How to Use SEN0189: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The SEN0189 is a capacitive soil moisture sensor manufactured by DFRobot. It is designed to measure the volumetric water content in soil, providing an analog output that corresponds to the soil's moisture level. Unlike resistive soil moisture sensors, the SEN0189 is corrosion-resistant, ensuring long-term durability and reliability in outdoor environments. This makes it an excellent choice for agricultural applications, automated irrigation systems, and environmental monitoring projects.

• Smart irrigation systems
• Agricultural soil monitoring
• Greenhouse automation
• Environmental research and data logging
• Gardening and landscaping projects

The SEN0189 is a robust and easy-to-use sensor with the following technical specifications:

The SEN0189 has a simple 3-pin interface for easy integration into circuits. The pinout is as follows:

1. Power Supply: Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V or 5V power source, depending on your system's voltage level.
2. Signal Output: Connect the AOUT pin to an analog input pin on your microcontroller (e.g., Arduino).
3. Ground: Connect the GND pin to the ground of your circuit.

• Calibration: The sensor's output voltage varies with soil moisture. You may need to calibrate the sensor for your specific soil type to achieve accurate readings.
• Placement: Insert the sensor into the soil vertically, ensuring the sensing area is fully covered by soil for accurate measurements.
• Protection: Avoid exposing the sensor to water beyond the sensing area to prevent damage to the electronics.
• Power Supply: Use a stable power source to minimize noise in the analog output signal.

Below is an example of how to connect and read data from the SEN0189 using an Arduino UNO:

• Connect VCC to the Arduino's 5V pin.
• Connect AOUT to the Arduino's A0 pin.
• Connect GND to the Arduino's GND pin.

// SEN0189 Soil Moisture Sensor Example
// This code reads the analog output of the SEN0189 and prints the moisture level
// to the Serial Monitor. Ensure the sensor is properly connected to the Arduino.

const int sensorPin = A0; // Analog pin connected to AOUT of SEN0189
int sensorValue = 0;      // Variable to store the sensor reading

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication at 9600 baud
}

void loop() {
  sensorValue = analogRead(sensorPin); // Read the analog value from the sensor
  float voltage = sensorValue * (5.0 / 1023.0); // Convert to voltage (5V system)
  
  // Print the raw sensor value and voltage to the Serial Monitor
  Serial.print("Sensor Value: ");
  Serial.print(sensorValue);
  Serial.print(" | Voltage: ");
  Serial.print(voltage);
  Serial.println("V");
  
  delay(1000); // Wait 1 second before the next reading
}

• The analog output voltage decreases as the soil moisture increases.
• You can map the sensor's output to a percentage value for easier interpretation.

1. No Output or Incorrect Readings

   • Cause: Loose or incorrect wiring.
   • Solution: Double-check all connections, ensuring the VCC, AOUT, and GND pins are properly connected.

2. Fluctuating Readings

   • Cause: Unstable power supply or electrical noise.
   • Solution: Use a decoupling capacitor (e.g., 0.1µF) between VCC and GND to stabilize the power supply.

3. Sensor Not Responding

   • Cause: Sensor damaged or exposed to water beyond the sensing area.
   • Solution: Inspect the sensor for physical damage and ensure proper usage.

4. Inaccurate Measurements

   • Cause: Soil type or improper calibration.
   • Solution: Calibrate the sensor for your specific soil type by comparing its output to a known moisture level.

Q: Can the SEN0189 be used in saline soil?
A: Yes, the SEN0189 is resistant to corrosion and can be used in saline soil. However, calibration may be required for accurate readings.

Q: How do I interpret the sensor's output?
A: The sensor outputs an analog voltage that decreases as soil moisture increases. You can map this voltage to a percentage value for easier interpretation.

Q: Can I use the SEN0189 with a 3.3V microcontroller?
A: Yes, the SEN0189 operates within a voltage range of 3.3V to 5.5V, making it compatible with 3.3V systems.

Q: Is the SEN0189 waterproof?
A: The sensing area is designed to be inserted into soil and can handle moisture, but the electronics should not be submerged in water.

By following this documentation, you can effectively integrate the SEN0189 into your projects and achieve reliable soil moisture measurements.