Description
Contact me for information if you want to run this in your garden too.
Who This Is For:
If you’re running cycle timers for frequent irrigation and your environment isn’t climate-controlled perfection 24/7/365, this is for you. Your VPD moves. Your plants know it. Now your cycle timer does too.
Who This Is NOT For:
Hand-watering in soil every few days? Have you locked down VPD at 1.0 kPa year-round? Static schedules work fine when conditions never change. This Irrigation controller is for real-world grows where temperature swings, humidity shifts, and seasonal extremes are part of the game.
The Problem:
Traditional cycle timers treat every hour the same. 3am in winter gets identical watering to 3pm in summer. The result? Over watering during cool, humid mornings. Under watering during hot, dry afternoons. Your plants are stressed, your pumps are overworked, and you’re manually adjusting schedules like it’s 1997.
Moisture probes? Expensive, degrade over time, and worthless in media-less systems or high-saturation grows.
Light-based timers (photocells/PPFD)? They confuse brightness with need. A cold, bright winter morning triggers the same cycle as a blazing summer afternoon—completely ignoring the plant’s actual transpiration demand and you’re back to manually adjusting schedules.
The Solution: VPD-Driven Dynamic Scheduling
KindClimate monitors real-time Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD)—the driving force behind transpiration—and adjusts your watering frequency automatically. It’s still your cycle timer. It’s just smarter now.
How It Works:
- Your pump ON time stays the same (you set it: 3 seconds, 10 minutes, whatever your heart desires)
- KindClimate modulates the OFF interval between cycles based on live VPD readings
- Configure up to 5 VPD zones with custom OFF times for each—or use fewer zones by setting unused thresholds (0.1 kPa or 10.0 kPa) for a simple day/night cycle timer setup.
VPD Zone Examples:
Extreme High VPD (Critical Heat Stress): Shortest OFF interval. Rapid-fire cycles prevent desiccation during heat waves.
High VPD (Hot & Dry): Accelerated schedule. Frequent feeding matches peak transpiration demand.
Mid VPD (Optimal Zone): Balanced cycles. Standard timing for healthy, steady growth.
Low VPD (Cool & Humid): Extended OFF time. Prevents waterlogging, root rot, and pathogen buildup.
Extreme Low VPD (Cold/Saturated): Maximum OFF interval. System defense mode to protect roots and reduce pump wear.
Benefits:
✓ Responsive Precision: Reacts to environmental shifts in real-time—no manual schedule adjustments, ever.
✓ Efficiency Gains: Eliminates unnecessary watering cycles. Extends pump lifespan. Cuts power consumption.
✓ Seamless Adaptation: Compensates for day/night swings, weather fronts, seasonal transitions, and HVAC failures automatically.
✓ Fully Customizable: Every VPD zone and timing interval is adjustable. Compatible with any irrigation strategy—aeroponics, NFT, drip, ebb & flow, DTW.
✓ No Subscriptions. Ever. This isn’t SaaS. You own it. Local control. No cloud dependence. No monthly fees.
✓ It’s Still YOUR Timer: KindClimate doesn’t just replace your cycle timer—it upgrades it. Your ON time stays exactly what you set. It just make the OFF time intelligent.
Hardware:
- Open Source Platform: ESPHome firmware on ESP32 microcontroller
- DIY Component Kit: Ships predominantly assembled but unwired 120v for cost savings. Includes UL Recognized relay (10A max) and outlet components.
- Simple Assembly: Remove enclosure cover, connect 120v wires to device outlet, done.
- Industrial-Grade Environmental Probe: (5ft) SHT30 digital sensor encased in a 304 stainless steel housing. IP67 waterproof and dustproof. (±2% RH / ±0.2°C) even in 100% humidity environments.
Important: This product is supplied as components and code. Final assembly and electrical connection are the buyer’s responsibility. By purchasing, you accept all liability for proper installation and safe operation. Ensure compliance with local electrical codes. Maximum load: 10 amps.
Setup & Interface:
- WiFi Captive Portal: First-time setup via phone—connect to “KindClimate-Setup” network and enter your WiFi credentials
- Live Dashboard: Monitor real-time VPD, temperature, humidity, signal strength, and watering logs at http://kindclimate.local
- Local Network Web-Based Controls: Adjust all VPD thresholds and timing intervals directly from the interface—no app required
- Home Assistant Compatible: Out of Box HA recognition (optional) for long-term data logging and automation. (if you’re into that)
Applications:
Aeroponics • High-Pressure Misters • NFT • Drip Systems • Ebb & Flow • Drain-to-Waste • Any High-Frequency Irrigation
LEGAL DISCLAIMER & LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
1. High Voltage Warning: The “Builder’s Kit” requires the assembly of components involving 120V/240V mains electricity. This is dangerous and can be fatal if mishandled. KindClimate is not responsible for injury, fire, or damage resulting from improper wiring or assembly. If you are not a certified electrician or experienced with high-voltage electronics, do not attempt to assemble this device.
2. Crop Liability: KindClimate is an environmental automation tool designed to assist growers. It is not an insurance policy against crop loss. Mechanical failures (pumps, clogging, power outages) can occur in any system. By purchasing and using this device, you agree that KindClimate (and its creator) is not liable for any loss of crop, revenue, or time. You are responsible for monitoring your own garden.
3. Intellectual Property: The firmware provided on the pre-flashed ESP32 is proprietary and protected by Pending U.S. Patent Application. Attempting to reverse-engineer, decrypt, or distribute the code is a violation of intellectual property rights.