High Tech Growroom: IP Cameras, Temp/Hum. control, Power outlet control

High Tech Growroom: IP Cameras, Temp/Hum. control, and more!

With a budget of $250*, I believe it is possible to set up a growroom whose systems (air, co2 levels, temp, humidity etc.) are remotely viewable and controllable from an iPhone or other internet device. This could be great for those who travel a lot, or just like being able to check on their plants without entering the room. A standalone wifi camera such as this could be added. For optimal nighttime viewing, simply install a green CFL bulb timed to come on during the dark period**

*not including the cost of the actual systems attached to the network
**green light does not affect plant growth

My plans for such a system:



EDIT 2.0: It would appear I've answered my own question, but...
Does anyone know of an efficient way of setting up a remotely viewable/controllable growroom?

there are several routes you can go

a diy type route will give you a good deal on cameras and take some technical skill on computers

the other way uses a camera made for iphones/smartphones

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-CH-Wireless-Audio-Video-Outdoor-Day-Night-Security-Camera-Home-CCTV-System-WA1-/190709999699?pt=US_Security_Cameras&hash=item2c6733a853

or

http://www.ebay.com/itm/STEM-IZON-REMOTE-ROOM-MONITOR-WIRELESS-SECURITY-VIDEO-CAMERA-IPHONE-/251181675797?pt=US_Security_Cameras&hash=item3a7b983515

the first one will need you to download some freeware/open source software that can send your camera feed to your iphone

the other one is decent quality but more expensive. the ease of use comes with a price tag.

and with that one you wont need a computer or laptop to stream the video through.

hope this helps!

Yes it does, thanks. I'll probably just buy a single camera with built in software and wifi, since I have a laptop always on in my growroom​.

hell yeah for the camera above you dont even need a laptop for it it connects straight to wifi

budbro18 said:

hell yeah for the camera above you dont even need a laptop for it it connects straight to wifi

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Right...but it would need to be connected to a server of some sort if I wanted to view my room remotely, which is the whole point (I grow at my place of residence).

You will have to look around for usb supported thermostats, switches, and any other device that you want to automate. These devices should be available to you, but for a pretty penny... You can also get automated co2 switches that will keep the ppm at the right level... wish I had a good amount of money for that, as it would be very helpful.. just not 100% full proof.. there is always something that can go wrong with automated systems.. keep it as simple as possible leaving sophisticated errors to a minimum. Now I want to research this LOL.. Look at fisher brand products for lab equipment, granger may have some good things as well.

are you talking about the izon?

all you need is wifi and it connects to an app on your iphone.

if youre talking about the other one then you are correct

hahaha

Check out something like this.. as this is a start.. I would think:
http://www.pwrusb.com/

LeafGnosis said:

Check out something like this.. as this is a start.. I would think:
http://www.pwrusb.com/

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Looks good, I might opt for the IO model.

Hal Incandenza said:

EDIT: What I'd really like to know...
I have a wifi/bluetooth enabled laptop in my grow room. What I'd like to do is to have temperature and humidity-based switches (i.e. they shut off/turn on power to humidifier, heater etc. at certain temp./hum. levels) in my grow room. Would there be a way to connect these power switches to my computer, and thus to an internet server, so that I can monitor and change humidity, temperature and lighting from my iPhone or WiFi enabled device? Because that would be very handy.

My plans for such a system:

View attachment 2411553

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That looks good and simple... would like to know what it ends up costing!

Hal Incandenza said:

Looks good, I might opt for the IO model.

Click to expand...

Wow, only $109.00... that is not expensive at all.

LeafGnosis said:

Wow, only $109.00... that is not expensive at all.

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Yea, less than I thought it'd be. $100 for a standalone, ir, nightvision wifi/ip camera system, about $75 total for the power switchers, maybe $25 for extra supplies (mounting, wire management etc.) and for $300 total you have a remotely view able and controllable growroom. Awesome! I'm sure one could include total hydro and nutrient control for maybe $100-150 more.

Do u have switches in mind?

entree said:

Do u have switches in mind?

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What do you mean? The USB powerbar mentioned above allows remote control of power to each device connected to it, controllable from virtually any internet device (i.e. laptops, public computers, tablets, even smartphones). The only caveat would be having the USB power bar hooked up to a computer at all times, but all you would need is a cheap (~$150-200) netbook and a reliable wifi router.

I use a foscam ip cam and it works awesome.

Is no one getting serious RF interference? I just hooked up my foscam and its almost impossible to see anything due to the interference from the light.

skrillexface said:

Is no one getting serious RF interference? I just hooked up my foscam and its almost impossible to see anything due to the interference from the light.

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The new model apparently resolves this problem this with lens filters.