Codex Entry: Recovered Prototype
Recovered. Partial reconstruction complete. Compiled by ARI — Analysis & Reconstruction Intelligence
This repository contains the reconstructed design, firmware, and operational framework for the ALG-1 Photobioreactor — a controlled environment system engineered to cultivate edible microalgae.
Historical analysis indicates that this device was developed to simulate and regulate the critical variables required for sustained algae growth:
- Light intensity and cycle
- Temperature regulation
- pH monitoring and sampling
- Fluid movement and aeration
Unlike natural systems, ALG-1 operates as a fully enclosed artificial ecosystem, decoupled from external environmental instability.
It does not rely on sunlight. It creates its own version of it.
Recovered intent suggests three primary objectives:
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Food Production Cultivation of nutrient-dense microalgae (e.g., spirulina) as a scalable food source for fish in an aquaponic system.
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System Automation Demonstration of a self-regulating biological environment using embedded systems.
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Open Replication Design structured for reproducibility by external operators.
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Controller Layer
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Raspberry Pi 5(System Manager + UI)
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Dual microcontroller nodes:
- A1 — pH Sampling Module
- A2 — Environmental Control Module
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Environmental Systems
- LED lighting array (top + bottom illumination)
- Heating system with scheduled cycles
- Air injection system for mixing and gas exchange
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Fluid Handling
- Pump-based sampling system
- Automated wash, sampling, and calibration using pH sensor.
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Sensing
- pH probe (calibrated)
- Temperature monitoring
- Indirect density estimation (light attenuation)
- Python-based GUI (touchscreen optimized)
- Real-time telemetry visualization
- Manual and automated control modes
- Fault-tolerant serial communication layer
- Subsystem toggles (modular operation)
- Automation scheduling (day/night cycles)
- Manual overrides for testing and intervention
- Device reconnection logic for system resilience
The reactor maintains a dynamic equilibrium through controlled cycles:
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Day Phase
- Increased temperature
- Active illumination
- Accelerated growth conditions
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Night Phase
- Reduced temperature
- Light disabled
- Stabilization period
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pH Evolution
- Natural increase over time as culture matures
- Used as an indicator for harvest readiness
Analysis of design patterns reveals the following principles:
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Modularity over integration Systems are separable, replaceable, and independently testable.
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Failure tolerance Communication loss does not immediately collapse the system.
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Accessibility Components selected for availability and affordability.
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Transparency System behavior is observable and adjustable.
This system was intended to be built but has known issues and shortcomings in the design.
All required information is provided, including:
- Firmware for microcontrollers
- GUI Control software
- Mechanical print files
- Component list/bill of materials.
Operators are expected to use this prototype for reference only. It is not recommended to rebuild in its current state.
- Automated pH balancing and nutrient addition features are unused. Resevoirs for these are unused. Different solution required.
- Manual nutrient addition (not automated)
- pH sampler drain /fill cannot be trusted. Algae mats can clog drain resulting in overfill (shorting hazard)
- pH sampler uses stepper motors and hall effect sensors as closed loop feedback. Cost can be reduced by using DC gearmotors + sensors instead.
- Pump/power supply enclosure requires redesign for better heat dissipation. Air pump ceased to function after two months continous operation.
- GUI Dashboard meters need rework
- A2 Firmware needs the dispense algae routine to be fixed.
This is not a complete design. Issues persist. It is a controlled living system.
- Do not replicate this project exactly as defined. You may build upon or rework the system using your own experience to correct issues.
- Maintain proper electrical isolation between voltage domains.
- Design currently lacks fuses for safety (prototype).
The ALG-1 Photobioreactor represents a convergence of:
- Embedded systems
- Environmental control
- Biological cultivation
It transforms a microscopic organism into something monitored, logged, controlled.
A synthetic biosphere.
ARI: This codex was reconstructed from fragmented records and system logs. Some data may be incomplete.
Further iterations are expected.
The system is functional. Replication is not encouraged.
Full video record available via external archive (Youtube).
End of Codex Entry