Spring hills automation

Central Hub Approach: I’d recommend a self-hosted solution using something like Home Assistant or OpenHAB running on a Raspberry Pi 4 or mini PC at each location, with secure tunneling between sites.

Communication Stack:

• Spring Hills Ranch: LoRaWAN for distributed sensors/cameras → Central hub with internet
• Home: WiFi/Zigbee/Z-Wave → Central hub
• Inter-site: VPN tunnel for unified monitoring

Spring Hills Ranch Components

LoRaWAN Network:

• LoRaWAN gateway (RAK7268 or similar) at the central location
• Custom sensor nodes using ESP32 + LoRa modules (RFM95W)
• Range: 2-15km depending on terrain and antenna setup

Game Camera System:

• ESP32-CAM modules with LoRa transceivers
• PIR motion sensors with better sensitivity tuning
• Battery + small solar panel per camera
• Compressed image transmission over LoRa (challenging but doable)

Feeder Monitoring:

• Load cells (HX711 + strain gauges) for weight sensing
• LoRa transmission of weight data + battery levels

Infrastructure Monitoring:

• Solar battery monitor (voltage/current sensors)
• Magnetic reed switch for chain sensor
• Smart locks (Z-Wave or WiFi-based)

Home Components

Presence Detection:

• mmWave sensors (ESP32 + HLK-LD2410) for accurate human presence
• PIR sensors as backup/confirmation
• Phone-based presence (WiFi/Bluetooth beacons)

Smart Lighting:

• Zigbee bulbs/switches (Philips Hue, IKEA, or Sonoff)
• Automated scenes based on presence + time of day

Security System:

• IP cameras with local NVR (Frigate on Docker)
• Face recognition using OpenCV/dlib
• Custom greeting system via speakers

Network Monitoring:

• Pi-hole for DNS filtering and logging
• Custom dashboard showing accessed sites
• Parental control integration

Learning Opportunities

Progressive Complexity:

1. Basic sensors: Temperature, humidity, light level
2. Communication: Setting up LoRa point-to-point
3. Programming: Python scripts for data collection
4. Electronics: PCB design for sensor nodes
5. Networking: Understanding protocols and data flow

Hands-on Projects:

• Building sensor enclosures (3D printing/weatherproofing)
• Soldering practice with sensor modules
• Writing simple Python scripts for data visualization
• Setting up Grafana dashboards

Technology Stack Recommendations

Hardware:

• Microcontrollers: ESP32 (WiFi + dual core), ESP32-S3 (camera capable)
• LoRa: SX1276/RFM95W modules
• Sensors: BME280, PIR, load cells, reed switches
• Power: LiFePO4 batteries + small solar panels

Software:

• Languages: Python for backend, C++ for embedded (since you’re learning Rust, some sensor nodes could be Rust-based!)
• Platforms: Home Assistant, InfluxDB + Grafana for data
• Development: PlatformIO for embedded development

Connectivity:

Integration: MQTT broker for unified messaging

Ranch: LoRaWAN → Gateway → RPi → Internet

Home: Zigbee/WiFi → Hub → Internet

Phase 1 (Month 1-2): Foundation & Quick Wins

Budget: $200

Home Hub Setup ($80):

• Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB) + SD card + case
• Install Home Assistant OS
• Basic dashboard setup

First Sensor Projects ($120):

• 3x ESP32 development boards ($30)
• BME280 sensors, PIR sensors, breadboards, jumper wires ($40)
• Basic electronic components kit ($30)
• Small 12V LED strips for first lighting control ($20)

Learning Goals: Basic sensor reading, MQTT communication, Home Assistant integration

Phase 2 (Month 3-4): Home Presence & Lighting

Budget: $200

Smart Lighting ($120):

• Zigbee coordinator (ConBee II or SkyConnect) ($40)
• 4-5 Zigbee smart bulbs/switches ($80)

Presence Detection ($80):

• mmWave sensors (HLK-LD2410) ($40)
• Custom PCB prototyping supplies ($40)

Learning Goals: Zigbee protocol, presence detection algorithms, lighting automation

Phase 3 (Month 5-6): LoRa Foundation for Ranch

Budget: $200

LoRa Development Kit ($150):

• 2x LoRa32 boards (ESP32 + LoRa) ($60)
• LoRa gateway module (RAK2245 Pi Hat) ($90)

Power Solutions ($50):

• Small LiFePO4 batteries and solar panels for testing

Learning Goals: LoRa protocol, long-range communication, power management

Phase 4 (Month 7-8): Ranch Sensor Network

Budget: $200

Environmental Monitoring ($100):

• Weatherproof enclosures ($40)
• Solar battery monitoring hardware ($60)

Feeder Sensors ($100):

• Load cells and HX711 amplifiers ($60)
• Materials for mounting/weatherproofing ($40)

Phase 5 (Month 9-10): Security & Cameras

Budget: $200

Home Security ($120):

• 2x IP cameras (used/budget options) ($80)
• Raspberry Pi for Frigate NVR ($40)

Ranch Chain Sensor ($80):

• Magnetic sensors and LoRa node ($40)
• Weatherproof installation materials ($40)

Phase 6 (Month 11-12): Advanced Features

Budget: $200

Ranch Camera System ($120):

• ESP32-CAM modules ($60)
• Custom PCBs and final enclosures ($60)

Network Monitoring ($80):

• Dedicated Pi for Pi-hole and network monitoring
• Additional storage and networking equipment

Monthly Project Suggestions

Month 1: Set up Home Assistant, build first temperature sensor Month 2: Add PIR motion detection, create first automation Month 3: Install smart lighting, presence-based scenes Month 4: Custom PCB design and assembly Month 5: LoRa point-to-point communication testing Month 6: Solar power monitoring at ranch Month 7: Feeder weight sensors Month 8: LoRa network expansion Month 9: IP camera setup and face recognition Month 10: Ranch security sensors Month 11: Game camera prototypes Month 12: System integration and polish