Comment by montycompostco

Thank you so much for these questions! For clarity, I’ll copy and paste the question for each response:

Q: Can your sensor product feed data to open-source software for hobbyist and professional agriculture?

A: Yes, our sensors can definitely feed data into open-source platforms, making them a great fit for both hobbyist and professional agriculture setups. The guide offers a helpful starting point for integration. Additionally, data collected by the sensors can be exported as a CSV through our consumer app. This makes it easy to process the information or import it into FarmOS or other open-source tools you might be using.

Q: Where is the identifier on the sensor? How does the user scan the visually-confirmable sensor barcode or QR code or similar and associate that with a garden bed or a container?

A: Each sensor uses its unique MAC address as its name. To make setup even easier, each device features a visually confirmable barcode or QR code. Once connected, the sensor’s indicator lights confirm the connection status, so you’ll know right away when it’s properly associated.

Q: How does it notify of low battery status; is there a voltage reading to predict the out-of-battery condition? Is there a configurable polling interval?

A: For low battery notifications, the device features a red indicator light that activates when the battery is running low. Additionally, you can poll the device over Bluetooth to get the current battery level.

Q: How do I find a sensor unit with a dead battery; is there a low-power chirp, or do I need a metal detector or very directional wireless sensors and triangulation or trilateration?

A: A low battery is signalled by the sensor’s lights turning orange, while a dead battery is indicated by the absence of flashing blue lights. If the sensor still has some power, you can poll it via Bluetooth to check its battery level.

Q: Are there nooks and crannies in the casing?

A: Yes, if you’re thinking of something specific for this — please let me know! I’m happy to chat further :)

Q: How to replace the battery?

A: Currently, the battery in our sensors is not replaceable. However, when the device reaches the end of its life, we’re committed to sustainability. We plan to offer users a significant replacement discount and take back the module and responsibly recycle it into new Montys. Interestingly, the original Monty design included a removable battery pack. Through testing, we discovered that most connectors weren’t durable enough to withstand the tough composting environment, so we shifted to a sealed design to ensure long-term reliability.

Q: Can they be made out of compostable materials? E.g. carbon with existing nanofabrication capabilities

A: We’ve trialed biodegradable plastics in the past, but we found that they degraded in the field. Instead, we’ve opted for a 100% recyclable plastic material to ensure that it is able top withstand harsh compost conditions.

Hopefully, I’ve covered everything here—if you have any further questions, just let me know!