Agrowtek HX8 GrowNET User manual
© 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
Contents
Overview 2
Installation Instructions 3
Mounting the Enclosure 3
Connections 4
Technical Information 5
Warranty 5
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
GrowNET™ Hub
Digital Device Communication Hub
8-Port Buered Hub with POC
Specications
Input Power 1A@12-24Vdc
Class II / Limited Energy Power Supply
Max Device Current 1A per port / 1A combined
Master (Input) Ports 1x RJ-45
Device (Outputs) Ports 8x RJ-45
Power Indicator Red LED
Power Jack 2.1x5.5mm
Power Terminals Optional, DC input terminals
Protocols Supported GrowNET™, MODBUS RTU
KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS
© Agrowtek Inc. | www.agrowtek.com | Technology to Help You Grow™
2
Overview
HX8 GrowNET ™ hubs expand a single GrowNET™ port from a GrowControl™ clutivation controller into eight
more ports in order to connect many GrowNET™ devices to the controller and reduce cabling. HX8 hubs can
also be daisy-chained to form a network of up to 100 devices per GrowNET™ bus. It is typical to locate hubs
centrally in hall ways and rooms for simplied cabling back to the controller.
POC (Power Over Cable)
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.
Industrial Signal Integrity
All GrowNET™ devices are connected using standard CAT5 Ethernet cable with RJ-45 connections. Individu-
ally buered port transcievers provide excellent signal integrity and extended communication strength and
range up to 1000ft.
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3
Installation Instructions
HX8 hubs are“transparent” on the GrowNET™ network. Hubs do not consume a device address on the con-
troller or appear in the controller’s device list. There is nothing to congure; just connect devices.
The HX8 hub enclosure includes two wall-mounting anges with a pre-drilled hole in each ange.
Follow these tips for best results:
• Install the hub in a dry location away from drips or condensation.
• Ensure the hub is accessible for service.
• Use a weather proof enclosure for high humidity conditions (>70% continuous.)
1. Place the hub in the area intended for mounting. Ensure there is adequate space for connections.
2. Mark the hole locations and install anchors or pre-drill holes if necessary.
3. Mount the enclosure to the wall or ceiling using screws (not provided.)
Ensure all dust and contaminants have been blown out of the enclosure.
Hardware is not provided. Drywall screws are recommended.
Mounting the Enclosure
Technology to Help You Grow
AGROWtEK
U.S.A.
MADE IN
© Agrowtek Inc. | www.agrowtek.com
GrowNET™8-Port Hub
GrowControl™
1 2 3 4
8 7 6 5
12-24Vdc
GrowNET
Upstream
Port
TM
HX8
power
5.00 in.
© Agrowtek Inc. | www.agrowtek.com | Technology to Help You Grow™
4
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.
The HX8 hub features a“master’ upstream port on the left side which is to be connected to an up-stream
master port such as a GrowNET™ port on a GCX controller, or another HX8 numbered port (daisy chained.)
Eight (8) down stream ports are provided for connecting devices or additional hubs. A power jack provides
power to the hub and eight device ports from a wall power supply.
Connections
1. Master Port Connects to a GCX controller port or numbered hub port from another hub.
2. Power Jack Plug in the 24Vdc 1A power supply to provide power to the hub and 8 ports.
3. Device Port Connects to GrowNET™ devices.
1
2
3
Technology to Help You Grow
AGROWtEK
U.S.A.
MADE IN
© Agrowtek Inc. | www.agrowtek.com
GrowNET™8-Port Hub
GrowControl™
1 2 3 4
8 7 6 5
12-24Vdc
GrowNET
Upstream
Port
TM
HX8
power
© Agrowtek Inc. | www.agrowtek.com | Technology to Help You Grow™
5
Agrowtek Inc. warrants that all manufactured products are, to the best of its knowledge, free of defective
material and workmanship and warrants this product for 1 year from the date of purchase. This warranty
is extended to the original purchaser from the date of receipt. This warranty does not cover damages from
abuse, accidental breakage, or units that have been modied, altered, or installed in a manner other than
that which is specied in the installation instructions. Agrowtek Inc. must be contacted prior to return ship-
ment for a return authorization. No returns will be accepted without a return authorization. This warranty
is applicable only to products that have been properly stored, installed, and maintained per the installation
and operation manual and used for their intended purpose. This limited warranty does not cover products
installed in or operated under unusual conditions or environments including, but not limited to, high hu-
midity or high temperature conditions. The products which have been claimed and comply with the afore-
mentioned restrictions shall be replaced or repaired at the sole discretion of the Agrowtek Inc. at no charge.
This warranty is provided in lieu of all other warranty provisions, express or implied. It is including but not
limited to any implied warranty of tness or merchantability for a particular purpose and is limited to the
Warranty Period. In no event or circumstance shall Agrowtek Inc. be liable to any third party or the claimant
for damages in excess of the price paid for the product, or for any loss of use, inconvenience, commercial
loss, loss of time, lost prots or savings or any other incidental, consequential or special damages arising out
of the use of, or inability to use, the product. This disclaimer is made to the fullest extent allowed by law or
regulation and is specically made to specify that the liability of Agrowtek Inc. under this limited warranty,
or any claimed extension thereof, shall be to replace or repair the Product or refund the price paid for the
Product.
Warranty
Storage
Store equipment in a clean, dry environment with ambient temperature between10-50°C.
Disposal
This indsutrial control equipment may contain traces of lead or other metals and environmental contami-
nants and must not be discarded as unsorted municipal waste, but must be collected separately for the
purpose of treatment, recovery and environmentally sound disposal. Wash hands after handling internal
components or PCB’s.
Technical Information
Table of contents
