Opensprinkler bee update#
Opensprinkler bee driver#
Opensprinkler bee manual#
Opensprinkler bee software#

After a couple of seconds, high-side switch 1 is turned off and the microcontroller prepares the states of the half H-bridges (COM, Z1, Z2, Z3). The first one controls the input power: the microcontroller uses it to feed the input 5V to the booster, which quickly raises the voltage to 24V. The Booster is controlled by two MOSFET-based high-side switches. It’s a simple MC34063-based boost regulator that bumps the input 5V up to 24V DC, and stores the charge into a 2200uF capacitor. The boost converter is borrowed directly from the OpenSprinkler DC circuit. Its hardware schematic, firmware source code, user manual, and API document are all available at the OpenSprinkler Github repository (look for the prefix OSBee in the repository).īelow I will briefly go over the technical details of the boost converter and the solenoid driver, as I think it’s an interesting design that’s potentially applicable elsewhere. The package includes a fully assembled OSBee 2.0 circuit board, laser cut acrylic enclosure, instructions, USB cable, and optionally an USB adapter. OpenSprinkler Bee 2.0 is now available for purchase at our online store: Some of these features are purely software, and can be easily added in the future. HTTP and RF stations), and support for sensors. It’s also missing a few advanced features at the moment, such as weather-based water time, virtual stations (e.g. On the other hand, it can only switch up to 3 zones, and the number cannot be expanded.

Opensprinkler bee driver#

It improves upon the current OpenSprinkler 2.3 by adding built-in WiFi capability, and using a unified solenoid driver that can handle both latching and non-latching solenoid valves.

Opensprinkler bee update#

Firmware update can be performed either wirelessly using the web interface (OTA), or through the on-board USB port with a USB cable.

It allows remote control through the Blynk app and Blynk cloud server.

Zone water time is programmed at precision of seconds. For example, you can define arbitrary ordering of zones, have multiple zones run at the same time, and insert delays between tasks.

It introduces Program Tasks to allow maximal flexibility in programming zones.

It also provides logging and program preview features.

Opensprinkler bee manual#

It has a built-in web interface that allows you to easily change settings, perform manual control, and create automatic sprinkler programs.

An easy-to-assemble laser cut acrylic enclosure.

Boost converter and a new H-bridge design that allows the same controller to switch both lathing and non-latching solenoid valves, all powered from a single 5V USB port.

On-board 128×64 OLED display, real-time clock with backup battery, USB-serial chip.

A single ESP8266 chip serves as the microcontroller and handles WiFi connectivity.

In summary, in terms of Hardware Design, it has the following features: Screenshots of the web interface and Blynk app: Here are two photos of the OSBee 2.0 circuit board: Here is not-so-short video introduction to OSBee 2.0: In contrast to the first version of OSBee, which was in the form of an Arduino shield and relies on an additional Arduino, OSBee 2.0 is a standalone controller with built-in WiFi, OLED display, laser cut acrylic enclosure, and can switch up to 3 zones independently.

Opensprinkler bee software#

Among the software features, it introduces the concept of Program Tasks, which provides maximal flexibility in programming the zones. Hence I call it a Universal sprinkler controller. This is made possible by using a unique circuit design that leverages a boost regulator and a new solenoid driver circuit. All of them can be powered from a single USB port.

It’s designed primarily for latching solenoid valves, but can also switch non-latching solenoid valves (such as standard 24VAC valves), low-voltage fish tank pumps (which can be used to feed water to flower pots and indoor plants), and other types of low-voltage DC valves and pumps. This is the first OpenSprinkler product built upon the popular ESP8266 WiFi chip.

It is suitable for garden and lawn watering, plant and flower irrigation, hydroponics, and other types of watering project. Today I am very excited to introduce OpenSprinkler Bee (OSBee) 2.0: it’s an open-source, WiFi-enabled, universal sprinkler controller.