Editing Talk:Gravity fed drip irrigation, semi-automated



My article will continue to develop as the growing season begins. I went public to get the info out for others to use this year, in the hopes that someone would ask questions or express interest. I'm still waiting! [[User:Big O|Big O]] ([[User talk:Big O|talk]]) 13:42, 12 February 2016 (PST)

Can someone tell me how to go public please?

:Hi! It looks like you're off to a good start. I'm not sure what you mean by "go public"? If you want, this page can be moved to something like [[Semi-automated gravity fed drip irrigation]]. I see it's a work in progress, though, so maybe you want to leave it here for awhile? I like that you have included information on trial and error and thought out a lot of questions. One recommendation, since you state that low cost is important, is to list the cost for parts; [[Kiva's_straw_bale_greenhouse#Parts_and_Cost_List|for example]]. If you need anything, please message me. --[[User:Ethan|Ethan]] ([[User talk:Ethan|talk]]) 20:21, 21 February 2016 (PST)

::Thank you for the kind words, at least I know now that I'm on the right track. I don't want to include costs, because I used parts meant for a pressurized system, this makes them overly expensive. I'm searching for 3D printed alternatives and will continue to update. :-)

Please feel free to comment, I'd love to know you're out there.

== looking good ==

Howdy,

I will be suggesting this to students next semester to test, iterate and implement! --[[User:Lonny|Lonny]] ([[User talk:Lonny|talk]]) 12:58, 24 May 2016 (PDT)

:OMG, thank you Lonny! That is my only real purpose in creating it. Please have them look at my web site also. It contains my ideas to change the world by combining simple tech with homesteading to create automated solutions. :-)

Are there any other professors who'd like to join us? There are so many simple answers to impossible questions, they're only waiting to be found.

Now that I know I've reached someone I'll continue adding to it! If you could only see the grin on my face atm.

: I am so glad to hear that. I am also interested in seeing if there is a design that can be implemented for Swale ([http://www.newyorkgreenadvocate.com/#!Happy-4th-of-July-Swale-A-Floating-Food-Forest-Coming-To-NYC-Is-A-Birthday-Gift-On-Americas-Independence-Day/c1sn2/575574430cf23167914ad738 early article], [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/swale-floating-food-forest_us_57bca5c0e4b0b51733a63be7 recent HuffPost video]).  
:You might also be interested in requesting parts made at [[Requests for 3-D printable open source appropriate technology]].
:Enjoy! --[[User:Lonny|Lonny]] ([[User talk:Lonny|talk]]) 14:35, 29 August 2016 (PDT)

== Thank you Lonny ==

I appreciate your kind words, but I'd like a follow up please! If no one took my idea for their project, I can accept that. What I'd like to know though is that I'm willing to work with any group. Anything they'd like to try, I'd be willing to create it (as long as they explain how) to see the project through to it's usefulness. It specifically needs computer people such as Networking, Linux server and programming with DB, Rasp Pi and Ubunbtu Phone skills, app or site to follow individual plants real time, home (or garden) automation, 3d printing and drawing, robotics, artificial intelligence maybe. Sensors to report things like drip frequency, ground moisture levels (possibly at various levels), and more (I'll add to this as I think of more.It has many many intricate problems, but each is relatively simple, but not thought out yet. With WLAN and location it would be possible to have roving cameras (possibly actual robots.

What I want to show with this is that many people could answer small pieces little by little, each individual addition is only somewhat linked with other ideas. which allows people in various parts of the world to each do their part and so perfect for a WIKI. I believe it would be a homesteaders dream to be able to plant a vegetable garden and then let it manage its self, even tells you when things are ripe.

As an example: If I put a step motor (or equivalent) at the plant, along with sensors, what's the most inexpensive way to get the info to and from the server? Maybe IoT? Simply drip automation is the one step which could, for almost no money, be regulated and monitored without people. 

Most importantly, this could, if designed properly, be done for under $1.00 per plant. 

Please tell me how to make my project more interesting? I'd be happy to answer any questions, with video if that helps!

Solving this problem would, in my opinion, do a great deal toward making homesteading efficient, while putting a big dent in the Zero Hunger timetable. PLEASE contact me!

{{Unsigned|Big O|06:28, 23 November 2016}}

:Hi Big O,
:My Engr305 class starts in January. You can see some of the projects here - [[Engr305 Appropriate Technology Projects]]. That class does not usually do IoT work, but I will suggest it to class. I will also show them this page and offer this project up as a possible project. I added your page to the potential project list at [[Engr305 Appropriate Technology potential projects]]. Feel free to add more context. 
:Thanks! --[[User:Lonny|Lonny]] ([[User talk:Lonny|talk]]) 17:13, 23 November 2016 (PST)

::Thank you Lonny, I couldn't ask for more!
::I want to make one point before January, the IoT part is only an option. I originally saw this as a building block project to begin simply as a dripper which is computer controlled, but can be expanded with sensors and controllers of various types when time and requirements call for them. The first and utmost priority is that a low budget version be created which could be deployed in great number to feed entire villages at low cost. All the rest is fluff which can be added to enhance automation at a reasonable price. As IoT comes down in price it will eventually become the way to go, but the beginning should be modest.
: :-) Big O --[[User:Big O|Big O]] ([[User talk:Big O|talk]]) 16:00, 14 December 2016 (CET)

