controllers, which ones are the best

[NorCal]

was recently at the grow shop and I went in to get me a cap c02-2 they were out so they were trying to sell me a similar model made by some guy that left cap or something, then there were the green air products controllers but I was really stuck on hte caps as my good friend uses it and he loves it, what are your guys' experiences and which ones do you guys prefer,
I mainly want something to regulate my co2 and control my atmosphere, thanx

 

[Guest]

From what I understand the fuzzy logic controllers are best. A buddy has a Plug N Grow model and loves it. I've heard the Cap PPM3 units, not fuzzy logic but much less expensive, are currently experiencing a high failure rate. Seems they can lose the settings on power loss as the memory portion of the circuit is failing. Fuzzy logic helps the unit 'learn' your environment and in the long run will save lots of CO2. Cap does make a fuzzy logic unit but I'd lean toward the Plug unit if cost was close...mainly due to how happy my friend is.

 

[Guest]

Go with Growtrinix! Its the best there is. I sold aall my cap and green air and actually saved money. Total control from anywhere in the world!

 

[NorCal]

Go with Growtrinix! Its the best there is. I sold aall my cap and green air and actually saved money. Total control from anywhere in the world!

is there a site to check em out @?

 

[Guest]

NorCal...it's Growtronix...I think providing an outside link is a no-no here. Just Google that name.

 

[NPK]

Redux, is the GrowTronix tricky to set up? You run it from your computer, right?

 

[Guest]

Thanks Redux I cant spell for shite!

yes its the name then .com Dj is a former OG'er from a long time past.. Really good shit

Total compter automaztion is the easiest, cheapest, fastest and the ONLY way to grow.

You can control everything! Lights, pumps, CO2, temp, humidity, res temps, PH and tds levels and best of all you can moniter it from anywhere in the world!

I have been using Growtronix for the last year and I have to say it has made my life much easier and my plants much happier.

Do a google for Growtronix I promise you you will NOT be disapointed.

Now for my disclaimer, I know I dont talk much on these sites however I do read on here daily what I have learned of the last couple of years would have taken 5 times longer if I didnt read and read and read. I really dont konw why I am even speaking out on this now (I need to get to work in my garden) but I really do think that computerization is the wave of the future in growing the best plants. As I mentioned earlier, I get nothing from promoting this system, but from the bottom of my heart I really do believe this will help the community of growers. Grow smarter!!!!!!!


Yes it will run on alsomst any PCusing windows

 

[Guest]

I don't have one but have heard good things about it from others. Right now I'm using simple mechanical timers and digital thermostats. I'm gonna take a closer look at the Growtronix stuff tonight as I help alot of people out. The unit looks sweet...damn...that sale ends today.

 

[[]D[][]V[][]D]

I too use growtronix and think its by far the best controller available. It does hook up to the computer and it's not tough to setup at all. Just plug in the sensors and relays add them to the software and then setup the control policies. GT can do so much more than a standard controller I think the best thing is the versitility. I've changed my grow many times and I can use the same hardware in different ways without needing to buy new stuff. There are many other benefits for example I have my lights controlled by GT and if the power goes out. The system automatically restarts when power comes back but it then keeps the lights off for 20 minutes to avoid firing a hot bulb and sends me a text message to my cellphone saying that the power went out. The new grow journal is really cool too. Not to mention the peace of mind factor with the Flood senors and the door sensors. Over at gardenscure there is a guy named hydro_man who has a sweet setup he's got a smoke detector hooked up to growtronix. Something I plan to add to my setup soon.

 

[billbob]

the units by the ex cap workers I have seen. They look very cool and probably good stuff. Green air works well. Plug n Grow is great stuff and good tech line too!

 

[NPK]

Hey []D[][]V[][]D (heh, I had to copy your name to get it right), that sounds brilliant. Right now my equipment is a hodgepodge of timers and cyclestats, and I suspect it ain't working right because sometimes I can hear my CO2 burner clicking on during the dark hours. I hate the idea of burning gas needlessly.

