iponic 600: Buyer Beware

I've been using an iponic 600 for almost two years. During those two years, there have been two recurring problems:

1) The dehumidifier won't turn on during the last half-hour when the lights are on unless you set up a forced override.

2) The damn thing doesn't tell time correctly. It runs about 5 - 7 minutes slow during a 24 hour period. Consequently, the controller will run at least a half hour behind if you wait a week to reset the time. You basically have to reset the clock every day for it to function correctly.

The engineers at Link4 Corp have been aware of these problems for more than a year now and they've done nothing to fix them. They may be friendly when they answer the phone, but they're absolutely useless when it comes to fixing bugs in their controller. My patience has officially run out and I plan to buy an agrowtek controller in the near future. Does anyone have experience with that controller? I'd sure hate to throw my iponic controller in the trash only to get another crappy controller.

My digigro controller will drift if it isn't connected to a router. Only about 1 minute a month though.

Osburn said:

I've been using an iponic 600 for almost two years. During those two years, there have been two recurring problems:

1) The dehumidifier won't turn on during the last half-hour when the lights are on unless you set up a forced override.

2) The damn thing doesn't tell time correctly. It runs about 5 - 7 minutes slow during a 24 hour period. Consequently, the controller will run at least a half hour behind if you wait a week to reset the time. You basically have to reset the clock every day for it to function correctly.
.

Click to expand...

Have you factory reset your unit since there have been problems?

Does problem #1 still exist when you use and assign a different output for your dehuey?

For problem #2 it sounds like you need to change the internal battery, it is located next to the usb input

Yeah, I've tried everything. They even sent me a replacement before they figured out that they have some software problems. Problem #1 has happened ever since I got my original unit. It's not a huge deal, but it is kind of annoying. Problem #2 has happened ever since the last software update. I tried to go back to the old software, but it no longer interfaces well with the cloud.

I am in the same boat as you, can't say I have had the same problems with my Iponic controllers, but I am sick of Link4 blowing smoke up may ass. How many times are they going to start a series of videos only to never get into the advanced series. I have been on them about more in depth videos touching on things other than how to mount a box to the wall for about 2 years. I have had to send back one of my units for replacement. I really would like to send both my units back they both have cracks on the screen that are not justifiable. As far as agrowtek. They are expensive which you already know. They also have great customer service and are awesome to work with. I am in the middle of, actually the end of a waiting process to receive my new setup. I have had my order on layaway with them since December which I think is great they allow us to do that. They don't seems to mind how long it takes to pay it off or how big of an order it is. I have a GC-PRO-XL Hydro model controller with two temp/light/hum sensors one with the added co2 along with 2 hydo sensors and two banks of the 4 dosing pumps, two rd12 dry contact relay panels, and added the touch screen, Ethernet, and poly enclosure option. I also have added the XD-8 expansion module. two give me the total of 24 outputs to control the dual Rd-12 panels. It's over kill on the outputs don't need anything close to that but rather go big and grow into it. That is what I like the most about the agrowtek is there always working on new products to keep there products ahead of the game. They build commercial/professional grow equipment not a hobby controller like the iponic. A three year warranty on there controllers as well. I cant say 100% but I think this will finally be the last controller I buy for a quite a few years. Come on one controller can control three rooms 2 hydro res. setups. and everything else you would ever need in between. Also most of the add on options they offer when ordering can be upgraded your self in the field. Will let you know what I think when I get it. Sending in my final payment this Month! Have done nothing but research since placing my order in December have yet to find even one negative comment on agrowtek. even there first product line of controllers are almost impossible to get your hands on used. They came out in 07. I look at like the most be still going strong if you cant ever see them online used for sale. Good look I hope you go for it. Please if you have any question P.M me. Might be able to offer some advice on placing your order. Have you talked with Mike or Tom yet? What are you think of ordering?

I actually just bought one of these, I haven't even had a chance to hook it up yet.

That GC-PRO-XL looks pretty sweet. I wish I had known about it before I plunked down $1000 for the iponic.

R.C. COLA, It's a lot more expensive, would you say you got what you paid for?

As far as the Agrowtek, I dont know yet. But I think it will be a great investment. As for the Iponic For 1000 bucks i say it's worth it. Cant find anything else around for that price. I paid about the same as I did for the CAP complete groom controller I bought years ago. I like the Iponic hell of a lot better than that bulky analog dialed box. I hated the metal antenna coil temp sensor that if not careful would break right off. I am using one Iponic as just a light controller right now. I have each dual bulb 600 lumatek ballast on it's own output set as an on/off device.

R.C. Cola & Osburn,
I have more details of iPonic and Agrowtek. It may be useful for us. Email me at grower92646 at gmail if you prefer. Look forward to sharing the info.
Thank you.
Amy

So far so good with the iponic. It seems to have a lot of features I may or may not use.

One issue I had with it was that the number one relay got stuck in the 'ON' position. I had to open it up and press the conveniently placed 'RESET' button.