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  3. Can I run multiple Analog capacitive moisture sensors per nano

Can I run multiple Analog capacitive moisture sensors per nano

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  • M Offline
    M Offline
    mrhutchinsonmn
    wrote on last edited by
    #1

    Excited to have my square foot garden watering automation almost worked out on paper. I am curious if there is a way to run multiple (3-4) capactive moisture sensors per arduino nano? I will be using HA to control the watering, based on moisture levels of all sensors. If this cannot be done, what sensors should I use that will not degrade?

    mfalkviddM M 2 Replies Last reply
    0
    • M mrhutchinsonmn

      Excited to have my square foot garden watering automation almost worked out on paper. I am curious if there is a way to run multiple (3-4) capactive moisture sensors per arduino nano? I will be using HA to control the watering, based on moisture levels of all sensors. If this cannot be done, what sensors should I use that will not degrade?

      mfalkviddM Offline
      mfalkviddM Offline
      mfalkvidd
      Mod
      wrote on last edited by
      #2

      @mrhutchinsonmn what interface does the capacitive sensor have? (How is it connected to the Arduino; what signals does it use?)

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      • M Offline
        M Offline
        mrhutchinsonmn
        wrote on last edited by
        #3

        The capacitive sensor I have has VCC, Gnd, AOut... I am glad to use something else if I can run multiples on one nano

        mfalkviddM 1 Reply Last reply
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        • M mrhutchinsonmn

          The capacitive sensor I have has VCC, Gnd, AOut... I am glad to use something else if I can run multiples on one nano

          mfalkviddM Offline
          mfalkviddM Offline
          mfalkvidd
          Mod
          wrote on last edited by mfalkvidd
          #4

          @mrhutchinsonmn most Arduino Pro Mini have 6 analog inputs, so you can connect 6 sensors. Most Arduino Nano have 8 analog inputs. If you want more you can use a multiplexer or external adc. Depending on your needs, using multiple Arduinos (with 6-8 sensors each) might make more sense than adding external hardware. Or use an Arduino Mega; it has 16 analog inputs.

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          • M mrhutchinsonmn

            Excited to have my square foot garden watering automation almost worked out on paper. I am curious if there is a way to run multiple (3-4) capactive moisture sensors per arduino nano? I will be using HA to control the watering, based on moisture levels of all sensors. If this cannot be done, what sensors should I use that will not degrade?

            M Offline
            M Offline
            mrhutchinsonmn
            wrote on last edited by
            #5

            @mrhutchinsonmn Thank you. Do you think 25' leads to the sensor will skew the readings?

            mfalkviddM skywatchS 2 Replies Last reply
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            • M mrhutchinsonmn

              @mrhutchinsonmn Thank you. Do you think 25' leads to the sensor will skew the readings?

              mfalkviddM Offline
              mfalkviddM Offline
              mfalkvidd
              Mod
              wrote on last edited by
              #6

              @mrhutchinsonmn I have no idea how the capacitve sensor's signalling works. Easiest way to find out is probably to measure with short and long leads and see what the difference is.

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              • M mrhutchinsonmn

                @mrhutchinsonmn Thank you. Do you think 25' leads to the sensor will skew the readings?

                skywatchS Offline
                skywatchS Offline
                skywatch
                wrote on last edited by
                #7

                @mrhutchinsonmn I think 25' will affect the signal (which is analogue). But, if you calibrate the system with the long cable in place then you should be able to compensate for that. Is it impossible to put a radio module closer to the sensors?
                Failing that an arduino could measure the values and then use serial to send down a longer wire? You might even go as far as adding RS-232/485 if it is in an electrical noisy environment.
                I just got 12 sensors in the post yesterday, so I too will be experimenting with them in the greenhouse soon.

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                • parachutesjP Offline
                  parachutesjP Offline
                  parachutesj
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #8

                  I am not sure if this is feasible to have 25' cables... Each needs 3 wires to connect.
                  I am running the capacitive soil sensors in single mode with 3.3V ProMini on Battery. I do not see issues having 2-3 sensors per Arduino but more seems to be a wiring nightmare all over the garden.

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                  • M Offline
                    M Offline
                    mrhutchinsonmn
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #9

                    Thanks for the replies. I think I will just go with 3 sensors per raised bed, per nano. That will keep the runs under 10'

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