Environmental Control... All-In-One vs. Separate Pieces

[brown_thumb]

I'm trying to decide if I should buy an all-in-one environmental controller or buy separate pieces to control humidification, dehumidification, lights, temperature, CO2, etc.

I'm sure the convenience of an all-in-one controller is nice but separate devices won't cost any more and if one device fails the replacement is quick, easy and cheap. Conversely, if anything goes wrong with the one-piece controller, there will be a lengthy delay for repair, it's a PITA to deal with and probably expensive. Also, if an all-in-one unit fails and is sent for repair, the entire process shuts down, not just one part of the control system.

What are your thoughts on all-in-one environmental controller vs. separate bits?

 

[Granger2]

Waste of money. Your AC has a thermostat, dehum has built in humidistat, etc. -granger

 

[queequeg152]

imo, the only shit you should be buying from a hydro store is rockwool and lights.

everythinig else... look up the johnson controls HVAC controls catalogue... or the honeywell one, or just go to one of the many thousands of supply houses.

all this shit with the exception of co2 seonsors have been around since the late 50's.

lay out all your zone thermostats and shit out with a sharpie on a 2'x4' piece of half inch plywood, then just get it done. its easy i promise.

 

[brown_thumb]

^^^ That's what I think. I use space heaters in my home and a remote line-level thermostat is far more accurate than the ones built into the heater units. However, if I have enough air movement aimed at the heater, the built-in thermostat is probably fine. I can buy cheap 220v 15a timers to control the lights. The dehumidifier will control itself with enough air movement at the built-in humidistat. If the humidifier has built-in control then, again, with enough air movement it'll do the job on its own. All that's left is CO2 control.

 

[BakedBandit]

I'd go w a relay box for the ballasts and use just one regular timer to run it

 

[brown_thumb]

Thanks but why? Two 220v 15a timers will only cost $40 for the pair and those will control 8 315w CMH lamps. I'll have 4 each 3100K and 4200K lamps and the two controllers allow individual timing control of the two different color temperature lights.

 

[dank.frank]

The way I was taught - having a single point of failure for the entire system is a bad plan. If you have a failure, the who system crashes. Air movement, temperature, lighting, ect, ect.

With having different controllers for each variable, you can sustain failure of a single device and not have it result in a total crop loss.

Just a thought. Even though I've always loved the concept of all in one, it just doesn't result in a practical system.



dank.Frank

 

[brown_thumb]

Those are my thoughts precisely, D.F.