Questions about Sensi

Can I use Sensi locally without Cannalytix Cloud?

Yes. Your Sensi keeps recent readings in its own onboard memory and serves them on your network, and it publishes live readings on your LAN. The Cannalytix app (phone or computer), a web browser, or your own tools can read straight from the device. Cloud is not required for day‑to‑day monitoring on your LAN. Cloud adds sharing, gap‑free long‑term history, storage across locations, and alerting that keeps working when none of your own devices are awake.

Can several phones or laptops all watch the same tent locally?

Yes, on the same network. Each device reads from your Sensi and can keep its own local view or copy of what it has fetched. They are not “syncing with each other”; they are all reading from the same source (the Sensi on your LAN). For the same history on devices in different places (away from home, automatic handoff between phones), or history beyond the device's recent in‑memory window, use Cannalytix Cloud.

What is the difference between the app and the browser?

They are two clients to the same Cannalytix experience, not “app = phone, browser = laptop.” Either can run local (read your Sensi directly) or Cloud (sync and sharing). Use whichever you prefer on each device.

What is included without a subscription?

With hardware you get the on‑device display, local LAN access via app or browser, grow diary, Visual Diary / band view, and baseline analytics on your data, no subscription required for that local stack. Cannalytix Cloud adds sharing, reliable gap‑free history, long‑term storage, cloud alerting, and (eventually) cross‑device APIs. Launch buyers get Cloud per our current launch policy.

What is Cannalytix Pro?

Pro is a paid tier for operators who want API access, webhooks, multi‑site dashboards, and deeper integrations. It is not bundled with standard Sensi hardware at launch.

Do I need internet at all?

You need Wi‑Fi (or your LAN) for phones and computers to reach the Sensi. Cloud is optional. Initial setup uses BLE provisioning, then normal operation is over Wi‑Fi.

What is the difference between Sensi1 and Sensi2?

Both share the same environmental core: pressure‑aware VPD, temp/RH, real CO₂ (NDIR), and VOC aroma trends. Sensi¹ uses precision lux for light and is a fixed, non‑expandable SKU. Sensi₂ upgrades to quantum PAR/PPFD (RS485) and adds one external expansion port for official add‑ons like the Insight module.

Why doesn’t Sensi1 have an expansion port?

Sensi1 and Sensi2 use the same main PCB, but on Sensi1 the external expansion connector is not populated (DNP). There is no hidden port on the board. Sensi2 gets the populated connector and user‑accessible expansion. Enclosure details (shared shell vs capped punchout) are still being finalized.

What do model numbers mean? Is Sensi2 “better” because the number is higher?

Model numbers are product names and release order, not a strict power ranking. Sensi1 is the core volume model; Sensi2 is the pro/expandable line with PAR and modularity.

How much do they cost?

Planned MSRP: Sensi¹ from $159, Sensi₂ from $299. Insight and bundle pricing are on the Sensi product page. Founding pre‑order pricing may differ when pre‑orders open. Prices are subject to change.

What sensors are inside every Sensi?

Authenticated parts on a custom Sensi sensor board: Bosch BMP384 (barometric pressure), Sensirion SHT41 (temperature & humidity), SCD41 (NDIR CO₂ in ppm), and SGP41 (VOC / aroma index with humidity compensation). Light is a separate module: precision lux on Sensi1; Sensi2 adds quantum PAR/PPFD and keeps lux for dark-period light-leak detection.

What is the “digital nose” / VOC feature?

SGP41 drives an Aroma Index (VOC trend) that can help you spot stress patterns, possible mold‑risk shifts, and windows that may relate to peak harvest, using run‑relative trends, not a single magic number.

VOC trends are directional indicators, not guaranteed diagnosis.

Is CO₂ real or estimated?

Real NDIR ppm from SCD41, not eCO₂ from a gas sensor. Pressure from BMP384 is used for pressure‑aware VPD and to improve CO₂ accuracy.

Lux vs PAR: why does Sensi2 cost more?

Lux (Sensi1) is great for ambient light level. PAR/PPFD (Sensi2) is what growers use for canopy intensity, DLI, and fixture tuning. The PAR module is a major part of the cost difference between SKUs.

Can I export or automate my data?

Local/open paths include CSV, MQTT, and a local API on the device/LAN side. Deeper API, webhooks, and multi‑site tooling are aimed at Cannalytix Pro. Exact export surface at launch will be documented with the app release notes.

What is the Sensi Insight module?

An optional Sensi₂ add‑on that plugs into the single expansion port. It combines airflow (FS3000‑class) and multispectral / color trend (AS7341 or similar) for circulation and light‑fixture diagnostics. It also acts as an expansion hub for downstream probes (see below). Not required for core env monitoring. Shipping timeline TBD relative to base Sensi launch.

Will soil moisture / pH / EC probes work with Sensi?

Planned through the Insight module, not the base Sensi alone. Phase 1: cheap analog moisture probes into a multi‑channel I2C ADC on Insight (calibration in firmware/app). Phase 2 (post‑launch): pH and EC as dedicated I2C probe modules (Atlas EZO‑class front ends) on the same bus. Waterproof M8 connectors; analog and I2C ports use different keying so probes cannot be cross‑plugged.

What is SensiCam?

A roadmap AI vision add‑on, separate from the core Sensi SKU so entry price stays focused on environment. Goal: time‑series plant visuals correlated with sensor trends in Cannalytix (“better or worse than yesterday?” with data context). Not on the I2C expansion bus (too much bandwidth). Options under study: standalone Wi‑Fi camera, or wired SPI still camera via internal headers. Decision deferred. Concept only until announced.

Can I use random third‑party Qwiic/Stemma modules on Sensi2?

Official support is for Danktronix expansion products built for our M8 I2C pinout and power budget. During R&D you can use breakouts on the harness for bring‑up; production units use our integrated sensor board, not a stack of retail modules.

How do I set up Sensi?

USB‑C power, mount at canopy or planter height, join your Wi‑Fi via BLE provisioning, then open the app and point it at your Sensi on the LAN. Readings update on the on‑device display and in the app on a typical 30–60 second cadence.

Is the enclosure sealed?

No, intentionally vented. Accurate temp, humidity, pressure, and CO₂ need ambient exchange. High‑open vent regions sit near sensing paths; electronics live in more protected zones.

Why do you call it “scientific‑grade”?

Authenticated sensor ICs (not no‑name clones), a 4‑layer PCB, tier‑one passives where it matters, an on‑device display, and fusion firmware (VPD, CO₂ pressure comp, aroma index), priced for serious home growers, not disposable hub gadgets.