Plant Monitoring PCB

Modular Plant Monitoring IoT PCB, 3D Printed, designed in KiCad and SolidWorks

Introducing Plant PCB – a cutting-edge, modular IoT solution designed to monitor environmental conditions critical to plant health. Developed with precision in KiCad and housed in a durable, 3D-printed enclosure designed in SolidWorks, this project is ideal for modern agricultural and environmental applications.

Left: Detailed PCB layout crafted in KiCad. Right: Rugged, weather-resistant enclosure designed in SolidWorks.

Overview

The Plant PCB project represents a smart, scalable approach to environmental monitoring. It integrates multiple sensors on a custom PCB to measure parameters such as soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and ambient light—all enclosed in a durable 3D-printed case for outdoor reliability.

Design and Engineering

  • Custom PCB Engineering:
    Designed in KiCad, the board incorporates various sensor interfaces, wireless communication modules, and power management circuitry tailored for low-energy operation.
  • Robust Enclosure Design:
    Using SolidWorks, the enclosure is optimized for outdoor use. It features weather-resistant sealing and an ergonomic form factor that facilitates easy mounting in diverse environments.
  • Modularity and Scalability:
    The architecture is modular, allowing for the integration of additional sensors or communication modules, making it adaptable to a wide range of monitoring scenarios.
Integrated sensor modules, the assembly process, and real-world field deployment.

Technical Highlights

  • IoT Connectivity:
    Equipped with WiFi (and optional LoRa modules), the device transmits real-time data to cloud-based platforms for remote monitoring.
  • Energy Efficiency:
    Optimized circuitry and low-power sensors ensure prolonged battery life even in remote deployments.
  • User-Friendly Data Visualization:
    Compatible with mobile and web dashboards that display real-time analytics and historical trends.
  • Expandable Design:
    The modular architecture allows for easy incorporation of additional sensors, making it suitable for diverse agricultural or research needs.

Applications and Future Enhancements

Ideal for:

  • Smart Agriculture:
    Monitoring soil and environmental conditions to optimize irrigation and resource use.
  • Environmental Research:
    Collecting data for long-term studies on climate and ecosystem health.
  • DIY and Maker Projects:
    Providing a robust platform for hobbyists and innovators in the IoT space.

Future improvements include incorporating advanced analytics with machine learning, integrating automated irrigation controls, and expanding sensor capabilities for broader environmental data capture.

Plant PCB is a testament to the power of custom engineering and open-source innovation in creating practical, scalable solutions for modern agriculture and environmental monitoring.