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Assembly Guide

Introduction

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for assembling the water quality monitoring kit. The kit includes sensors for measuring temperature and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in water, a TTGO T-Beam with LoRa communication, a solar-powered battery system, and waterproof enclosures for outdoor use.

Tools and Materials

Tools:

  • Screwdriver set (small Phillips and flat-head).
  • Soldering iron (if necessary for sensor connections).
  • Wire cutters and strippers.
  • Multimeter (for testing connections).
  • Heat shrink tubing or electrical tape.
  • Hot glue gun (optional for sealing connections).

Materials:

  • TTGO T-Beam (ESP32 + LoRa + GPS module).
  • DS18B20 waterproof temperature sensor.
  • TDS sensor.
  • LiPo Battery 3.7V 1200mAh.
  • Solar Panel 5V 2W.
  • TP4056 LiPo solar charge module.
  • Waterproof enclosure (for TTGO, battery, and sensor connections).
  • LoRa antenna (optional, but recommended for increased range).

Steps

1. Connect the Sensors to the TTGO T-Beam

  • DS18B20 Temperature Sensor:

    • Connect the VCC (red wire) of the DS18B20 to the 3.3V pin on the TTGO T-Beam.
    • Connect the GND (black wire) to the GND pin.
    • Connect the DATA (yellow wire) to GPIO 13 (D13) on the TTGO T-Beam.
    • Add a 4.7kΩ pull-up resistor between the DATA pin and 3.3V to ensure stable communication.

  • TDS Sensor:

    • Connect the VCC (red wire) of the TDS sensor to the 3.3V pin on the TTGO T-Beam.
    • Connect the GND (black wire) to GND.
    • Connect the A (Analog) pin to GPIO 34 (A34) on the TTGO T-Beam.

2. Set Up the Solar Power System

  • TP4056 LiPo Charging Module:
    • Connect the solar panel's positive (+) and negative (-) wires to the IN+ and IN- terminals on the TP4056 module.
    • Connect the LiPo battery to the BAT+ and BAT- terminals on the TP4056.
    • Verify the charge status of the battery using the onboard indicator LEDs of the TP4056 module.

3. Power the TTGO T-Beam with the LiPo Battery

  • Connect the BAT+ and BAT- outputs of the TP4056 module to the 3.7V battery input on the TTGO T-Beam.
  • Ensure the TTGO T-Beam powers up correctly when the battery is connected.

4. Install the LoRa Antenna

  • Attach the LoRa antenna to the TTGO T-Beam using the provided SMA connector.
  • Ensure the antenna is securely fastened for maximum signal strength and range.

5. Enclose Components in the Waterproof Case

  • Place the TTGO T-Beam, battery, TP4056, and sensor connections inside the waterproof enclosure.
  • Drill small holes in the case to route the sensors and antenna cables outside.
  • Seal the holes with hot glue or silicone to prevent water from entering the enclosure.

6. Position the Solar Panel

  • Attach the solar panel on the outside of the enclosure or on a nearby pole or structure where it will get optimal sunlight exposure.
  • Secure the panel using brackets or adhesive tape, ensuring it remains at an angle to maximize solar absorption.

7. Test the System

  • Once the assembly is complete, power on the system and check that the TTGO T-Beam is receiving power from the battery and solar panel.
  • Use the serial monitor or connect via LoRa/Meshtastic to verify that sensor data (temperature and TDS) is being transmitted correctly.
  • Ensure the battery is charging properly when exposed to sunlight.

Troubleshooting

Issue 1: Sensors not reading data correctly.

  • Solution: Check the sensor connections, ensuring the VCC, GND, and DATA/Analog pins are connected correctly. Verify the pull-up resistor on the DS18B20 is properly installed.

Issue 2: TTGO T-Beam does not power on.

  • Solution: Ensure the LiPo battery is charged and properly connected to the BAT+ and BAT- terminals on the TTGO. Check the solar panel's connection to the TP4056 module for proper voltage input.

Issue 3: LoRa signal is weak or unstable.

  • Solution: Verify that the LoRa antenna is securely attached to the TTGO T-Beam. Try repositioning the antenna or installing a larger antenna for increased range.

Issue 4: Battery not charging from the solar panel.

  • Solution: Ensure that the solar panel is receiving sufficient sunlight. Check the wiring from the solar panel to the TP4056 charging module. Use a multimeter to verify voltage output from the solar panel.