The Super Hat board aims to expand the interfaces of the Raspberry PI (3, 4 and Zero) adding 32 new GPIO outputs and 8 analog inputs. The board can be used with commonly available 8xRelays boards for any automation project involving the Raspberry PI. The Board contains 2 MCP23017 chips for the GPIO expansion and one MCP3008 for analog inputs. The Board is also 100% compatible with the open source Hydrosys4 Software to create more scalable irrigation and automation systems.

Regarding the Hydrosys4 software, it offers a set of functions ranging from irrigation to environment control, sensors data logging, emails reports, photos etc.. all with a easy to configure web interface located on the raspberry PI itself. For more details you can check the following link: Hydrosys4 project

What is in the package:

The package will include the board as in the picture. There might be some differences in the color and position of the components that will not affect the described functionalities.

Options:

It is possible to select the option for the board which includes a Real Time Clock (Battery is not included). This option is particularly suitable for situation where the system is not connected to internet.

Additional Hardware can be ordered using the options in the upper-left corner of this page. (e.g. the 8 relays board, Soil moisture sensors, etc..)

The Hardware:

Here a video with the introduction of the Board: SuperHat introduction

The board includes the following parts:

• 4x Connectors for the Relay: To connect the 8xRelays boards
• 4x I2C connectors: Can be used to connect the Light sensor, atmospheric pressure sensor
• 20x GPIO connectors: All the connectors are labelled with corresponding GPIO number. Each GPIO pin is paired with GND and +5 Pins for easier distribution of the power supply.
• 1x USB-C connector: For the 5v power supply
• 8x Analog inputs: 7 inputs to connect analog sensors (voltage range 0 to 5v) and 1 input (voltage range 0 to 15v) which can be used to monitor battery status in case of solar powered systems.
• 1x Green led light: For power supply indication
• 3x Buttons: Connected between GPIO and GND that can be used for variopus purposes.

The board is compatible with the Raspberry PI4, PI3 and Raspberry PI zero W.

The board can be connected with 5Vdc Relays boards which are commonly available, see below picture.

The Relay board have to have: - 5V dc power supply - As in the below picture, the GND should be on the left, the VCC should be on the right.

The Software

The board is compatible with any software which supports the following chips: - MCP3008 (for ADC) - MCP23017 (for GPIO expansion)

The board is also compatible with the Hydrosys4 software which is specifically designed for the Irrigation and environment control. Below a screenshot of the SW:

To install the Hydrosys4 Software you can refer to the following link: SW Installation&Setting

Are you able to build it?

IRRIGATION AND AUTOMATION USING THE HYDROSYS4 SW With the Hydrosys4 SW, the system can be implemented even for non technical people, it does not require experience with Raspberry PI, programming and electronics, you need just a little bit of knowledge of how a relay switch works. In any case, this video might give some useful info: Relays and Valves connection

For more advanced users, any Software that is compatible with the chips MCP3008 and MCP23017 can be used. The board can be a great tool to implement automation projects using the Raspberry PI and a variety of SW for automation. (I2C addresses of the MCP23017 chips are 0x27 , 0x26)

Documentation

There is a dedicated website and some youtube videos with step by step guide.

For More info you can refer to:

Youtube: Hydrosys4 installation and Connection

Youtube: Valves&Relays connection

For more info you can refer to website: Hydrosys4 website

Forum: Hydrosys4 Forum