Setup Guide
Get your FieldBonnet up and running in a few minutes. No app required.
Quick Start
FieldBonnet sets up through its built-in WiFi hotspot. Connect from any phone or computer — no app download needed.
Charge
Connect via USB-C to charge. Ships with enough charge to get started.
Connect
Hold the button for 3 seconds. Connect to the "FieldBonnet" WiFi network from your phone.
Configure
Walk through the setup wizard: WiFi, email, plant profile, and notification preferences.
Detailed Setup Instructions
Charge Your FieldBonnet
Connect the USB-C cable to charge. The LED will show the charging status. A full charge takes about 2 hours and lasts 6-12 months depending on your notification frequency.
Activate the Hotspot
Hold the button for 3 seconds until the LED indicates hotspot mode. FieldBonnet creates a WiFi network called "FieldBonnet" that you can connect to from any phone, tablet, or computer.
Complete the Setup Wizard
Once connected to the FieldBonnet network, a setup page opens automatically (or navigate to fieldbonnet.local). Enter your home WiFi credentials, email address for notifications, select your plant profile from 26 options, name your probe, and choose your notification frequency.
Place in Soil
Insert the probe into your soil. Position it about halfway between the plant stem and the edge of the pot, deep enough that the sensing zones are fully covered. This puts the sensor at root level where moisture measurement matters most.
LED Indicator Guide
FieldBonnet uses a red/green LED to communicate status:
| LED | Meaning | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Green | On Track | Moisture level is within the ideal range for your plant profile. No action needed. |
| Red | Needs Attention | Soil is outside the ideal range. Check your email for specific guidance. |
| Red + Green (amber) | Connecting | FieldBonnet is connecting to WiFi or sending a reading. Wait a moment. |
| Slow pulse | Hotspot Active | Ready for setup. Connect to the "FieldBonnet" WiFi network. |
Tips for Best Results
Placement
- Insert the probe at root level, not just in the top layer of soil
- Place halfway between the stem and pot edge for representative readings
- Avoid placing directly against the pot wall
- For larger pots or garden beds, insert deeper to reach the root zone
WiFi
- FieldBonnet needs to reach your WiFi network from its location in the soil
- If WiFi is weak at the plant's location, consider a WiFi extender
- The sensor reconnects automatically after power outages
Maintenance
- Clean the probe gently with a damp cloth if needed
- Recharge via USB-C when you receive the low-battery email (every 6-12 months)
- To reconfigure, hold the button for 3 seconds to re-enter hotspot mode
Troubleshooting
Make sure you entered your WiFi credentials correctly during setup. FieldBonnet supports 2.4GHz networks (not 5GHz). If it still won't connect, hold the button for 3 seconds to re-enter hotspot mode and try again.
Check your spam/junk folder for emails from Tend. Ensure the email address you entered during setup is correct. You can re-enter hotspot mode to update your email address.
Moisture can vary in different parts of the pot. Try positioning FieldBonnet closer to the plant's main roots. Ensure the probe's sensing zones are fully inserted into the soil, not just the surface layer.
6-12 months on a single charge, depending on reading frequency. FieldBonnet uses deep sleep between readings to conserve power. You'll receive an email when the battery is getting low.
This is normal. The top layer of soil dries out much faster than deeper layers. FieldBonnet measures moisture at root level, which is what actually matters for your plant. Trust the reading.