MICRO GROW GROWMASTER Reference guide

MICRO GROW
GREENHOUSE SYSTEMS, INC
26111 YNEZ RD., SUITE C-4, TEMECULA, CA 92591 PHONE [phone] FAX [phone]
Revision 1.3, 8/30/04
Ventmate Plus

1
INSTALLATION PROCEDURES
GROWMASTER, GROWMATE PLUS, AND
VENTMATE PLUS
PANEL MOUNTING
Mount the control panel in an accessible location. Make sure that the location is free of
vibration and in close proximity to the devices being controlled. Always consider voltage drop
of electrical current when locating the control panel. Securely mount the panel.
SWITCHING CONTACTORS AND RELAYS
The control panel will operate the greenhouse equipment by way of load contactors and load
relays. ALL RELAYS AND LOAD CONTACTORS USED MUST HAVE A SURGE
SUPPRESSOR INSTALLED ACROSS THE COIL OF THE RELAY OR LOAD CONTACTOR.
These surge suppressors are readily available from Micro Grow Greenhouse Systems, Inc. All
load contactors and relays are also readily available from Micro Grow Greenhouse Systems,
Inc. To decide which to use, follow this guide:
LOAD CONTACTORS:
Exhaust fans, pad pumps, horizontal air flow fans, heating pumps, fan jets, large heaters, crop
lighting, and all other larger electrical loads over 1/6 H.P.
LOAD RELAYS:
Signal switching such as the small control lines for gas fired heaters, control lines for vent and
shade system controls, small loads such as motorized shutters, other loads up to 1/6 H.P.
CUSTOM CONTACTOR AND RELAY PANEL AVAILABLE
A custom-built load contactor and load relay panel is available from Micro Grow Greenhouse
Systems, Inc. This panel will contain all the required switching apparatus for your project, as
well as a correctly sized machine tool transformer. Contact Micro Grow Greenhouse Systems,
Inc. for pricing and availability.
TRANSFORMERS
A 24 VAC transformer will power the control panel. It is most important to use a MACHINE
TOOL TYPE. A Machine Tool Transformer is a heavy-duty variety that will allow for high inrush
currents that are associated with the use of load contactors and relays. Micro Grow
Greenhouse Systems, Inc. stocks these types of transformers. Use no smaller than a 50 VA
Machine Tool Transformer. For a system that has more than three load contactors connected,
use a 100 VA Machine Tool Transformer.
ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS
The electrical circuit that feeds the machine tool transformer must have no other loads
connected to it. This will prevent damaging surges from other related electrical devices.
Follow all local and national codes in the connection of all the greenhouse equipment. Always
allow for voltage drop conditions. Always consider that the greenhouse is a wet environment.
Always follow the code rulings for disconnect switches and overcurrent devices on greenhouse
equipment. USE A QUALIFIED AND LICENSED ELECTRICIAN AT ALL TIMES.
WIRING METHODS
Always use stranded wire when connecting cables or conductors to the actual circuit board of
the control panel. This will allow flexibility. Use no smaller than #18 gauge-stranded wire for all

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outputs. Use no smaller than the recommended wire size of stranded cable for inputs,
generally #22 gauge.
SENSOR CONDUCTORS:
Route sensor conductors separately from control conductors. This is very important so as to
reduce electrical interference. Never route sensor conductors in conduits used for other
voltages. This is in violation of the electrical code and will cause dangerous interference to the
control system. Always locate the actual sensor in the center of the range that is being
controlled for accurate readings. Do not allow the sensor to come in contact with any
greenhouse structure member such as a post that would give off any radiated heat and cause a
false temperature reading. Do not locate the sensor where a particular piece of equipment
would cause false readings, such as a heater blowing directly on the sensor. If using a weather
station, mount the wind/rain sensor is a clear area, free of any wind obstructions.
CONTROL CONDUCTORS:
Route all control conductors separately from sensor conductors. This is very important so as to
reduce electrical interference. Control conductors maybe routed in conduits that contain other
power system wiring only if the insulation material on the conductors is the same as the power
system wiring. Consult the national electrical code or local codes if in doubt about the
insulation ratings of the wire in use. Remember; always use a qualified and licensed
electrician.
VENT SYSTEMS, SHADE SYSTEMS, ROLL UP CURTAINS
When connecting a vent system, shade system, or roll up curtain ventilation system to the
control panel, you must use a separate control box designed for that particular vent or shade
system. These are readily available from Micro Grow Greenhouse Systems, Inc. Generally
these separate control boxes feature overcurrent protection for the particular motor on the vent
or shade system, provisions for direct limit switch connections, and a manual means of
operating the vent or shade system independent of the main control system. These separate
control boxes will connect the main control system either directly through the outputs of the
control system, or they will require control relays for interconnection to the main control system.
Consult the individual instructions that come with the vent or shade controls for detailed
information.
SYSTEM TESTING
It is always important to completely and fully test the electrical system by energizing circuits
and verifying equipment operations before automatically operating the equipment from the
control panel. This would include setting all the vent and shade limit switches at the individual
control panels.

