It's been a busy week. We are getting closer to grape harvest and preparations are in full swing. This weekend I managed to finish the 3 Vinduino handheld reader prototypes for the Hackaday Best product contest. Three colorful products are now on their way to the eagerly awaiting Hackaday judges.

Meanwhile in the vineyard, I still see low moisture readings from the higher (2' and 4') sensors. Irrigation during daylight shows a possible cause (see picture). I installed an additional dripper to irrigate directly in the sensor zone, removing another dripper to make sure my readings stay "honest".

With just a few weeks before harvest I am not experimenting with irrigation schedules anymore, no changes until the grapes are brought in and processed. Picture from this weekend, all is looking well. No sign of water stress, although we saved 33% water last month compared to last year.

Spanish Maker Paco Canton shared his design of a soil moisture sensor with me last year. Using hair curlers and 3-D printed components he made an interesting variant of the gypsum sensor.
http://unpuntilloalambre.blogspot.com.es/2014/01/gypsum-block-for-soil-moisture-sensor.html

Matt Upson is on the same track: http://ivyleavedtoadflax.github.io//arduino/SylvaSense-2/