Mars Habitat Environmental Monitoring System

Gallery

Components

1. 2 Quarkys
2. 1 Quarky Expansion Board
3. 2 Servo Motors
4. Temperature and Humidity Sensor (DHT22)
5. Light Sensor (LDR) — Detects low light; triggers lighting
6. Soil Moisture Sensor — Monitors plant soil moisture
7. Flame Sensor
8. Smart Plug — Simulates control of heaters or other devices
9. Fan — Regulates air circulation
10. Motor
11. Jumper Wires
12. Water Pump
13. Emitter Stake
14. Feeder Pipe
15. Drip Emitter
16. Plug Socket
17. DC Power Adapter
18. Relay Module — For switching high power components
19. Breadboard
20. Motion (PIR) Sensor
21. RFID Sensor

Instructions

Step 1: Designed the System Concept

Defined the problem: Simulating a controlled environment inside a Mars habitat.

Identified key parameters to monitor: temperature, humidity, light, flame, and soil moisture.

Planned automated responses: alarms, fan activation, smart plug control, door opening, and light activation.

Step 2: Selected Components

Used the IoT House simulation model from STEMpedia.

Components used:

DHT11 (Temperature & Humidity Sensor)
LDR (Light Sensor)
Flame Sensor
Soil Moisture Sensor (for plant irrigation monitoring)
Fan (for ventilation)
Smart Plug
Relay Module (to control AC appliances)
Quarky Module
Quarky Expansion Board (for extra connectivity)
Jumper Wires
Pictoblox (to code)
Breadboard

Step 3: Assembled the Circuit

Connected all sensors and actuators to the Quarky Expansion board.

Verified proper pin mapping and power supply for each component.

Step 4: Programmed the Quarky

Wrote the Python block code to:

Continuously read data from all sensors.
Trigger alarms, fans, or smart plugs if readings go beyond safe levels.
Automate actions like:
- Turning on the fan when temperature levels are high.
- Activating the security system when a fire is detected.
- Activating lights if it’s too dark.
- Quarky patrolling the lab if it’s too dark.
- Opening a door if motion is detected.
- Monitoring moisture for plant irrigation.

Step 5: Integrated IoT Functionality

Used STEMpedia’s PictoBlox app for IoT communication.

Configured the system to trigger devices remotely.

Step 6: Tested the System

Simulated various conditions to test sensor accuracy and system response:

- Lowered light level to activate LED lights or Rover and Lights.
- Simulated dry soil to show low moisture alerts.
- Gave a threshold of high temperature to turn on the Fan.
- When the temperature is below 20°C, the Heater is turned on and internal lights assist in temperature regulation.
- Placed a matchstick nearby to let the Flame sensor detect fire and activate the security system.

Adjusted code and thresholds as needed for reliable automation.

Step 7: Finalized and Documented Setup

Organized the sensors neatly on the IoT House model.

Labeled each sensor and actuator for clarity.

Recorded observations and ensured all automated responses functioned as expected.

Code

Automated Light Detection System

Automatic Cooling System

Flame Detection System

Drip Irrigation System

Automatic Heating System