Hi all, this thread will be me documenting my experience using a wine cooler, a dehumidifier, and the AC Infinity Pro controller, to automate the process of drying within an 8 to 10 day period, with minimal loss of terpenes. This works similar to the $1600 unit sold by a company to do the same thing, just a lot cheaper. If you don't mind diy, its a no brainer. I would like to acknowledge others in the community and elsewhere that motivated me to try this, and provided the correct wine cooler and humidifier, that would work. Hookdaddy, and PahPahCee, provided insight that would prove to be very helpful, thanks. Stay tuned as I will add more info and pictures, in the near future.
Drying and Curing using vpd
- Thread starter g4sho
- Start date
These are the tools I am using as the foundation for my little project, each does it's job well.
Amazon Links
Koolatron
Dehumidifier
AC Infinity Pro Controller and Fan
Bought it with the fan because the controller itself cost $99. Saved 20 bucks and got fan for free.
Moisture Meter
Grill Matts for racks
Amazon Links
Koolatron
Dehumidifier
AC Infinity Pro Controller and Fan
Bought it with the fan because the controller itself cost $99. Saved 20 bucks and got fan for free.
Moisture Meter
Grill Matts for racks
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And this is the star of the show. Mandarin Zkittlez. I will forever now be a scrog net person. I pulled more weight off this plant due to using that technique and topping, than I have in 10 other harvest of multiple plants. So far I have gotten over 650grams wet off this one plant, between last week harvest and this week. I already got two ounces dry, with another one from last week, drying at the top of Koolatron. So figure maybe 6-8 ounces off one plant. I'm with it.
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We got her all trimmed and have loaded her up in the Koolatron. Top layer is from last weeks harvest is why it is darker in color. It's been drying about 5 days. We go straight from wet trim(removing all fan leaves and some fluff) into the Koolatron(No drying etc.)
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Next step is to setup AC Infinity Controller for VPD also we will need to calibrate temp/humidity sensor to match the temp of Koolatron. I also use a hygrometer to calibrate humidity. As long as the temp reading on controller and koolatron are within +/- 1degree, we are good. The Koolatron setpoint should be 66 degrees. We want to make sure our temp reading never exceeds 69 degrees throughout this process, as we lose terpenes at 70 and above.
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UIC adapter for dehumidifier is also needed had to add it down here as it would not let me edit the original list.
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Actually probably closer to about 450 grams wet, depending on your trim. This is with the modification of the dehumidifier, as we take it out of its shell in order to maximize drying space. I will post picture of how mine is setup. I found that I could just run my wires thru door and it would close and seal like normal. No need to cut anything out, or modify cooler.
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Here is a video that I have based my procedure and setpoints on. Our goal is to complete the drying process in 8 to 10 days with minimal loss of terpenes. This is separate from the curing process, which would start after this step is completed. The new research in the cannabis industry is starting to bear some fruit. I highly recommend watching this video for all.
These are the guidelines we are using to produce our result.
These are the guidelines we are using to produce our result.
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UnknownRemedy
Well-Known Member
This is what I bought. You don't have to buy a separate adapter for the dehumidifier. It is exactly the same as the controller just without being able to add more than 2 devices. It's also slightly cheaper.
Ac infinity controller 79
Yes that is correct with that controller. And it can be used also, as long as you can program it to operate off vpd for what I am doing, and I think you can. I am using the higher level pro model. So if you are using the 69 pro, then you will need the adapter mentioned. I bought the better controller with the addition of a fan that I use in my grow tents, for $10 more, not including the uic adapter. But the main thing is it can perform vpd triggering.
UnknownRemedy
Well-Known Member
Yeah that one performs vpd triggering. I use the controller 69 pro for my tent with a couple UIC adapters. But the 79 has the 2 included. I was just adding another cheaper option for vpd controlling with WiFi support. Looks and acts the same as the 69.
Excellent!
DAY ONE
As expected there was a humidity spike when first loading up Koolatron full, it went up to a high of 84percent but then started dropping. As long as it doesn't stay that high for too long, we should be ok. By 6am things had started to steady, and start to actually pull moisture from plant. Any .kpa less than .6 will pull very little water from plant and more from the atmosphere, I believe. By 6 pm, we are on our way to drying plant, and reaching our .8kpa setpoint. Notice how well the temp holds steady at about 66 degrees thru out.
As expected there was a humidity spike when first loading up Koolatron full, it went up to a high of 84percent but then started dropping. As long as it doesn't stay that high for too long, we should be ok. By 6am things had started to steady, and start to actually pull moisture from plant. Any .kpa less than .6 will pull very little water from plant and more from the atmosphere, I believe. By 6 pm, we are on our way to drying plant, and reaching our .8kpa setpoint. Notice how well the temp holds steady at about 66 degrees thru out.
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DAY TWO
Things have stabilized out and we are cycling to our .8kpa vpd setpoint. As stated earlier we are looking for a 8 to10 day dry. And to get to a moisture meter reading of between 8 and 12 (13 at the very most). 8 to 10(Moisture reading) , works best for people that plan on smoking and 10 to 12 for those who vape their medicine. This will be based on the preference of the individual and or/ their environment. But being within that 8 to 12 ish window, is very important. I have attached pics showing a good moisture reading for dry, and a bad moisture meter reading for dry. I would check this once daily to verify things are working like you like. At about 7 days you should be getting close. When checking pick random buds from different locations.
Things have stabilized out and we are cycling to our .8kpa vpd setpoint. As stated earlier we are looking for a 8 to10 day dry. And to get to a moisture meter reading of between 8 and 12 (13 at the very most). 8 to 10(Moisture reading) , works best for people that plan on smoking and 10 to 12 for those who vape their medicine. This will be based on the preference of the individual and or/ their environment. But being within that 8 to 12 ish window, is very important. I have attached pics showing a good moisture reading for dry, and a bad moisture meter reading for dry. I would check this once daily to verify things are working like you like. At about 7 days you should be getting close. When checking pick random buds from different locations.
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HI g4sho,
thanks for your Report.
I planed to do the same build here in Germany.
If Possible can you please add the screnshots with the distibrution diagram. I also use AC Ifitity for grow. And i think the distibituion tabel is the option to see how stabe the system is.
I also had the idea to controll the Fans of the Dehumidifier and of the fridge seperetly to get more precision.
However, your values currently look as if this is not necessary.
I found an artikel on GROWER.CH how to controll PC Fans(PWM) with the Controller 69.
thanks for your Report.
I planed to do the same build here in Germany.
If Possible can you please add the screnshots with the distibrution diagram. I also use AC Ifitity for grow. And i think the distibituion tabel is the option to see how stabe the system is.
I also had the idea to controll the Fans of the Dehumidifier and of the fridge seperetly to get more precision.
However, your values currently look as if this is not necessary.
I found an artikel on GROWER.CH how to controll PC Fans(PWM) with the Controller 69.
I will see what I can do. What info does the distribution graphs provide over the min max and avg. graphs? Looking at them I cant tell. And yes, based on the numbers for temp humidity etc, I don't think separate fan control is necessary, as it is pretty stable, except when you open door for any period. You will then have a small spike, but then settles down pretty quick.
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