Agrowtek GrowControl GCX User manual

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© Agrowtek Inc. | www.agrowtek.com | Technology to Help You Grow™
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© Agrowtek Inc. | www.agrowtek.com | Technology to Help You Grow™
Technology to Help You Grow
AGROWtEK INSTRUCTION MANUAL
GCX / GCX+
Cultivation Control Systems
GrowControl™ GCX

© Agrowtek Inc. | www.agrowtek.com | Technology to Help You Grow™
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Contents
Overview 3
GrowNET™ Devices 3
Standard Control Functions 3
Physical Features 4
Dimensions, GCX 5
Dimensions, GCX+ 5
Installation Instructions 6
Warnings & Precautions 6
Site Requirements 6
Mounting the Controller 7
Device Connections 7
User Interface Introduction 8
Loader Screen 8
Login Screen 9
Home 10
Devices Page 11
Device List 12
Input & Sensor Monitoring 13
Output & Pump Monitoring 14
MX Motor Monitoring 15
Graph Window 16
Device Information 17
Device Alerts 18
Device Calibration 19
Device Management 21
Controls 22
Network Settings 23
Email Settings 24
User Accounts 25
System Files 26
System Settings 27
Device Management 28
Add a Device 28
Remove a Device 30
Sort Device List 31
Change Address 32
Replace a Device 33
Device Name 34
Input/Output Name 35
Where Used Search 36
Controls 37
Control Groups 38
Controls Workspace 38
Controls Toolbar 41
Adding & Editing Controls 42
Enabling Control Functions 44
Control Setting Schedule 45
Control Setting Output 46
Clock Timer 47
Count Timer 48
Cycle Timer 49
Thermostat 50
Humidistat 51
Photostat 52
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) 53
Lights 54
Position 56
Irrigation 60
Tank Level 63
Dosing 64
Recipe Editor 67
VNC Remote Access 70
Local Network Access 70
Remote Network Access 71
Email Conguration 72
Using Gmail 72
Firmware Update 74
Internet Update 74
USB Update 75
System Firmware Loader 76
Technical Information 77
Specications 77
Storage and Disposal 77
Warranty 78
Cultivation Control Systems
GrowControl™ GCX

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GrowControl™ GCX Cultivation Control Systems can manage nearly every aspect of a facility’s environment
and water management with extensive and intuitive programming capabilities. Sensors and inputs are
monitored, control logic is executed, and output devices are operated. Alarm conditions can be set to notify
users of a fault or problem condition by email or text message, and data logs are stored on the system that
can be exported by email or USB.
Overview
GrowNET™ Devices
A large variety of ‘GrowNET™’ plug-and-play peripherals are available to sense and control the environment
including:
• Environment Sensors (temperature, humidity, light, co2, etc.)
• Hydroponics Sensors (pH, conductivity, ORP, etc.)
• Peristaltic Dosing Pumps
• Control Relays
• DIN Rail I/O Modules
GrowNET™ devices connect using standard CAT5 Ethernet cable and RJ-45 connections. HX8 GrowNET™
Hubs expand one GrowNET™ port into eight more ports. HX8 hubs provide power to the devices from the
hub ports, further simplifying installation. Recommended maximum cable length is 1000ft.
• Clock Timers
• On/O Delay Timers
• Cycle Timers
• Thermostats
• Humidistats
• Photostats/Light Dimming Controls
• CO2 Injection/Exhaust
• Motor Position Controls (Vents/Shades/Curtains)
• Irrigation Stage Timers
• Tank Level (Rell) Control
• Nutrient & pH Dosing
• Sensor Averaging
• Math
• Logic
Standard Control Functions

