Update: Long term testing revealed that I can utilize the deep sleep function to put the esp8266 microcontroller to sleep for 10 to 15 minute intervals and that it extended the run time of the AGI-ESP8266 system by several weeks.

I am removing the DS18B20 and sticking with the DHT22 for temperature/humidity logging, and the TSL2561 for ambient light logging. I am still looking at soil moisture sensor options so expect an update on that soon.

However, I've changed the project parameters from mimicking existing weather and plant logging projects and instead opted to focus on things that can be reproducible in the arctic using commonly available building supplies.

I have setup a hanging planter setup (which you can see attached to this project in the photo gallery) and will begin small scale testing this week to determine how effective the system is growing here where I currently live in Calgary, Alberta.

I had a bit of an issue getting any lettuce seedlings to grow in the peat moss seedling plugs that I picked up. However, I've added them into a plant tray and they seem to be doing better. That photo is also attached to the gallery.

I'll be posting an update later this week as I tweak and adjust the method for hanging the planter trays on my window sill. I'm having a bit of an issue leveling the 1x4 boards I'm using so once I figure out to solve that I will likely be shipping my setup to a family member up north for testing with a UL listed electronic outlet timer and a full spectrum LED light.

On that note, I should probably explain the regulatory concerns about deploying the project up north. Essentially, in order to plug any device into household electrical power; you need to ensure that any electronics you plug in are tested and conform to NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) standards. This is to minimize the risk to consumers of electrical fires from poorly designed electronics.

Since the AGI-ESP8266 project is looking at using and deploying hardware in Canada, following local regulatory laws is a priority. This means that UL listed equipment for connecting to household electrical outlet power and conforming to CRTC guidelines for deploying non-intentional battery operated transmitters (as the Adafruit ESP8266 Huzzah is already covered under it's own license with both the FCC and CRTC, the microcontroller package itself will likely not need an intentional transmitter certification.)

What all of the above text means is that the AGI-ESP8266 will remain battery powered, and that any interface with any household electrical power will be done via UL listed equipment that can be picked up at your local hardware store.

While there are UL listed LED power supplies that are capable of interfacing with the ESP8266 over an IR sensor and transmitter, I've elected to use an electronic timer instead. This is due to the fact that they are simple devices readily capable of controlling an LED light source easily and effectively. The other option was using a complicated relay and/or MOSFET system to power the LEDs on or off. I've elected not to pursue that route as it's complicated, and it also requires the setup to be submitted to a NRTL testing lab for verification, a process which costs upwards of several thousand dollars.

Short version: The brains of the AGI-ESP8266 system will be via battery powered sensors and WiFi access. The LED grow lights will be controlled by proven outlet timers. End users will need to use their phone to login to the AGI-ESP8266 and follow instructions for when they need to set the LED lights on and off to extend the available natural daylight to maximize plant growth and minimize energy use.

Sorry for the giant update, this has been on the back burner for several weeks now as I figure out all of this stuff.