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. How is the PLT-1 powered?

• The PLT-1 operates with USB-C power at 5 volts using 1amp or less (5W).

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

• The PLT-1B is battery-operated (18650) and slightly larger, while the non-battery (NB) version is compact and requires USB-C power at 5 volts using 1amp or less (5W). They both have all of the same components for measuring soil moisture, air temp/humdity, lux/uv, etc.

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?

• Absolutely! With ESPHome, users can modify firmware, settings, and even print custom cases for the PLT-1B. Our YAML is on Github and our .STEP and .STL CAD files are available for community use.

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

• The RGB LED provides visual alerts, while the piezo buzzer offers audio notifications for events like low moisture levels or high UV exposure.

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

• The conformal coating protects the sensor from moisture-related degradation, improving its lifespan and durability.

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

• Compatible with various indoor plants, the PLT-1B can apply ideal care conditions (e.g., light, humidity, moisture) using Open Plant Book with Home Assistant.

14. Can I monitor multiple plants with one PLT-1?

• The PLT-1 is designed to monitor a single plant’s environment. To monitor multiple plants, additional sensors are recommended.

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

• The PLT-1B features a durable capacitive soil moisture sensor, real-time data reporting, and tracks various environmental factors—all in one compact device that integrates seamlessly with Home Assistant.

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

• While designed for Home Assistant via ESPHome, it may be compatible with other platforms using the ESPHome API or MQTT.

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

• Basic knowledge of Home Assistant and ESPHome is helpful, but most users can utilize it out of the box. For advanced customization, YAML knowledge is recommended.

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.

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

• Yes, you can add multiple PLT-1B sensors, each appearing as a separate device, for comprehensive monitoring across multiple plants or spaces.