Agrowtek GrowControl GCX User manual

© Agrowtek Inc. | www.agrowtek.com | Technology to Help You Grow™
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© Agrowtek Inc. | www.agrowtek.com | Technology to Help You Grow™
1
© 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
KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS REV 04/23

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Contents
Glossary of Terms 3
Overview 4
GrowNET™ Devices 4
Standard Control Functions 4
Physical Features 5
Dimensions, GCX 6
Dimensions, GCX+ 6
Installation Instructions 7
Warnings & Precautions 7
Site Requirements 7
Mounting the Controller 8
Device Connections 8
Addressing Devices 9
User Interface Introduction 10
Keyboard 10
Loader Screen 11
System Recovery 12
Login Screen 13
Home 14
Devices Page 15
Device List 16
Input & Sensor Monitoring 17
Output & Pump Monitoring 18
MX Motor Monitoring 19
Enlarged Graph Window 20
Graph Options 21
Device Information 22
Device Alerts 23
Device Calibration 24
Device Management 26
Controls 27
Network Settings 28
Email Settings 29
User Accounts 30
System Files 31
Data Log Files 32
System Settings 33
System Commands 34
System Date & Time 34
Device Management 35
Add a Device 35
Remove a Device 37
Sort Device List 38
Change Address 39
Replace a Device 40
Device Name 41
Input & Output Names 42
Device Timeout 42
Output Restart Delay 43
Input Setup & Scaling 44
Where Used Search 45
Controls 46
Control Groups 47
Controls Workspace 47
Controls Toolbar 50
Adding & Editing Controls 52
Rules Editor 54
Equipment Editor 58
Function Output 60
Day & Night Mode 61
Clock Timer 62
Count Timer 63
Cycle Timer 64
Thermostat 65
Humidistat 66
Photostat 67
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) 68
Lights 69
Position 73
Irrigation 78
Tank Level 82
Dosing 85
Recipe Editor 89
Output Link 92
Input 93
Logic 94
Message 95
Alert 96
HVAC/RH 97
VNC Remote App 101
Local Network Access 101
Remote Network Access 102
VNC Password & Security 104
Email Conguration 105
Using Gmail 105
Firmware Update 107
Internet Update 107
USB Update 108
System Firmware Loader 109
GrowNET™ Device Update 110
MODBUS TCP/IP 112
Technical Information 117
Specications 117
Storage and Disposal 117
Warranty 118

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Commonly used terms in this manual that are specic to the GrowControl™ system.
Address: Every GrowNET™ device that is added to the GCX system is assigned an “address”number (1, 2, 3,
etc.) which is permanently saved in the device’s memory. The device must be de-comissioned or reset (using
the device’s reset button) to erase the address from the device.
Bus: GCX+ controllers have two busses (bus 0 and bus 1). The right hand bus is 0, left hand bus is 1. Each bus
can support up to 100 device addresses.
CAT5, CAT6: Type of cable used for Ethernet or GrowNET™ connections. This is commonly referred to as Eth-
ernet cable or network cable. Category 5, 5E or 6 are acceptable cable types for GCX control systems.
Deadband: Amount of drift from a target set point that is allowed before the system takes corrective action.
Function: Controls (control functions) tell the control system what to do. The user adds the desired control
functions to the controls workspaces and then congures rules within the functions.
GrowNET™ Device: Agrowtek manufactured components that connect to GCX control systems such as relay
modules, climate sensors, dosing pumps, etc.
GrowNET™ Network: Consists of a GCX controller, communication hubs, and GrowNET™ devices connected
together using standard CAT5/RJ-45 cabling .
Output: A physical output (relay contact, dosing pump, etc.) that the system can operate from a control
function.
Rule: A rule exists within a function. Many rules can be created within a single function in order to provide
dierent set points through out the day or through out the growth cycle.
RJ-45: The type of cable connection that is used on GrowNET™ devices; commonly referred to as an Ethernet
plug or jack. It is the same connection used for standard CAT5/5E/6 cables.
Glossary of Terms

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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
• Alarms
• 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 Industrial 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 MAX 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 10/100 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 with Ethernet networks.
To prevent damage, do not connect GrowNET™ ports to Ethernet ports or network switch gear.

