Electronics > Beginners
gear 0.2
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rstofer:
And what will be the user interface (UI)?  How will you set the times for each zone?  Will the time requirement change with the seasons?  Do you need to be able to enable/disable select zones from time to time?  How about a manual start of the entire sequence or, even harder, just one zone?

There is a reason that modern sprinkler timers have displays and, in my case, a 30 position (?) rotary switch and 3 buttons.

Although I suggested starting with the valves (and I still do), you need to get a handle on the big picture.  It's easy to say "I don't want to use a uC" but it's a lot more difficult to come up with a usable device without one.

What would be very cool is to make the controller run over WiFi and come up with a cell phone App for the UI.  I have been kicking that idea around for years.  Wandering all over the yard to adjust the controllers is a pain.  A browser like interface would be perfect!

Google for 'diy wifi sprinkler controller' - there are a lot of project videos.

In 'gear 0.1' you said you didn't want to start with C/C++.  You might want to revisit that decision.  EVERYTHING is being done with microcontrollers, especially if it needs a UI.
uc:
Thanks, tpowell1830,
My main purpose is to learn electronics fundamentals and build things and understand the basic behind it. I will build circuits and check theory against real life.
My intention is not to take short cut and buy readymade solutions.
But of course I need to keep my wife happy, so……
I usually check forum and literatures for proposals and investigate datasheets for their applications.
 :)
tpowell1830:

--- Quote from: uc on May 26, 2018, 03:50:44 pm ---Thanks, tpowell1830,
My main purpose is to learn electronics fundamentals and build things and understand the basic behind it. I will build circuits and check theory against real life.
My intention is not to take short cut and buy readymade solutions.
But of course I need to keep my wife happy, so……
I usually check forum and literatures for proposals and investigate datasheets for their applications.
 :)

--- End quote ---

That is the impression that I  have gotten from you. Using very basic systems is the best way to start, IMO. Think through the results of each decision and build on it. Also, I don't think that you are doing this just for your wife, I think you are doing this to learn. Building your knowledge base from the basics up is a great plan. Where many make the mistake of wanting to jump from zero to 100 instantly. Works for some, but not all.

If I thought that you were trying to make a commercial product, which I don't, I would advise you in a different direction.
uc:
I am probably 40 years too late to make a commercial product including knowledge. On other hand, in my next life I would like to aim for electronic engineering instead of mechanical, refractory engineering and project managing.  :-DD
uc:
Dear rstofer, the reason I try not to use microcontroller is that I want to try other ways before going that road.  It might be impossible but I will try. Take care.
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