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Cover Crop Roller
This tool is used to roll standing annual cover crops and crimp the stem to prevent regrowth and create a heavy mulch in place that can be planted through using no-till drills, planters and transplanters. This tool entry is based on the Rodale Institute's open source design, and updated by ADABIO
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.
Seed Germination/Early Growth Chamber
A seed germination chamber using a broken upright freezer. I got the idea from DGrover's "Sweat box" Germination Chamber: http://farmhack.org/tools/sweat-box-germination-chamber. I added onto their design by adding lighting, air circulation, a heat source and temperature/humidity gauges. This is a functioning concept that is being tested right now, and there are still issues to work out. Such as preventing excessive temperature and humidity levels as well as other concerns. So far the expense is about $150 (not including cost of freezer), nominal compared with a manufactured growth chamber, thus enabling small farmers/gardeners the ability to reliably start quantities of seeds early and extend their season.
Mobile solar powered electric fence
I'm interested in others ideas and knowledge related to creating a mobile solar powered electric fence. This sketch represents my concept and the products available online costing less than $100. My goal is to allow two pigs the ability to graze small parcels of land similar to a chicken tractor.
ultra simple dry grain/pellet feeder (food, wood and other pellets)
about a year ago I started to investigate automatic fish feeders for my aquaponics pilot plant.
Outside Air Exchange Control
This tool demonstrates the use of two thermostats to provide a control system for an air exchange fan that draws cold outside air in to cool a storage room for winter crops. The control essentially provides a differential temperature control which may also be applicable to other processes (curing, solar hot water, etc.)
The WiFi Farm Guide
Low cost farm wide WiFi to enable remote sensors and any other WiFi enabled device.
laydown weeder
Self driven laydown weeder. It runs on a 350 watts electric motor. It is geared down so top speed is around half a mile an hour, which is enough for weeding,( Most weeders don't go faster than a quarter mile an hour. ) and the advantage of gearing it down is its power. It weighs around 400 pounds and carries easily three adults of about 150 pounds each. The rechargeable batteries will last for three days on a full load.
Rocket-clave- A wood-fired autoclave
The rocket-clave is a wood-fired autoclave. The rocket-clave was designed in order to reduce fossil-fuel consumption (specifically propane) in the production of edible and medicinal mushrooms.
Roll Top Greenhouse Bench
In the winter and early spring, seedlings in the greenhouse need extra protection from frost. Bench heating systems can provide the necessary bottom heat but without covering the bench, much of the heat is lost. Farmers typically cover their benches with agricultural fabric, plastic, or both but putting this plastic on and taking it off daily is cumbersome and takes time. This roll top system enables one person to quickly cover or uncover the heated bench.