I currently hand-water coco but want to convert to an automated drip system. I see that GrowTronix can control pumps...or just about anything, really. I'd been thinking about adding still more timers to my mix, but man, GrowTronix is looking very attractive. It would really tighten things up. And even with the sale ending today ( naturally ) the system is cheaper than many other environmental control options. I am seriously tempted. That phone notification thingie is *awesome* too.

I think I'll take a look-see at the user manual to get an idea of how it all works. Do you have to keep a laptop in the grow room?

 

[[]D[][]V[][]D]

I've done it 2 ways. In my old location I just ran a phone cord from the serial port adapter to the grow room which was the next room over. My current room is too far so I ended up putting an old 400mgz computer right outside the room. The computer has a wireless wifi card and I usually just connect to it from my normal computer in my office or from my cellphone with the quickview.

 

[[]D[][]V[][]D]

Another thing if your doing co2 you can get cheap telaire 8001's on ebay for around $100. That with the co2 adapter and an extra outlet on a relay and you got a kick ass co2 controller for cheap.

 

[konstantgrdnr]

okay, I'm in, I've been doing research and automation is the next frontier, i also believe that matching the logged information ie, Temp,Ph,Ec,humidity etc you receive from each grow will answer the majority of questions regarding, if a particular recipe,fromula,additive, music, whatever works. The next level in growing i believe will come with the Databasing of the results in a program like filemaker this will allow growers to fine tune and maximize the results. here is a great place for all who want to swallow the Greeen pill

http://www.automatedaquariums.com/index.htm

simplicity being the key list your ideas on

automation software/hardware
database software for cataloging
etc..............

 

[Guest]

okay, I'm in, I've been doing research and automation is the next frontier, i also believe that matching the logged information ie, Temp,Ph,Ec,humidity etc you receive from each grow will answer the majority of questions regarding, if a particular recipe,fromula,additive, music, whatever works. The next level in growing i believe will come with the Databasing of the results in a program like filemaker this will allow growers to fine tune and maximize the results. here is a great place for all who want to swallow the Greeen pill

http://www.automatedaquariums.com/index.htm

simplicity being the key list your ideas on

automation software/hardware
database software for cataloging
etc..............

Growtronix has datalogging and a Grow Jornel, Very cutting edge

 

[Guest]

I love my cap PPM3,it save a ton of propane for 1 thing and its the least expensive.My hydro store has never had one come back in the 3 years they've been open so I dont know about this high failure rate

 

[Guest]

I agree that the Cap PPM3's are a very inexpensive alternative in regards to CO2 control. In general I've heard nothing but good things from users. The failure information was from a friend at a grow store who said the issue is recent and indicated an increase in problems with the units. Didn't sound like a major problem but there's definitely something going on from his point of view.

 

[konstantgrdnr]

if you look on the website listed on the post before the system i mentioned can control all that everything and i mean everything for much much cheaper if you just do the research further more with all the add ons growtronixs comes out very very expensive i'm not knocking growtronix but if you just accept it as being the end all then i guess i picked the wrong thread to post in.

 

[[]D[][]V[][]D]

I've looked into the automated aquarium systems before from what I saw I think you might have it backwards.

Quoted From Automated Aquariums http://www.automatedaquariums.com/cont5conf.htm

"Average price for a complete AMACS system that monitors 2 water parameters, 2 level switches, 1 flow switch, controls 1-4 lights, datalogs and alarms; as low as... $1500.00 "

With Growtronix you could go with the Hydrotronix kit ($639) and a Ph/tds sensor ($400) and an additional float sensor ($45) That equals $1084. And that when their not running a sale.

You'd have everything the amacs system has with the exception of the flow sensor. But with growtronix you'd also get a humidity sensor a temperature sensor a reservoir temperature sensor and a flood detector all of which isn't included in the amacs $1500 system.

I think we can all agree that any kind of automation is good no matter what company you get it from.

 

[konstantgrdnr]

Looking on the net you can purchase most the parts wholesale, you can buy the software from them, in fact they even give you the schematics and sourcecode most of the price is overhead if you can wire and follow directions which i'm pretty sure alot of growers can, it will save money,