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In today's era of the Internet of Things and smart home technology, it has become an innovative trend to integrate advanced technology and traditional fish farming art to create an intelligent, automated and highly ornamental fish tank. The Xiao ESP32-S3 Sense development board launched by SeeedStudio provides strong technical support for this idea with its excellent performance and rich scalability. Powered by the high-performance ESP32-S3 chip, the board integrates powerful processing power, a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth dual-mode wireless communication module, and an embedded OV2640 camera, making it an ideal core component for building a smart fish tank.
The purpose of this article is to explore how to use the Seeed Xiao ESP32-S3 Cam development board to design an automated, Home Assistant (HA)-connected smart fish tank system. The system will integrate a number of functions, such as automatic feeding, environmental monitoring (including temperature, humidity, water quality), real-time video monitoring, voice control and remote management, etc., to make the fish tank maintenance work more scientific and convenient, but also enhance the viewing experience and interactivity.
Research on the materialization of ESPHome based on ESP32S3 Sense (involving Camera/DHT/LED/Servo)
Research on fish tank management based on NodeRED+ Xiaoai automated service (involving automatic voice broadcast of temperature and humidity, regular lighting on, and regular baiting)
Through careful design and meticulous debugging, we will take advantage of open source software and hardware to build a set of intelligent fish tank solutions covering hardware assembly, software programming, cloud service docking and other multi-level technical links. In this process, it not only reflects the joy of life brought by technological innovation, but also shows the wide application prospects of Internet of Things technology in improving the quality of life and enhancing the pet care experience. As the chapter progresses, readers will learn how to use the Xiao ESP32-S3 Cam and its peripheral components, combined with the powerful automation capabilities of Home Assistant, to build a smart fish tank system that is both practical and full of technological charm.
1.2 System design flow chartA system design flowchart is a flowchart used to describe the design process of an HA automation system. In this process, the first step is to initiate the project, and then to the system design stage, including structural design and hardware module design. In the design of hardware modules, it also includes hardware module design and software module design. Then joint debugging is carried out, if the debugging is successful, the system design is modified, if the debugging fails, it is returned to the hardware module design to make changes until the debugging is successful. Finally, it is necessary to summarize and record the archive.
After a year, I started playing Homeassistant again, and I found that there were many mysteries and surprises. In my shallow cognition, to learn embedded well, you must have played Homeassistant and played your own name! Because this is one of the most practical life applications, the monthly update makes only living water come; Embracing Daqian makes the vitality of eternal youth; The operation is wonderful, and it can be called the perfect landing of software and hardware! In 2024, I will publish a complete development tutorial of the indissoluble bond between Raspberry Pi and Homeassistant, which only requires simple code splicing and module stacking, and will see the inorganic connection between the hardware of the grounded (GPIO, PWM, UART, etc.) and the software of the wonderful pen (automation, speech recognition, speech synthesis, chatgpt large language model, etc.), and finally design a smart home system Homeassistant of your own.
Refer to the tutorial: [Raspberry Pi Install Homeassistant and Basic Configuration].
2.2 Access to ESPHome devicesThis tutorial walks you through how to use Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32S3 with Home Assistant to run it.
ESPHome connection and send sensor data/control devices after connecting the Grove module to the XIAO ESP32S3. So, let's get started!
Tutorial: XIAO ESP32S3 sense connects to Home Assistant via ESPHome
2.3 NodeRED automation designTo implement the HA environment configuration and the physical information of the xiao ESP32S3 development board to access ESPHome, the next step is to design the corresponding automation control, the key of which is the NodeRED automation design. The implementation is the opening of the voice function of Xiao Ai's Node-red plug-in of Homeassistant, and the automatic control flow of NodeRED node flow design is used to broadcast any text 🥳🥳🥳 with variables
Reference tutorial: [Homeassistant's Node-red plug-in: Xiao Ai's voice function is activated].
3. System hardwareThe system hardware consists of xiao esp32s3 and raspberry pi 400, the raspberry pi 400 is the main control server, xiao esp32s3 is the client, and xiao esp32s3 is connected to Camera/DHT/LED/Servo
|Name | Signal port | Function
DHT | GPIO8 | Detect the temperature and humidity outside the fish tank
LED | GPIO21 | Fish tank lighting
Servo | GPI7 | Fish tank feeder
Focusing on the application scenario of combining the OV2640 camera (XIAO ESP32S3 Sense) with the fish tank, we can design a smart fish tank monitoring system. And through the ESP32S3 Wi-Fi function, the video stream is sent to the cloud server or local HA device, which is convenient for remote observation of the living status of the fish and the environment of the fish tank.
