Vivosun now in the 'smart controller' ecosystem/game.

I don't know if y'all saw this but looks like Vivosun is introducing an all-in-one WIFI controller not so different from the one that AC Infinity is releasing (Controller 69). I just got an email about it and while I'm pretty happy with the AC-I stuff and will remain with that, it was interesting enough to have a looksee.

Form factor is similar, with both older and newer USB-C connectors, can control fans/schedules, also can time and dim lights and looks to have Seedling, Veg and Flower schedules available and has 'inside' and 'outside' sensors. Looks to be pretty well thought out and designed too.





Alas, I'm not necessarily one for doing a 'one stop shop' of gear from a single manufacturer, but I know that there are some who would do so. I'll keep my HLG's and use my AC-I controller for all the fans. But this DOES look like a nice bit of kit for $99.

Sadly they’re out of stock. But it appears to be a good option for those of us who aren’t ready or able to drop $300 on a controller.

hotrodharley said:

Sadly they’re out of stock. But it appears to be a good option for those of us who aren’t ready or able to drop $300 on a controller.

Click to expand...

I think it's 'out of stock' because its brand new and they haven't gotten their first run yet. I saw something suggesting 'pre-order'.

My only difficulty with any of these is that my HLG's don't have any kind of control connectability...but I really DO like the ability to set up parameters for the fans, monitor conditions while away from home and all that. I'll also eventually get a couple circulation fans that I can use the controller to time their on/off cycles. Right now I have my circulation 6" fans on smart plugs that time on/off alternation.

LeastExpectedGrower said:

I think it's 'out of stock' because its brand new and they haven't gotten their first run yet. I saw something suggesting 'pre-order'.

My only difficulty with any of these is that my HLG's don't have any kind of control connectability...but I really DO like the ability to set up parameters for the fans, monitor conditions while away from home and all that. I'll also eventually get a couple circulation fans that I can use the controller to time their on/off cycles. Right now I have my circulation 6" fans on smart plugs that time on/off alternation.

Click to expand...

I love my Inkbird controllers. They’ve been a real boon.

hotrodharley said:

I love my Inkbird controllers. They’ve been a real boon.

Click to expand...

I have a few of those too...one for my heater, one for my humidifier. I don't do AC, but I use the AC Infinity controller/fans to keep my temps from getting too high as well as controlling humidity. Works pretty well to keep things in a zone that's within a handful of percentage points/degrees.

Would be really great to have one unit that does most everything though.

Also, I currently love this little heater:


400w, so it's easy on the amperage as well as the wallet, super thin and small so it doesn't fill up my little tent and since it's an oil-filled, I have a relative sense of safety with it.

I'm surprised at how effectively it can keep my lights-out temps in the range of 78-81 with an Inkbird set at 81.

LeastExpectedGrower said:

I have a few of those too...one for my heater, one for my humidifier. I don't do AC, but I use the AC Infinity controller/fans to keep my temps from getting too high as well as controlling humidity. Works pretty well to keep things in a zone that's within a handful of percentage points/degrees.

Would be really great to have one unit that does most everything though.

Also, I currently love this little heater:

Newair Portable 400-watt Under Desk Heater with Slim Fit Design and Silent, Energy Efficient Operation

This slim space heater slides right under your desk. The oil-filled radiator works without a fan for totally silent heating that never interrupts your concentration. Heat up to 40 square feet around you without worrying about the cost — this powerful little heater won't spike your electric bills!

www.newair.com

400w, so it's easy on the amperage as well as the wallet, super thin and small so it doesn't fill up my little tent and since it's an oil-filled, I have a relative sense of safety with it.

I'm surprised at how effectively it can keep my lights-out temps in the range of 78-81 with an Inkbird set at 81.

Click to expand...

I use a 500 watt analog control ceramic desk heater. Cost $20 18 months ago. Works like a charm in a closed tent even with 24/7 air exchange.

Yeah they've got an add on here for the light and controller, don't think it's up for sale just yet.

I use the niwa now. I did use inkbird and it worked well. Good to have a seamless option including dimming/sunset options. Without diy.

Polly Wog said:

I use the niwa now. I did use inkbird and it worked well. Good to have a seamless option including dimming/sunset options. Without diy.

Click to expand...

Yeah, I like the outlet controllers like that and the Inkbird, but having the ability to control fan-speed and how it reacts, is a really nice thing with the AC Infinity fans. You have some ability to add nuance to your control. Being able to dim/adjust lighting would also make things easier...rather than me futzing with my light meter and the little internal dimmers on my HLG's...but at the same time, its a matter of whether the lights you want are controllable or not and what paradigm they use to communicate.

The other thing is that it would be great to cut down on the number of sensors in the room. right now I have 2 inkbird, my AC-I controller and then another WIFI hygrometer/thermometer.