HYVE Little Farm LF-ONE User manual

LF-ONE
Assembly Guide

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The Step-by-Step Guide to Assemble Your New LF-ONE
This manual is your guide to preparing and assembling your new "Little Farm" LF-ONE unit. Inside
you’ll find step-by-step instructions to make sure you assemble your unit correctly. The only tools
you will need are a Philips head screwdriver and wrench, both of which are included in the kit.
We’ve also included extra screws just in case you should happen to drop or misplace one.
Before You Begin
Before you begin assembly, it’s a good idea to look through this manual to get a feel for the steps
involved and to identify and organize the tools you’ll need. We’ve included a check list on page 2
of this guide with the kit’s contents.
Other Quick Tips
We'll walk you through putting together your LF-ONE in this guide, and we want to mention a few
quick general tips that will help make installation even a bit easier:
• Read through each individual installation step fully before starting on that particular step.
• All instructions are referring to an LF-ONE unit from the perspective of standing in front, facing
the unit (as pictured on the next page).
• Some installation steps have additional tips within them to help with those stages.
• Do NOT use a drill.
• It may be helpful to have two people to put your LF-ONE unit together.
• Estimated installation time is 1-2 hours.
Questions? We Have Answers.
We recommend you assemble your unit nearby where you want to place your LF-ONE for grow-
ing so that you won’t have to move it too far once assembled. It’s also helpful to place your unit
in an area with airflow or at least in an open area. This will help with plant growth during a grow
cycle. Should you have
questions on the assem-
bly, we are here to help.
We have assembly vid-
eos on our website, at
www.growhyve.com,un-
der the LF-ONE support
section that will help to
provide visual examples
on how the assembly
works. You can call us at
540.904.4471 or send us
an email at
[e-mail].
MICRO
HYDROPONICS
AUTOMATED
FRESH
HEALTHY
Introducing LF-ONE, a complete, compact, all-in-
one hydroponic growing system from
AUTOCROPTM. LF-ONE is safe, efficient, and fun!
Perfect for restaurants, homes, and offices, the
“Little Farm” provides an optimal indoor growing
environment for salad greens, herbs, and even a
few fruit plants. LF-ONE puts fresh, healthy
vegetables at your fingertips year-round.
LF-ONE
by

System Contents
Screws S1 5x8mm (x 28)
Screwdriver (x 1)
Wrench (x 1)
Screws S2 4x10mm (x 8)
Screws S3 3x12mm (x 4)
Screws S4 4x16mm (x 6)
Screws S5 6x16mm (x 6)
Screws S6 4x10mm (x 2)
Screws S7 4x30mm (x 2)
Arch base (x 2)
Light brackets (x 6)
Drain pipe (x 1)
Wire conduit (x 1)
Pipe clamps (x 6)
Grow Tray Drains & Plugs (x 6)
PLC system (x 1)
Control box with GFCI plug (x 1)
Shade (x 1)
Measuring cup (L) (x 1)
Hoses (x3)
Grow medium (x 3 flats)
Seeding tray (x 1)
Net-Baskets (x 60)
Tweezers (x 1)
Safety straps (on F4) (x 2)
F5
LED3
LED2
LED1
A3
L4 (Grow tray)
L3 (Grow tray)
L2 (Grow tray)
L1 (Water tank)
A2
A1
F4
F3
F2
F1
B3
B2
B1
ToolsComponents

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Take out posts A1 (x1) and B1 (x3), and the first level frame (F1). Take off the gray footers (plastic stoppers)
at the bottom of the posts, and insert the posts into the four molded openings in the base-level frame
(F1). Insert the posts with the footers-end first, going from the top-side and going down (i.e. with smooth
plastic side facing up). The A1 post should go into the hole next to the [F1↓] label. Slowly ease the posts into
the frame until the screw holes on the inside of the posts line up with the slots in the frame. Replace the
footers on the bottom of the posts.
Secure poles and frame by matching the corresponding screw holes and affix with screws (S1). Note that
the [F1↓] label indicates the top side of the frame, and the arrow points to the front of the unit. The ends
of the poles with the rubber stoppers are the bottom.
Notes:
All frames will have arrows to indicate a direction so the LF-ONE unit will line up properly when complet-
ed.
Tips:
• It is helpful to slide the posts into the first frame (F1) on a table. (The slots for the posts are tight in order
to assure better stability when the unit is completely assembled; therefore, when placing the posts
into F1 they will need a bit of a push.)
• When installing on a table or other installation surface, place a towel on the surface to protect from
scratching.
• Before placing the legs into F1, it is also helpful to get a little olive oil (or similar) and lubricate the in-
sides of the slots of the frame to help with sliding in the posts. It may also be helpful to have a second
person to hold down the other end of the frame for support and stability when inserting posts.
• One may also want to use a work glove or oven mitt when pushing down the posts to cushion one’s
hand.
• There is an online video for additional visual help for these, and all other, steps in this guide (URL
below) – even when not noted.
1
2
Take four S1 screws and partially screw them into the second set of holes from the bottom on the inside
of the posts (A1 x1, B1 x3).
Slide in the second-level frame (F2) onto the four poles. Push down with even pressure, easing the frame
down the posts until the slots on the inside of the plastic corners slide onto the screws. (Make sure to ease
down the corners as evenly as possible, without any corner getting too ahead of the others.)
Secure poles and frame by aligning the screw holes and affixing screws (S1). (Note: the [F2↓] label indi-
cates the top side of the frame and arrow points to the front of the unit.)

