Link4 iPonic 624 User manual

iPonic™ 624
Dual-Room Climate Controller
User Manual
June 2014 Edition
Copyright © 2014 Link4 Corporation
Revised July 2, 2014

iPonic™ 624 User Manual Page 2 of 56
Table of Contents
Introduction.................................................................4
Theories of Operation................................................5
Customer Service........................................................6
Contact Us ............................................................................. 6
Terms and Conditions ........................................................7
Installation ...................................................................8
Inspect Your Package ............................................................. 8
Contents................................................................................ 8
Mount Your iPonic™ 624..........................................9
Wiring Your iPonic™ 624....................................... 10
Quick Start Guide...................................................... 11
Connect To The Internet ......................................... 13
Remote Access ........................................................... 14
Firmware Update...................................................... 15
Status Screens............................................................ 16
Main Status Screens............................................................. 16
Screen Displays ......................................................... 17
Screen Overview ....................................................... 18
Internal Layout.......................................................... 19
Before You Begin ...................................................... 20
Setpoints ............................................................................. 20
Temperature Control ........................................................... 20
Deadbands .......................................................................... 20
Programming Instructions .................................................... 20
Control Panel ............................................................. 21
Soft Button Shortcuts .............................................. 22
Top Level Menu ......................................................... 24
1. SETPOINTS ............................................................ 25

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Temperature Setpoint ..........................................................25
Humidity Setpoint ................................................................26
CO2 Setpoint ........................................................................28
Light Settings........................................................................29
Setpoint Times .....................................................................30
2. REPORTS ................................................................31
3. SYSTEM SETUP ....................................................33
Equipment Setup..................................................................34
Sensor Setup ........................................................................37
Alarms Setup........................................................................40
Time/Date Setup ..................................................................41
Advanced .............................................................................42
Save/Restore........................................................................50
Communication Setup ..........................................................52
Measurement Units..............................................................53
4. SAVE/RESTORE CONFIGURATION ...............54
5. STAGES ...................................................................55

iPonic™ 624 User Manual Page 4 of 56
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the newest edition of Link4’s illustrious lineup
of innovative hydroponic controllers. The iPonic™ 624 is Link4’s latest
dual-room hydroponic environmental controller that enables you to
seamlessly operate and fully integrate all your monitoring devices and
equipment in your greenhouse facilities.
Link4 designed the user-friendly iPonic™ 624 to exceed the demands of
indoor growers by creating a state-of-the-art controller that’s fast,
flexible and functional. With the iPonic™ 624, you will improve quality
and maximize efficiency. Most importantly, you will have the freedom to
focus on your plants and profits.
At Link4, our mission is to provide independent growers with
revolutionary control solutions. We understand that growing profitable
yields is critical to your success. That’s why we’re committed to
developing the best controllers to surpass your expectations.
Unlike the competition, we offer dedicated service and professional
support. Our team of highly skilled designers and engineers –who
created the iPonic™ 624 – are available to answer all your questions.

iPonic™ 624 User Manual Page 5 of 56
Theories of Operation
The iPonic™ 624 will control your climate – in two rooms, from one elite
touchscreen controller. The ability to operate two rooms is the most
innovative part of your new iPonic™ 624. You can have half the
controllers. The sensors will help your iPonic™ 624 monitor and control
the lights, CO2, irrigation, fans, and humidity. Your controller comes with
eight outlets, all of which are preprogrammed. Each outlet is
programmed to handle a different function. These outlets allow you iPonic
to handle all of the system changes and control of your pre-selected
environment and all you are left to do is monitor. This consistency and
precision will increase the overall efficiency of your grow room.
Do not plug in all of your lights to this controller in the 8 outlets; the
channels are programmed for specific jobs.
These outlets are preconfigured to work with certain equipment from
your greenhouse, but they are also customizable. This means that you
can re configure your iPonic™ 624 to be uniquely yours and make every
outlet work with what equipment you want.
An area that your iPonic™ 624 varies from Link4’s predecessor, the iPonic
614, is that this machine does not have a growth cycle. This was a main
feature of the 614, but is not a part of the 624.
Monitoring your controller has never been as easy as it is with the
iPonic™ 624. You can monitor your grow room from anywhere on your
smartphone, tablet, or pc. All that you have to do is connect to the
internet and you have full control of your iPonic™ 624 from wherever you
are. You will receive text alerts from your iPonic that will let you know
when something unusual is occurring in your grow room. The full
functions of your controller will be accessible to you anywhere through
this connection.
This controller will extremely reduce the quantity of time that you will be
spending at your grow room in front of a controller.

