FAQ

1. What sensors are included in the PLT-1?

• The PLT-1 comes with sensors to measure soil moisture, air temperature, humidity, LUX, and UV. There is also an optional DS18b20 waterproof soil temperature probe available for measuring soil temperature.

2. How does the capacitive soil moisture sensor work?

• The capacitive soil moisture sensor measures the water content in the soil by detecting changes in the dielectric permittivity of the soil, which is affected by moisture. It’s more durable than resistive sensors because it doesn’t corrode and is protected with a conformal coating.

3. Is the PLT-1 battery-powered, or do I need to plug it in?

• The PLT-1 comes in two versions: a battery-powered version and a non-battery (NB) version. The battery version is slightly larger due to the space needed for the battery, while the NB version is more compact.

4. How long does the battery last in the PLT-1?

• Battery life depends on usage and sensor update intervals. Frequent updates will reduce battery life. You can adjust the sleep and wake intervals in the ESPHome configuration to optimize battery usage. We have seen closer to 6 months with 8 hour wake up intervals. Should be 3-6 months but depending on usage it could be much longer! It uses an 18650 battery.

5. How does the optional soil temperature probe work?

• The optional DS18b20 waterproof soil temperature probe is 20 cm / 7.8 inches long. It measures the temperature directly in the soil and can be used to monitor the conditions for specific plants that require precise temperature control for optimal growth.

6. Is the PLT-1 weatherproof? Can I use it outdoors?

• The PLT-1 is primarily designed for indoor use. While some components, such as the waterproof soil temperature probe, can withstand harsher environments, the main body of the sensor is not rated for outdoor use unless adequately protected.

7. How does the PLT-1 connect to Home Assistant?

• The PLT-1 uses WiFi to connect to your Home Assistant instance through ESPHome. Once connected, you can configure automations, monitor data, and set alerts directly in Home Assistant.

8. What kind of automations can I set up with the PLT-1?

• You can create automations for plant care, such as setting notifications when soil moisture is low, turning on lights when LUX readings drop below a certain level, or adjusting your HVAC system based on air temperature and humidity around your plants.

9. How often does the PLT-1 send sensor data?

• The update intervals for each sensor are configurable in ESPHome. For example, you can have the soil moisture sensor report every second or extend it to save battery power in the battery-powered version.

10. Can I customize the PLT-1’s functionality?

• Yes! The PLT-1 is fully customizable through ESPHome, and the software and CAD files are available to the community. You can modify the firmware, adjust settings, and even print new cases for the sensor.

11. What is the RGB LED and piezo buzzer used for?

• The RGB LED can be used for visual alerts, such as changing colors based on soil moisture or plant health. The piezo buzzer can emit sounds for critical notifications, like low moisture warnings or reminders to check on your plants.

12. What is the benefit of using the conformal coating on the soil moisture sensor?

• The conformal coating adds an extra layer of protection to the capacitive soil moisture sensor, ensuring it lasts longer and resists environmental factors like moisture, which can degrade uncoated sensors over time.

13. What plants are compatible with the PLT-1?

• The PLT-1 is compatible with any indoor plants. You can use Open Plant Book in combination with Home Assistant to apply ideal care conditions (such as light, humidity, and soil moisture) for specific plants.

14. Can I use the PLT-1 to monitor multiple plants?

• The PLT-1 is designed to monitor a single plant’s environment. For multiple plants, you would need additional sensors or move the sensor between plants as needed.

15. What makes the PLT-1 better than other plant sensors?

• The PLT-1 offers a highly accurate and durable capacitive soil moisture sensor, real-time data reporting, and the ability to track multiple environmental conditions in one small device. It also integrates seamlessly with Home Assistant, allowing for advanced automations and alerts.

16. Is the PLT-1 compatible with other smart home platforms?

• The PLT-1 is designed specifically for Home Assistant via ESPHome. While it could be compatible with other platforms through customization, its primary use is within the Home Assistant ecosystem.

17. Do I need coding knowledge to use the PLT-1?

• Basic knowledge of Home Assistant and ESPHome is helpful for configuring the PLT-1, but the sensor is designed to be plug-and-play for most users. Customization will require some knowledge of YAML.

18. Can I access data from the PLT-1 remotely?

• Yes, once connected to Home Assistant, you can access your sensor data remotely through your Home Assistant dashboard, provided your setup allows for remote access.

19. What’s the difference between the battery and non-battery versions?

• The battery version is slightly larger and is designed for situations where a power outlet isn’t nearby. The non-battery version is smaller and designed for direct connection to a power source.

20. Can I use multiple PLT-1 sensors in one Home Assistant setup?

• Yes, you can use multiple PLT-1 sensors simultaneously in Home Assistant. Each sensor will appear as a separate device in your dashboard, allowing you to track various plants or environments.