Cheap & Simple Growroom Automation!

**Reefer420** · 03-12-07, 12:18 AM

I'm looking into growroom automation AND security with home automation as a sideline - all using one system attached to the PC's serial port - or USB maybe.

I got the inspiration from Growtronix - A system which is very similar to the one I'm going to build.

It will consist of a number of sensors and switches (temperature, humidity, solar intensity, window & door contact switches, PIR motion sensors and eventually pH and CF, maybe dissolved oxygen content sensors too). Each of these 'modules' can be connected in any standard network topology (daisychain, star etc.) simply by connecting them with Cat5 network cable. The cable will need a bit of rewiring so it's easier if I make my own.

I will write the software - I'm no programmer but have some limited experience and have been assured by various sources that the programming shouldn't be too difficult to get to grips with.

I will be using a low spec PC to run the software to test it's capabilities on a slow machine. It is connected to the PC via a small serial to RJ45 connector or using a master hub with multiple RJ45 channels.

The PC (The Master) will continuously monitor whatever sensors or switches are attached to the system and use a number of relays to control various aspects of the growroom. For instance, high temp switches on fans, low temp switches on a heater, lights can be controlled by the PC rather than those temperamental mechanical timers, window,door and motion sensors could send SMS message when activated, flood sensors could do the same. Couple these with a couple of webcams and a seure server and you can do it all. I also hope to produce a module that can sense the temperature, humidity and solar intensity all in one.

I hope to have all the parts necessary to start building the system this week and would like some input as the project progresses. Also, I hope to be able to manufacture these devices once I have sorted out any bugs and have everything working perfectly. It would seem to have a demand - especially if they're cheap enough! I reckon I could sell them for around £20-£40 per device. You could have a whole system measuring temp, humidity & solar in two zones with a couple of other sensors for just a couple hundred quid - including a crappy old PC!

Anyway, I'll shut up now

**Bitterfly** · 03-12-07, 01:26 AM

now mate if you can do this and then have it controlled via the internet then ill be really interested!!!

**Reefer420** · 03-12-07, 01:36 AM

It's a possibility, but why would you need to control it via the Internet?? Really? The system will be designed around the objective which is to maintain growroom conditions such as temperature, humidity, lighting, as well as security issues automatically. I would consider the option maybe of resetting any alarms via the Internet and the CCTV console but other than that?? I dunno. Let me know what you had in mind.

**Bitterfly** · 03-12-07, 01:43 AM

what if (for example) i had i house in the middle of nowhere that i wanted to do a grow in so even if things fucked up nothing could be linked back to me??

who doesnt want a no risk grow??

**Reefer420** · 03-12-07, 02:08 AM

Everyone wants a risk-free grow, but the house would be linked back to you anyway - wouldn't it? Therefore you'd be implicated immediately. I suppose if you are growing remotely then it would be advantageous to be able to change timer regimes, temperature/humidity settings etc.

Another idea I considered (when I was stoned as a twat!) - When the motion detectors are activated or a window or door contact is broken or both, the system gives an audible voice warning (your own voice maybe!?) telling them to "Fuck off out of this house before all door handles are electrified" then a count down maybe! Ha! i seen a similar idea on a post somewhere else - what an idea, you could set a load of traps couldn't ya and watch it all from your secure online cctv console! LOL!

**Bitterfly** · 03-12-07, 02:19 AM

Originally Posted by Reefer420

Everyone wants a risk-free grow, but the house would be linked back to you anyway - wouldn't it? Therefore you'd be implicated immediately.

there'd be ways round it. i cant think of them precisely right now tho :P

and anyway, if this house was right out in the country or some shit, its highly doubtful any police are gonna be sniffing about!

**Growz** · 03-12-07, 03:51 AM

mate welcome to THC

Mind if i pull up a chair buddy this sounds very interesting

**How-High** · 03-12-07, 12:13 PM

I like Bitterfly's thinking, Cash unfront, Wireless networks and your away!

More on the subject sounds like a great idea, another reason why you would want to check out over the internet is to check if the light needs moving up if its not convinient to check at the time!

Go for it man, defo wanna see it when its finished.

**Ragemonkey** · 03-12-07, 06:23 PM

Wheres the fun if you can't get your fingers dirty :P

**Reefer420** · 03-12-07, 06:34 PM

... You want to get your fingers dirty fiddling with timers every time the weather changes? manually monitoring thermometers? humidity gauges??

This system is going to be designed to
1. be modular - so you can add as many of as few sensors as yu want.
2. be simple to use and expand
3. maintain growroom or home conditions ie. temperature, humdity, etc and also act as a security suite for the paranoid amongst us (that's all of us then!)

It will not be a replacement for the gardener/horticulturist - you'll still need to trim your plants, take clones, plant seeds, transplant your infants, spray them, watch for spider mites, check for fungus ... the list goes on!!! This is not COMPLETE growroom automation, more Growroom ASSISTANCE.

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