Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Well, I didn't post there, but I will post here what I use mine for.

- Cheap servers. Use them for a little business I own. Rather than rent a box on some datacenter, I ship out the Rpis ready to be used with my software.

- Hydroponics controller. I have a small hydroponics cilantro crop. The board controls/monitors it.

- Learning tool for my nieces. They are learning to program whilst using minecraft for the pi. Plus they are also learning a bit of Python along the way. This summer we have a 2 weeks programming "camp." The Rpi will be the center piece.



Do you use the SD card as storage for the software, or doesn't it need any? I considered using one for the same purpose, but the SD was both too slow and unreliable to use even to store just a few hundred MBs.


I don't store much data in them, but have an API that they talk to and pass data around as JSON. Like so:

request --[JSON]-- > | RPi magic | response --[JSON]--> DB


What sort of relays/pumps are needed for the hydroponics control? I just planted a garden and have been thinking about how I'm going to water it.


I've used inexpensive bilge pumps from Walmart or Sears and a 12V relay.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Shoreline-Bilge-Pump/16609596 These start at $13 for 600 GPH.

Then use a 5V relay to switch the 12V relay.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=206248...

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=124667...

YMMV.


Do you have any instructional sources for growing cilantro?

I have only been able to keep mine alive for about 2 months before they die.


Shoot me an email. I'll gladly help you.




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: