Automated Sprinkler System

Oh, Ricky! Now you've started me off. You are absolutely right about DIY. I've now sat in the garden contemplating building my own. Why not? After spending all my life in the electronics field and have been designing control systems for the most part of my life, I'd opted out from the stress of work.

Thinking about it, would get me back in to the way of thinking and would be a good escape! I feel a project coming on!!!
Loving the idea of 12V solenoid outside with electronics mounted inside. Haven't researched how to mount solenoid and valve to tap yet but have many ideas regarding electronics to control.

Cheers so much. It's the kick up the bum that I needed.
Separate thread, trip to Maplins and a blog coming on hopefully.

 

Use a solar panel?

 

You could probably make it up from a ready made timer and a 12v solenoid, but like I'm doing at the moment using an Arduino for heating control and just adding a watering system / soil moisture sensor / timer.
You can get 12v sols with 1/2 or 3/4" threads on ebay for a few pounds uk or china stock.

Might be simple stuff compared to commercial projects , but micro systems like the Arduino etc as so cheap and there are masses of lo cost new modules to have fun with.... keeps the grey matter ticking ..

A clone board of the Arduino Uno is just £5 on ebay etc ( genuine full price at Maplins) and you are off ....

 

Excellent, Ricky! Don't use eBay but might be tempted. Many thanks mate. Ideas now flowing.

 

I order items from ebay that are shipped direct from china. Long wiat to get it but good quality without the middle man

 

DIY electronics definately not my thing.

 

Many uk based ebay sellers are offering modules like Adruino Unos, moisture sensors , wifi modules etc at similar prices to the China sellers.
You can pick an Uno from maplins today, but £19.99, though do not blame me if you get hooked !

Was always wary of Ebay myself, but to just buy, you only need register a credit card with paypal, no need to give them access to your actual bank account.

If you are just wanting to water the garden rather than pot plants in a greenhouse then the timers and sprinkler mentioed by Clueless look the best option, easy enough to fit and test well before you go away.
Those micro irrigation systems, a pain to set up and use and really only for small pot plant imho.

 

Have most of the borders and pots covered with sprinklers, drippers and various different jets covering nearly everything that needs watering. Even have trays with soak system in cold frames and greenhouse. Designing away now for a timer system that will be completely customisable on a day to day basis. Will be on sale for end of 2017. Ha ha. I wish!