Any devices out there that would integrate with Vera and give me soil moisture level? Really would just need dry/wet.
Correct me if I’m wrong but that is a mood lighting controller and the question was about soil moisture sensors… If you scroll down the linked page it has a couple clicky links to sensors on a Russian(?) page but there’s no information on how to integrate this with a Vera controller…
The reason why I am stating this is I, like the OP, am in the midst of researching irrigation control using the Vera.
According to the manual, you can attach up to 4 sensors working in range 0-10V, so it should be possible to attach moisture sensor to it.
Did anyone tried that in real life?
I am trying to get some solution as well.
You can build your own using an Arduino or better still a Z-Uno.
Soil Moisture sensors are available which quickly connect to either of the above devices.
Look at the example of a water level meter, substitute the level meter for a soil moisture sensor.
Start with this:
http://z-uno.z-wave.me/examples/waterlevel/
Google Arduino & Soil Moisture for other solutions.
I did some research and contacted Fibaro support - unfortunately they recommend attaching 0-10V sensors, while most of the Arduino ones is 0-5V.
I would like to avoid build complete Arduino/Z-Uno controller to manage this since I want to design it to work outside the house.
I’ve ordered Arduino soil moisture sensor and will try to play with it. In worst case it should work as 0/1 unit, where sensitivity is set up via potentiometer.