I’ve been working on a DIY smart irrigation controller project for a while now, and I wanted to share my experience with the community. This project has been a learning journey, and I’d love to hear your thoughts or suggestions!### Project OverviewThe goal was to create an irrigation controller that can operate independently of OpenHAB but still allow interaction through the platform. I decided to use a Shelly Plus Uni device as the core of the system because of its versatility and integration capabilities. Here’s the basic design:- Shelly Plus Uni: Acts as the automation hub, running a script to manage irrigation schedules.- Rain Gauge Sensor: Integrated to prevent watering during or immediately after rain.- Two Independent Valves: Each controlled by a relay connected to the Shelly.### Design Objectives1. Independence from OpenHAB: The system should run autonomously but provide OpenHAB with monitoring and control capabilities.2. Scheduled Irrigation: Based on a predefined timetable, adjusted for seasonal changes.3. Rain Detection: Skip watering cycles if sufficient rainfall has occurred.### Implementation DetailsThe Shelly Plus Uni runs a script that checks the irrigation schedule and weather conditions. If everything is favorable, it activates the corresponding valve. The script communicates with OpenHAB through MQTT, allowing status updates and manual overrides.### Challenges Faced1. Integration with OpenHAB: Ensuring seamless communication between the Shelly and OpenHAB required some trial and error with MQTT configurations.2. Script Development: Writing the automation script was a steep learning curve, especially handling time-based triggers and sensor inputs.3. Weather Adaptation: Calibrating the rain gauge sensor to accurately measure and report rainfall was more complex than anticipated.### Success StoryAfter several iterations and adjustments, the system is now up and running smoothly! Here’s what’s working:- Scheduled Irrigations: The system adheres to the schedule, adjusting for weather conditions.- Manual Override: Users can manually trigger or pause irrigation through OpenHAB.- Energy Efficiency: The Shelly’s efficient operation ensures minimal energy consumption.### Lessons Learned- Documentation is Key: Keeping detailed notes on each adjustment and test run was invaluable for troubleshooting.- Community Support: Forums like this have been a tremendous help in overcoming technical hurdles.- Iterative Testing: Don’t hesitate to test small components before integrating them into the full system.### Looking AheadI’m excited to explore further enhancements, such as adding soil moisture sensors or integrating weather forecasts for more precise irrigation management.### Call to ActionIf anyone has similar projects or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you! Whether it’s about improving the current setup or exploring new features, your insights are invaluable.Happy tinkering everyone! 
