/r42_Gardensensor_MicroPython

MicroPython based MQTT-Sensor on Raspberry Pi Pico W

Primary LanguagePythonMIT LicenseMIT

reset42 Logo

reset42 Gardensensor

Plug & Play Wi-Fi garden sensor for makers, tinkerers & automation fans – powered by Raspberry Pi Pico W, BME280, VEML7700 and MQTT.
Runs on MicroPython – local, modular, no cloud required.

🌱 Features

  • 📶 WiFi capable – including fallback network and optional static IP
  • 🌡️ Real-time data: temperature, humidity, pressure, light (Lux)
  • 🔄 Test & demo mode: simulate sensor values and MQTT publishing via config.py (ideal for dev & unit tests)
  • 🔁 Synchronous main loop for maximum stability and easy debugging
  • 🧩 Flexible MQTT payload format: fields & order configurable
  • 📡 MQTT support for logging, smart home & automation
  • 💡 Status LED for error indication
  • 🛠️ Fully modular, open source & easily extendable (MIT license)

📘 Deutsche Version

👉 For the German version, see: README_DE.md

🔧 Hardware

  • Raspberry Pi Pico W (MicroPython compatible)
  • BME280 (I2C – temperature, humidity, pressure)
  • VEML7700 (I2C – light intensity in Lux)
  • Status LED (controllable, optional)
  • Optional additional I2C sensors

⚙️ Installation

  1. Flash MicroPython
    Download the matching .uf2 image for Pico W from
    👉 micropython.org/download/rp2-pico-w

  2. Upload files

    • Copy everything from src/lib/ to the root directory of the Pico W
      (e.g., via Thonny, rshell, ampy, or WebREPL)
    • Also copy main.py to the root directory

  3. Edit config.py

    • Wi-Fi credentials, MQTT broker settings, sensor GPIOs etc.
    • Configure sensor modes ("active", "dummy", "inactive") and MQTT fields

  4. Go!

    • Reboot → main.py starts automatically
    • Status LED blinks on error (see Troubleshooting)

🧾 Sample config.py

See src/lib/config.py in the repo for details:

SSID = "MyWiFi"
PASSWORD = "supersecret"
STATIC_IP = ""  # leave empty for DHCP

MQTT_BROKER = "192.168.1.50"
MQTT_PORT = 1883
MQTT_CLIENT_ID = "sensor_indoor"

# Sensor & MQTT test modes
VEML_MODE = "dummy"      # "active", "dummy", "inactive"
BME_MODE  = "inactive"   # "active", "dummy", "inactive"
MQTT_MODE = "active"     # "active", "dummy", "inactive"

# MQTT Payload Fields
MQTT_PAYLOAD_FIELDS = [
    "date",
    "time",
    "temp",
    "pressure",
    "humidity",
    "lux",
]

📌 Default Pinout

Component SDA SCL PWR (Power)
VEML7700 GP0 GP1 GP15
BME280 GP2 GP3 GP14
Function Pin
Onboard LED "LED"
VEML Reset GPIO GP15

🧠 Architecture Overview

  • main.py: Main loop control (WiFi, MQTT, sensors, LED)
  • lib/:
    • wifi.py: Connects to primary or fallback WiFi
    • mqtt.py: Handles broker connection, JSON publishing, dummy mode
    • sensors.py: Reads BME280 & VEML7700 (real or dummy mode)
    • leds.py: Status LED control (blinking patterns)
    • config.py: Full configuration (WiFi, MQTT, sensors, payload fields)
    • state.py: Return codes (SUCCESS, FATAL_ERROR, ...)

🚨 Troubleshooting

Problem LED Blinks Description
WiFi Error 1× slow No connection to WiFi
MQTT Error 2× medium Broker not reachable
Sensor Error 3× fast Sensor not responding

🖼️ Case, STL & Assembly

  • Case files (STL) and full assembly instructions coming soon!
  • This is a "maker" project – feel free to contribute mechanical ideas via issue or PR.

🔒 License

reset42 Gardensensor is open source and licensed under the MIT license.
Private & commercial use allowed – see LICENSE.

Project status: actively maintained – more sensors, web interface & sleep mode planned.
STL files and assembly guide will follow soon.

Questions, ideas or feedback? → reset42.de