Data-logging options using rockwool?

Hey everyone,

I would like to incorporate data-logging capabilities in my grow for the first time while using rockwool (6x6 hugo). Looking for a simple setup to record drybacks, irrigation events, water content, EC...etc. Right now I'm looking at the Aroya Solus Teros 12 but not sure if they offer data-logging(Pic below). Also looking into Growlink irrigation controller. Just want to see if anyone has hands on experience with data-logging. I'm 100% interested in crop steering in every shape and form.

Looking for this type of data-logging:



Thanks in advance.

I have a Teros 12, and am still trying to get it to work with Python. Avoid Growlink, you have to pay for data storage and I think, only updates every 30 mins so not as useful. Pinnacle is coming out with a data logger next yr. Not alot of options right now.

I've been studying this past weeks and also really interested.

Growlink uses ACCLIMA sensors. In my case, too expensive to consider. I wonder if using a cheaper sensor from china and just making a data logger isn't a better solution for home growers.

There are some sensors from aliexpress that have RS485 output for about 40$, with a usb adapter you could have a system like the picture. No ideia about the quality of the measurement though.

Fore said:

I have a Teros 12, and am still trying to get it to work with Python. Avoid Growlink, you have to pay for data storage and I think, only updates every 30 mins so not as useful. Pinnacle is coming out with a data logger next yr. Not alot of options right now.

Click to expand...

I'd love to find a way to data-log with the Teros 12. Any idea of the Pinnacle release date or how much it would go for during release?

beckaum said:

I've been studying this past weeks and also really interested.

Growlink uses ACCLIMA sensors. In my case, too expensive to consider. I wonder if using a cheaper sensor from china and just making a data logger isn't a better solution for home growers.

There are some sensors from aliexpress that have RS485 output for about 40$, with a usb adapter you could have a system like the picture. No ideia about the quality of the measurement though.

Click to expand...

Quality of measurement would be most important. The Aroya SOLUS is $500 and that's just a " spot checker " no data-logging. The Growlink setup is $700 directly from Growlink and from what I read of Reddit, you can request the first year to be free to have full access to their software. Then after that, I believe it is $10 a month which isnt that bad. I just want data-logging and the ability to set up alerts.

I wanted to track the drybacks so I looked into it, but everything I checked out was too expensive.

Following in case someone finds something.

BAMN said:

I'd love to find a way to data-log with the Teros 12. Any idea of the Pinnacle release date or how much it would go for during release?

Click to expand...

Python is free.. just need the knowhow. Need this adapter: https://liudr.wordpress.com/gadget/sdi-12-usb-adapter/

Python: https://docs.python.org/3/howto/logging.html#logging-basic-tutorial

lusidghost said:

I wanted to track the drybacks so I looked into it, but everything I checked out was too expensive.

Following in case someone finds something.

Click to expand...

I haven't checked price yet but here's what I found on Reddit.

Fore said:

Python is free.. just need the knowhow. Need this adapter: https://liudr.wordpress.com/gadget/sdi-12-usb-adapter/

Python: https://docs.python.org/3/howto/logging.html#logging-basic-tutorial

Click to expand...

I'll have to get in touch with my software enginner friend for this haha. Thanks man. I'll check it out.

Look up @pinnaclesystemsethoscontroller on IG Also @SBNVStore

I may try to find a Growlink setup. I read elwsewhere they only charge for data collection over a few days old, i dont need full storage just real time data logging. I'll have to contact them directly, but right now leaning towards Grolink.. . .

If you're handy in the DIY field, you can try something like HomeAssistant or Mycodo on a RaspberryPi, along with a plethora of sensors available

shimbob said:

If you're handy in the DIY field, you can try something like HomeAssistant or Mycodo on a RaspberryPi, along with a plethora of sensors available

Click to expand...

Is there any comparison of some of those sensors? I just saw a post from Pinnacle explaining that the same sensors used by growlink are thrash compared to teros, so if a well recognized company does not deliver, how about this plethora?

I'm more of a Mycodo fan, but I suspect HomeAssistant can do the same.
Here's a list of sensors that Mycodo can use:

like @shimbob mentions this can be done on a pi 4 running home assistant, you will need a sdi-12 adapter like the one @Fore links to, (all the decent W/C, PWEC sensors like teros and acclima ect comunicate using sdi-12 protocol).

then you will want a couple of add ons for home assistant like marina DB (data base tool) and grafana (more advanced graphing software than the built in one in home assistant).

once set up this will perform as good as any of the comercial data loggers.

Too bad so much is greek to me, sucks being 60 y/o lol

Fore said:

Too bad so much is greek to me, sucks being 60 y/o lol

Click to expand...

hey im no spring chicken! i knew nothing about this stuff before i started.
home assistant is pretty easy to get in to, loads and loads of guides ect.

Looked into Home Asst. Looks a lot easier to install than I imagined with step by step instructions ( I have a NUC) https://www.home-assistant.io/installation/generic-x86-64

I may give this a try...

I may give the Python developer an email. $49 the SDI-12 USB adapter and another $200 or so for the METERS group ECH2O 5TM soil sensor..not bad. He offers free open-source data logging scripts in Python which is exactly what I need. I do not require storage at this time.

Again, thank you all or your assistance with the useful information provided.

I am using Grow link with 4 sensors...first run growlink and first run with RW. Had some challenges but mostly because of learning the RW fundamentals, not Growlink. I do like Growlink so far and has been reliable...make sure you have good wifi strength. All can be controlled, monitored, remotely of course. You can make manual timers, crop steer, and do manual shots whenever you want wherever you are from your phone. Has very good journals which I am still learning, but I am happy with the hardware and service. They have good tech support...I know them and they me by name LOL... I'm flushing at the moment and this is a live shot...lights on 4am

I use a Growtek fertigation system with slabs. I was using water rings, but I built this little box using two Dutch leach trays and mist emitters in the roof instead. I'm going to swap the slabs for fill cubes on my next grow because I don't like how wet the slabs stay. I have one prototype box being used right now, and its the nicest looking row in the room. I'm looking forward to seeing how it does with the fill cubes.

Oops. I thought this was a different rockwool thread.