Version 2.0.0

[rbaron]

Almost in time to celebrate two years of b-parasite!

Goals

• Update the nRF52 module's footprint
  • Use larger pads for hand soldering (discussion in #66)
  • Avoid traces under unused hidden pads (fixes #78)
• Add physical push buttons (fixes #36)
  • Reset button
  • Application button. May be useful for the Zigbee sample and hopefuly for a future Matter sample
• Simplify the moisture sensing circuit

Non-goals

Adding new interfaces like USB, programming interface, solar panels. I would still very much like for the project to remain simple, cheap, compact, reliable & low maintenance once deployed.

Tasks

• [x] Update nRF52 footprint
• [x] Add push buttons
• [x] Redesign soil sensing circuit
• [x] Calibrate new soil sensing circuit
• [x] Write new prstlib board variants
  • [x] nrf52840_2.0.0
  • [x] nrf52833_2.0.0
• [x] Write new input sample to test/debug button
• [x] Implement button debouncing
• [x] Manual test
  • [x] nRF52840
  • [x] nRF52833
• [x] Power profile
  • [x] nRF52840
  • [x] nRF52833
• [x] Build for new board in GitHub action
• [x] Update README.md with new input sample
• [x] Update Wiki with new version (only after merging)

3D Render

We now have the 3D models for all parts:

PCB ...Art?

I used some of the underdeveloped PCB real estate for a little schematic/diagram with the working principle behind the capacitance moisture sensor. I think it looks kind of cool, but we always have the option to remove it.

Power profile

I power profiled the ble sample, and the results are as expected in line with the previous results:

During advertisement (default 30ms interval):

During deep sleep

New input sample

Getting the details of debouncing and low power interrupts can be surprisingly tricky, so I created a new input sample to make debugging/testing/profiling button presses easier.

Some pics