Controller design-- post your thoughts on automation here!

[growmaxx]

I'm currently working on starting a business that designs and sells controllers for indoor horticultural purposes. Obviously the majority of the market for such a device is composed of cannabis growers, but I think eventually there will be more widespread agricultural use as well. The idea is to create a wireless controller that will automate many of the systems that are required to run a grow room successfully, such as lighting, dehumidifiers, irrigation, co2, A/C units, fans, and pumps, and allow remote monitoring and control via a secure website and phone app. I know there are a couple of companies that do all of this stuff but the plan is to create something better, that is designed for the growers by the growers. I have a number of friends that are also growers whom I have consulted with extensively, but I need input from as many people in the industry as possible in order to create a product that will be beneficial for all different types of setups.

If anyone here onsite would care to contribute to the ongoing pool of ideas, any information would be incredibly useful. I'm interested in information such as:

-Type of setup you run (open, closed, semi-open, growing medium, etc.)
-Type/brand of controllers/timers you currently use (Sentinel, CAP, Titan, Growtronix, Intermatic, etc.)
-Features you like about your controllers
-Features you dislike
-Wishlist of things you wish your controller could do (don't be afraid to get creative here, have fun with this if you want)
-Amount you'd be willing to spend on the controller of your dreams. I'm trying to keep the functionality as high as possible and yet keep the cost down, but a lot of the sensors/etc are a bit pricey.

Any other info you might want to add. I'm just trying to see what there is a market for out there. Thanks for any input I get out of this, and if you want you can send me a pm if you don't wish to discuss these things openly.

Once again feel free to contribute any thoughts you have on the subject.

growmaxx Reviewed by growmaxx on 06-13-2012. Controller design-- post your thoughts on automation here! I'm currently working on starting a business that designs and sells controllers for indoor horticultural purposes. Obviously the majority of the market for such a device is composed of cannabis growers, but I think eventually there will be more widespread agricultural use as well. The idea is to create a wireless controller that will automate many of the systems that are required to run a grow room successfully, such as lighting, dehumidifiers, irrigation, co2, A/C units, fans, and pumps, and Rating: 5

[growmaxx]

^^^

[growmaxx]

No takers? I'm sure at least some of you use a Sentinel climate controller for instance. Guess maybe i have to look elsewhere to get some feedback and info...

[bigsby]

Wish I could help but I don't run any advanced controllers. Strictly a hobby grower, perhaps that is why? Those things are crazy pricy. I put my $$ into more critical inputs. I do have a CAP high temp/hot strike control but it's dead simple.

[bigsby]

Wish I could help but I don't run any advanced controllers. Strictly a hobby grower, perhaps that is why? Those things are crazy pricy. I put my $$ into more critical inputs. I do have a CAP high temp/hot strike control but it's dead simple.

[growmaxx]

Yeah, I'm thinking maybe this forum is the wrong place for me to look. Have you had any issues with the CAP control? What do you use to control your lighting? Ideally we cater to the little guys as well, we are striving to create complete controllers that retail for much less than the ones out there, are simple to setup and use, and have many more features... Would remote monitoring/control benefit you at all? What if you had a bigger budget? Thanks for the response, really appreciate it.

[bigsby]

No issues with the CAP controller. It is a safety measure. Best not to have a fan running in the event of a fire... ;0 I run a basic light timer for on/off controls.

If my setup were bigger or if I were growing remotely I would want advanced controllers like you describe. Frankly they are WAY over priced for what they are.

[growmaxx]

I agree on your assertion that they are overpriced. A lot of the technology utilized by these companies is available for other uses for about 30% the retail cost charged by grow shops and catalogs, such as temp/humidity sensors, etc...

What if you had access to a monitoring system that you could use any web/phone connection to check on temp, humidity, and flood or heat alarms assuming the price was no more than, say, $350? Too high? I'm not sure how low we could go with this tbh, as our component cost would have to be around $75 in order to make money as a manufacturer. I see other systems like this retailing for $700+, which is insane, I agree. Maybe our target market needs to just be the larger scale growers and collectives, but I really want us to be able to provide something cool and affordable for the little guys who make up a good share of the market.