Sponsored By
Efika 5200B Project
Controller for process equipmentin category Other
proposed by byates on 8th February 2006 (accepted on 11th February 2006)
Project Summary
Embedded controller for use in outdoor enviroment. Controlling farming equipment and data collection. Hardened to enviromental conditions and power fluctations. Generically adaptable to variety of conditions and user requirements. Primary interface through USB ports, operator interface removable to reduce potential for damage. RF networking, longer range than WiFi, so using other spectrum, possibly cell phone.Project Blog Entries
Wireless is the best way to go for field use, link the sensors in wirelessly to allow adjustment of physical location, then a wireless network to a central hub/data collector/controller.
Field uses would be controlling irrigation and chemical applications for crops, watering and feeding for animals.
Tracking of individual animals through RFID's, recording feed history and health would be another step.
An automated milking machine is already in production, this could be used for similiar operations.
Many of the uses I see are already in place for large operations, this would allow their extension to smaller operations, commercial and hobby.