1. IntroductionImagination:
Automatic feeding: Through the analysis of the situation in the fish tank, with the timing function, automatic timing and quantitative feeding can be realized.
Health monitoring: Long-term recording and analysis of fish behavior characteristics, identifying abnormal behaviors, and detecting potential health problems in advance.
Water quality early warning: identify changes in water quality through images, and remind users to replace filter media or take other water quality maintenance measures in time.In summary, the combination of XIAO ESP32S3 Sense and OV2640 cameras can create a feature-rich smart fish tank monitoring system, which can not only provide real-time monitoring functions, but also improve the fish farming experience through data analysis and realize smart fishery management.
3.2 DHTDue to the high requirements for water temperature and humidity stability in the fish tank environment, especially when tropical ornamental fish are kept or a specific temperature and humidity range needs to be maintained, the DHT sensor becomes an essential component. DHT series sensors include, but are not limited to, DHT11 (the model used in this article) and DHT22 (also known as AM2302), all of which can provide temperature and humidity measurement results with digital signal output, and have good cost performance and stability.
Imagination
Temperature monitoring and control: DHT sensors can monitor the water temperature of the fish tank in real time, as well as the temperature of the surrounding air, which is essential to maintain the appropriate temperature required for the fish to survive. When the temperature exceeds or falls below the preset comfort zone, the control system connected to the sensor receives a signal and activates the heater or cooling device to automatically adjust the water temperature of the fish tank.
Data Logging & Alarms: Data from DHT sensors can be recorded to form historical curves to help fish farmers understand the trend of changes in the tank environment. When there are abnormal fluctuations in temperature or humidity, an alarm can be triggered through the supporting circuit and software system to notify the fish farmer to take corresponding measures in time.Therefore, the integration of DHT sensors into the design of smart fish tanks is not only conducive to ensuring the health of the organisms in the fish tank, but also helps to improve the automation and management level of the entire fish tank system. For example, the data from the DHT sensor can be easily read by the ESP32 or other microprocessor platforms and the above functions can be achieved.
3.3 LEDThe combination of LED (Light Emitting Diode) and fish tank is mainly reflected in the lighting of fish tank and the simulation of aquatic growth environment. LED lamps have the characteristics of low energy consumption, long life, rich colors and adjustable brightness, which are very suitable for fish tank lighting and aquatic weed farming.
Imagination
Lighting effect: LED fish tank light can provide a specific spectrum of light according to the needs of different kinds of ornamental fish and aquatic plants, such as tropical fish and aquatic plants need blue light and red light to simulate the sunlight in nature, promote physiological activities and enhance the ornamental effect.
Energy-saving and intelligent: LED lamps have high energy efficiency and low long-term use costs, and many modern LED fish tank lights support timing switches and brightness adjustments, which can simulate the alternation of day and night according to biological work and rest habits, and can even be controlled remotely through smart home systems.In summary, LED technology plays an important role in the field of fish tanks, not only to meet aesthetic needs, but more importantly, to meet the biological needs of fish and aquatic plants in terms of light environment, which is an indispensable part of the modern smart fish tank ecosystem.
3.4 ServoThe application of Servo Motor in fish tank automatic feeder is a device used to precisely control the action of food delivery. Servo motors are able to position the fish precisely within a specific angular range, which is critical to ensuring that the right amount of fish feed is given at a time.
In the fish tank automatic feeder, the working principle of the servo motor is as follows:
Feeding mechanism: The servo motor is connected to the food feeding parts through the transmission mechanism (such as gears, connecting rods, etc.), such as screw propellers or chutes, etc., when the servo motor receives the command, it rotates to the preset angle to push the feed pellets into the fish tank.
Timing and quantitative feeding: Through programming, the automatic feeder can drive the servo motor to work at a specified time point, so that the feeding mechanism can release the pre-set amount of feed.In short, the servo motor feeder is adapted to the fish tank, which realizes the precision, intelligence and remote controllability of the automatic feeding of the fish tank, which greatly improves the convenience of fish farmers and the feeding quality of ornamental fish.
