Mounting ESP on mower (HQ 440)

[Marcussjogren]

Hi all!

Was thinking about making this a project before the summer since there is a HA integration for it now.

I was first thinking about adding lots of BT proxies in the garden, but that seems like a bitch to accomplish. So I thought I was going to mount a high performance access point in the garden and then mount the ESP BT proxy inside the mower instead. That would probably give me the best coverage possible.

does anyone know if there’s a possibility to do this somewhat easily?
Maybe on the serial port or something like that?

[alistair23]

I'm not sure how big your garden is, but BLE with a good antenna should cover a sizable space with line of sight.

As for mounting a ESP32 in the mower, it can in theory be done. You can open up the mower (watch out for "void if removed" warranty stickers) put an ESP in there and power it from the mower. Obviously make sure not to short any PCBs (so secure the new ESP somehow). You will have to probe the mower PCB to find power, but I think they all have a decently exposed test connection which I would assume exposes power somewhere.

Honestly it seems like a lot of work and risk in terms of breaking the water proofing. The heat/cool cycles generated by the motors can draw moisture in and damage the insides if the mower isn't correctly glued shut. You do have almost a year until summer though, so I guess you could get it working by then.

[erikmol]

You can find great guidance in this document from Husqvarna:
https://github.com/HusqvarnaResearch/hrp/blob/master/Startup%20Guide%20HRP.pdf

Please note that the 5V and 3.3V pins are not powered when the mower goes into idle/parking mode why the 18V connection with a step down buck regulator must be used.

Honestly it seems like a lot of work and risk in terms of breaking the water proofing. The heat/cool cycles generated by the motors can draw moisture in and damage the insides if the mower isn't correctly glued shut.

It's a EPDM gasket O-ring (4mm or 5mm) so there is no glue, but you are correct that authorized service partners replace this seal when maintenance is complete.