Today Chris installed the sprayers and motion sensors. We had them pre-wired so it will be easy plug and go.
Mooring and mooring dock provided by New England Marine and Vermont Docks.
What temperature is the water?
The Maxim DS18B20 waterproof temperature sensor mounted to the pickup tube. This will give temperature of the water at the boats.
There will be a sealed connector at the dock box, to complement the union for the pickup tube so its completely removable for winter.
Dock box is nearing completion
Chris and Jason worked into the early hours of the morning getting the pump mounted and plumbing fittings sealed up. The water spigot is mounted, water inlet coupler mounted, and more. Here are just a couple quick snapshots of the progress.
The cellular module should arrive on Friday, so we can wire it up on the dock and start monitoring the system this weekend hopefully.
Progress on the mooring dock
Chris mounted the solar panel and stand pipe to the mooring dock. We just need the finalize the plumbing in the dock box and mount it all up. Jason is still working on the monitoring hardware and code, but that’s not essential to get up and operational.
Avoid the mess!
Just the beginning
We have been plagued with birds on our boats while on docks or moorings for quite some time. We know there are thousands of other people in the same situation.
We tested a single sprayer system last year, and are coming out with a new, robust, dual sprayer system for this year.
Benefits: Completely green. It uses a solar panel to charge two deep cycle batteries that run the water pump, controller/monitor hardware, and the sprayers themselves.
We should have the working prototype on the mooring dock at New England Marine within the next two weeks. Pictures will be added to show the system. We are taking a tiered approach to the control and monitoring, starting out basic and refining features, then expanding to more robust monitoring and control.
We would LOVE to hear your comments and questions below.