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Addressing Devices
BEFORE YOU BEGIN INSTALLATION we recommend pre-addressing devices at the controller prior to
mounting them in the nal installation locations.
Each GrowNET™ device on the GCX controller must be assigned an address number before the controller
can begin talking to it. All devices come from the factory without an address assigned and must be assigned
by the GCX controller when rst installed. The device remembers it’s address after it has been assigned.
GCX systems are equipped with either a single bus (GCX) or a dual bus (GCX+.)
Each bus is capable of supporting 100 device addresses (1-100.)
BUS 1
BUS 0
IMPORTANT Each new device must be added one at a time.
Do not connect multiple un-assigned devices at the same time or devices will recive duplicate addresses.
How to Assign a Device Address:
1. Use a regular straight cable and connect only one new device to the GCX system.
Note: If this is a GCX+ system, connect the device to the bus that it will be located on when installed.
2. Add the device using the‘Add Device’button on the device tab.
See “Add a Device” in the Device Management section of this manual.
3. Disconnect the device and prepare it for installation in the nal location.
Mark the device in a discrete location with a non-permanent or temporary removable label if necessary.
4. Connect the next device to be assigned and repeat the process until all devices have been added to the
device list on the GCX controller.

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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.
Keyboard
The touch screen features a “pop-up”keyboard that will be displayed any time a text or numerical eld is
selected for editing.
Physical Keyboard & Mouse
If preferred, a physical USB keyboard and mouse can be connected to the GCX’s USB ports.
USB Ports

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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. System Recovery Opens the system recovery options dialog.
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.
6. Progress Bar Indicates the progress of the loader screen before starting the system.
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. USB Memory Drop-down menu to select which USB memory stick to use for le recovery.
2. System Files Functions for exporting the system les for diagnostics via Email or USB.
3. Restore Backup Restores the backup le of the previous system rmware.
Use this if a rmware update has caused a problem with your system.
4. Messages Buer window for messages to display.
5. Download Forces a download of the most current rmware from the Agrowtek server.
6. Restore Defaults Deletes all user les (devices, controls, recipes, etc.) and restores to factory.
7. Exit Exits the recovery screen and attempts to boot the GCX system.
System Recovery
The system recovery dialog is for ‘emergency’recovery of a system if a rmware update or other problem is
preventing the system from starting successfully. Several recovery tools are available including exporting
system les, restoring defaults or the previous rmware version, and forcing an update from Agrowtek.
NOTE: Always export your system les (by email or USB) before restoring factory defaults.
These les can aid in bug xes and restoring your settings to your system.
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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.
6. Run/Stop Press to place entire system into Run or Stop mode. In Stop mode, no outputs activate.
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. Page between the dif-
ferent 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 visibility.
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. Sort by Location Show only devices in the list that belong to the selected group/workspace.
3. Selected Device The selected device is highlighted in a transparent green.
4. Bus Number The GrowNET™ bus number the device is on (100 devices per bus.)
5. Device Address The GrowNET™ device address.
6. Device Name Reference name assigned by the operator and used by the control functions.
7. Device Status Communication status of the device; see chart below.
8. Product Model Product type/model number.
9. Delete a Device Press to delete the currently selected device from the system.
10. Add a Device Press to open the“Add Device” dialog window and scan for new devices.
11. Group Device Creates a new“grouped” or averaged device with the selected device as a base.
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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. Last Update Amount of time since sensor readings were last updated.
6. Location Control group that the device is associated with (see device info tab.)
7. Graph Options X-Axis zoom in/out and graph display options.
8. Graph Pane Graph history pane showing 1440 points; touch a pane to enlarge the graph.
9. 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 sensor reading group or a graph pane to open the en-
larged 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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Enlarged 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 FTP; see the“Files”section of this
manual.
1. Exit Button Press to close the graph window.
2. Screen Capture Sends a screen capture of the graph window to the email/sms recipients.
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. Cursor Data Data at the point shown by the cursor line when the chart area is touched.
6. Cursor Touch on the graph display to show cursor data.