Testing the Finished Automatic Garden Irrigation System

NOTE

Always test your projects in modules individually at first, in whatever way the project allows you to do this.

Start by testing the Arduino and Proto Shield without the two power supplies connected. This means that your computer is providing power to the Arduino. As before, use the Blink example to test each digital output. The LEDs won’t light without the water valve power supply, but you should hear the relay clicking. Use DHTtester to test the DHT11 sensor, and the ds1307 example to test the RTC.

This might seem like you’re duplicating the tests you made after you assembled the Proto Shield, but there is a reason for this: before going on, you want to make sure that none of the work you’ve done has affected what worked before.

Now plug in the Arduino power supply and unplug your laptop to make sure your Arduino is getting powered without your laptop. Leave one of the relays clicking (using the Blink example) so that you can hear that your Arduino is still running the sketch.

Finally, connect the water valve power supply, upload the real program, and test the valves as you did earlier, by setting three different times in the near future. Check that each LED comes at the appropriate time, and that the water valves open and water flows.

Now relax in your garden and enjoy a well-deserved rest. You’ve accomplished a lot!