Show HN: Xenolab – Rasp Pi monitor for my pet carnivourus plants

Xenolab - Rasp Pi monitor for my pet carnivourus plants

The Xenolab Rasp Pi Monitor is a cutting-edge, semi-autonomous biosurveillance module engineered for the precise care and observation of exotic carnivorous flora.

⚠️ WARNING: MONITORING TRIFFIDS

The Xenolab Rasp Pi Monitor is not certified for use with Triffids or other semi-sentient, ambulatory flora. Historical data suggests a high incidence of operator attrition and catastrophic habitat compromise when engaging with such species. While the system may successfully log preliminary biometric data, prolonged monitoring is statistically correlated with acute reductions in observer longevity.

— Xenolab Safety Directive 12.4B

Xenolab Running

It's just past 8AM so it's about 50% though simulated sunrise.

Main features:

• Rasp Pi 5
• 7" 800x480 Touchscreen
• Temperature Monitor
• Humidity Monitor
• Fan to simulate wind
• 24 R,G,B LED for light
• Soil Moisture Sensor
• USB relays so the Rasp Pi can control all of the sensors / fans etc

Why?

I wanted to have some fun with 3D printing and electronics, which gets me away from my normal day job running Atomic Tessellator (https://atomictessellator.com). There are lots of aspects of this project that are wildly impractical and over-engineered and done just for fun.

Electrical components

Intel & Control	Atmospherics	Temp + Moisture
USBPOWRL001	XC4380 24RGB		Temp + Humidity	DHT11 v2
	Camera	12.3 MP Sony IMX500		Wind Simulation	50mm 12V DC Fan		Soil Moisture	LM393

Computing

R-Pi 5 - 8GB

Quad Core 2.4GHz

ARM Cortex-A76

R-Pi 5

RGB Cooling Hat

w/ OLED Display

7" 800x480

DSI Capacitive

Touchscreen

CAD + Physical Design

I'm really new at CAD, this was my first time. It's ok, you can laugh at my designs.

I used the wonderful tinkercad.com because I found that to be the most intuitive.

I can code in my sleep, make logic unfold,
But hand me some CAD and my courage turns cold.
Lines go zig when they clearly should zag,
My blueprints look more like a digital gag.

Model File

Model File

Build Pics

Setting up the RASP Pi 5s and testing some sensors

Fresh from the 3D printer!

Coated in black because it looks better

Starting to wire up the relays and power and sensors

Power-on tests

Sensor integration tests

Finished connecting all the sensors up

Finished and running!