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3
Take four S1 screws and partially screw them into the holes on the insides at the tops of the posts.
Frame 3 (F3) will sit on top of the four posts (A1 + B1 x3) – the plastic corner molds will fit onto the tops of
the posts. Slide F3 onto the tops of the posts. Secure the four screws (S1) in the slots on the underside of
the frame.
4
Pull aside the three hoses (thin black tubes), as well as post A2. Note the hoses are three different lengths.
Also note the hoses have an angled cut on one end and a flat cut on the other. Take the longest hose
and post A2, and slide the flat-cut end of the hose into the cut-out hole on the inside of A2 (near the “A2”
sticker) and slide it down through to the other end of the post. Take the medium length hose and slide
the flat-cut end into the other cut-out hole on the inside of A2, and slide it out the bottom of the post. Set
A2 with the hoses aside for a moment.
Note: There is an online video for further visual explanation.
Angled-cut
In
In
Out
Out
Flat-cut

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Take A2 (with the hoses-end down) and slide the hoses into the top of A1. Slide both hoses down A1 and
pull them out through the lowest cut-out on the inside of A1, between F2 and F1. You should leave at least
approximately 16-18” of the hoses coming out at the top of each cut-out.
Now take the shortest, and last hose, slide the flat-cut end into the cut-out hole on the inside of A1 just
above F2, and slide it down and out the cut-out hole of A1 between F2 and F1.
Secure post A2 (x1) and posts B2 (x3) to F3 by aligning the screw holes with the slots in the connecting
corner pieces, and affixing with S1 screws (just above F3).
Note: There is an online video for further visual explanation.
5
6
Take four S1 screws and partially screw them into the top holes on the inside of the posts (A2 + B2 x3).
Place F4 onto A2 and B2 posts. Secure the frame to the posts by aligning the slots with the screw holes
and securing into place with S1 screws.
Note: The [F4↓] label indicates the top side and the arrow points to the front of the unit.

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7
On the short lengths of the frame (F4) there are screw holes where the arch bases go. Install the arch bas-
es on both sides of F4 by attaching them with two S2 screws each.
Note: The arch bases can go on either side – they are interchangeable.
8
Attach A3 and B3 poles to F5 arch cross-piece. Secure with S3 screws (x2) per end.
Wipe clean cross-piece of finger prints and oils. (E.g. using a surface cleaner like Windex will work.)
Get the shade and remove the plastic film. There are two strips of adhe-
sive attached to the shade, which will align with the outer edges of the
F5 cross-piece. Peel off the covers of the adhesive strips, align and adhere
the shade along the bottom-side of the top arch (F5). (The bottom-side
will have two screw holes toward each end.)
Attach light brackets to the bottom-side of F5 using S1 screws, with the
L-bracket angles facing away from the center of the arch, and the screw going through the closed hole
of the bracket.
Note: The shade is to prevent glare from the top shelf (F5) above a certain angle.
9
Install the assembled arch (Step 7) to the arch bases on top of F4, securing on both sides with two S2
screws on the inside of the posts. (Make sure A3 matches up with the side with A1 and A2 posts.)

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On the left (B posts) side of the unit, install the smaller set of pipe clamps onto the sides
of F2, F3, and F4 in the pre-set screw holes with S4 screws.
Put the system drain pipe together. These are
two pieces of PVC without any electric cables in
them. Take off the bottom elbow connector.
Connect the system drain pipe onto your LF-ONE by pushing it into the
three clamps until it snaps into place. (The catchment funnels should be
facing up.) Rotate the pipe so that the water catchment funnels are in po-
sition under the drainage holes of the grow trays.
Tips:
• In the bag (S4) containing the pipe clamps and screws, separate the two different sizes of pipe clamps
before installing onto your LF-ONE unit.
• Be careful when rotating the catchment funnels into place that the bottom pipe does not catch on
tray L1.
Notes:
• Do NOT glue bottom drain elbow, as it is designed to be removeable.
• There is an online video for further visual explanation and assistance on installing the drain pipe.
10
11
12
Place the L1 tray on the bottom rack.
Tip: In order to get the tray into the rack, slide it in at a 45° angle. Once one end of the tray is in about half
way, rotate the tray the rest of the way into the rack.
Note: There is an online video for further visual explanation and assistance on loading, and unload-
ing, trays.
Take the other two pairs of light brackets and attach them to the undersides of F3 and F4 with S1 screws;
this time with the L-bracket angles facing the centers of the frames. The screws go through the closed
holes in the brackets.