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Customer Service
Link4’s customer service team is ready to help you out twenty-four (24)
hours a day, seven (7) days a week and 365 days a year.
Please write down the model and serial numbers of your iPonic™ 624 so
we can better assist you.
For product information, firmware updates and an extensive list of
frequently asked questions, please register at the Link4 Cloud
(iponic.link4cloud.com). Registration is provided at no charge.
Contact Us
866.755.5465
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
link4corp.com
iponic.link4cloud.com
Link4 Corporation
22725 La Palma Ave.
Yorba Linda, CA 92887

iPonic™ 624 User Manual Page 7 of 56
Terms and Conditions
Warranty –Link4 warrants that the goods sold under this contract will be free from
defects in material and workmanship for a period of twelve (12) months after the
date of purchase. This warranty will be limited to the repair and replacement of
parts, and the necessary labor and services required. It is expressly agreed that
this warranty will be in lieu of all warranties of fitness, and in lieu of the
warranty of merchantability. Any description of the goods contained in this
contract is for the sole purpose of identifying them, it is not part of the basis of the
bargain and does not constitute a warranty that the goods will conform to that
description. The use of any sample or model in connection with this contract is for
illustrative purposes only, is not part of the basis of the bargain and is not to be
construed as a warranty that the goods will conform to the sample or model. No
affirmation of fact or promise made by Link4, whether or not it’s stated in this
contract, will constitute a warranty that the goods will conform to the affirmation or
promise.
Link4 is not responsible for replacement(s) or repair(s), which become defective
from user negligence, modification, abuse and/or any types of improper usage. The
failure to comply with any of the specifications in the product manual will void the
warranty. Our liability to the goods sold, whether on warranty, contract or
negligence, will be released upon the expiration of the warranty period when all
such liability terminates. Link4 is not responsible for any loss or claims due to
consequential damages caused by the Buyer. Link4 also reserves the right to make
any necessary changes to features and specifications, and to the terms and
conditions of this warranty.
Returns –At Link4 we offer the option to return any product that is purchased and
does not meet customer satisfaction. Note that all software is ineligible for return. A
credit or a refund of the purchase price paid will be sent to the customer, minus
shipping, handling, and any restocking fees associated. Note that discounted
products or promotional items returned will receive the original amount that was paid
at time of purchase. This is in line with the U.S. Return Policy guidelines, and a
payment will be issued to you within 7 business days upon receipt of the return
eligible products. This policy applies only to products purchased directly from Link4
Corporation. Link4 products purchased through other retailers must be returned
directly to that retailer and handled in accordance with the respective returns and
refund policies. For partial returns or damaged goods Link4 reserves the right to
credit the customer less than may have been originally paid.
Before returning a product, you must first contact Link4 customer service and obtain
a RMA number before the end of the applicable return period. Link4 will not accept
returns without a RMA number, to obtain this number please call customer services
at 714.975.9474.
Visit link4corp.com to learn more of the logistics of how to return a product.
Repairs –A repair order must also have a Link4 Return Merchandise Authorization
(RMA) number. Repairs that are not covered by the warranty will be billed on a
material and labor basis. Items that require repairs must be sent to Link4 with a
prepaid return shipping label. Link4 is not responsible for damage(s) due to
improper packaging or the shipping and delivery of items returned for repair.
Contingency Plan –The iPonic 624TM is intended to control equipment under
normal operating conditions. When using your controller always have a backup
system in case of emergency. Link4 is not responsible for loss of data or yield
because of a controller or other malfunction. Link4 recommends that you do not
have a single-point of failure situation. If a controller results in a loss of extensive
materials or data Link4 will allow a return and refund to their customer, but will not
be responsible for other material. It is recommended that you always have a form of
back-up in case of emergency. Also relying on one system could result in a
dangerous environment. Link4 does not take responsibility for serious injury or
death in the case where there was no backup in place to avoid a dangerous
situation.