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Physical Features
GrowControl™ GCX controllers are high performance Linux based systems with industrial ash hard drive for
security and reliability. High performance quad-core processor with passive cooling technology means the
system runs smooth and silent. High denition tempered glass touch screen oers brilliant resolution and
excellent touch response.
Display Size 10.1” 15.6”
Display Resolution 1024x800 1920x1080
Max. GrowNET™ Devices 100 200
Number of GrowNET™ Ports 8 16
GCX GCX+
23456 17
1. Conduit Knock-Out Knock-out for hard-wired DC power input connection.
2. Power Input Jack Barrel jack connection for DC power input.
3. USB Slave Port Slave port for boot loader; loading system rmware image from USB host.
4. USB Host Ports USB Ports for WIFI, memory sticks, and other USB accessories (4 ports.)
5. GrowNET™ Ports 8-port, 100 device GrowNET™ bus 0 (RJ-45.)
6. Ethernet 10/100 Ethernet for Internet connection
GCX+ Only
7. GrowNET™ Ports 8-port, 100 device GrowNET™ bus 1.
Connections

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Dimensions, GCX
11.05
11.92
10.50
10.42
3.27
Dimensions, GCX+
14.42
17.92
16.50
13.80
3.27

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Warnings & Precautions
INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE with all national and local plumbing and electrical codes.
The GCX system operates on low-voltage with NRTL LISTED limited energy power supplies.
Run all low-voltage signal cables separate from high-voltage cabling and conduits.
DANGER: ELECTROCUTION HAZARD
Disconnect power before maintenance or service on the system or system components to prevent equip-
ment damage or electrical shock. Use caution when servicing plumbing to drain the system o away from
electrical components and connections. Connect the system and components to GFCI fault protected en-
ergy sources to reduce risk of electric shock.
INDOOR LOCATIONS ONLY
This system is designed for indoor mounting only and must be protected from weather and direct sunlight.
PREVENT OVER HEATING
Keep air space around the system cool and ventilated to prevent overheating of system components.
Installation Instructions
READ & UNDERSTAND ENTIRE MANUAL PRIOR TO OPERATION. Failure to read, understand and
comply with warnings and installation requirements may result in property damage, personal injury or
death.
Site Requirements
Electrical
The GCX system requires one 120Vac electrical outlet (GFCI fault protected recommended.) GCX systems are
provided with a 60 Watt power supply.
A hard-wire terminal block is available internally for connection to industrial power supplies.
Customer supplied power sources must be UL listed class-II / limited energy power supplies.
Battery Back-up
A Battery Back-up system is recommended to maintain power in the event of power interruptions and to
provide clean power to the control system. Any components connected to the GCX controller’s GrowNET™
ports will be powered by the controller (except dosing pumps and 120V outlet relays.)
Network
A Ethernet connection is recommended if available. WiFi is also available as an alternative to Ethernet.

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Mounting the Controller
The system should be securely mounted on an indoor vertical surface.
Follow these tips for the best results:
1. Locate the controller in a dry location away from direct sunlight and other heat sources.
2. Mount the location at a height that is easy to view and operate from a standing position.
3. Ensure the area around the controller can be kept clear and accessible.
4. Avoid locating the controller next to heavy electrical loads and equipment.
Use the holes in the top and bottom mounting anges to secure the controller to the surface. It is recom-
mended to trace the holes and drill pilot holes. Use a level to ensure the system is mounted straight.
USE CAUTION when installing screws and mounting the unit. Impacting the screen with a drill or screw
driver or dropping the unit will cause serious damage to the unit.
DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN screws; enclosure is made out of corrosion resistant aluminum which can be
bent easily. Use minimal toque when installing screws. Plastic washers are recommended to prevent dam-
age to the paint.
DO NOT DRILL HOLES into the enclosure of any product. Damage to the unit may result and will not be
covered under warranty. Only use the knock-outs provided in the bottom panel if necessary.
Device Connections
All GrowNET™ devices are connected using standard CAT5 Ethernet cable with RJ-45 connections.
Devices can be connected directly to the GrowNET™ ports on the bottom of the controller, or through HX8
GrowNET™ hubs. It is typical to simplify cabling by locating hubs centrally in hall ways and rooms allowing
single runs from an 8-port device hub back to a central hub or back to the controller.
HX8 GrowNET ™ hubs can be daisy-chained to form a network of up
to 100 devices per bus. Hubs provide up to 1A of power for operating
sensors and most relays directly over the CAT5 cable. A DC jack on
the hub provides 24Vdc power to the ports from the included wall
power supply. A terminal block power option is also available.
single runs from an 8-port device hub back to a central hub or back to the controller.
DIELECTRIC GREASE
Dielectric grease is recommended on RJ-45 GrowNET™ connections when used in humid environments.
Place a small amount of grease onto the RJ-45 plug contacts before inserting into the GrowNET™ port.
Non-conductive grease is designed to prevent corrosion from moisture in electrical connectors.
• Loctite LB 8423 • Dupont Molykote 4/5 • CRC 05105 Di-Electric Grease
• Super Lube 91016 Silicone Dielectric Grease • Other Silicone or Lithium based insulating grease
NOTICE
GrowNET™ ports use standard RJ-45 connections but are NOT compatible the Ethernet network equipment.
Do not connect GrowNET™ ports to Ethernet ports or network switch gear.

