Our VG400 series soil moisture sensor probes enable precise
low cost monitoring of soil water content. Because our
probe measures the dielectric constant of the soil using
transmission line techniques, it is insensitive to water
salinity, and will not corrode over time as does conductivity
based probes. Our probes are small, rugged, and consume under a
milliamp of power.
Compared to other low cost sensor such as gypsum block sensors,
our probes offer a rapid response time. They can be
inserted and take an accurate reading in under 1 second.
We offer two probes in the VG400 series. The VG400
which has an output range of 0 to 3V and the VG400-LV which has
an output range of 0 to 1.8V related proportionally to water
content. The VG400-LV is so power efficient that it can be
run continuously for over 300 hours from a single coin battery,
or over 5 years if the soil is sampled once per
minute.
When choosing between the -LV and standard VG400, only use
the -LV, if you have to power the probe with less than
3.3V.
Probes come standard with a 2 meter cable.
Also see our high frequency VH400
series soil moisture sensors, which are more sensitive in
the higher VWC regions, at the cost of using slightly more
power.
The quickest way to evaluate if the VG400 series is right for you is
to also order some of our sensor relay boards. The relay
boards accept input from a single sensor and control a solid state
or mechanical relay. The relay contacts can be configured to
close when wet, or open when wet. The dry/wet threshold is easily
set by an an on board variable resistor, which can be tuned with a
small screwdriver. With our relay boards, within minutes you'll
be using your VG400 soil moisture probe to control, valves, alarms or
home automation systems.
The Techno Gardener shows you how to wire up a Vegetronix soil moisture sensor
to a digital multimeter.
Soil
Moisture Sensor as Water Level Sensor
The Techno Gardener demonstrates how a Vegetronix soil moisture sensor can be
used as a water level sensor.
Soil
Moisture Sensor Detects Clammy Hands
The Techno Gardener shows you how a Vegetronix soil moisture sensor can also be
used to detect the moisture in your hands. It blows away gypsum block sensors
with it's instantaneous moisture readings.
