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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: 0.914s | 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. Aurornis ◴[24 Jun 25 20:55 UTC] No.44370947[source]▶
This is very cool. You've done a great job with the instructions. I understand why you didn't write much about the best plants, but for those of us who are new to terrariums could you share a link about where I could learn about terrarium-appropriate plants and where to acquire them?
replies(1): >>44371087 #
2. jbuch ◴[24 Jun 25 21:09 UTC] No.44371087[source]▶
Thanks!

I'd recommend @SerpaDesign on YouTube as a great source of info on terrariums - he's got quite a few videos that cover this, but here's one to start: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Lg4tzkHgVo&t=1s&ab_channel=....

The main thing to keep in mind is that terrariums are high-humidity environments, so plants like mosses, ferns, and orchids will do well. Plants that prefer a dryer climate like succulents and cacti will not do well.

Another consideration is lighting - some plants want more, some want less. This terrarium is capable of fairly high light output, but can also be set to any level you want. However, you'll want to select plants that want a similar amount of light so they can co-exist with the same light settings.