1.

Describe three different real-world applications of Arduino Uno specifically relevant to Ilocos Norte,
beyond the examples mentioned in the background. For each application, briefly explain how Arduino
Uno would be used and what problem it solves within the Ilocano context. Think about local needs
and traditions.

A. Automated Irrigation System for Rice Fields

Rice farming is an important activity in Ilocos Norte, with some attention to effective water
resource management due to the region’s hot and dry climate. An Arduino-based automated irrigation
system would integrate a moisture sensor that detects water levels in the soil, which will then regulate
water usage. Based on the collected data, the firmware programmed in Arduino Uno microcontroller
would only switch on a water pump to deliver irrigation timely whenever it’s really needed. This
technology guarantees crops to receive just the right amount of water while preventing over- and
underwatering.

Solution: The system will help conserve water, reduce operating costs, and foster sustainable
irrigation practices, especially in areas where water resources are constrained.

B. Smart Weather Station for Farmers

Farmers in Ilocos Norte largely depend on weather conditions to determine the best time to
plant and harvest crops. An intelligent weather station based on Arduino Uno may provide added
assistance in making correct agriculture-related decisions integrated with sensors, including
temperature, humidity, and rain gauges. It may display the data on an LCD screen or transmit it to a
mobile application via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to update them about the weather changes in real-time.

Solution: This system equips farmers with the knowledge to make informed decisions and
reduce the possible losses that could occur as a result of sudden changes in the weather and increase
productivity in farming.

C. Renewable Energy Monitoring System for Rural Communities

Many rural areas in Ilocos Norte heavily utilize renewable energy resources such as solar and
wind. An Arduino Uno-based monitoring system can gather data on energy generation and storage to
assess the operational efficiency of solar panels or wind turbines. This system could also include alerts
for low battery conditions, broken wires, or any type of energy system problems, laying the groundwork
for timely maintenance and effective usage of energy.

Solution: Enhanced reliability and sustainability of renewable energy resources in rural

2. Analyze the advantages and limitations of using Arduino Uno for a project in Ilocos Norte. Consider
factors such as cost, ease of use, processing power, the availability of supporting resources (e.g.,
libraries, tutorials), and the local context (e.g., availability of electricity, access to technical expertise).

Arduino Uno being cheap and relatively easy to use is popular among students, hobbyists, and
local entrepreneurs in Ilocos Norte. Numerous sensors such as moisture sensors and temperature
sensors enable a lot of real-life applications like smart farming as well as weather monitoring. The active
online developers' communities also enable beginners to search for tutorials or troubleshooting support
in order to familiarize themselves with the device.

However, its low processing power means the platform is not a good fit for AI projects or heavy
data processing. Additionally, the power supply problems in rural areas make its operation somewhat
unreliable, like a mechanical fault occurring, as Arduino runs on adapter or USB and it requires
alternative arrangements for power, such as solar. The absence of local training and workshops would
further inhibit residents from optimally utilizing the Arduino board to its full potential in complex
projects.

3. Imagine you are tasked with designing a system to automate the drying of duyog (dried fish), a local
delicacy, using Arduino Uno. Describe the components you would need, how you would connect them
to the Arduino, and the basic steps involved in programming the Arduino to control the drying process
(e.g., monitoring temperature and humidity, controlling ventilation). What are some potential
challenges you might encounter in this project specifically in the Ilocos Norte context, and how would
you address them?

Components Required:

1. Arduino Uno Board-DHT11 or DHT22 sensor (for temperature and humidity monitoring).
2. Relay module (to control a heater or fan for drying).
3. Small fan (to aid in circulation for faster drying).
4. Heater (for warming the drying area in order to maintain ideal temperature).
5. LED indicator (to show the status of the drying).
6. LCD display (to show real-time temperature and humidity figures).
7. Power supply (to power the Arduino and the other attached components).

How to Connect the Components to the Arduino:

1. Connect the DHT11/DHT22 Sensor to the Digital Input pin of the Arduino to read the
temperature and humidity.
2. Use the relay module to switch on the fan and heater connected to the corresponding digital
output pin on the Arduino.
3. The relay will power the fan and heater, avoiding a direct connection to the Arduino, which
cannot support a high current.
4. Connect the LCD device that will display the temperature and humidity readings for the drying
area in real time.
5. Optionally, LED indicators can be included to indicate the status of the drying process(e.g:
drying, too humid, dry).

Basic Steps for Programming:

1. Read temperature and humidity: Write codes to initialize DHT11/DHT22 sensors to read temperature
and humidity values.

2. Check Conditions: Set conditions for drying, as far as temperature and humidity are concerned. For
instance, temperature might be kept between 30 and 40 degree Celsius and humidity between 30% and
50%.
3. Control Components: In accordance with temperature and humidity readings, the fan and heater shall
be controlled, for instance, fan-on if humidity exceeds a limit, heater-on if temperature is too low.

4. Display Data: Show the temperature and humidity on a display, for instance, an LCD so that the
operator can have up-to-date information about the system.

5. Notifications: An LED indicator or even an alarm may signal when the conditions go outside the
predefined limits, if needed, like when the dryer is not working.

Challenges in the Ilocos Norte Context:

Power interruptions in rural areas can disturb the drying process, so solar-powered Arduino systems
serve as a feasible but costly option. Environmental conditions like high winds and heavy rain may
sometimes require the need for other sensors or protective housing for extra stability. Local training
through workshops or schools is important to educate the residents in how to manage and maintain the
system.