Overall Controller

[PooToe]

Photos of previous cycles

Nice.

 

[kingmax]

Hi, it’s been a busy weekend with an angry wife to manage. So, no time for my hobby, which comes last of course.

So far, no progress has been made, but once I find more time, I will keep this topic updated.
Thanks for the input, that’s a lot of information to handle between my ears.



@ChuckFinnl3y

Reverse engineering would also be a possibility I have thought about. But I was looking more into some open projects which are still active.
For the mobile App I was thinking of using a smart device controller App Android and iOS which are still alive.

For example
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ch.iolo.dingz.consumer
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dingz/id1507920766

I do have kids of that age and it’s actually a great way to learn tech stuff, it’s the future anyway.

I have an unused 4x4 tent with lights which is going to be used to grow and bloom orchids. This tent should of course also be automated and that’s a good family project. I am just not sure if they would share my passion. We just got a cat and Pipo is for sure more interesting than sitting around a table. Let’s see.

 

[Natep]

It's what I use most, but wish it weren't proprietary. I also have Inkbird controllers, and I use Alexa smart plugs sometimes. Even so, I've occasionally wanted more capability. A few days ago, I decided I wanted two circulation fans to alternate their on/off cycles. It seemed like a good idea, but I couldn't find a way to do that with my controllers. I'm a small-scale grower and retired, however, so I'm able to tend to my gardens and do myself what the controllers won't do. One of my wish list items is to have a way to monitor the ambient environment, which would include both the weather and the status of the lung room, and make adjustment accordingly. I want to control devices like the gas fireplace based on weather.


I've been doing smart home since the days of the now-obsolete X-10 system. Our home currently has over 50 automation devices. I've thought about using a computer as a programmable environment controller, but I'm getting too old for that type of project. I've heard rumors of a few individuals doing some development. I'm sure the scope must be daunting.

You could control the acinfinity fans this way but it will take two ports. I’ve been thinking about buying a 69 + controller so I have 8 ports.

 

[kingmax]

@Natep, Thanks but I might not buy AC components for now. I will try the hard way and dig a bit deeper into the material.

A friend suggested me to search for a solution in PLC Programmable Logic Controllers

It's not going to be a walk thrue the park, but I'll give the project "DreamBox" 6 to 12 months before I give up and might indeed buy AC equipment

 

[RandyWatsonJr]

Im currently using the Trolmaster Tent X System. It's very good and somewhat user friendly but I do not recommend. Why? Because they nickel and dime the absolute shit out of you. NOTHING comes with the system so you need random cables, you need their fans (or a separate adaptor) with special cables that DONT EVEN COME WITH THE FANS!!! SD cards...and who knows what else as I add an AC unit. heater, dehumidifier, etc. I'm already at around $1000 if you count the fans. I could easily see another $1000 if I want to add CO2, cameras, etc.

 

[kingmax]

Thanks for your input. I will have a look into their product as well, but for now I just dont find time to do more researches, work and family first
Summer holidays aren't far and I am looking forward to invest more time into my hobbies. Last year we were in California and New York for summer vacation, this year we stay home

 

[kingmax]

Hi all,

I haven't given up yet, but I have been told to, unless time isn't an issue. And it is somehow, so I keep watering and caring manually like most of us
I bought a Raspberry Pi 5 and I am learning Linux, but I might not be able to realize my Dreambox, since there are lots of other funny projects with the RPi and Linux got my attention.

Let's see, for now I my dream is on Ice but not dead, yet...

 

[Newty]

Hi all,

I haven't given up yet, but I have been told to, unless time isn't an issue. And it is somehow, so I keep watering and caring manually like most of us
I bought a Raspberry Pi 5 and I am learning Linux, but I might not be able to realize my Dreambox, since there are lots of other funny projects with the RPi and Linux got my attention.

Let's see, for now I my dream is on Ice but not dead, yet...

I've used both Raspberry Pi and Arduino, made some pretty neat stuff. My favorite build was my proportional reptile thermostats.

For growing though, I don't think you can beat the Controller 69, I have 4 in use.

You don't need to buy all new equipment to use the Controller 69, if your equipment runs off of regular timers or inkbird style devices then all you need is UIS outlets and you can control them with the Controller 69. Wifi version will allow you to view your environment and make changes right from your phone wherever you have service.
I also love that it keeps a history log of all my temps, humidity, when devices kick on/off, etc down to the very minute! I can view history all the way back from the moment I started using the Controller 69.

