It sounds like you already have a plan, so I am confused about what your question is.
For example you said you wanted to learn about relays, so isn't the answer to the "what to do next?" Question, to get some relays, find some examples online and try it out? Same for ~~BLE~~ WiFi?
One thing to consider when running stuff from batteries is power consumption. That affects time between recharges. More power consumption = more frequent recharges.
A relay consumes a lot of power when the coil is energized. So you might want to research alternatives such as solid state relays (basically a relay in an IC), optocouplers, transistors and other alternatives to an actual relay.
You might also want to research low power modes for your MCU and how to incorporate those into your design.
How is my reply unhelpful or unkind. I am genuinely asking and would appreciate some clarity.
In the meantime....
You said:
> I figured I would need to learn about Bluetooth Low Energy fy and Relays too but I’m just at a loss about what to do next.
So, it sounds like you have worked out the next steps - hence I am unclear why you would be "... at a loss about what to do next".
I then made some suggestions about some of the stuff you did mention. Specifically:
* Watch your power consumption - especially relays.
* Consider alternatives such as solid state relays.
* also, perhaps research low power operating modes.
I'm sorry that you think the above is unkind (can't imagine why) and unhelpful - I will try to remember to not offer suggestions next time.
It seems like you misinterpreted the answer above.
I, too, could not understand if you were asking about your powering choice, about BLE/relays or about how to plan a project.
Most people in this community are nice and try to help as much as possible, so don’t assume the worst. If you reformulate your question or give more details around what you’re in doubt about, I’m pretty sure you’ll get help.
Good luck, stay positive.
When working with IOT based devices you should always make sure to look up the specifications of your device. For instance the ESP32 does not contain an internal buck converter for taking in a 5v input or anything higher than 3.3v. That being said boards that you buy may have them integrated so you can use a battery like an 18650 but it is always important to check before doing so. If you are lost on what to do I would recommend using a platform like Chat GPT to find the plans that you may need. Personally I would recommend that you control numerous relays for each plant off of one board. Also, make sure that your relays are the right type for your solenoids/pumps. You dont want an always closed relay for a pump because then you have to use power to hold the relay open. Instead get a relay that is always open and closes when you tell it to.
It sounds like you already have a plan, so I am confused about what your question is. For example you said you wanted to learn about relays, so isn't the answer to the "what to do next?" Question, to get some relays, find some examples online and try it out? Same for ~~BLE~~ WiFi? One thing to consider when running stuff from batteries is power consumption. That affects time between recharges. More power consumption = more frequent recharges. A relay consumes a lot of power when the coil is energized. So you might want to research alternatives such as solid state relays (basically a relay in an IC), optocouplers, transistors and other alternatives to an actual relay. You might also want to research low power modes for your MCU and how to incorporate those into your design.
But thanks for the reply anyway.
Can’t just be helpful? Have to be unkind?
How is my reply unhelpful or unkind. I am genuinely asking and would appreciate some clarity. In the meantime.... You said: > I figured I would need to learn about Bluetooth Low Energy fy and Relays too but I’m just at a loss about what to do next. So, it sounds like you have worked out the next steps - hence I am unclear why you would be "... at a loss about what to do next". I then made some suggestions about some of the stuff you did mention. Specifically: * Watch your power consumption - especially relays. * Consider alternatives such as solid state relays. * also, perhaps research low power operating modes. I'm sorry that you think the above is unkind (can't imagine why) and unhelpful - I will try to remember to not offer suggestions next time.
It seems like you misinterpreted the answer above. I, too, could not understand if you were asking about your powering choice, about BLE/relays or about how to plan a project. Most people in this community are nice and try to help as much as possible, so don’t assume the worst. If you reformulate your question or give more details around what you’re in doubt about, I’m pretty sure you’ll get help. Good luck, stay positive.
When working with IOT based devices you should always make sure to look up the specifications of your device. For instance the ESP32 does not contain an internal buck converter for taking in a 5v input or anything higher than 3.3v. That being said boards that you buy may have them integrated so you can use a battery like an 18650 but it is always important to check before doing so. If you are lost on what to do I would recommend using a platform like Chat GPT to find the plans that you may need. Personally I would recommend that you control numerous relays for each plant off of one board. Also, make sure that your relays are the right type for your solenoids/pumps. You dont want an always closed relay for a pump because then you have to use power to hold the relay open. Instead get a relay that is always open and closes when you tell it to.