Grow Controllers

Hey everyone, been a long time since I've posted on here as other things in my life have taken priority. One of them being the project I'd like some input on from all of you. I've designed a garden controller that compiles all monitoring and controlling products into a single item and is controllable via software from smartphones, tablets, and computers.

We're just getting to the prototype stage, and what I'd like to do is get some input on what type of setup most of you would prefer. The idea is to make this as simple as possible to use while still offering the most versatility and adjustability. So we were thinking of including high amperage item outputs into the box rather than what most similar products do: use a trigger output that still requires a light controller, a/c controller, etc. Those of you experienced with some of these higher end items know what I'm talking about. I've always questioned the purpose of a "master controller" that still needs to have every piece of equipment you'd buy anyway. Doesn't seem to save money, setup hassle, or maintenance for the most part.

Would you prefer to have the components be combined into a single unit which would obviously cost more than leaving them out, but ultimately be cheaper than having to buy all the separate equipment? Or would you rather have the option to choose your own light controllers etc and just plug them into this unit?

Also, any input on software functions, hardware design, or general usability are welcome. Thanks!!

I would make it so that you can choose your own stuff. No two places are the same. If I'm not happy with something fine, I can easily switch it out.

Agrres with above c.a.p. products have always been a bust for me problems after problems titan shit as worked flawlessly for me so I would rather use what I prefer over what fpr example tou would want everyone to use

anzohaze said:

Agrres with above c.a.p. products have always been a bust for me problems after problems titan shit as worked flawlessly for me so I would rather use what I prefer over what fpr example tou would want everyone to use

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Thanks for the input. I'm not implying you would be limited to a certain co2 burner, or fans, etc. It's the controller that would be consolidated or not. Do you care whether you plug your equipment into a controller, then have to run those wires across the room to another controller? Would you prefer to have them both in one to simplify it all?

butterbudface said:

I would make it so that you can choose your own stuff. No two places are the same. If I'm not happy with something fine, I can easily switch it out.

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Thanks. Similar to what I said above, you would be able to plug whatever equipment you choose, its more HOW it would connect that I'm asking about. I also should have mentioned, we're wanting to include one or two "dummy" controls/outlets so you could add something that might not be standard. i.e. atomizer, curtains, etc.

My extension cords are made into my room so I would not need them but yes a box that I can plug my perdonal stuff into personally I woulld not need the ac as its connected straight to power (idea for you if you can attach some small batteries to it so that way mini splits window units etc would not loose power may be a big benefit for you) and I could then use the ac plug in as mine does not always remember its setting after a power outage. But yes pluf my electronics into your box

I would give a few extra plugs for randomness

anzohaze said:

My extension cords are made into my room so I would not need them but yes a box that I can plug my perdonal stuff into personally I woulld not need the ac as its connected straight to power (idea for you if you can attach some small batteries to it so that way mini splits window units etc would not loose power may be a big benefit for you) and I could then use the ac plug in as mine does not always remember its setting after a power outage. But yes pluf my electronics into your box

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I like the idea, not sure it's very viable to battery power an a/c from a controller unit though. Better solution IMO is choosing electronics that don't reset when power is lost, quite a common feature. The controller itself, of course, would have a battery backup for such a situation but it doesn't draw 10+ amps. So it would still tell the a/c to get to the correct temp, but if your a/c default is 80* or something and the controller is set to 75*, itll just keep your a/c on all day trying to get there when the a/c unit would turn off the compressor at 80. That felt confusing as I typed, does it make sense?

anzohaze said:

I would give a few extra plugs for randomness

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Great idea, mentioned it in my post above

mike91sr said:

I like the idea, not sure it's very viable to battery power an a/c from a controller unit though. Better solution IMO is choosing electronics that don't reset when power is lost, quite a common feature. The controller itself, of course, would have a battery backup for such a situation but it doesn't draw 10+ amps. So it would still tell the a/c to get to the correct temp, but if your a/c default is 80* or something and the controller is set to 75*, itll just keep your a/c on all day trying to get there when the a/c unit would turn off the compressor at 80. That felt confusing as I typed, does it make sense?



Great idea, mentioned it in my post above

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I understand that for example on a car when you take the battery out it looses all power. It then has to relearn to idle n such when new battery is connected.. Follow me.... so before you take out the battery your obd2 connector to hook a scanner to under dash you have a 9volt battery attached to a harness that plugs into obd2 connector just to keep the memory alive not to run anything but so when power returns the ac will kick back on amd run down to 75 my ideal air.mini split has auto restart but it does not always remember if power was out for 2 hours

anzohaze said:

I understand that for example on a car when you take the battery out it looses all power. It then has to relearn to idle n such when new battery is connected.. Follow me.... so before you take out the battery your obd2 connector to hook a scanner to under dash you have a 9volt battery attached to a harness that plugs into obd2 connector just to keep the memory alive not to run anything but so when power returns the ac will kick back on amd run down to 75 my ideal air.mini split has auto restart but it does not always remember if power was out for 2 hours

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I see your point. I think it'd need to be a modification to the a/c rather than a feature of an separate external component. Not a bad idea at all, much less of a problem than an a/c but I have a digital fan that does the same thing(not in my grow room for that reason) and it pissed me off when I figured that out. My hands are a little full with this project, make it happen

mike91sr said:

I see your point. I think it'd need to be a modification to the a/c rather than a feature of an separate external component. Not a bad idea at all, much less of a problem than an a/c but I have a digital fan that does the same thing(not in my grow room for that reason) and it pissed me off when I figured that out. My hands are a little full with this project, make it happen

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I am ot that tech savy lol

anzohaze said:

I am ot that tech savy lol

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Me neither, which is why I'm not designing this myself. Outsource/insource

mike91sr said:

Me neither, which is why I'm not designing this myself. Outsource/insource

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Got ya my friend