I got mine for the extra ports too and still set everything manually. I think they should spend more time perfecting the AI then releasing some of their other new products. One thing I don't like is that I don't have full use of all of the features of the circulation fans outside of AI. Turns out I didn't need the extra ports as none of my fans are even plugged into the controller.
I ran into some of the same issues with AI. For instance I have three circulation fans labled top, middle, and bottom. I prefer them to use a controller port each for the flexibility of setting intensity and duration. Those same fans getting a port was the first sacrifice juggling only having 4 ports on the standard controller 69. When I set the AI, the temp dropped to 75 from the 77 I prefer in early weeks. AI took control of the fans and had them up to 6, when I prefer the gentlest breeze of 1 or 2 on seedlings. I definitley didn’t give the AI control of the light either as I’m sure it will start at their suggested 40% which will bake seedlings with the EVO fixture. It was ok to take control of the humidifier and had it at 65%, but once again I can set that manually. So yea AI has been a mixed bag, love the flexibility, but they gotta fine tune it more. The design of internal and external temperature sensors on the AI controller is superior at regulating your setup more precisely, though.
Interesting info. "In for a penny in for a pound".
In AI I can set each individual fan for the speed and swing to be constantly changing from 1 to 10 which is a feature I like and want. When not in AI I can only set the speed to one set speed between 1 and 10 and no adjustment of the degree of swing. The only way to access the variable settings outside of AI is to set them individually directly on the back of each fan.
The AI basically wants to run each device that you select to work with it, according to plant stage. variables like fan speed, wernt to my liking for stage of growth. It seemed to adjust temperature and humidity to 75/60 which was good for stage. As for light, Im sure it would default to 40% which I have found will pelt seedlings with light even at 24”.
Agreed the AI has a way to go, but they will tweak it via updates. For now, I can dial things in easier and more precise. An experienced user is going to be able to better dial in their space through the tried and true non AI. I like full control over all ac infinity devices, and have enough of them to fill seven ports! Cant taking any chances until the fine tune the AI.
