Search results | Farm Hack

Long range wireless LoRa (15km) soil sensor network

1) LoRaWan is a long range, low power network, an open source implementation of this http://thethingsnetwork.org/
2) Using this technology solar soil moisture sensors could report the state over long distances 3) Code is already written for Arduino, So just needs hacking for LoRa wan https://github.com/liseman/growerbot 4) There is a variety of hardware that could be used for this: http://forum.thethingsnetwork.org/t/smallest-expected-node/568 The nodes could do all sorts of data reporting; water levels, item tracking etc

Multi mode dead freezer conversion

Using a dead upright freezer and converting so it can be an egg incubator, chicken brooder, sweet potato curing box, seed germination box winter vegetable storage or possibly a food dehydrator. Controls are based on an Arduino Uno. Switching between modes can be done at any time without reprogramming.

HOE with INTERCHANGEABLE, PLASTIC MULCH FRIENDLY, ADJUSTABLE, SHARP & FLEXIBLE blades, "RECYCLE STRAP HOE"

CLICK Documentation Below for YOUTUBE VIDEO describing the hoe and how to make it.

Movable pig feeders

A simple grain/slop feeder that withstands a fair amount of jostling and rooting in the pig pen, and can easily be moved when rotating pasture. Made from a plastic drum, three t-stakes, and simple hardware. Would work well for sheep or goats, etc., too.

Short season walk in cooler for tree seedling storage.

Under development: I'm building an ice house. I buy tree seedlings for resale and my own use. Stored in shade, seedlings can be kept for about 3 weeks. I hope to extend this to 10 weeks using a cold room. Version 1 is an insulated 10x10 shed (R12 fiberglass in walls and ceiling) In this shed, I'm putting 10 200 liter barrels of water (2/3 full) to freeze. Barrels are on blocks so the bottom will freeze faster. Water surface is covered with 3" of Styrofoam peanuts to slow down the top freezing I'm hoping this will prevent or reduce bulging, and that expansion will take place in the center of the top, much like an ice cube in the fridge. The tops of barrels are covered in 2" styrofoam plank. Boxes of seedlings are top of the styrofoam. A thermostat will run a fan to maintain the temperature at the seedlings between 0 and 2 C (32 to 35 F)

Portable Stock Trough

Convenient water tank trailer that holds 200Lt of water and 9Lt trough. Features: •Can hold up to 200Lt of stock drinking water •Industrial galvanised fittings to ensure strength and durability •No Flat Tyres, (so always ready to go when you are) •Can be towed into place by car, ATV, or Ride-on mower can provide drawings on how to make one if you wish other photos and video at link below http://www.commercialengineering.com.au/index.php?route=product/product&path=59&product_id=93

Water flow warning light

This small gadget uses the water flowing in a pipe or hose to generate electricity to light a small LED to warn that water is being used. We have had a few incidents of forgetting the tap on while it soaks the capillary matting and flooding the garden propagator. The light meant that one can see from a distance that water is flowing. Of course one can change the LED to a small flashing beacon, siren etc. The water generator generates 12v at 3.5w which powers the light. It is a small challenge to change the current to a suitable one for the LED. I managed to convert it using a small 3v voltage regulator and connecting it to a bicycle light. I would have liked it to flash but didn't manage it. I like this gadget because there is no need for sensors or sophisticated switches, it is the use of water which makes the warning light go on. I was also very happy to find these in-line electrical hydro generators. This is my first Farm Hack tool, so feel free to contact me if I am missing any information.

Aerial mapping rigs

These lightweight rigs hold small cameras (e.g., Canon PowerShots) for lofting by kites or balloons. Vertical photos can be taken at intervals as the rig is moved around a property and high resolution orthophotos can be made by stitching together multiple photos. Normal and/or near infrared photos can be taken, and plant health indices such as NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) can be derived from the photos. Recent, high resolution aerial images can help in documenting land status, tracking changes, and making planning or management decisions. The rigs are designed to be 3D printed, and the 3D models are open source and available for free download on Thingiverse.

Electronic Flame Weeder System

This tool is used to allow remote control of a tractor mounted flame weeder. The arduino measures the temperature at the burner, and when no flame is detected sends an ignition spark to the burner. Both the arduino and the solenoid valve are operated by an on/off switch from a 12 volt power supply. The operator turns the burners on at the beginning of the row, and then off at the end of the row. If the wind blows out the flame, the arduino notices this temperature change, and sends a spark to the burner and reignites the propane.

Row/Bed Marker

The tool shown here is a row/bed marker that is rolled out before direct seeding or transplanting. There are two versions documented - a hand-pushed model and a rear tractor-mounted model. It's purpose is to quickly make a grid that marks row spacing (three rows in this version) as well as your desired in-row spacing (hand-pushed model marks every 4 inches, tractor-mounted model marks every 12 inches). The purpose of this tools to allow one to quickly seed and transplant on a grid for easy cultivation and harvesting. This system also facilitates in keeping track of yields / plants per bed.