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14
13
On the right (A posts) side of the unit, install the larger set of
pipe clamps on the sides of F2, F3, and F4 in the pre-set screw
holes with S4 screws.
Attaching the wire conduit (PVC pipe with cables inside):
Place the pump into L1. Connect the PVC pipe to the LF-
ONE by pushing it into the three pipe clamps until it snaps
into place. The smaller elbow connector goes in at the top
(into A3).
The small elbow connects into the hole on the outside of
A3 in the top arch. The elbow and pipe at the bottom of the
conduit (PVC pipe) goes into the water mixing tray on the
bottom, in order to provide power for the pump.
If the shelf of L1 is on the tray, take it off the tray and put it aside.
Connect the ends of the hoses coming out of the bottom cut-out of A1 to the irrigation line connectors on
the pump.
Tip: You can use the screwdriver to help widen the ends of the hoses slightly in order to better slide them
onto the outlet-valves on the pump.
Note: There is an online video for further visual explanation and assistance on installing the hoses to
the pump.

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Take the light fixtures out of their box and partially screw S5 screws into the ends of the fixtures.
Mount the light fixtures to the light brackets already attached under each frame level (F3, F4, F5) by
hooking the S5 screws to the brackets. Make sure the cables on the light fixtures are next to the cables
coming out of the conduit (i.e. A-side of the unit). Secure the fixtures to the brackets by hand tightening
the screws.
Note: “LED1” will go under F3, “LED2” under F4, and “LED3” under F5. (Each fixture is labeled on the out-
side of the bracket opposite the side of the cables.)
16.1 A bracket for the PLC unit is pre-installed on the bottom of
F4 on the front, right-side. Attach the PLC unit by gently sliding
it onto the bracket.
16.2 Get two S6 screws, place the Control Box on the bottom right side of F4 and use the two screws to
secure the Control Box into two pre-drilled holes in F4 frame. Start with the screw toward the center of the
rack, the side of the controller with the cables coming out; then affix the screw nearer post A2.
Note: There is an online video for further visual explanation and assistance on PLC and Control Box
installation with a second person.
15
16 Controller Installation

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Follow labels on cables plus the diagram on the control box in order to match and correctly connect cor-
responding cables. When connecting cables, look for, and line up, arrows on the outside of connectors.
Starting from the top of the unit:
Connect LED3 to cable from conduit
Connect cable with "L1, L2" label coming from
LED2 to top-left cable from control box
Connect cable with "L3" label coming from con-
duit to top-right cable from control box
Connect second cable from LED2 to remaining
corresponding cable from control box
Connect AC output cable (black) from con-
duit to AC input cable ("AC IN") from control
box
Connect LED1 to cable from conduit
Put drains and plugs into grow trays.
Place grow trays onto corresponding levels
on your LF-ONE.
Tip: In order to get a tray into the rack (particularly L2 and L3), slide it in at a 45° angle. Once one end of the
tray is in about half way, tilt the tray up about 30-45° and rotate the tray the rest of the way into the rack.
Then place the tray onto the rack.
You can clip each hose into a notch on the side of its corresponding tray to hold it into place.
Note: There is an online video for further visual explanation and assistance on loading, and unload-
ing, trays.
For safety, a set of wall mount straps are pre-installed at the back of the unit. Look for studs in the wall
you plan to place your LF-ONE in front of prior to securing the straps. Use S7 screws to secure the straps
to a wall.
17
18
19

Safety Notes and Tips from
on your LF-ONE
• Keep indoor temperatures ideally between 57-75°F (14-23.9°C).
Check our website for specific crop temperature range rec-
ommendations.
• LF-ONE is designed for indoor use only – do NOT use out-
doors.
• Unplug unit when not in use.
• To avoid electric shock, do NOT touch electrical components
(e.g. connections) with wet hands or while standing in water.
• Keep children and pets away from nutrients and LF-ONE sup-
plies. Nutrients are not meant to be consumed or ingested. In
case of accidental ingestion, seek prompt medical attention.
• Keep unit away from open flames, fire, or chemicals.
• Make sure unit rests on a flat, stable surface that can support
the weight of the LF-ONE unit when full (i.e. with water and
crop), approximately 75-185 lbs (34-84 kg). Exercise caution
when moving the unit.
• Do not attempt to stack multiple LF-ONE units on top of each
other.
• Follow nutrient mixing instructions closely. Do not overmix
nutrients or you could jeopordize crop growth.
• Thoroughly clean unit after each grow cycle.
• For best results use only SONARAY LED horticulture (grow)
lighting fixtures and HYVE supplies and nutrients with the LF-
ONE system.
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