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First draft and nRF exchange with ESP32

A project log for Openthing 3 - RiWa

Pressure based water level tracking system

mirkoMirko 02/16/2024 at 12:360 Comments

I have drafted a prototype board following tests with the Range using ESPNow and the ESP32. While the results are not entirely satisfactory yet, they suffice for this initial version. I utilized the ESP32 and integrated ESPNow communication with Toit to interact with two devices. Leveraging Toit made this process incredibly swift, and the communication functioned seamlessly. I successfully synchronized the two devices and managed to wake them up to transmit pressure data from one to the other.

Upon testing, I ventured outside and received the values without any issues within an 80m range. However, when obstacles obstructed the line of sight, such as buildings, the connection was lost. This is not ideal, but considering the line of sight and an 80m range, it's a workable situation. Additionally, the height value was accurately calculated, providing a stable reading of 15m. This height corresponds roughly to the elevation difference between my outdoor location and the height of my balcony.

Then it was time to layout a PCB version with the ESP32 - realising I already did one for the nRF52. It already contains most of the ideas. IP68 connectors, the DPS368 placed in a way it can be sealed with a O-Ring, current measurment option and so on. Also the ESP32-S3 is the U Version with a connector for an external antenna to hopefully increase the distance. It also comes with a battery charger and a battery connector to power it using a battery.

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