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Additional Costs –It is expressly agreed that the Buyer will reimburse Link4 for
any additional costs attributable to changes in the specifications, directions or
design of the items furnished, which are requested or approved by the Buyer at
Link4’s listed retail prices in effect at the time such changes are ordered.
Governing Law –The validity of this contract and any of its terms and conditions,
as well as the rights and duties of the parties under this contract, will be construed
pursuant to and in accordance with the laws of California. The parties specifically
agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts in California.
Installation
Inspect Your Package
The package should come complete per the items listed below. Upon
arrival, check the contents with the packing list to ensure that you have
all the items, all associated hardware and the necessary tools to begin
installation. Make sure nothing is damaged or missing. If there is any
visible damage or missing parts, please contact your point-of-purchase
customer service department immediately.
Contents
iPonic™ 624 Qty: 1
Sensor modules with 16 ft. cable Qty: 2
Preinstalled Internet Communication Module Qty: 1
Quick start guide Qty: 1
User manual Qty: 1

iPonic™ 624 User Manual Page 9 of 56
Mount your iPonic™ 624
Find a secure location outside your greenhouse facility to mount your
iPonic™ 624 controller. The location should have a sturdy surface to hold
the weight of the controller and the additional weight of the equipment
power cords. The location should be away from direct sunlight and grow
lights. Make sure the area is dry with no condensation, moisture,
humidity, rain and extreme temperatures. For your convenience, make
sure the controller is in an easily accessible location. Leave at least ten
(10) inches of workspace below the unit.
There are four (4) mounting holes on the outside of the iPonic™ 624
enclosure to help you attach it to a suitable surface. Make sure you use
appropriate tools.
The iPonic™ 624 comes with a 115 VAC power cord. Make sure there is
an outlet within approximately six (6) feet. It is highly recommended that
you use an outlet that is not shared with other high-voltage equipment.
Disconnect all equipment from the iPonic™ 624 before its initial start-up.
Safety Warning: The iPonic™ 624 can only provide a total of 115 volts
with a maximum of 15 amps. The recommended maximum is 12 amps or
less. This rating is for both rooms. To avoid electric shock, always keep
the hinged door closed and locked when the controller is turned on.
Connect the Indoor Sensor Modules
The iPonic™ 624 comes with two (2) Digital Integrated Sensor Modules
(DISM) –one for each room. The sensors measure temperature,
humidity, CO2 and lighting. They come with a 16-foot cable. It is
recommended that each sensor is hung in a central location within the
greenhouse facility. Ideally, you will want to hang the module near the
crop level, near to the center of the controlled environment to get
accurate readings. You may want to keep the module away from
irrigation emitters, unit heaters and any other type of equipment that
may affect the accuracy of the sensor.
Connect the sensor module at the bottom of the iPonic™ 624. Make sure
it is securely fastened. There are two sensor inputs.
The top of the sensor is the end attached to the cable. For an accurate
reading of your lighting, make sure this end faces the indicator lights.
Because of the sensitivity of the sensors, you may want to experiment
with different places and positions to determine which provides a more
accurate reading of your lighting sources.
You may lengthen the sensor cable as needed, but be sure to use an
adapter and wire approved by Link4 to make any extensions. If you make
any splices to extend the length of the cable, make sure they are
waterproof. Use shielded cables. Any water, fertilizer or liquid that seeps
into the splices will result in unstable sensor readings.
Keep the cables away from high-voltage wiring, power inverters, motor
controllers and mercury arc or sodium lamp circuits.

