Product Description & Technical Details
Product Description
The Capacitive Soil Moisture Sensor v2.0 is a significant upgrade over traditional resistive-type sensors. Unlike older models that use exposed metal probes that oxidize and corrode within weeks of being in damp soil, this sensor uses capacitive sensing. The electrode is laminated, meaning it has no exposed metal in contact with the soil. It measures the soil's moisture by detecting the change in capacitance caused by the dielectric constant of the water. At Robogears, we recommend this version for any long-term automated plant watering system or environmental monitoring project where reliability and durability are essential.
Key Highlights
Corrosion-Resistant Design: The sensing element is protected by a solder mask and lamination, ensuring a long operational life even when permanently buried in moist soil.
Analog Output: Provides a simple analog voltage that decreases as the moisture level increases, making it easy to read with any 10-bit or 12-bit ADC.
Onboard Voltage Regulator: Includes a built-in regulator that allows the sensor to operate accurately on both 3.3V (ESP32/Raspberry Pi) and 5V (Arduino) systems.
Easy Installation: Features a standard 3-pin interface and comes with a high-quality PH2.0-3P cable for quick connection to your development board.
Improved Stability: The v2.0 circuit is designed to be less sensitive to temperature fluctuations compared to cheaper v1.2 alternatives.
Technical Specifications
Output Voltage Range: 0V to 3.0V (approx.)
Current Consumption: ~5mA
Sensing Depth: Up to 65mm
Materials: FR4 Fiberglass (Epoxy coated)
Calibration: Requires manual air/water calibration for precise percentage readings.
Installation Tip from Robogears
Since every soil type (sand, clay, potting mix) has a different dielectric constant, you must calibrate this sensor for your specific setup. To do this, record the analog value in "open air" (Dry) and then record the value when submerged up to the "maximum depth" line in water (Wet). Use these two values in your code with the map() function to get a 0% to 100% moisture reading. Crucial Note: Only the lower part of the probe is waterproof. Ensure the top part (where the components and connector are located) is never submerged or splashed with water.
Note: This kit includes one Capacitive Soil Moisture Sensor and one 3-pin connection cable. Product images are for illustration purposes only.