4. Problems encounteredHow does Xiao Ai access HA and perform tasks regularly every day? Solution: [Homeassistant's Node-red plug-in - Xiao Ai's voice function is activated].
How do I connect an esp32s3 to ESPHome? Workaround: [XIAO ESP32S3 sense connects to Home Assistant via ESPHome].
5. ProgrammingProgramming is primary
- ESP32S3 Sense is connected to the YAML code design of ESPHome device entities
- NodeRED automatically controls the configuration of the flow module
The full code of ESP32S3 Sense to connect to an ESPHome device is as follows
Explain
esphome:
name: xiao-cam
# friendly_name: xiao-cam
esp32:
board: esp32-s3-devkitc-1
framework:
type: arduino
# Enable logging
logger:
# Enable Home Assistant API
api:
encryption:
key: "Fabc3YZ2bYG7x8WhupncrCMPqZuPMwxyeCPsgrbQIAI="
ota:
password: "412c844a7b10765fcd89954e7587e5af"
wifi:
ssid: "J09 502"
password: "qwertyuiop111"
# use_address: elkontrol1
# use_address: elkontrol1.local
# Enable fallback hotspot (captive portal) in case wifi connection fails
ap:
ssid: "Xiao Fallback Hotspot1"
password: "YpeK5OYS4Xej"
captive_portal:
# Example configuration entry
external_components:
- source:
type: git
url: https://github.com/MichaKersloot/esphome_custom_components
components: [ esp32_camera ]
esp32_camera:
external_clock:
pin: GPIO10
frequency: 20MHz
i2c_pins:
sda: GPIO40
scl: GPIO39
data_pins: [GPIO15, GPIO17, GPIO18, GPIO16, GPIO14, GPIO12, GPIO11, GPIO48]
vsync_pin: GPIO38
href_pin: GPIO47
pixel_clock_pin: GPIO13
# Image settings
name: My Camera
# ...
# Configuration for the status LED light
light:
- platform: status_led
id: light0
name: "Voice Assistant State"
pin:
number: GPIO21
inverted: true
# Configuration for I2S audio
i2s_audio:
i2s_lrclk_pin: GPIO46 # Note: labeled as "useless"
i2s_bclk_pin: GPIO42
# Configuration for the microphone using I2S audio
microphone:
- platform: i2s_audio
id: echo_microphone
i2s_din_pin: GPIO41
adc_type: external
pdm: true
# Configuration for the Voice Assistant
voice_assistant:
microphone: echo_microphone
# Configuration for the binary sensor (Boot Switch)
binary_sensor:
- platform: gpio
pin:
number: GPIO2
mode:
input: true
pullup: true
name: Boot Switch
internal: true
on_press:
- voice_assistant.start:
- light.turn_off: light0
on_release:
- voice_assistant.stop:
- light.turn_on: light0
# Example configuration entry (D2)
sensor:
- platform: dht
pin: GPIO7
temperature:
name: "Temperature"
humidity:
name: "Humidity"
update_interval: 5s
number:
- platform: template
name: Servo Control
min_value: -100
max_value: 100
step: 1
set_action:
then:
- servo.write:
id: my_servo
level: !lambda 'return x / 100.0;'
# Example configuration entry
servo:
- id: my_servo
output: pwm_output
# Example output platform
# On ESP32, use ledc output
output:
- platform: ledc
id: pwm_output
pin: GPIO8
frequency: 50 HzThis ESPhome configuration file describes the configuration items of an ESP32-S3 chip-based device (named "xiao-cam"), which is mainly used to control and monitor the fish tank environment, and integrates functions such as camera, audio input and output, LED indicator, temperature and humidity sensor, and servo motor.
- Basic configuration: The device name is xiao-cam, the ESP32 frame is arduino, and the motherboard type is ESP32-s3-devkitc-1. Turn on logging and configure the Home Assistant API for remote access, which includes the API encryption key. Wi-Fi connection information, including SSID, password, and captive portal enabled in case of Wi-Fi connection failure.
- External components: Pull custom components from MichaKersloot's GitHub repository, including esp32_camera components.
- Camera configuration: Configure the pin assignment of the ESP32-CAM module and the frequency of the external crystal oscillator to drive the OV2640 camera.
- LED Indicator: Create a status LED that changes the LED status when the voice assistant is activated or turned off.