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Wiring your iPonic™ 624
The iPonic™ 624 is equipped with sensor plugs at the base of the unit
and an opening for the Ethernet cable for Internet access. Additional
holes in the top, sides or back of the enclosure can result in condensation
or moisture inside the unit, which may cause irreparable damage. Failure
to install to Link4’s specifications will void the warranty.

iPonic™ 624 User Manual Page 11 of 56
Quick Start Guide
Configure your iPonic™ 624 in four (4) easy steps!
Step 1 –Mount Your iPonic™ 624
-Mount the controller at eyelevel and away from any moisture or
electrical sources
-Locate the four (4) mounting holes at the base of your unit
-Leave at least ten (10) inches of workspace below the unit
-Mount the controller to a sturdy surface
-If possible mount the controller outside and between the two (2)
rooms
Now plug in the Digital Integrated Sensor Modules (DISM) that are
enclosed in the controller unit. For the best readings hang the sensors
plant level, but slightly out to the side to avoid direct light interference.
Step 2 –Install the Equipment
-Uncoil the 16-foot sensor cables
-Attach the plugs into the designated ports
-Make sure to match the correct plug with the correct sensor
plugin labels Room 1 and Room 2
-Screw in the blue plugs securely
-Plug in the controller’s power cord into the outlet
When looking at your iPonic screen you will notice a difference in light
and dark. Room 1 settings are on a dark background and Room 2
settings are on a light background. The tabs of the same light od dark
shade correspond with the room that they match.
Step 3 –Power Up Your iPonic™ 624
-Find an unobstructed electrical outlet
-Plug in the controller’s power cord into the outlet
-Turn on the controller to initiate the Startup Wizard
Once you have mounted the unit and installed the sensor modules, you
may plug it in and turn on your iPonic™ 624. When you power up your
iPonic™ 624 for the first time, the Startup Wizard appears.
Step 4 –Initiate The Startup Wizard
To set up the Time, follow the instructions below:
-First, you will be prompted to set up the time
-Use Soft Button No. 1 to change the hour
-Use the Navigation Menu to highlight the hour

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-Use Soft Button No. 2 and No. 3 to change the minutes
-Use the Navigation Menu to highlight the minutes
-Use Soft Button No. 4 to set up the meridian indicator (AM/PM)
-Use Soft Button No. 5 to set up the clock preferences
(12H/24H)
-Press OK to confirm Time settings
To set up the Date, follow the instructions below:
-After you set the time, you will be prompted to set the date
-Use Soft Button No. 1 to change the month
-Use the Navigation Menu to highlight the month
-Continue repeating for setting the day and year
-Press OK to confirm Date settings
Once you have set up the time and date, the Startup Wizard will ask if
you would like to sync your controller clock to the Internet. Press Soft
Button No. 1 for Yes or Soft Button No. 2 for No. For instructions on
setting up Internet access, see Page 10. To configure your Basic
Equipment Settings, follow the instructions below:
-The controller defaults to the most commonly used equipment
-Use Soft Button No. 3 to check or uncheck equipment options
-Use Soft Button No. 5 and No. 6 or the Navigation Menu to
highlight fields
-Use Soft Button No. 7 and No. 8 to toggle between Rooms 1
and Rooms 2
-Press OK to confirm your settings and proceed to the next
option
-You will be asked if you’re using a CO2 tank or generator for
Room 1 and Room 2
-Press OK to confirm settings
-Complete the Startup Wizard