3
PROGRAMMING SWITCHES
There are two main programming switches located on the Ventmate Plus front panel. These
are:
RUN-SET SWITCH
RUN - Returns the control to the run mode.
SET-Advances through the program lights to program the system.
VALUE SWITCH
UP-Increases the value of the displayed item.
DOWN-Decreases the value of the displayed item.
PROGRAMMING LIGHTS
The programming lights or LED's indicate the mode that the system is in when programming or
operating.
RUN - System is in the running mode.
VENT A-This will light when set Vent A temperatures.
VENT B-This will light when set Vent B temperatures.
HEATING - This will light when setting heating temperatures.
SET MODE/CLOCK- This will light when setting up the day, night and DIF modes and the
internal time clock.
CALIBRATE - This will light when the system is in calibration mode.
SET UP VENT - This will light when setting the vent timing, and time delays.
TO PROGRAM VENT AND HEATING TEMPERATURES
DAY TEMPERATURE SETPOINTS:
1. Toggle the SET switch down until the VENT A LED light is on by itself and the DAY MODE
indicator on the LCD display is flashing, release the switch.
2. Hold the VALUE switch either UP or DOWN until the desired temperature is displayed,
release switch.
The Vent A temperatures for the day mode are now set. For Vent B, perform the above but
substitute “Vent B” for “Vent A”. For heating:
1. Toggle the SET switch down until the HEATING LED light is on by itself and the DAY MODE
indicator on the LCD display is flashing, release the switch.
2. Hold the VALUE switch either UP or DOWN until the desired value is reached, release
switch.
YOU CANNOT PROGRAM THE HEATING TEMPERATURES HIGHER THAN THE
VENTILATION` TEMPERATURES.

4
NIGHT TEMPERATURE SETPOINTS:
1. Continue to toggle the SET switch down until the NIGHT MODE indicator on the LCD
display is flashing on the LCD display along with either the VENT A,VENT B or the
HEATING light, release the switch.
2. Hold the VALUE switch either UP or DOWN until the desired NIGHT value is displayed,
release switch.
TO SET THE DAY, NIGHT, AND DIF MODE TIMES
The control can detect night automatically with the use of an external photocell. If no photocell is
connected, it will use the internal 24-hour time clock. You can also use a combination of both if
desired.
1. Continue to depress the SET switch until the SET MODE/CLOCK LED is on and the DAY MODE
indicator on the LCD display is on. The word “PHO” will be displayed. This indicates that the
control will use the photocell to go into the day mode. If the internal time clock preferable, use the
value switch to advance to a time of day setting. The first value will be hours. Depress the SET
switch again to set the minutes, and again to set AM or PM.
2. Depress the SET switch again so that the SET MODE/CLOCK LED is on and the NIGHT MODE
indicator on the LCD display is on. Repeat the same procedure as in the above DAY MODE
setting for the desired NIGHT MODE selection.
3. Depress the SET switch again so that the SET MODE/CLOCK LED is on and the DIF MODE
indicator on the LCD display is on. If DIF is not to be activated, adjust the flashing value to “OFF”.
If DIF is to be activated, adjust the flashing value, “bEF.X.X”, to indicate the number of hours
before sunrise to go into DIF. Depress the SET switch again and adjust the flashing value, “AF.
X.X”, to indicate the number of hours after sunrise to come out of DIF.
To Set the Clock:
1. Toggle the SET switch until the SET MODE/CLOCK LED is on and the Ventmate Plus is showing
the current time. The item to be set will be flashing. Use the VALUE switch to raise or lower the
flashing value. The first value will be hours. Depress the SET switch again to set the minutes,
and again to set if it is AM or PM.
2. Return to the RUN mode by toggling the RUN-SET switch up.
To Set Vent Information
TO SET THE NUMBER OF STAGES:
Toggle the SET switch until the SET UP VENT and VENT A LED is on. The number of stages
for Vent A will be flashing. Use the VALUE switch to raise or lower the flashing value. The
Ventmate Plus will automatically divide the percentage open for each stage. For example, a 4-
position selection will allow each stage to open 25%.
TO SET THE OPENING TIME:
Toggle the SET switch until the SET UP VENT and VENT ALED is on and the LCD display is
showing “OP XXX”, where the “XXX” is the time in seconds that the vent will take to go from a
fully closed to a fully open position. Use the VALUE switch to raise or lower the flashing value.
TO SET OVERRIDE POSITION:
Toggle the SET switch until the SET UP VENT and VENT ALED is on and the LCD display is
showing “Or: XX”, where the “XX” is the position that the vent will go to on an override signal