- Microphone & Voice Assistant: Use the I2S audio interface to set up the microphone for voice pickup and bind the microphone to the voice assistant service.
- Binary sensor (power on button): Configure a GPIO pin as the power on button, start the voice assistant service and turn off the LED indicator when pressed, and stop the voice assistant service and turn on the LED indicator when released.
- Temperature and humidity sensor: The DHT sensor is used to collect the temperature and humidity of the fish tank environment, and the data is updated every 5 seconds.
- Template Numerical Control: Create a virtual digital display controller to adjust the angle of the servo motor, and when the value changes, the value is mapped to the control level of the servo motor.
- Servo motor: Configure a servo motor, controlled by PWM output, where the output platform is ledc, that is, LED PWM controller.
- Output platform configuration: Set up an LED PWM output channel to drive the servo motor, and configure the output frequency to 50Hz.
To sum up, this profile is designed to realize a smart fish tank accessory with multiple functions such as taking photos, recording, voice wake-up, ambient temperature and humidity monitoring, and servo motor control. With the ESP32-S3 development board, the device can be connected to a home automation system for highly customized automation control.
5.2 NodeRED control flowXiao Ai's classmates broadcast in language to test whether the
JSON code is faulty
Fish feeding automation, automatic fish feeding at 12 o'clock every day
Lights on automation
Physical drawing production
Main view
6.1 HA InterfaceThis overview screen shows the access status of Xiao Ai and ESP32S3 Sense devices
- Slide to control feedingServo control
- Click on the Fish Tank to fill in the lightVoice Assistant State
- Check the current temperature and humidity around the fish tank
- By touching the fish in real timeMy Camera
6.2 NodeRED Automation
Designed to feed the fish 12 times a day, the fish feeding effect is as follows, the following is sliding fromServo control-100~100
Test Xiao Ai's classmates, click trigger to let Xiao Ai's classmates speak
This is the fifth time I have participated in an embedded-related online competition
● The first time is RT-Thread's [Smart Fish Tank System Design Based on RT-Thread+RA6M4 I Want] activity, and the work was done in the summer of 2022 and won the sixth place, which is still relatively happy!
● The second winter vacation in 2023 is [based on MAX7800 feather board voice control ESP8266 car], and the result is not bad, and the seventh place is not bad, which makes the playability of the car one step closer!
● For the third time, the [Tencent Cloud-based CH32V307 development board remote robotic arm trolley] made in the spring of 2023 was not displayed in the final review due to the CSDN quoted by the picture bed, and finally won the consolation prize!
● For the fourth time in the winter of 2023, [FastBond2 Phase 2 - Simple IO Debugging Device Based on ESP32C3 - Electronic Forest (eetree.cn)], and finally won the third prize, keep up the good work!
● For the fifth time, the whole process of face recognition system software design and debugging was realized, which deepened the design ideas of tkinter GUI and made more confidence in LicheePi-4A domestic single-board computer, and finally won the participation award!
This time I went back to the beginning, did it again with HA, and found that the amount of code was reduced a lot, and I have a deeper understanding of smart home! 😘😘😘
Suggestion:
- It is hoped that Hard He will cooperate with Seen Duoduo to hold blog activities on a regular basis to make the more high-quality domestic embedded ecology bigger and stronger;
- We look forward to launching more high-quality, meaningful and sustainable maker activities on the hard harvest platform!
Very hard He held a winter vacation at home practice activities, everyone for this domestic embedded ecology to contribute, as long as the hard work will be done seriously, there will be gains, looking forward to these works in the future one day to build a better future to contribute to a microblog power!
I will continue to update a series of domestic development board evaluations that I have evaluated in the future, and will actively participate in high-quality Xuantie Cup activities 🛹🛹🛹 every day little by little combined with actual needs to link and enrich life, so as to achieve full perception of the external world, do my best to understand this organic and inorganic environment, scientifically and reasonably create and give full play to the benefits, and then contribute a little meager to the development of human society. 🤣🤣🤣
🥳🥳🥳 Thank you very much again for the support of the relevant organizers of Hard He, etc., 🥳🥳🥳 and look forward to the results this time!
References:
【Raspberry Pi Homeassistant Installation and Basic Configuration】
【XIAO ESP32S3 sense connects to Home Assistant via ESPHome】
【Homeassistant's Node-red Plug-in: Xiao Ai's voice function is activated】
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