I have the same concerns as
@sixstring2112. To say that you just need to reset the clock when there is a powercut does not really work for me, as it happens almost every day. That would mean I would have to check it every day and I would never be able to go away and leave it. Is there not a more elegant solution to this problem? No way that the clock can keep time or reset to current time after an outage?
I do not know a clock that remembers the time after it has passed. The controller can only start where it left off. When power comes back on, it will be the same time it was when it went off. If the time was 2
m when power went off it will be 2
m when it turns back on. to get the current time you will have to reset the time. Everything else including channel controls are maintained in internal memory. Time changes cannot be counted when the unit is turned off. It has internal battery backup, but it cannot count when it is off.
I wish I could help with power problems, but I cant' but the Controller will do it's best to remember each day the power is on. Of course power outages is not good for growing either. So if power goes out for two hours timing will be off for two hours until it gets reset to current time and bam back to work on schedule. It happend to me once this year no problem, just reset time.
2 -20k resisters work the same as a voltage converter, stepping the 10v down to 5v from the mean well driver. simple if you have built your lights. The Controller is plug and play. You get, set it, connect it and your good to go. Placing two 20k resisters in series on the dimming circuit is not hard to do. Most folks did more than that building their lights. if you need two resisters added to the Controller that is no problem. The idea is flexibility. No product will meet everyone's needs. But if you have had one timer go out on one light out and the other lights timers were working, you have a problem you know what I am talking about. This controller ensures that problem does not happen. There are many solutions to the 10v pwm issue. you can buy voltage converters, or a couple of resisters. I rarely change my led settings, for COBS or 3w leds, I would imagine most folks are like me, seasonal. I do not worry about light controls, works great no surprises and no broken timers. I have a bag of those timers I removed and no longer use. I just go in check the status and check on the pumps and girls. focus for me is on ladies not lights any longer. No surprises.
this is as close to plug and play, I believe. Coralux and StevesLeds do not even come close to meeting the needs. Folks have bought both of those "other" controllers and they failed their expectations so I understand peoples concerns. The 5v to 10v pwm signal conversion is easy to resolve. but there is a cost involved. if you want low prices too, you cannot have both. The converters cost about $7/channel that can drive costs up quickly, while two 20K/channel resisters cost pennies. I hope this resolves your questions and concerns. Adding 16- 20k resisters makes the Controller plug and play, all is needed would be the patch cables that would be cost extra, like most controller suppliers.
Patch cables are 6' and would include resisters installed or you can do it your self. Depends how much you want to spend. My concept is to put the Controller in your hands so you can use it the way you want to use it. Flexible is the concept. The more gets added the more it costs end users. My idea is to put it in your hands cheap as I can and make very little. I already gave away the code for the 6 channel unit and it works great, folks have built it and using it. The 10v pwm signal issue was resolved with the same approach, the voltage converter for each channel. He built his, you can build it or buy it. If added it adds to the cost, as I have to buy, ship and reship to end user additional parts easily available on ebay or amazon. try to keep costs down for everyone.
I have also written code for recycle timers for two channels, but I decided for now 8 channels for light controls is best. many future options including blue tooth and wifi are in the future. I am already working the blue tooth approach, as soon as I get these out the door. Additional module for blue tooth or wifi capability. I am also looking at a Uno Mega for a bigger approach. Lost in the works, this is just the start to meet and exceed the needs of our community.
I will continue to make code available to diy guys, as that is what it is all about. I just have a 40w laser to cut and fabricate acrylic cases and make the GrowGreen Controller look pretty, so I can and do. Folks said the first version looked ugly now that is fixed too.
peace
