FAQ

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

• The PLT-1B 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-1B powered?

• The PLT-1B operates with a rechargeable 18650 Flat Top battery (not included), giving it portability for plant monitoring without being tied to an outlet. Example battery to use: https://imrbatteries.com/products/samsung-30q-18650-3000mah-15a-battery.

4. Can you charge the battery by plugging in the device?

• No, you cannot charge the battery through the USB port. You need an external 18650 charger such as a nitecore 2 or 4 bay.

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

• Battery life depends on sleep/wake intervals. Waking every 8 hours provides around 6 months of battery life, and waking every 12 hours or more can extend it to about a year.

6. How does the optional soil temperature probe work?

• The optional DS18b20 probe (20 cm / 7.8 inches) measures soil temperature directly, providing critical data for plants that need specific temperature conditions.

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

• The PLT-1B is primarily designed for indoor use, but components like the waterproof soil probe are suited for harsh conditions. The main body is not rated for outdoor use without additional protection.

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

• The PLT-1B connects via WiFi to ESPHome on Home Assistant, enabling data monitoring, automations, and alerts directly within Home Assistant.

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

• Automations can include low moisture alerts, light adjustments based on LUX levels, or HVAC control based on temperature and humidity around your plants.

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

• The PLT-1B’s reporting frequency is adjustable in ESPHome. You can set it for frequent updates or extend intervals to conserve battery life.

11. Can I customize the PLT-1B 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. What plants are compatible with the PLT-1B?

• 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.

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

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

16. What makes the PLT-1B 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.

17. Is the PLT-1B 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.

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

• 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.

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

• Yes, you can access sensor data remotely via the Home Assistant dashboard if your setup is configured for remote access.

20. 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.

21. Can I use multiple PLT-1B 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.

22. Optional Probe Addons:

• 1.5m (~5ft) Waterproof Flat Cable (DS18B20) – -55°C to 85°C (-67°F to 185°F), ±0.5°C accuracy. Ideal for fridges, freezers, fish tanks etc.
• 20cm (~8in) Waterproof Flat Cable (DS18B20) – -55°C to 85°C (-67°F to 185°F), ±0.5°C accuracy.