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User Interface Introduction
The system is controlled by a 10.1” or 15.6”high resolution touch screen with easy to use graphical interface.
The system uses familiar controls such as buttons, switches, check boxes, drop-down combo-boxes and text
elds. Dynamic pop-up dialogs alert the user to faults or conrm important actions.
Swipe Gestures
Swipe Left/Right to change between tabs/pages.
Swipe Up/Down to scroll on pages.
Help Pages
Most pages include a help dialog that can provide reference information right at the screen.
Press the “?” button on the page header to display the help dialog.
1. Memory Status System memory status, should read OK.
2. Memory Capacity Capacity and free space on the system memory.
3. Message Buer Messages showing current actions of the loader.
4. Progress Bar Indicates the progress of the loader screen before starting the system.
5. Skip Button The loader screen can be skipped if this button is pressed.
Button can not be pressed if rmware is found and loaded.
Loader Screen
The Agrowtek Leaf logo appears while the system boots. Once the Linux operating system boots, the system
loader screen appears which displays the status of the system memory, and searches for downloaded rm-
ware updates, or for updates on USB memory. See Firmware Updates for more information.
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1. User Name Enter your user name by pressing on the text eld to bring up the keyboard.
2. Password Enter your password by pressing on the text eld to bring up the keyboard.
3. Login Button Once you have entered the correct user name and password, press LOGIN.
4. Keyboard The on-screen keyboard pops-up when ever a text eld is selected.
Login Screen
User accounts with operator or administrator access can be congured on the system to restrict access to
the system’s interface. If “Require Login on Power-up”is checked, the system will boot with the login screen.
Swipe the slider at the bottom of the screen to the right to continue.
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1. Logo Area A custom logo can be displayed; see the “Files”page for more information.
2. Swipe Slider Slide the green dot from the left to the right then release.
If users are congured on the system, the login screen will appear:
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1. Notications List of recent notications from the system.
[CLEAR] will delete messages in the list but they remain in the event log.
2. Main Menu Bar Select between the four main page displays on the system (see below.)
3. Report Area Customizable reports by control group display the status of devices and control
functions that are selected to be shown in the report.
4. Report Selection Select a group from the drop-down or use the arrow buttons to page through reports.
5. Logout Button Press to log-out of the system and show the login screen.
Home
The home page displays a general information overview of the system. The left pane shows recent notica-
tions from the system. The right pane shows a customizable report by control group/zone. Page between
the dierent groups to quickly monitor the conditions and I/O status of devices in each group. Devices with
active outputs are highlighted green and sensors in alarm condition are highlighted red for enhanced vis-
ibility.
The main menu bar is located at the bottom of the display and is used to switch between the primary screen
pages. The bar indicates which page is active by highlighting the icon green and darkening the background.
Press the tabs to switch between the screen pages.
1. Home Page Home screen with customizable report view and system notication history.
2. Devices Page Device graphs, manual controls, alarms, calibration and management.
3. Controls Page Workspace and function editor for control logic conguration and monitoring.
4. System Page Network, email accounts, users, les, updates and system conguration.
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Main Menu Bar
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Devices Page
The devices page displays all of the relevant data pertaining to GrowNET™ devices that are connected to
the system, and manages all of their properties including reference names, alarm settings, calibration and
manual operation / overrides.
1. Devices Menu Bar Change between the dierent pages in the devices screen.
2. Page Title Bar Displays the title of the current page. A help [?] button is located on most title bars.
3. Page Area Area to display the selected menu bar page; the device monitor page is shown.
4. Device List The device list shows the name and status of each device.
Select the device to monitor the device or edit the device properties.
