Picapot PS100 Temperature-Compensated Soil Moisture Sensor Kit

The Picapot PS100 Kit includes the electronic board and components needed to assemble a temperature-compensated resistive soil moisture sensor for smart irrigation systems.

The PCB is supplied pre-soldered, pre-programmed, and individually calibrated. The buyer must complete final assembly, soldering, and silicone potting by following the online PS100 Build Guide at https://www.picapot.com.

POTENTIAL SMART IRRIGATION FUNCTIONS
• Skip watering when the soil is already moist and reduce water waste
• Skip watering when frost or low temperature is detected
• Increase watering duration during hot weather
• Record daily minimum and maximum temperature and moisture

WHY CHOOSE THE PS100?
• Measures both soil moisture and temperature
• Temperature-compensated moisture readings
• 16-bit soil moisture measurement
• 12-bit DS18B20 temperature sensor
• Durable carbon-fiber probes and no parts exposed to oxidation, electrolysis, or erosion
• Engineered for maximum water resistance with a high-density silicone enclosure
• Suitable for continuous monitoring in wet soil
• Low power consumption
• Reverse-voltage protection
• Built-in watchdog for increased reliability
• Compatible with Picapot irrigation controllers
• Suitable for custom Arduino and 1-Wire projects

KIT CONTENTS
• Pre-soldered, pre-programmed, pre-calibrated PCB x1
• Carbon fiber probe 20x5mm x2
• Copper clip x2
• Header 3x2 pin x1
• Silicone cup 34x25mm x1
• Neutral 704 silicone for electronics 45g tube x1
• Cable three wires AWG24 x3 meters

OPEN SOURCE
Open-source build instructions, documentation, and integration resources are available at https://www.picapot.com.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
• Supply voltage: 3.3-5.5 V DC
• Typical supply voltage: 5 V
• Average active current: approximately 350 µA
• Maximum active current: 18 mA
• Average power consumption at 5 V: approximately 1.75 mW
• Moisture measurement resolution: 16-bit
• Temperature measurement resolution: 12-bit
• Operating temperature: -40°C to +85°C
• Communication: 3-wire 1-Wire interface
• Assembled sensor diameter: approximately 34 mm
• Assembled sensor length, including probes: approximately 37-38 mm
• Assembled sensor weight without cable: approximately 30 g
• Included cable length: approximately 3 metres
• Cable conductors: VCC, GND and 1-Wire data

INSTALLATION AND USAGE INSTRUCTIONS
Additional guidance and recommendations, including detailed installation instructions, can be found at https://www.picapot.com and in the datasheet (https://raw.githubusercontent.com/picapot/picapot-sensor-ps100/main/resources/manual/picapot-ps100-sensor-datasheet.pdf).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• This is a DIY kit, not a finished sensor.
• Before permanently potting the sensor, perform a final test to ensure that everything is working correctly (https://github.com/Picapot/PS100Test).
• The completed sensor requires a Picapot controller or a compatible custom 1-Wire system. It is not a standalone display or irrigation controller.
• The returned soil moisture value is a relative measurement intended as a reference for irrigation control. It does not directly represent the absolute water content of the soil.
• Readings are influenced by soil composition and the electrical conductivity of the irrigation water. The optimal watering threshold must be determined for your specific soil, plants, and irrigation setup.

Manufacturer(s):

Fabrizio Ranieri trading as Picapot
Gozo - Malta
https://www.picapot.com/contact

Product safety:

Contains small parts. Keep away from children and pets.

When applying the neutral-cure silicone sealant, keep it out of reach of children and animals until fully cured.

Use the sensor only within the electrical and environmental limits specified in the documentation.

This sensor is not designed, intended, or authorized for use in systems intended to
support or sustain human or animal life

Dispose of the PCB and electronic components through the appropriate collection channels. Do not dispose of them with household waste.