Ultimate Co2 Controller Solution!

**CaptainCAVEMAN** · 12-01-2010, 06:01 PM

sentinel.jpgJust wanted to let the RIU people know about my co2 controller experience. I decided co2 was my most limiting factor so I spent a thousand bucks on a Thrive controller (thrivegardening.com) and a GEN-1E 4 burner propane fueled co2 generator. For the next month I had nothing but problems. Just so happens that the guy who invented the controller lives nearby, so he offers to meet me at the store to update the software on my controller. Long story short, 3 DIFFERENT controllers later I decided I was done with Thrive.

So I just installed and watched for 2 hours my new Sentinel New & Improved Cooling-Heating-Humidity & CO2 controller. Seems to work exactly as it is supposed to within the chosen settings.

I just wanted to start a thread about controllers because I searched through all kinds of stuff here and couldn't find a single model reccomendation.

I'll continue to report on the Sentinel's performance. Peace!

**MattTheGrower** · 12-01-2010, 10:14 PM

I was going to go with the sentinel controllers and add co2 but it was too pricey. After this harvest I will invest in sentinel, they seem to be good controllers.

**CaptainCAVEMAN** · 12-02-2010, 05:57 AM

This controller seems pretty cool. First of all it works! You can link or unlink functions like co2 and ac or co2 and dehumidify which is cool. It also has a probe on a 16' cord so the sensor can be away from the controller. So far so good!

**CaptainCAVEMAN** · 12-03-2010, 07:50 AM

Ok so I figured out that the BRAND NEW C.A.P. GEN-1e co2 generator had a sticky valve that would not allow it to turn off...lucky there was no fire and I guess my air conditioner is pretty kick ass to handle that! I returned the generator and the new one seems to work great as well as the controller. I'll keep on monitoring...

**TheRuiner** · 12-03-2010, 01:00 PM

I'll be checking back in here to see your opinions of the C.A.P., I want to invest in a controller but don't want to make a expensive purchase to see it work decently-moderately... thanks for the info, keep it coming....

**CaptainCAVEMAN** · 12-03-2010, 03:40 PM

Hey Ruiner! I'll keep updating the performance but the controller is a sentinel and the generator is a C.A.P. I heard the C.A.P. is a good controller but I don't like how it looks like something from the eighties. The Thrive controller looked state of the art but didin't work for me. Also keep in mind that if you're going to run a generator then the 'fuzzy logic' that they all make such a big deal about is supposed to be disabled so don't pay more for that unless you want to run co2 tanks. Peace!

**jrinlv** · 12-03-2010, 03:50 PM

Hello all I have a CAP xgc1e, the one with fuzzy logic, I get it for 599 bucks to my door. I love it, it has saved me tons of time in monitoring my setup. I works well and have only had one bad instance. The fuse it came with popped the 4th day of use. I replaced it and have had no issues since then, almost 7 mnths...JR

IMG_0111.jpg

Oh yeah I run CO2 in a bottle, I can make a 20# tank last almost 4 weeks, running it at 1200ppm in a 4x4 tent.

**CaptainCAVEMAN** · 12-03-2010, 04:04 PM

Nice controller jr. This is the kind of info I was trying to find and couldn't. Thanks man!

**Bob Smith** · 12-03-2010, 05:04 PM

I have a Sentinel CHHC-1 and it's the best purchase I've ever made for my setup.

It's in between my ballasts and watercooled CO2 generator in the attached pic.
9.28.10 017.jpg

EDIT: I also had a Cap Gen1 that worked like a champ for me, so nothing but good things to say about their generators.

**CaptainCAVEMAN** · 12-03-2010, 05:47 PM

Nice utility side of the grow Bob! I agree that the sentinel controllers are pretty good. I like all the options should I need them. I have to move a fully functional 24 plant perpetual grow in 3 weeks and I may need some of the sentinels different abilities until I am completely set up.