Electronic Design Experts

[KrissKross]

I am researching a project and need the advise of an electronics expert.

For part of the R&D we need to build a test rig that measures temperature, moisture percentage, PH levels and such like in the surface of soil.

If anyone here point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

[eliot]

I should think an Arduino and a couple of sensors will do all that for very little effort.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272084514305

Edited by eliot on Thursday 16th June 08:10

[KrissKross]

Thanks for that, I really need someone to work with on this. I have thought about taking on an electronics graduate to assist for a few months?

I cannot explain too much on here but we would have an order for over 100 completed tools as a start if we can agree and suss out a design/price. Potential later for 1000's ongoing.

Also the final unit needs to be built into another product (that will be patented), therefore ideally made from scratch, surface mount, compact and vibration / abuse proof.

Plus... with the addition of transmitting data to a phone / app.

[Doofus]

You can buy a cf/pH combo meter for a couple of hundred quid. Or a much simpler setup with a pH probe, and a temp/cf meter.

Building something bespoke seems a little excessive, on the face of it.

[KrissKross]

It needs to be made from scratch. thx

[Doofus]

What, even for R&D? I'd hsve thought you'd want proven, independent equipment for R&D

[EliseNick]

Is your project aimed at understanding soil, or building a tool to sell to other people who want to understand soil?

[jammy_basturd]

Get in touch with this guy, he should be able to do what you want.

[KrissKross]

Doofus said:

What, even for R&D? I'd hsve thought you'd want proven, independent equipment for R&D

Yes I agree, its a mixture of the two, testing whilst refining. However we cannot find the equipment we need.

[KrissKross]

EliseNick said:

Is your project aimed at understanding soil, or building a tool to sell to other people who want to understand soil?

Sort of, would need to explain offline in detail.

[smashing]

Try giving these guys a call

http://www.datalink-electronics.co.uk/design/

Good guys and may be able to help develop it and help with production.

[lostmotel]

Not much more to add, although if you are in the Yorkshire area some of my clients have used Arrow Technical for electronics projects, who may be able to help.

You say that you are looking to obtain a patent for the end product - be sure to get the contract terms sorted before the work starts to ensure that you will own the invention and all of the other IP. Be sure to keep details of the kit confidential as a public disclosure will harm you chances of getting a patent in most countries (US and Japan have grace periods, most do not). Get in touch if you need more advice on IP.

[TooLateForAName]

KrissKross said:

Thanks for that, I really need someone to work with on this. I have thought about taking on an electronics graduate to assist for a few months?

I cannot explain too much on here but we would have an order for over 100 completed tools as a start if we can agree and suss out a design/price. Potential later for 1000's ongoing.

Also the final unit needs to be built into another product (that will be patented), therefore ideally made from scratch, surface mount, compact and vibration / abuse proof.

Plus... with the addition of transmitting data to a phone / app.

I don't see why that precludes using a pi or something like it. Developing your own board seems serious overkill for that sort of volume.
If you want to use something less common or needing something pi doesn't give - realtime? - then there are plenty of dev boards out there.

[KrissKross]

TooLateForAName said:

I don't see why that precludes using a pi or something like it. Developing your own board seems serious overkill for that sort of volume.
If you want to use something less common or needing something pi doesn't give - realtime? - then there are plenty of dev boards out there.

It needs to withstand a serious amount of vibration/shock. All possibilities are on the table. I am not an electronics expert hence why I am asking for help.

Edited by KrissKross on Friday 17th June 07:55

[KrissKross]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Home counties, would be much appreciated!

[Pete102]

Asking for trouble hand building this IMO.

I hand built a temperature measurement/control circuit as part of my degree (Operational Amplifiers etc.)

Major point of note - buy packaged up sub-systems as much as possible, you'll need the extra conditioning they include within the circuits to ensure its accurate and stable.

[brman]

KrissKross: I work for an electronic design consultancy and we specialise in embedded monitoring and control applications. Just the sort of thing you are looking for I think.
I've sent you an email via the forum.........

[FredClogs]

This is exactly what I do for a living, automated measurement and test of electronics consultancy.

PM me if you want to chat.

[KrissKross]

Pete102 said:

Asking for trouble hand building this IMO.

Where did I say that, I am open to all suggestions, hence why asking.

[Pete102]

Apologies, I skim read the replies and elaborated from "It needs to be made from scratch. thx"

. As other have mentioned, if you can clag something together from existing technology/devices you should be good.