 

[Natep]

I've used both Raspberry Pi and Arduino, made some pretty neat stuff. My favorite build was my proportional reptile thermostats.

For growing though, I don't think you can beat the Controller 69, I have 4 in use.

You don't need to buy all new equipment to use the Controller 69, if your equipment runs off of regular timers or inkbird style devices then all you need is UIS outlets and you can control them with the Controller 69. Wifi version will allow you to view your environment and make changes right from your phone wherever you have service.
I also love that it keeps a history log of all my temps, humidity, when devices kick on/off, etc down to the very minute! I can view history all the way back from the moment I started using the Controller 69.

I agree I run three of them. All work perfect super easy. Also when you buy a 4” fan it’s only 20 bucks.

 

[PooToe]

I've used both Raspberry Pi and Arduino, made some pretty neat stuff. My favorite build was my proportional reptile thermostats.

For growing though, I don't think you can beat the Controller 69, I have 4 in use.

You don't need to buy all new equipment to use the Controller 69, if your equipment runs off of regular timers or inkbird style devices then all you need is UIS outlets and you can control them with the Controller 69. Wifi version will allow you to view your environment and make changes right from your phone wherever you have service.
I also love that it keeps a history log of all my temps, humidity, when devices kick on/off, etc down to the very minute! I can view history all the way back from the moment I started using the Controller 69.

Both the 69 and the UIS adapters have their quirks but they are, IMO, the best home grower controllers on the market today. I've started seeing some of the pro models starting to creep into the home grower market.

 

[Newty]

I agree I run three of them. All work perfect super easy. Also when you buy a 4” fan it’s only 20 bucks.

That's how I bought all mine, in fan kits. It's a no brainer to purchase the kits with the discount you get with the bundle. Plus there's always a 10% code whether using AC Infinity website or Amazon so you save even more!
I wish they would offer the 8 port in the fan kits though.

Both the 69 and the UIS adapters have their quirks but they are, IMO, the best home grower controllers on the market today. I've started seeing some of the pro models starting to creep into the home grower market.

That's what I use, the Pro Models. Honestly don't know why they offer non Pro/Wifi version, the extra $20 for the Pro/Wifi version is worth every penny.

 

[Natep]

That's how I bought all mine, in fan kits. It's a no brainer to purchase the kits with the discount you get with the bundle. Plus there's always a 10% code whether using AC Infinity website or Amazon so you save even more!
I wish they would offer the 8 port in the fan kits though.

That's what I use, the Pro Models. Honestly don't know why they offer non Pro/Wifi version, the extra $20 for the Pro/Wifi version is worth every penny.

I have three of the pros 4 port. That would be super awesome if they would offer a 8 port with a fan.

 

[kingmax]

Thanks for your feedback and yes i will get one of these controllers, they have very impressive products. have a nice day

 

[PooToe]

That's how I bought all mine, in fan kits. It's a no brainer to purchase the kits with the discount you get with the bundle. Plus there's always a 10% code whether using AC Infinity website or Amazon so you save even more!
I wish they would offer the 8 port in the fan kits though.

That's what I use, the Pro Models. Honestly don't know why they offer non Pro/Wifi version, the extra $20 for the Pro/Wifi version is worth every penny.

I meant other companies that do big greenhouse systems moving some of those more basic systems into the home grower market.

I agree about them having a "pro" model. Just make it your standard model. When I originally bought the T6 fan it came with a Controller 67. I would have gladly paid a little more for the "pro" model.

 

[SkunkMonkey]

I've been messing around with home assistant and will be building or rebuilding my system using homeassistant, zigbee and mqtt to monitor and control everything I can. It can be a local network only kind of setup. I am currently running smart plugs and temp/ humidity sensors that require internet with home assistant. I have a few raspberry pi, esp8266 and esp32. I intend to build my own smart plugs and wire up sensors to my boards. It could be a programming nightmare. It's definitely not a task everyone would want to tackle. I don't have all the fancy gear. I mostly just have to turn plugs on and off for lighting, water pump and fans. If you are still wanting to diy, I might be able to help with some of it.