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Devices Menu Bar
The devices menu bar selects between the monitoring page and, alarms, calibration and other device prop-
erties pages. The bar indicates which page is active by highlighting the icon green and darkening the back-
ground. Press the tabs to switch between the screen pages.
1. Monitor Page Display historical data and manually operate control equipment.
2. Info Page Congure device and output names, report settings and search “where used.”
3. Alarms Page For devices with alarm settings, congure high/low alarm values.
4. Calibration Page Standard calibration of sensors and dosing pump ow rates.
5. Manage Device Device manufacturing info, address, sort order, out-of-service mode and more.
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Device List
The device list comprises a list of all of the GrowNET™ devices that are connected to the GCX system. The
device list can be organized by device type (sensor, I/O or pumps) or can show all devices (all.) This is also
where devices are added to and removed from the system.
Each device in the list includes basic details about the device including the type with an icon, the reference
name, communication status and address details. Scrolling through the list of a devices at a glance can iden-
tify any oine devices.
Selecting an device in the list will highlight it and populate the properties and data relative to the device on
the device pages for viewing and editing.
1. Device Type Select the type of devices to show in the list.
2. Add a Device Press to open the“Add Device”dialog window and scan for new devices.
3. Delete a Device Press to delete the currently selected device from the system.
4. Product Model Product type/model number.
5. Device Status Communication status of the device; see chart below.
6. Device Name Reference name assigned by the operator and used by the control functions.
7. Device Address The GrowNET™ device address.
8. Bus Number The GrowNET™ bus number the device is on (100 devices per bus.)
9. Selected Device The selected device is highlighted in a transparent green.
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Input & Sensor Monitoring
1. Reading Group Area grouping the sensor reading, units and icon.
2. Sensor Reading Actual sensor reading value.
3. Sensor Icon Icon to identify the sensor type.
4. Sensor Units Units the sensor reading is being displayed in.
5. Graph Pane Graph history pane showing 1440 points; touch a pane to enlarge the graph.
6. X-Axis Time axis of graph panes (all share the same time axis.) Enlarge graph for dates.
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Device monitor page provides the current readings of the sensor values and a graphical history for each sen-
sor channel. The time since the last reading update is shown in the page title bar.
Additional data can be displayed by touching on a graph pane to open the enlarged graph window.
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Output & Pump Monitoring
1. Graph Pane Graph history pane showing 1440 points; touch a pane to enlarge the graph.
2. Output Name Reference name for the output or pump.
3. Manual/Auto Manually set outputs/pumps O/On, or set to AUTO for function control.
4. Output Status Graphic and info displaying the output status.
The device monitor page provides the output status’and a graphical history for each output. The time since
the last reading update is shown in the page title bar.
Additional data can be displayed by touching on a graph pane to open the enlarged graph window.
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MX Motor Monitoring
The MX monitor page displays data relevant to the MX motor controller:
• Current MX controller position
• Forward/reverse output status
• Manual knob position
• Manual overrides
• History charts
The time since the last reading update is shown in the page title bar.
Additional data can be displayed by touching on a graph pane to open the enlarged graph window.
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1. Position Current position reported by the MX controller.
2. Output Status Graphic and info displaying the output status; forward, reverse or o.
3. Knob Status Displays current position of the MX controller’s manual override knob.
4. Manual/Auto Manually operate the MX controller, disable or enable automatic control.
Automatic or manual controls are not available if the knob position is not in “auto.”
5. Position Graph Graph history pane of the motor position.
6. Output Graph Graph history pane of the motor outputs (forward, reverse.)
NOTE
The MX position is calibrated on the calibration page; see the calibration section.

