Process
Prototyping Iteration
Iterative design and testing, traced from early concept builds through the final CDR prototype.
Prototyping & Testing Document
The complete iteration log lives in a Google Doc.
Iteration Summary
The major milestones that shaped the design — each one a deliberate response to what the previous build revealed.
Substrate Testing
Tested 8 materials — mold grew in all of them; only pine bark produced substantial growth.
TDC V1
First hexagonal capillary plate using SLA resin. Verified capillary action and inversion water retention at 10.12mL capacity.
TDC V2
Resin hex-dome top on an FDM-printed bottom — much lighter and cheaper than the original "brick," with room for cameras inside.
Drop Test Iteration
Refined drop test configuration — removed TDS/pH sensors, upgraded to a high-capacity pump to fill as much of the ≈ 10.12 mL channel capacity as possible in 2.2 s.
AI Integration
Vision model trained to classify roots as dry or wet. Active in long-term growing; disengaged during drop tests.
Custom PCB
Consolidated electronics: Pi Zero 2W, 4-camera USB hub, onboard ADC, power breakouts — simplified wiring for reliability.