It all started few month ago. I was fresh out of Erie Hacks, and sort of had to compete in the Internet of H2O challenge I told myself. I created what is called an optical biosensor that uses sonar to get signals underwater. The purpose of this is to read phosphorous and E-coli data as well as predicting harmful algae blooms.
Struggle #1
Perhaps the biggest problem I faced was the enclosure. The 3D printer I had access to had a failed print for the first layer multiple times in the beginning. When it finally looked like it would start working, I left it overnight leaving a stringy mess.
Struggle #2
I ultimately moved on to a PCB enclosure which have worked fine in the beginning but the seal broke because not enough room for the converter. Meaning I couldn't have tightened the top all the way and it untightened and short circuited when I pulled it out of the water.
Struggle #3
I had to create a converter for the signals to pro-long the signal. #2 & 3 was done sort of on the same weekend, which led to my GrizzHacks submission.
What is next?
I plan on rebuilding this device. I tried utilizing a wireless battery for the recharge method, and when I couldn't find wireless, I used a rechargeable one. This time I may try solar as well as create an extra seal proof enclosure, and utilizing a node based connection. I also have setup a GitHub repo and ways of getting meta data for my end of the month presentations. This will not just be a proof of concept for water testing, but also prove underwater cost-efficent wireless signals and a P2P internet system if I build a hardware node instead of using 4G.