Installing Custom firmware (ESPhome) to Growcube Automatic Watering System

In this video, I’ll be exploring a device designed for automated plant watering called the 'Growcube.' First, I’m going to take it apart to see what’s inside and attempt to reverse engineer it.
By the end of the video, I’ll be installing a firmware called ESPHome. It’s one of my favorite open-source projects because it simplifies integration with Home Assistant.
With the ESPhome installed, it can be useful for watering plants while on vacation
You can find the yaml configuration file for the ESPhome below:
github.com/Mak...
Growcube product link:
shrsl.com/4twxc

[@makersfunduck]

Hi everyone,
Please always check the latest code on GitHub for an improved ESPhome integration. There might be some small differences in the YAML file compared to what I showed in the video.
github.com/MakersFunDuck/ESPhome-port-for-GrowCube-Plant-Watering-System-Garden---Smart-Watering-System

[@SierraGolfNiner]

Love it. Love it. I don't really need this, but I love taking existing stuff that's sold and making it smarter/more integrated. I know some companies hate this, but I'm *more* likely to buy your stuff if I can directly integrated it into HomeAssistant.

[@nezu_cc]

ESP chips are everywhere by this point. Everything that needs basic wifi connectivity has a high chance of having one. Nowadays, some new chips are piping up that are even more price-competitive (like the crap they put in new Tuya-based devices, old ones had ESp as well), but unless you're making millions of units, ESP is still the king when it comes to compatibility and a mature software stack. Having to go through all the certifications and all the other bullshit would kill many products on the port, by using something like an ESP, you don't have to do anything special, the modules already have everything you need.

[@VincentdeKoning]

Great video - thanks, now I want to buy a plant water system.

[@makersfunduck]

Lol, why do things the manually when you can just automate it, right?

[@sonsti8014]

Very cool project, it would be really cool if more products used ESP chips with easy access to "liberate" them from the usually crappy apps

[@makersfunduck]

Good point!

[@309electronic5]

How nice of them to have a esp module instead of the tuya obscure beken or realtek chips?! And they have marked the reset and flash buttons and even a uart header. How nice!
And esphome/tasmota projects are the best! Opensource, Based on arduino framework and runs totally local with no cloud rubbish needed

[@KatzenFisch]

I found the product on berrybase and it lists Home assistant support as a feature. I think they might already have an integration but it might not be local. Still, great video!

[@jp_baril]

It does have a third-party local integration. I currently use it.

[@francistheodorecatte]

for using the AHT20 w/ the esphome AHT10 platform, you need to set the 'variant' line to 'AHT20' or you'll get inaccurate/corrupted readings.

[@francistheodorecatte]

also, the esphome autodiscovery in HA won't work if your home assistant server is on a separate subnet from your wifi, unless your router supports or has an addon for mDNS/bonjour repeating.

[@francistheodorecatte]

and thanks for nerd sniping me into buying one of these lmao

[@makersfunduck]

I didn't get any corrupted data, but thanks for the remark. You're right, the AHT20 variant is the correct one. I've updated the YAML file on GitHub.

[@jp_baril]

Is it possible to achieve this without any soldering?

[@yanyujiangnan8043]

Can you share a detailed picture of the electromagnetically operated valve?

[@makersfunduck]

You can jump to here : th-cam.com/video/Zlhx110VYk4/w-d-xo.html

[@yanyujiangnan8043]

@@makersfunduckNot enough detail, valve. I'm looking for a replacement.