last modified: October 23, 2025
Posted on 2017-04-29— Projects
I describe making a small alpha batch of my low-cost plant-watering sensor: ordering parts, prepping and soldering wires, testing PCB assembly with stencils, and solving sealing with epoxy. If you’re interested in practical prototyping tips and lessons learned, please read the full post for photos and detailed steps.
Posted on 2017-04-12— Projects
I began a second long-term test of my plant watering sensor to confirm it tracks moisture cycles after watering and drying. I'm focusing on logging and sealing the sensor's foot for repeatable readings. If you're curious about methods and results, please read the full post and share feedback.
Posted on 2017-03-14— Projects
I built a compact logger to collect long-term capacitive readings from my plant watering sensor. Using a Feather M0, RTC/SD FeatherWing and a tiny OLED, it logs averaged frequency to CSV every minute so I can study watering-to-dry cycles. Read on for parts and details.
Posted on 2017-03-09— How and Why
I walk you through designing the final PCB for a low-cost plant watering sensor: choosing tools, shaping the board, iterative layouts, BOM decisions, assembly planning and unit-cost calculations. If you want practical steps and cost details, please read the full post to follow the next parts.
Posted on 2017-03-03— How and Why
In part three I assemble and test the prototype PCB, set ATtiny13A fuses, and refine user interaction and firmware plans. I cover LED display choices, power measurements and a modular firmware approach. If you’re building a low-cost plant sensor, read the full post for practical steps and diagrams.
Posted on 2017-02-14— How and Why
I take you through part two of my cheap plant-watering sensor project, testing a prototype: power draw, LED impact, oscillator and MCU startup timing, voltage-divider checks, firmware inputs, and PCB preparation. If you want to see the detailed measurements and next steps, I invite you to read the full post.
Posted on 2017-02-08— How and Why
I walked through designing a cheap capacitive plant watering sensor, from goals and measurement options to component selection and early prototypes. I explain why I chose a CR2032‑powered op‑amp oscillator, ATtiny MCU and low‑power timer. If you’re curious, read the full post for details and test results.