5
input. Use the VALUE switch to raise or lower the flashing value. If an override is not being
used, ignore this step.
TO SET SAFETY DELAY:
A safety delay is the amount of time that your particular vent motor waits to operate upon being sent
a signal. This delay is always built into the vent control cabinet. Consult your ventilation motor and
controller supplier if you are not sure if you have a safety delay or not.
Toggle the SET switch until the SET UP VENT and VENT A LED is on and the LCD display is
showing “SAF X”, where the “X” is the delay in seconds to protect the vents against false
reversals. If the vent starts to move immediately, after manually energizing it, there is most
likely no time delay protection. Use the VALUE switch to raise or lower the flashing value. You
may choose “0” as one of the choices.
TO SET THE TIME DELAY:
The time delay is the amount of time that the Ventmate Plus will wait before opening or closing the
vent or turning on or off the heating stages.
Toggle the SET switch until the SET UP VENT and VENT ALED is on and the LCD display is
showing “dLY X”, where the “X” is the delay in seconds on both energizing and de-energizing
stages. Use the VALUE switch to raise or lower the flashing value.
RUN MODE
After all settings have been made, return to the RUN mode by toggling the SET switch down
until the RUN LED light is on, release switch. The control will return to the RUN mode by itself
when no other switches are depressed after a timed delay.
HIGH and LOW HISTORY
The control will automatically track the high and low readings for the past 24 hours for both
inputs. The control will automatically display the high and low reading for the temperature.
TO CALIBRATE THE CONTROL
To calibrate the control system, follow these instructions:
1. Determine the actual temperature at the sensor location. It is best to do this either in the
evening or early morning. The solar effect of the greenhouse will provide an inaccurate
temperature reading. Always use a good calibration thermometer, digital or mercury, and
allow the temperature to stabilize before proceeding. Make sure that all greenhouse
heating or cooling equipment has been off, or has not changed operation status for several
minutes before calibration. This will help to insure accurate readings.
2. At the control panel, toggle the SET switch till the CALIBRATE LED is on. This will put the
control in the calibration mode. Once the control is in the calibration mode, hold the
VALUE switch either UP or DOWN to enter a new temperature reading in the display.
Release the switch when the desired value is reached.
3. Return to the RUN mode by holding the RUN-SET switch up until the RUN LED light is on,
release switch.

6
DIP SWITCH SETTINGS
The control system allows for customization of temperature separations and differentials
between stage operations. These are determined by the settings of the DIP switches located
on the inside of the circuit board of the control. Refer to the drawing of the actual control
connections to set these DIP switches.
PHOTOCELL
The control is equipped with a photocell to detect day and night modes. The photocell is
located on the bottom side of the control enclosure. Keep the photocell clean and unobstructed.
OPERATIONAL TIPS
Keep the cover securely fastened always. The enclosure is a weatherproof, gasket fitted
device, but will not provide this degree of protection with the front cover open. In selecting the
equipment for each stage, try to minimize energy use with the primary cooling or heating
stages. This will insure a lower crop shock effect, and in turn, save on energy costs.
CONTROL CARE AND UPKEEP
Keep the front panel of control securely closed always. Prevent unauthorized personnel from
changing the control settings or switches. Periodically clean the temperature sensor elements
with a clean damp cloth to prevent any build-up.

