Description
Leaf moisture sensor TBSLWS1 mimics the moisture in a natural leaf
The leaf moisture sensor TBSLWS1 from Tekbox mimics the wetness state of a real leaf. The measured value is proportional to the percentage of the sensor surface covered by water. The sensor is equipped with an SDI-12 interface for measurement and calibration.
In the case of a stand-alone application, a built-in temperature sensor can be requested to measure air temperature. However, it is not a substitute for a dedicated air temperature sensor/radiation shield setup.
When the sensor is dry, the output value delivered on an SDI-12 measurement command will be 0% or very close to zero. When raindrops hit the sensor surface, the measurement response will be anywhere between 0% and 100%, depending on how much of the sensor area is covered by water droplets. Typically, the result shows some fluctuation during rain. Raindrops on the sensor surface coalesce with larger droplets until they reach a size where gravity exceeds surface adhesion and the droplet flows off the sloping surface. Likewise, gusts of wind can blow droplets off the surface and change the moisture state. Therefore, there is some fluctuation in the amount of raindrops on the sensor surface during precipitation.