Grow Controller ?'s

Hey everyone, been a long time since I've posted on here as other things in my life have taken priority. One of them being the project I'd like some input on from all of you. I've designed a garden controller that compiles all monitoring and controlling products into a single item and is controllable via software from smartphones, tablets, and computers.
We're just getting to the prototype stage, and what I'd like to do is get some input on what type of setup most of you would prefer. The idea is to make this as simple as possible to use while still offering the most versatility and adjustability. So we were thinking of including high amperage item outputs into the box rather than what most similar products do: use a trigger output that still requires a light controller, a/c controller, etc. Those of you experienced with some of these higher end items know what I'm talking about. I've always questioned the purpose of a "master controller" that still needs to have every piece of equipment you'd buy anyway. Doesn't seem to save money, setup hassle, or maintenance for the most part.

Would you prefer to have the components be combined into a single unit which would obviously cost more than leaving them out, but ultimately be cheaper than having to buy all the separate equipment? Or would you rather have the option to choose your own light controllers etc and just plug them into this unit?

Also, any input on software functions, hardware design, or general usability are welcome. Thanks!!

I wouldn't want anything located in one spot that everything has to be connected to, and I don't like extension cords.


- Jiji

jijiandfarmgang said:

I wouldn't want anything located in one spot that everything has to be connected to, and I don't like extension cords.


- Jiji

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Got it, thanks. Do you have something you WOULD prefer as a suggestion? Do you care to automate/control all your equipment from a single unit or is that too much hassle?

For me, reliability is most critical.

If the one box that does everything were to fail I have a lot bigger issue on my hands than replacement of a thermostat or timer or contactor.

My company has been offered the opportunity to test other manufacturers products and we passed due to known logic bugs and inherent IP stack security issues.

I'm only advising my clients to use reliable technologies that are inherently simple and rely on easily replaced components.

KISS rule applies with automation.

I prefer analog for everything except CO2 controllers.

SnapsProvolone said:

For me, reliability is most critical.

If the one box that does everything were to fail I have a lot bigger issue on my hands than replacement of a thermostat or timer or contactor.

My company has been offered the opportunity to test other manufacturers products and we passed due to known logic bugs and inherent IP stack security issues.

I'm only advising my clients to use reliable technologies that are inherently simple and rely on easily replaced components.

KISS rule applies with automation.

I prefer analog for everything except CO2 controllers.

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Totally understand reliability concerns. But analog anything requires manual adjustment and eyes-on, no remote monitoring or control correct?

If it's setup properly, no need for any adjustments.

Any remote monitoring other than independent video/security equipment is, imho, superfluous. Might be fun for geeking out on but not necessarily an enhancement.

It should also be noted that leak detection, air or water pump failures, power failures and the like may all easily become "zones" in your security system.

SnapsProvolone said:

If it's setup properly, no need for any adjustments.

Any remote monitoring other than independent video/security equipment is, imho, superfluous. Might be fun for geeking out on but not necessarily an enhancement.

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You don't change pH, nutrients, co2, temps, humidity, etc. as your plants go from clone to flower? Not trying to convince you that you need a product I'm not done designing yet or anything LOL, just seems a bit less than optimal to not adjust to plants' needs throughout their cycles. Also, think of the fact that pot only makes up a small % of total agriculture and other plants are MUCH more demanding/changing

SnapsProvolone said:

It should also be noted that leak detection, air or water pump failures, power failures and the like may all easily become "zones" in your security system.

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Yeah, we've included features like that. Simple water detection sensor for leaks, high temp shutoff, etc. & an alert system through the software.

That word software is where I'm off the train. Bug or unadvertised feature?

A device that is overly complex, designed to increase productivity or ensure against loss/damage quickly becomes counterproductive with one failure due to a software bug. Mechanical / electrical issues will always be inherently required but using an analog system for critical functions eliminates the possibility of software issues costing a very expensive harvest.

As to nutrients, this issue is simply dealt with through various means (large res flood n drain or DWC).

Others are trying to sell their competing products like iponic 624's. Not gaining a significant market share imho.

I used to work in IT back in the 90's. Large environment, AS/400's, PC's, design & manufacturing.

I've seen the havoc a little software can create. IMO, there's not enough benefit to outweigh the negative in this industry.

As Im sure you know the 90's were a very different time technologically speaking. I understand your point and that reliability is #1 otherwise its completely worthless, but to say software shouldn't to be used because of the possibility of failure would also say we shouldn't land on the moon, talk over computers, or have smartphones Innovation has its risks and setbacks.

Have you ever played with the iponic/grobot? I've found quite a few issues with the basic functionality, UI, pricing, etc which is some of what we're working on addressing. And they're actually doing pretty well despite all their issues. The only malfunctions I've ever heard of are with the mechanical components; pumps, valves, o-rings, etc. And others are doing even better in the industrial agriculture industry, nearly all major players have or are automating biomedical facilities, greenhouses, even farms. Sustainability is going to depend on that type of technology.

Really value your input and concerns, we'll have to agree to disagree about the benefits and risks though.

is this thread about grow soft ware? I'm not understanding.

a mongo frog said:

is this thread about grow soft ware? I'm not understanding.

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Its about hardware thats controlled by software

mike91sr said:

Its about hardware thats controlled by software

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do u mean like timers or being able to change the a/c via smart phone?

a mongo frog said:

do u mean like timers or being able to change the a/c via smart phone?

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The latter, though that doesnt do justice to the concept. Check out the iponic, grobot, agrowtek, etc.

Like Snaps said I wouldn't want to rely on just 1 component. I like what Gavita has done with their E series ballast and controller, high temp shutoff, output level, auto dim temp, ramp timing, alarm output etc

Automatic dosing, ph balance etc, I wouldn't be interested in.

Data logging of different paramters, temps etc would be interesting.

Also maybe an exhaust fan or secondary fan output with fuzzy logic for temperature adjustment.

I would think the target as generally said above would be a hobbyist, not someone taking growing seriously.

Just my thoughts

- Jiji

jijiandfarmgang said:

Like Snaps said I wouldn't want to rely on just 1 component. I like what Gavita has done with their E series ballast and controller, high temp shutoff, output level, auto dim temp, ramp timing, alarm output etc

Automatic dosing, ph balance etc, I wouldn't be interested in.

Data logging of different paramters, temps etc would be interesting.

Also maybe an exhaust fan or secondary fan output with fuzzy logic for temperature adjustment.

I would think the target as generally said above would be a hobbyist, not someone taking growing seriously.

Just my thoughts

- Jiji

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Good points, thanks for the input! Our target market ranges from slightly higher end but smaller applications to large scale industrial. Anyone running a tent or closet would be spending more on the controller than everything else combined, not very financially viable IMO.

mike91sr said:

Good points, thanks for the input! Our target market ranges from slightly higher end but smaller applications to large scale industrial. Anyone running a tent or closet would be spending more on the controller than everything else combined, not very financially viable IMO.

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A large scale industrial grow would have employees, on site or in ready response mode, who would address all of the issues you raise for your software. It might be nice to have monitoring capability, but that should be in your security monitoring plan.