Introduction: Online Water Tracker (Reduce Shower Time)
The goal of this project was to lower my shower time since I am spending way too much water/money there. And what better way than to see how expensive each shower is? That is why I built an online water tracker that not only tells me how much waster I am using, but also what it costs. Let's get started!
Supplies
Here are all the components you will need for this build: (affiliate links)
Aliexpress:
TP4056 Battery Charge & Protect: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dd7XXD9
LiPo Battery: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlZ9Ign
Boost Converter: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlhhkBd
EPS8266: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEQC023
P-Channel MOSFET: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DeTu9zV
Water Flow Sensor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DD7Vsvv
Water Switch: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DnoC8VD
LED: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dmq3et1
Resistors: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkVtJQX
Amazon.com:
TP4056 Battery Charge & Protect: https://amzn.to/3JRzrss
LiPo Battery: https://amzn.to/3dsdJz1
Boost Converter: https://amzn.to/3SRI7TC
EPS8266: https://amzn.to/3pgMzhl
P-Channel MOSFET: -
Water Flow Sensor: https://amzn.to/3AlO97L
Water Switch: https://amzn.to/3PmHM8z
Resistors: https://amzn.to/3AlnkR6
Step 1: The Arduino Circuit?
In the video you saw that I firstly created an Arduino prototype. If you are interested in doing that first then you can find all the information here like code, schematic and some pictures.
Step 2: ESP8266 Circuit
Here it is time for the final ESP8266 that I used in the video. It is basically the final online water tracker. Here you can find the schematic of the circuit as well as some pictures. Use them and the supplies listed before to create the circuit. You will find the code for the circuit in the next steps.
Step 3: 3D Print the Enclosure
Here you can find the .stl files for the enclosure. Use them print your enclosure and follow the steps I mentioned in the video. You can also download the enclosure files here: https://www.printables.com/model/257140-water-flow-online-tracker-enclosure
Step 4: Home Assistant Code/Configuration
This is probably the most difficult part. Like I said in the video Home Assistant required quite a lot of code/configuration. To make it easier for you I included all my created code/configuration here. And here is what you need to do:
- Install ESPHome and write the ESPHome firmware onto the ESP8266
- Upload my given flow.yaml code to the ESP8266
- Install the file editor and edit your configuration file. You can find my configuration file attached.
- Create an Automation that looks like my attached automation
- Install the Home Assistant Community Store (Here is how to do that: https://hacs.xyz/docs/setup/download )
- Install Lovelace Mini Graph Card through the Community Store ( https://github.com/kalkih/mini-graph-card )
- Add the graphs and entities to your dashboard just like the pictures that are attached
DONE! I know this process can be tedious but in the end it should work.
Step 5: Success!
You did it! You just created your own Online Water Tracker!
Feel free to check out my YouTube channel for more awesome projects:
http://www.youtube.com/user/greatscottlab
You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for news about upcoming projects and behind the scenes information: