Creating a system for monitoring ammonia levels in poultry farms using ESP8266 sensors, LCD screens and a mobile application can be divided into several steps. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Gather Components

1. ESP8266 microcontroller
2. MQ-135 gas sensor (or another ammonia sensor)
3. 16x2 LCD display with I2C module
4. Breadboard and jumper wires
5. Power supply
6. Wi-Fi network for IoT connectivity
7. Computer with Arduino IDE for programming

Step 2: Connect Hardware

Connect the MQ-135 Sensor to the ESP8266:

• Connect VCC to 3.3V on the ESP8266.
• Connect GND to GND.
• Connect AO (Analog Output) to an analog input pin on the ESP8266 (e.g., A0).

Connect the LCD Display:

• Connect VCC to 5V (or 3.3V if the I2C module supports it).
• Connect GND to GND.
• Connect SDA to SDA (GPIO 4).
• Connect SCL to SCL (GPIO 5).

Step 3: Program the ESP8266

1. Install the Arduino IDE: Download and install the Arduino IDE on your computer.
2. Add the ESP8266 Board to Arduino IDE: Go to the board manager in the Arduino IDE and install the ESP8266 package.
3. Install Necessary Libraries: Install libraries for I2C communication, the LCD display, Wi-Fi, and MQTT (for IoT communication).
4. Write and Upload Code: Write the code to read data from the MQ-135 sensor, display it on the LCD, and send it to the IoT platform. Upload the code to the ESP8266.

Step 4: Set Up the IoT Platform

1. Choose an IoT Platform: Select an IoT platform like Adafruit IO, ThingSpeak, or set up your own MQTT broker.
2. Configure the Platform: Set up your IoT platform to receive data from the ESP8266. Create dashboards to visualize the ammonia levels and set up alerts for high levels.

Step 5: Assemble and Test the System

1. Assemble Components: Place all components on a breadboard, ensuring all connections are secure.
2. Power the ESP8266: Connect the ESP8266 to a power source.
3. Verify Connections: Ensure the ESP8266 connects to the Wi-Fi network and the LCD displays real-time ammonia levels.
4. Check IoT Data: Ensure data is being sent to the IoT platform and that alerts are correctly configured.

Step 6: Deploy and Monitor

1. Install the System in the Poultry Farm: Place the sensors in strategic locations to effectively monitor ammonia levels.
2. Regular Monitoring: Regularly check the system to ensure it provides accurate readings and timely alerts.
3. Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance and recalibration of the sensors to keep the system reliable.

By following these steps, you can create an effective ammonia monitoring system to enhance safety and health on poultry farms.