@Ron said in Capacitive Soil Moisture Sensor:
@Puneit-Thukral Thanks. I am not quite sure, so correct me please if I am wrong, but I think I am already using the MiniCore bootloader with platformIO. Or do I need to configure to explicitly use the MiniCore bootloaders? Also I have set BOD to disabled as I read somewhere that no BOD can also save battery.
hi
I'm not sure, but I believe I'm already using the MiniCore bootloader with platformIO. Please tell me if I'm incorrect. Is it necessary to set the MiniCore bootloaders explicitly?
@nca78 I don't use ATAES132A. I put it in just in case I wanted to invest some more time using it.
I now just use SimpleEncryption, it's secure enough for my purpose atm.
(since the area I live in uses KAKU a lot, an insecure 433MHz lightswitch, I don't think anyone would be bothered to hack my temperature sensors. I found 163 433Mhz devices when I left domoticz logging for a couple of days.)
I think the comments you make are good. I do have a question about the removing the regulator. I assume you mean the 5V to 3.3V regulator.
I connect to the 5V and I see lot of variation in moisture readings due to the variation in the output of the power supply (solar panel/stepdown). I have a calibration routine for that. The voltage can go as high as 4.2V, which I believe may be bad if I connect the power supply to 3.3V.
Of course, this is not a concern if using two 1.5V batteries. With batteries, the moisture reading would be more consistent over a day. Lot of advantages there. I just don't like changing batteries and I really hate it when they leak. I have every reason to believe that my power supply will last 10 years and I am fortunate to live in a place with consistent sunshine . Someone replicating my project will have to take this into consideration. My design easily accommodates a different power supply.
And my power supply could be used in other projects.
Resistive vs Capacitive sensor. I'm glad you report good results. This gives people options.
Water moisture: I've had good experience with "spraying" the Arduino with clear electronic coating and sealing the enclosure with liquid tape.
-OSD