7
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LIGHTED STATUS INDICATORS
OR AUTOMATIC.
OPERATION, EITHER MANUAL
WILL SHOW ANY STAGE IN
FILENAME: VENTMATE PLUS FRONT.DWG
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SWITCHES FOR PROGRAMMING
EASY FRONT PANEL TOGGLE
THE LAST 24 HOURS. THE CURRENT VENT
HIGHEST AND LOWEST READING DURING
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     
*   
' 
'  
' *' 
' *'  
' *  ' 
' *  '  
                    
   
*   
'   '  
'   ' 
' '  
                      !
                         
)                     )     
                    )       
           +              ,   -       
                          
! $%

               . . / 0 1 . 2 3 4 . !
  ' 
  ' 
  ' *
  ' 
  ' 
  ' $
  ' (
  ' 5
      
      
 

(
5
$

*


6  
             
  
  
  
   

 

 
*
           
    
    
        
 
   

    
   
    
   
 
        
   
   
  
    
6  
     
      
 

9

    ! 
    7    
       
        ,         ,
                
                
            
           
    

  
"#
 
   
  
   
      
        
   
     
  
     
     
      
  
        
  
            
                
                
        ,         ,
     


! $%

   
 
   
    
  
      
   ,    , 

10
'((
 *! ! + !

&
*

   7    
    
) *
,                       
5,                   
              
            
"#
 
      
, *       
         
, &             
      



      
      
5
 
   

   
  ! $%
      
   

11
'(,(
 % + !  %+ ! + %! 

  
                              
                                    
 
) *
"#
       
       
       !
       "
       #
"
!

#
                                     
                          $    
                        
                  %            
$                             
       %        $        %   
   
   
          
     
         
               
            
        
 
 
! $%
       
       
       
  



     
    
  
    
    
     
           

    
& #  
          
       
     
$    '
 #

                
 ( )    * + ,- . ( . / 0 1 ) 2 * ) 3
-4 . ( / 0 5 ) -( ) + ,0 3 -,6 ) 3 ) 7/ 8 * 
 ) 9 ) : -4 - ( )  ) / -( ) : *-/ -
                         
            
        
  
         
       ;     
          
          
6 / 0 2 / 7
    
  
  
  

          
& #   
    




     

    
    
  
$  '
  
  
  
$    
     
     
  
$  
           
& #  
                 
   
   
           

12
LIMITED WARRANTY
Micro Grow Greenhouse Systems, Inc. warrants that all of the products Micro Grow Greenhouse
Systems, Inc. manufactures are free from defects at the time of shipment by Micro Grow Greenhouse
Systems, Inc. This warranty covers defects in workmanship and materials. No warranty is extended
on any parts, materials, or components manufactured by others and purchased by Micro Grow
Greenhouse Systems, Inc., and any warranty on these materials is limited to the warranty supplied
by the original manufacturer or supplier of said products only. This warranty excludes any and all
damages cause by installation by unqualified individuals, damage by misuse or neglect, shipment
damage, alterations to original manufacturing, and improper installation or use for any reason than
intended by manufacturer. This warranty may not be altered in any manner except with the written
authorization of one the officers or owners of Micro Grow Greenhouse Systems, Inc. The only and
sole liability of Micro Grow Greenhouse Systems, Inc. under this warranty is limited to repairing,
replacing or the issuance of credit for any products returned to Micro Grow Greenhouse Systems,
Inc., during the warranty period of twelve (12) months from date of shipment. This warranty is
specifically conditioned upon Micro Grow Greenhouse Systems, Inc. being notified in writing promptly
upon discovery of any product defects by the buyer or end user. The product must then be returned
prepaid to Micro Grow Greenhouse Systems, Inc. within the twelve month warranty period for
inspection by Micro Grow Greenhouse Systems, Inc. Upon inspection of said product, Micro Grow
Greenhouse Systems, Inc. will notify buyer or end user of its findings. At Micro Grow Greenhouse
Systems, Inc. sole discretion, the product will be replaced, repaired or a credit will be issued for the
original sale price of the product, provided that damage has not occurred due to misuse, neglect,
improper use or installation as outlined above, shipping damages or accident.
MICRO GROW GREENHOUSE SYSTEMS, INC. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES
BEYOND THE ACTUAL ORIGINAL COST OF THEIR PRODUCT EITHER DIRECTLY OR
INDIRECTLY ARISING FROM DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS OR WORKMANSHIP.