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Graph Window
Historical graph data can be analyzed on-screen to review:
• Minimum and Maximum (High/Low) sensor readings
• Point data with ‘cursor’ selection
• Graph history
To open the graph window, touch on a graph pane in the monitor page of a device.
A maximum of 1440 points are shown on the graph pane.
Graph data is stored on the system in .csv format for export by USB or email; see the “Files”section of this
manual. To set the data logging interval, see the “device management”tab.
1. Exit Button Press to close the graph window.
2. Cursor Touch on the graph display to show cursor data (newest data page only.)
3. Date Beginning and end dates of the data on the chart.
4. Fwd/Back Page Forward/Backward buttons to move through histortical data.
5. High/Low High/Low value on the current graph page.
6. Cursor Data Data at the point shown by the cursor line when the chart area is touched.
Only on newest data page.

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Device Information
The device information page is where device names are managed and where devices can be congured for
display in the report views on the home page.
Names
Device names and I/O names are used for more than just reference. Names are used when conguring con-
trol functions to assign sensors, outputs, inputs, pumps, etc. to the functions. If equipped with outputs or
analog inputs, each channel can be named for reference.
Where Used
To determine which control functions are assigned to use a specic output, select the output from the drop-
down menu and press the where-used search button. This can aid in troubleshooting if a device is operating
in an unexpected fashion.
Device Location
To show the device in the home report view select a control group to associate it with, then check the box to
show it in the report.
1. Device Name Reference name for the GrowNET™ device.
2. Device Location Reference the device to a control group to display the device in the home report.
3. Show in Report Select to show the device in the home report display.
4. Output Select Select an output (or input) to search“where used” or edit the name.
5. Where Used Search where this output is used in the control functions.
6. Channel Name Output (or input) channel name; typically named for what is connected to the channel.
7. Save Button When highlighted Green, there are changes that are not saved.
Press the Save button to save the changes to system memory.
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Device Alerts
Devices which are capable of reporting alerts (sensor devices) can congure basic high and low level thresh-
old alerts on the device alerts page. These alerts are recorded in the event log and can be emailed or sent by
text message using the system email sender.
To congure an alarm, select the sensor channel and enter the high and low alert values. To disable the high
or low alert, use a value of 0. Check the Enabled box to enable the alert. Alerts will only be sent once each
time they are activated.
1. Sensor Channel Select the sensor channel to congure the alert limits.
2. High Alert If sensor value meets or exceeds this value trigger a high-alert.
3. Low Alert If sensor value meets or falls below this value trigger a low-alert.
4. Enable Checkbox Check to enable the alerts for this sensor channel.
5. Save Button When highlighted Green, there are changes that are not saved.
Press the Save button to save the changes to system memory.
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Device Calibration
Sensor devices, motor controllers and dosing pumps require occasional calibration to ensure their read-
ings, positions and dosing volumes are accurate. If a device has features that can be calibrated, a calibration
screen will be shown on the calibration page.
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Sensor Calibration
A menu of available sensor types is displayed for the sensor unit that is selected. Select the sensor channel
to calibrate and follow the prompts on the display.
Most calibration requires the user to simply enter the actual calibrated vale.
1. Channel Select the sensor channel to calibrate.
2. Calibration Value Follow the prompts and enter the calibration value.
3. Prompts Instructions to follow for calibration.
4. Calibrate Button Press once the calibration value has been entered to save the value.
5. Reset Button Restores factory sensor calibration values.
pH calibration uses pre-dened calibration solutions which are industry standard.
pH 4 & pH 7 solution are typically used for pH calibration.
Always begin with pH7 calibration and follow the prompts on the display.

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1. Channel Select the sensor channel or pump head to calibrate.
2. Calibration Value Follow the prompts and enter the calibration value.
3. Prompts Instructions to follow for calibration.
4. Calibrate Button Press once the calibration value has been entered to save the value.
5. Reset Button Restores factory sensor calibration values.
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Dosing Pump Calibration
Dosing pumps may vary from the factory calibrated ow rate if uids are viscous or supply lines are long.
Operate the pump for 60 seconds and measure the output with a graduated cylinder. Enter the measured
quantity as the calibration value (mL/min) to set the true ow of the dosing pump.
MX Motor Position Calibration
In some cases it may be necessary to adjust the calibration of the MX controller’s position to ensure it is ac-
curate in the MX controller. There are two methods for calibrationg the MX controller position:
• Manually operate the MX controller until it reaches 0% (closed) and the motor stops at the working limit.
• Set the position to a known value using the device calibration page.