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Connect To the Internet
The iPonic™ 624 comes with a preinstalled Communication Module.
The controller can be used to access the Internet with a standard CAT 5
cable that can be linked to your router.
Note: The Ethernet port for the Internet is inside the iPonic™ 624.
Before proceeding, make sure the Ethernet cable is functioning properly.
Perform the following steps to connect your iPonic™ 624 to the Internet:
-Power down the controller
-Open up the hinged door
-Route cable through opening at the base
-Locate the Ethernet port in the upper left corner
-Plug in the cable to the Ethernet port
-Plug in the other end to your router
-Close and lock the controller door
-Power up the controller
Once you’re connected to the Internet, the controller will automatically
link up to the Link4 Cloud Server (iponic.link4cloud.com) and a
Registration Key will be created for you. Use the instructions below to
access the Registration Key:
-From the Main Menu, Press Soft Button No. 3 or use the
Navigation Menu to highlight System Setup
-Press Soft Button No. 7 or use Navigation Menu to highlight
Communication Setup
-Press Soft Button No. 2 or use Navigation Menu to highlight
Server Setup
-View your Serial Number and Registration Key
Once you have a Registration Key assigned, go to the browser on your
computer or mobile phone and visit the Link4 Cloud
(iponic.link4cloud.com). If you haven’t done so already, please create an
account.
Text Message Alerts
Once you have connected to your iPonic 624 through the internet and
then setup your remote access you will begin receiving text message
alerts. (See pg. 14) These will show up as iPonic Alert Notification.
You will have the capacity through the Link4 Cloud to receive 25 of
these notifications every 12 hours. Make sure that you are checking your
controller if you get 25 and it has not been 12 hours, because you will
not get your next alert until the time resets.

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Remote Access
Additional help can be found on page 52.
To set up your controller for remote access through your computer or
smartphone, please follow the three (3) easy steps below:
Step 1 –Log in to your Link4 Account and click on My iPonic
Cloud.
Step 2 –Click on Add a controller to your account
Step 3 –Enter the Serial Number, Registration Key and select
ADD CONTROLLER
Congratulations! You can now remotely access your controller through
your computer or smartphone.

iPonic™ 624 User Manual Page 15 of 56
Firmware Update
To update the firmware on your controller, please follow the instructions below:
-From the Home screen of your Link4 Cloud Account, click on
the Support tab
-Click on the blue box labeled iPonic Firmware UPDATE
-Download the iPonic Firmware UPDATE
-Create a New Folder on your desktop and name it PRG
-Retrieve iPonic Firmware UPDATE and move it to your PRG
folder
-Move the PRG folder to an empty USB drive
-Safely remove your USB drive from your computer
-Insert your USB drive into your controller
-Turn the Navigation Menu to launch the Main Menu
-Press Soft Button No. 3 or use the Navigation Menu to select
System Setup option
-Press OK to confirm selection and proceed to the System Setup
Menu
-Press Soft Button No. 5 or use the Navigation Menu to select
Advanced option
-Press OK to confirm selection and proceed to Room Select
-Use the Soft Buttons or Navigation Menu to select Room 1,
Room 2 or Shared
-In the Advanced Setup menu, press Soft Button No. 4 for
Bootload
-You will be asked to begin Bootload
-Use the Navigation Menu to answer Yes
-Press OK to confirm your settings
-You will be asked if you want to Reprogram
-Use Navigation Menu to answer Yes
-Press OK to confirm your settings
-You will be asked if you want to Configure from USB drive
-Use Navigation Menu to answer Yes
-Press OK to confirm your settings
-A status message will appear and the controller will restart
Warning: Be advised that your iPonic™ 624 is equipped with a USB port
(use the slot on top). For your safety, please shut down and unplug your
controller before inserting a USB drive. You can use it to import
schedules, install programs and upgrade your firmware. Please refer to
the User Manual for more information.

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Status Screens
Main Status Screens
There are three Main status screens. The default status screen is divided
between two rooms. The top section displays the current status for
Room 1 and the bottom section displays the current status for Room 2.
If you press the Home button, you will receive detailed information on
the whole screen for Room 1. Press the Home button for detailed
information for Room 2. The name of the equipment is displayed in each
of the outputs, as well as the current control status. All of the numerical
values shown are samples that will differ for each user. Below is a
description of each of the common settings.
Split screen view featuring two rooms.
Main screen view featuring Room 1 in Nighttime Setpoint
Main screen view featuring Room 2 in Daytime Setpoint

