How to Use Terrarium: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Terrarium (PCB351) by PedalPCB is an electronic component designed to monitor and control the environmental conditions within a terrarium. This component is ideal for creating a small, self-sustaining ecosystem, often used for decorative or educational purposes. It integrates sensors and actuators to maintain optimal conditions for plant growth, such as temperature, humidity, and light levels.

• Home Decor: Enhance the aesthetic appeal of living spaces with a self-sustaining ecosystem.
• Educational Projects: Teach students about ecosystems, plant biology, and environmental science.
• Hobbyist Projects: Ideal for DIY enthusiasts interested in creating and maintaining terrariums.
• Research: Useful in botanical and ecological research to study plant growth under controlled conditions.

1. Power Supply: Connect the VCC pin to a 5V DC power source and the GND pin to the ground.
2. Sensor Outputs: Connect the TEMP, HUM, and LIGHT pins to the corresponding analog input pins on a microcontroller (e.g., Arduino UNO).
3. Control Signal: Connect the CTRL pin to a digital output pin on the microcontroller to control actuators like fans or lights.

• Power Supply: Ensure a stable 5V DC power supply to avoid fluctuations that could affect sensor readings.
• Sensor Placement: Place the sensors in locations within the terrarium where they can accurately measure the environmental conditions.
• Calibration: Periodically calibrate the sensors to maintain accuracy.
• Actuator Control: Use appropriate drivers or relays to control high-power actuators.

// Include necessary libraries
#include <DHT.h>
#include <Wire.h>

// Define pin connections
#define TEMP_PIN A0
#define HUM_PIN A1
#define LIGHT_PIN A2
#define CTRL_PIN 7

// Initialize DHT sensor
DHT dht(TEMP_PIN, DHT11);

void setup() {
  // Initialize serial communication
  Serial.begin(9600);
  
  // Initialize sensor pins
  pinMode(TEMP_PIN, INPUT);
  pinMode(HUM_PIN, INPUT);
  pinMode(LIGHT_PIN, INPUT);
  pinMode(CTRL_PIN, OUTPUT);
  
  // Start DHT sensor
  dht.begin();
}

void loop() {
  // Read temperature and humidity
  float temperature = dht.readTemperature();
  float humidity = dht.readHumidity();
  
  // Read light level
  int lightLevel = analogRead(LIGHT_PIN);
  
  // Print sensor values to serial monitor
  Serial.print("Temperature: ");
  Serial.print(temperature);
  Serial.print(" °C, Humidity: ");
  Serial.print(humidity);
  Serial.print(" %, Light Level: ");
  Serial.println(lightLevel);
  
  // Control actuator based on sensor values
  if (temperature > 30 || humidity < 40 || lightLevel < 200) {
    digitalWrite(CTRL_PIN, HIGH); // Turn on actuator
  } else {
    digitalWrite(CTRL_PIN, LOW);  // Turn off actuator
  }
  
  // Wait for 2 seconds before next reading
  delay(2000);
}

1. Inaccurate Sensor Readings:

   • Solution: Ensure sensors are properly calibrated and placed in optimal locations within the terrarium.

2. Power Supply Issues:

   • Solution: Use a stable 5V DC power source and check connections for any loose wires.

3. Actuator Not Responding:

   • Solution: Verify the control signal from the microcontroller and ensure the actuator driver or relay is functioning correctly.

• Check Connections: Ensure all connections are secure and correctly placed.
• Monitor Serial Output: Use the serial monitor to debug and verify sensor readings and control signals.
• Use External Libraries: Utilize libraries like DHT for temperature and humidity sensors to simplify code and improve accuracy.

By following this documentation, users can effectively integrate the Terrarium (PCB351) into their projects, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.