Need direction

[Knightrider]

Ok Pi experts, the weather in Ohio isn't conducive to my farming hobby, and I'm ready to take the plunge while I have a little bit of time.

Someone give me a link to a nice starter kit that I dont have to pay an arm and a leg for. I need a power supply and s card.

Ebay is too confusing.

Would like the gpio pins, as I doubt my 1st attempt will be involve x10, but wifi is a must.

I'm looking at sending SMS emails to my phone reporting contact closures on grain tank sensors. Dallas 2 wire will come next.

I don't need tiny and I dont need a lot of processor power.

I'm guessing my 1st one or two will get destroyed by dust or heat or me doing something j shouldn't do, so I want cheap.

[dhouston]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_pg_1?fst=p90x%3A1&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3ARaspberry+Pi+3+-+Model+B%2B&keywords=Raspberry+Pi+3+-+Model+B%2B&ie=UTF8&qid=1539524203

[petera]

As soon as the kit is delivered and you’re ready to go report back for further instruction.

[dhouston]

You will also need...
https://thepihut.com/blogs/raspberry-pi-tutorials/17209332-adding-a-real-time-clock-to-your-raspberry-pi

[petera]

While alerts can be done via the on board WiFi, this board in addition might be worth looking at. Instant SMS alerts via the cellular network. https://www.robotshop.com/eu/en/gsm-gprsgnssbluetooth-hat-raspberry-pi.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw0oveBRAmEiwAzf6_rDkhC7l2NPeswkm7Uzz36AEor6N6eJz31nwlLpuRiy7ZsToEitc-SRoCfBQQAvD_BwE

[Knightrider]

I'm already using python based on a PC to send alerts to cell via a SMS gateway.

[dhouston]

While alerts can be done via the on board WiFi, this board in addition might be worth looking at. Instant SMS alerts via the cellular network. https://www.robotshop.com/eu/en/gsm-gprsgnssbluetooth-hat-raspberry-pi.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw0oveBRAmEiwAzf6_rDkhC7l2NPeswkm7Uzz36AEor6N6eJz31nwlLpuRiy7ZsToEitc-SRoCfBQQAvD_BwE

Since the RPi 3 has Bluetooth, what are the advantages of the robotshop board? Also, what is the battery holder for?

[Tuicemen]

You really can't get any cheaper then the Zero W and since you don't need the processing power of the 3 B+ it makes more sense to go with one of those.
These will fit in a plastic outlet box  or just about anytthing so you can protect it from the elements the cases that are available for all PIs are not made to protect them much.
https://www.adafruit.com/category/933?src=raspberrypi

[brobin]

For the Pi Zero W, this $35 kit has everything you need - and probably more - in one box: https://goo.gl/RufHoy
I bought the $27 version because I already had some of the items but this one is a better value.  There are some excellent 'getting started' tutorials at sparkfun.com that you'll find useful.  The Zero can send email which means you can get SMS texts as well. (See https://goo.gl/vyP5dO for gateways) Have fun!

[dave w]

I'm guessing my 1st one or two will get destroyed by dust or heat or me doing something I shouldn't do, so I want cheap.

  I don't think you need to worry about that.

[petera]

You will also need...
https://thepihut.com/blogs/raspberry-pi-tutorials/17209332-adding-a-real-time-clock-to-your-raspberry-pi

Purely for flexibility.

Not sure where the grain tanks are located in proximity to his AP. Cellular practically guarantees all bases are covered. Bluetooth would be ideal but limited in range.

Also with a power pack attached as a UPS the Pi is covered in the event of power outage.

Just something to consider.

[Knightrider]

We have an 80 elevator at the tanks. A guy uses that tower as a relay point for wireless internet which he let's us tap in exchange for the tower.

Free wifi at our farm.

[petera]

Wow  No problem with antenna height so. What broadband speed do you have. A lot of options open for you with that infrastructure.

[Knightrider]

I've never tested the speed. I've never had any reason to use high speed.

[HA Dave]

We have an 80 elevator at the tanks. A guy uses that tower as a relay point for wireless internet which he let's us tap in exchange for the tower.
Free wifi at our farm.

Years (decades) ago when I was a child.... Dad had an 80 foot tower in the back yard. The use of the tower was for police and fire radio.

In the Army we had a mobile relay setup we used in remote areas (also decades ago). We would relay radio in a 577 personnel carrier (APC) 24/7 for days on end using a generator.

It makes me wonder if a grid of relayed radios could solve the rural Internet problem.