== A Challenge ==

:Dear students,
:If you're reading this, consider yourself challenged! 
: [http://the-light-of-hope.weebly.com/blog/new-years-resolution]  Follow this link to find out more! 
:The #GlobalGoalsClub challenge is looking for people interested in bringing about change in the world and it begins here. Please accept my garden idea and make it awesome. I'd be happy to work with you 
:in any way I can, I have a small Greenhouse and am retired, so have time. What I don't have is your intelligence or your ingenuity.
: :-) Big O --[[User:Big O|Big O]] ([[User talk:Big O|talk]]) 15:27, 02 January 2017 (CET)

:Hi again, whoever is reading this. 
:I thought it might be good to explain my motivation in creating this article, my challenge. For years I've carried water to the plants in my garden and considered how I could eliminate steps, reduce repetitive work and simplify the production of veggies to the point where I could plant them the let my garden take care of them until ripe. Oh, what a wonderful dream, but I believe I've found the way to do it relatively inexpensively using todays low cost technology and the old fashioned plant in the ground. I know that Aquaponics or Hydroponics may or may not be better, but until we've tried we won't know, hence my idea. 

:I ask you to try my idea and simplify it, prove that a garden can be run without human intervention at a small price. If the parts can be created from recycled plastic and the cost of automation held to a bare minimum that these gardens could be created anywhere where water can be collected. 

:I believe you will prove that it's possible to make hundreds of these gardens in villages where help is needed, to provide a source of vitamin rich food to the poorest of the poor. If we combined this project with modern water gathering and storage along with 3d printing and all the other things possible today, that we will change the world. If these people can be fed, they'll not only be able to survive, but to send their children to school and bring home food for them. We can stop their need to try to find a better life somewhere else, because there's no place like home, when home can provide enough food and money, enough to educate my children, the world will find peace. 

:And you were a part of it!
: :-) Big O --[[User:Big O|Big O]] ([[User talk:Big O|talk]]) 17:30, 15 January 2017 (CET)

:I assume the class didn't like my idea and left it. Don't give up on the idea, my next improvement is on it's way. I'd love to hear some feedback to help improve my chance of being accepted in the future.
: :-) Big O --[[User:Big O|Big O]] ([[User talk:Big O|talk]]) 11:50, 07 February 2017 (CET)

== A call to Lonny==

Hi Lonny, I don't know if you're still monitoring this, but I want to contact you! It's time the world start talking about the SDGs and the progress our youth is making in reaching them. I'd like to have your students do a demonstration or presentation or even a live interview. The idea is being tossed around and I'd like to do a piece about Appropedia and as many projects as we can find demos for. Would you be interested?

I don't have more specific info now, just in the planning phase and searching for stories.

: :-) Big O --[[User:Big O|Big O]] ([[User talk:Big O|talk]]) 11:20, 03 October 2017 (CET)


== Another try!==

I asked the mayor to let me make a Walipini with Syrian refugees, his advisor didn't like it, sooo
I went to school! In 2016 I made a garden in a grade school near me and go there every Wednesday morning to give kids the chance to be in the garden. They come out screaming with joy, I believe they enjoy it. The problem is it's 1-4 grade and we have limited time and resources, worst yet, no teacher interest.
I tried another school named Martin Luther King, I thought I was in the perfect place, here they'll understand the importance of the SDGs. Wrong, I believe the kids would have no problem, but getting the teaching staff to see the point or to believe in the necessity was beyond me. Their white privilege has them putting blinders on the kids, teaching them to ignore the truth around them and keeping the status quo. They teach kids to make money, not search for answers.

I'm asking you again Lonny Grafman, to get your students into the search. With simple answers such as Appropedia creates we could create world peace. If we give the poor work (plastic collection, sorting, cleaning, grinding and reforming) give them the by-product (3d printer ribbons and printers and much more), we allow them to rise into a better existence. One where they can feed and dress their children, allow them to go to school and become productive. It would stop the need for migration, or worse yet, child labor, fathers going off to war, over population and soooo many other things the SDGs are meant to stamp out. All we need to do is begin! The question is where? 

I decided in 2015 when I heard about the SDGs that I wan't going to wait for somebody else to begin, I was going to be that somebody. I created this wiki in the hopes of it spreading to kids, to give them food for thought, then began the hunt for a school willing to take a chance. I tried going to the youth center, but again there are adults blocking the way, making the change seemingly impossible. I believe you and I are on a similar wavelength, we both want to see to it that the future of mankind has a reference to keep itself going when the going gets tough, and we both know it's coming. Please Lonny, read through my wiki, give it to your students and ask them to fill holes. To use their minds in ways which may never make money, but could easily be the missing link in our search for peace on earth.

2030 is now only 10 years away and we've missed 5 years of chances for change. I beg you to hear me!

Thank you for your time, I only hope this reaches you desktop.
Kind regards
Big O

: :-) Big O --[[User:Big O|Big O]] ([[User talk:Big O|talk]]) 12:35, 05 January 2020 (CET)