GrowRoom Automation Software

Hey guys,

I am very keen on the idea of automating my tent. I am a BIG DIY'er and love to manufacture and build my own stuff where I can.

I really want to use a Raspberry Pi/Arduino controller as the brains. But I am really struggling to find a Opensource software that is easy enough for me to figure out.
I have used RasPI on my homebuilt CNC Plasma table I made but I am by no means any good at coding so I am trying to stay away from the hectic coding required solutions that I've seen around on here. I just want to be upload a software package to the RaspPI and connect the devices accordingly and away I go.

I still anticipate to very hands on with this setup, I'm just a data junky.

I am an electrician and I can fabricate just about anything but coding is not my thing. I am trying to find the most function filled and easy to use software that I can find but I am struggling to find something that ticks all the boxes. I can wire and connect everything together safely no worries. Software development is my downfall.

With this software I want to be able to.

• Monitor and control remotely via app or webpage. Temp, fans, light schedule, PH, TDS, Flood and Drain pump switching schedule.
• I have a light that is dimmable, this would be desirable function but not necessary
• Dose and autocorrect the PH
• View a webcam feed (Maybe be able to keep a photo journal for each days progression)
• View data charts of sensor inputs.
• Some kind of notification service would be nice
• Friendly user interface
• Res level sensor

So far from the research I have done this is what I have found and their issues. There's so much information available and so many conflicting stories I just want to see if theres anyone on here that his experience in this so I can reduce my time of issues/integration. I have a media PC that is constantly on that could host any required programs if need be.

ReefPi - This seems to be the winner from what I've found so far. It is adapted for aquariums but it has extensive setup documentation but I feel like there might be adaption issues to a growing environment? Doesn't seem to have webcam feed.
https://learn.adafruit.com/reef-pi-installation-and-configuration/introduction

Mycodo - Seems to be okay but I haven't seen a lot of documentation on it.
https://github.com/kizniche/Mycodo/wiki/Screenshots

Yield Buddy - Seems to have stopped been developing a couple years ago. Fairly outdated.
https://yieldbuddy.com/?page_id=48

I'm really struggling to find my best solution so if anyone has any suggestions It'd be really appreciated! I don't mind paying for software package if thats what it takes to do what I want to achieve.

There are some good options for buying a package to upload on fiverr. I was searching around a while back and talked to a couple of the top arduino/raspi coders and it was pretty straightforward where i listed out everything I wanted (basically everything in a normal controller + wifi connected) and they said they'd have no issues.

In the end I walked myself back after deciding I really didn't want to DIY it.

Dryxi said:

There are some good options for buying a package to upload on fiverr. I was searching around a while back and talked to a couple of the top arduino/raspi coders and it was pretty straightforward where i listed out everything I wanted (basically everything in a normal controller + wifi connected) and they said they'd have no issues.

In the end I walked myself back after deciding I really didn't want to DIY it.

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How much was the quote? I can code everything @OP listed in a short time. I think any program would cost a fee. I would definitely suggest diving into some coding if you are serious about it. If you have any questions feel free to ask me. I do have an RPI prototype.

etruthfx said:

How much was the quote? I can code everything @OP listed in a short time. I think any program would cost a fee. I would definitely suggest diving into some coding if you are serious about it. If you have any questions feel free to ask me. I do have an RPI prototype.

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Man thats so kind! Thankyou. I've just bought everything and going to start experimenting with Mycodo. Environment programming looks to be pretty good for multiple applications

Some info in this link may be of interest to you...

I made this for class. Basically it has examples on how to read arduino data from soil moister sensor and humidity sensor. Im also working on adding more functions and features daily between classes.

Im also working on creating a grow room simulator project in unity that gets data based off of the python file.

XDabxdoubx said:

Im also working on creating a grow room simulator project in unity that gets data based off of the python file.

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Why unity? C# .net framework would be better.

Unity c# runs off .net 4xx but I use both python and c# because it provides the best of both worlds. The unity program is just a means to build a webgl app for your custom needs. Also unity is deployable to many devices which makes the embedded python great for iot projects or Android ios apps

Have you looked at pigrow?

I vote myCodo. Super simple and is constantly updated.

Im gonna give mycodo a look

I have just finished doing a run with mycodo and I must say it is perfect for what we need!

Just realized the acronym for the thread title is "GRAS" lol

Cboyhehe said:

I have just finished doing a run with mycodo and I must say it is perfect for what we need!

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@Cboyhehe Could you please give some details on your setup? Both groware and hardware? I'm interested in going this route very soon. Especially interested in AC power control using solid state relays, probe monitoring and ph control but even overall impressions or tips would be greatly appreciated! As you noted, there isn't much for user feedback out there yet except for the stuff from Kyle. It looks very promising though and I have my fingers crossed it works as well as I am hoping! TYIA!

Renfro said:

Just realized the acronym for the thread title is "GRAS" lol

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LOL "GRASS" Grow Room Automation System Software or we could all join forces to be the grow room automation system syndicate!

Im currently running Mycodo for climate control and love it! Super simple to set up and the developer Kyle usually tries to help you out within 24 hours of posting in his Forum. Pigrow is cool too, but Mycodo is on another level.

etruthfx said:

How much was the quote? I can code everything @OP listed in a short time. I think any program would cost a fee. I would definitely suggest diving into some coding if you are serious about it. If you have any questions feel free to ask me. I do have an RPI prototype.

Click to expand...

Where a good place to start learning code? Other than school. Lol

Hollatchaboy said:

Where a good place to start learning code? Other than school. Lol

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youtube

Hollatchaboy said:

Where a good place to start learning code? Other than school. Lol

Click to expand...

Learning online for the most part, stackexchange is a good one. There's lots of resources for python and C++/C# on youtube. Look at the syntax in the documentation and look at someone elses code to learn different ways to apply it. If you get stuck, ask for help.

PI with PWM output to control fan, two 15A relays, onewire temperature probe. Can also control
fleet of remote wireless ESP's.

I'm running Nodered. Learning curve is a bit higher than many things but there are few limitations to what you can do with it.

Mycodo seems to have a comprehensive solution but Nodered has an installed base orders of magnitude larger and a lot of documentation. Since I have a bunch of other projects that use NR it was a nobrainer for me.

Then there is always coding it from scratch in Arduino Just kidding, don't do that.