Frequently Asked Questions
How do your devices connect to the cloud?
- Our Home Base Stations connect to the internet using either cellular satellites or your site’s WiFi, depending on which base station you choose.
Do I have to pay for the cell service/data plan?
- No. However, we do require a monthly subscription for usage of all active thermometer probes, regardless of which base station you choose. Please visit ‘The Dashboard’ page for more information on the pricing structure for subscriptions.
How many probes can connect to one base station?
- As many as you would ever need at a given site.
Do both base station options have a battery?
- No. The indoor plug-in version is intended to be always plugged in and does not have a back up battery. If there is a loss of power at your site, you can always plug in the base station to a different power source (computer, portable charging unit, etc.) via a cord until power is restored at your site. The solar base station has the ability to charge the battery via the power of the sun (and can also be plugged into the wall to charge in extenuating circumstances).
How do I know if I can use the solar powered base station?
- This is highly dependent on several factors, including your climate, the time of year, and your individual site. We have three different solar panel size options and we do our best to pair your composting location with the proper solar panel by using a detailed online solar calculator. Please contact us if you would like help determining if the base station solar panel will work efficiently at your site.
How long will the thermometer probes last between charges?
- We are currently doing testing on this but our aim is for the probes to last for up to 1 year between charges.
How far away can the base station be from the probes still receive a reliable signal?
- We are currently doing testing on distances in different situations and will update this page when we have more concrete data.
How long are the probes? Can you sell longer ones?
- Through our experience with composting, we prefer a 91.44 cm long thermometer for thermophilic composting and a 20.32 cm long thermometer for vermicomposting. Those are the standard lengths that we produce. The housing for the electrical components on the probes adds to the total unit length. Please see the Specs of the individual items in the store for more details.
- Custom length temperature probes are manufactured upon request. Please contact us with an inquiry, if interested.
What if I am a small scale composter and don’t want a whole system?
- We are actively working on a “Grow as you go,” adaptation to our system so that small scale composter as well as very rural composters can utilize our thermometers. Our goal is for everyone to be able to compost using our devices, regardless of scale or location.
What if I don’t have cell service or WiFi at my site?
- We are actively working on a “Grow as you go,” adaptation to our system so that small scale composter as well as very rural composters can utilize our thermometers. Our goal is for everyone to be able to compost using our devices, regardless of scale or location.