Overview

VEGIES (Versatile External Gear, Interfaces, and Experimental Subsystems) is a forward-looking concept for extending FEAST capabilities through user-fabricated hardware components.

This is a conceptual framework intended to inspire future development and community contributions.

What is VEGIES?

• Pronounced like “veggies”
• Represents off-board, user-fabricated hardware compatible with BREADS systems
• Encompasses DIY sensors, actuators, and tools created or modified by users
• Supports various manufacturing methods:
  • Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
  • Digital fabrication
  • Modified commercial components
  • Custom-built devices

Potential Implementation Ideas

Sensing Solutions

Temperature & Environmental

• Handmade thermocouples
• Thermistor/RTD assemblies in waterproof housings
• Environmental test enclosures with integrated temp/humidity sensing

Chemical & Analytical

• DIY pH/ORP/EC probes
• Optical turbidity sensors (LED + photodiode in 3D printed housing)
• Electrochemical cells with swappable electrodes
• DIY cuvettes for colorimetry
• Low-cost microfluidic chips (acrylic/PDMS)

Physical Properties

• Capacitive soil moisture sensors (etched foil/PCB)
• Printed/milled strain gauge structures
• Homemade load cells with flexures
• Textile-based biosensors
• Contact sensing with conductive gel patches

Actuation & Control

Motion Systems

• 3D-printed linear actuators (screw drives/sliders)
• DIY stepper/brushed motors (recycled components)
• Printable mechanical positioning systems

Fluid Control

• Custom solenoid valves (3D printed bodies)
• Servo/solenoid micro-dispensers
• Magnetic stirrers
• Vibratory actuators (scrap coils)

Support Infrastructure

Mounting & Integration

• Modular sensor mounts
• Probe holders (3D printed)
• Custom wire harnesses
• Pogo-pin adapters
• Breakout jigs