My best advice is to bring your plans and diagrams with you so that the team member you speak to will be able to understand how you want your machine to work.    

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[ashriyavarri]

Hi Eric, 

Where abouts are you located? The nearest store is the one in Marsden Park for me. 

[EricL]

Hi @ashriyavarri 

I'm in Brisbane and I'm afraid Bunnings Marsden Park is too far. I suggest engaging with the team at Marsden Park, I also recommend speaking to the activities organizer at the store as they will be very familiar with project building.

If you have any other questions, please let me know.

Eric

[ashriyavarri]

Hi Eric, 

I'm trying to add a auger with a motor onto the system in SketchUp however, I'm trying to figure out how to attach a auger with a motor in real life as I cannot quite find any information online neither how to research. The auger will need to work in such a way that it drills the soil in the exact spacing as its between the holes on the top of the timber sheet.  Could you please help me out. :). 

Looking at the picture below, I want to add the auger to the bottom right side of the system. 

Thank you. 

[Jason]

Let me see if helpful member @CSParnell might have some thoughts for you @ashriyavarri.

Jason

[CSParnell]

@ashriyavarri @Jason @EricL 

You know I love all things automation and electrical but I would tend to keep it KISS method here.

A pressure pack water container, a inline button valve and then the tube after the valve with a stopper and pin holes over the feeders.

Pump the pack to build the pressure, after dropping the seed press the valve button for time "X" .

That means no electrical connection, mobile, reduced cost. 

[ashriyavarri]

Hi @CSParnell ,

I appreciate your response, but I'm still a bit unclear about your suggestion. Could you provide further details? My idea involves using a jerry can to hold the water, with pipes extending from the can to connect with PVC pipes below the timber sheet. I envision incorporating a valve within the PVC pipe so that when a seedling drops through, it triggers the flow of water. However, I'm unsure how to execute this mechanism.

Thank you for your assistance.

Kind regards 

Ashriya