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Screen Displays
Temperature –The inside temperature of each room is displayed.
CO2 –The carbon dioxide levels are measured in parts per million in
each room.
Humidity –The relative humidity is listed in each room as a percentage.
Day Setpoint –This is the current Setpoint for heating, which features
stages for temperatures and relative humidity, in addition to maximum
carbon dioxide levels.
Night Setpoint –This is the current Setpoint for cooling, which features
stages for temperatures and relative humidity, in addition to minimum
carbon dioxide levels.
AUTO –Each of the output sections has equipment that is automatically
controlled with the Soft Buttons or the Manual Override Switches.
Equipment that is displayed on the status screen is on.
ON –Equipment is being manually forced to ON with the Soft Buttons
or the Manual Override Switches.
OFF –Equipment is being manually forced to OFF with the Soft Buttons
or the Manual Override Switches.
Note: Be advised that you can control the output by pressing the
corresponding Soft Button. The inside of the controller also has Manual
Override Switches. These switches need to be in the AUTO position at
all times. If they are used to turn ON the outputs or to shut OFF the
outputs, they will override all programmed settings.

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Screen Overview
The iPonic™ 624 has three main screens. The Main status screen is
divided into two sections to showcase each room. The other two status
screens feature detailed information for Room 1 and Room 2.

iPonic™ 624 User Manual Page 19 of 56
Internal Layout
The diagram below shows how the iPonic™ 624 looks on the inside. There
are eight (8) Manual Override Switches, a Reset Button that clears
all configurations, a preinstalled Communication Module with an
Ethernet port and a USB slot (use the slot on top). Make sure the power
is turned off before opening your controller to avoid electric shock or
irreparable damage.

iPonic™ 624 User Manual Page 20 of 56
Before You Begin
Setpoints
The iPonic™ 624 allows you to use up to three (3) temperature
Setpoints in a twenty-four (24) hour period. By configuring Setpoints
at different times of the day, you can regulate the temperature within a
range. When a Setpoint is in effect within a specific time frame, the
controller will activate either a cooling stage or a heating state to return
the greenhouse room to normal temperature ranges. The same principle
applies when the humidity rises and falls beyond the normal range.
Anytime one or more Setpoints are active, the subsequent set will begin
and the previous one will end.
Temperature Control
With the iPonic™ 624, you can program a cooling temperature target
(Cool Setpoint) and a heating temperature target (Heat Setpoint) to
set the normal temperature range. The cooling and heating equipment is
not activated when the greenhouse temperature is within the normal
range. Some circulation fans, which are also known as horizontal air flow
or HAF fans, may be activated to maintain air movement within the
greenhouse environment.
Anytime the temperature within the greenhouse deviates from the
normal temperature range, whether it’s above the Cool Setpoint or
below the Heat Setpoint, the iPonic™ 624 will either enter a cooling
stage or a heating stage to return to normal levels. With the iPonic™ 624,
you can program up to six (6) cooling stages and two (2) heating stages.
When the temperature in the greenhouse rises above the Cool Setpoint,
the system enters the first stage of cooling (referred to as Cool 1). If the
temperature continues to rise, the system will enter the second stage
(Cool 2), then the third stage (Cool 3) and so forth. The goal is to keep
the temperatures in the normal range.
The same occurs when the temperature drops below the Heat Setpoint.
The only difference is that there are only two heating stages in this
mode.
Deadbands
Often known as a neutral zone, Deadbands are intervals between
temperature stages. The iPonic™ 624 allows you to set a normal
temperature range. If the temperature is above the Cool Setpoint, the
cooling equipment will be activated to bring the temperature back to the
normal stage. The same process occurs when the temperature rises
below the Heat Setpoint. Configuring a Deadband Setting will prevent
your temperature-control equipment from oscillating or repeatedly
shutting on and off through frequent cycles.
Programming Instructions
Before you program your iPonic™ 624, make sure the equipment has
been properly connected and tested with the Manual Override
Switches first. Be advised that the switches must be placed back to the
AUTO position before the controller can activate your equipment.