←back to thread

Show HN: Oasis – An open-source, 3D-printed smart terrarium

(github.com)
140 points jbuch | 2 comments | 24 Jun 25 14:03 UTC | HN request time: 0.424s | source

See the website for a demo video: https://oasis-terrarium.com

This project is an enclosure for growing plants. Features include:

  - high-power LED lighting
  - a built-in water tank and mister
  - fans for airflow
  - temperature and humidity sensing
  - wi-fi connectivity and a web-based interface for control and monitoring (see https://oasis-terrarium.com/docs/usage_guide/#web-interface)
The entire project is open-source:

  - electronics: designed in KiCad
  - 3D models: designed in CadQuery
  - software: written in Rust
I initially started this project during COVID and built a working prototype using a Raspberry Pi and off-the-shelf parts. The first prototype worked, but was pretty rough. Several months ago, I picked up the project again and began a complete re-design. After two rounds of circuit board design and countless iterations of the 3D-printed parts, I'm finally happy with the results. Along the way I learned a lot about electronics design and fabrication, 3D modeling, and Rust.

Happy to answer any questions - thanks for checking it out!

Here are some direct links to parts of the project you may find interesting:

  - demo video: https://oasis-terrarium.com
  - detailed build guide with pictures: https://oasis-terrarium.com/docs/build_guide/
  - interactive 3D model: https://oasis-terrarium.com/docs/3dmodel/
  - detailed info on electronics design: https://oasis-terrarium.com/docs/electronics/
  - 3D-printable models: https://www.printables.com/model/1315117-oasis-smart-terrarium
1. ravdar ◴[24 Jun 25 15:00 UTC] No.44367001[source]▶
what's the total cost of building this? and how long would it take?
replies(1): >>44367230 #
2. jbuch ◴[24 Jun 25 15:24 UTC] No.44367230[source]▶
Total cost is roughly $110 USD, but there are a couple caveats to that price:

  - some parts are sold in multiples, so you'll have to buy several even if you only need one for the build
  - I ordered the electronics from JLCPCB where the minimum order quantity is 5 (minimum assembled is 2). At a quantity of 5 assembled, the LED board is ~$12/board and the mainboard is ~$41/board. If you're comfortable with SMD soldering, you can order bare PCBs and parts and do it for much cheaper by assembling only one of each board. You can find some more details here: https://oasis-terrarium.com/docs/electronics/#how-to-get-them. And a history of my JLCPCB orders including costs here: https://oasis-terrarium.com/docs/electronics/#pcb-order-history
With those caveats in mind, the rough breakdown is:

  - custom electronics: $53
  - 3D-printed parts (~600g of PETG): $12
  - other parts: $46
As for build time:

  - acquiring/assembling electronics: this can vary a lot depending on whether you buy assembled or do it yourself
  - 3D-printing: depending on your printer, maybe 2 solid days of printing
  - waterproofing 3D-printed parts: takes ~15 minutes to do and 24hrs for the epoxy to cure
  - final assembly: 30-60 minutes