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Post by Apoplast on Nov 20, 2015 18:30:46 GMT -5
However, you can get ~$15 timers that have dawn/dusk times programmed in already. I have three of them in our house to keep the lights in synch with local day/night. Hi Lloyd - That's great! I've not seen these. Can you send me a link to them, or post one here? I'm curious if you need to program the sunrise/sunset for every day of the year, or if they come pre-programmed, and if so can you get them to simulate different latitudes. If they are flexible enough, or properly fixed, it might be an effective and expedient solution. I think I am still interested in the Adruinos though given their flexibility. Once I get the lights timed to simulate my latitude of choice, I can program them to maintain high and low temperatures that simulate the averages for that calendar day for the region, creating concordance between the light and temperature. I'm guessing with properly placed sensors, I could even have them automatically switch between A/C and outside air for cooling, depending on the desired temperature and external air temperature. Oh, plus if I get really ambitious, I could have them control my watering regime (although I am only just working on getting watering automated with off the shelf stuff right now). I'm very interested by the off the shelf system you mention, but I guess I am intrigued as much by the potential for centralization of automation using the Arduinos. Still, I like your straight forward take on using what works!
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Post by lloyd on Nov 20, 2015 21:47:56 GMT -5
Intermatic Model ST01 Series International HB800RCH
You enter in time/date/timezone and pick a band of latitudes. Then the dusk/dawn times are automatic.
These are just the two I happened to have. I'm sure you could find many others.
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Post by Apoplast on Nov 21, 2015 13:09:54 GMT -5
Hi lloyd - Thanks! I've not run across those, so didn't know they existed. The only down side I can see to them is that when I get home from work in the winter when my dews are growing, it will be dark. My plan with the Adruino would be to fix sunset to be 9pm and let sunrise float throughout the year for appropriate day length, giving me time in the evening to work with my plants. Still, that there is an off the shelf unit is pretty exciting!
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Post by lloyd on Nov 21, 2015 15:39:03 GMT -5
I switch day/night and summer/winter on my grow lights to save money on electricity and heating/cooling.
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Post by WillyCKH on Jul 27, 2016 9:23:03 GMT -5
This is a bad photo but it's for the record of how my main setup looks before I'm moving to the new place. Cheers, Willy
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Post by keeper on Jul 27, 2016 9:49:40 GMT -5
Can't wait to see the new space all set up, best of luck
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Post by exoticplantseller on Jul 27, 2016 12:48:05 GMT -5
Wow! That is a great set up. I wish I could get that many PLANTS! What are the plants on the top in the first picture?
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Post by leeloo on Jul 27, 2016 16:09:12 GMT -5
Awesome set-up Willy, I need to lower my lights!
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Post by WillyCKH on Dec 5, 2016 10:36:54 GMT -5
I've lost track of how many times I have been modifying my setup, but this is my new shelving unit. 6 trays, each tray gets a high power COB LED. The plants really enjoy the bright lights. I'm slowly changing my shelves to these because they are more roomy which means I can utilize the high power LEDs, as well as having taller/bigger plants. The strong airflow from the fans could be a problem since it brings down the humidity, so this is only a work in progress so far. Will be adding some kind of sheet on the sides and back later as well. Very often I wish that I could have started with a setup that's great without modification and addition works, but then I think to myself, that'd be no fun..! Thanks for looking! Willy
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Post by Seymour on Dec 5, 2016 12:10:02 GMT -5
I think your doing a great job. I dont think there is a growspace that is absolute and works for everyone. You need to cater your space you your individual needs according to your time/space constraints and the plants your growing. As said before everything is healthy so your clearly doing things right. In regards to your fans maybe you could fabricate some duct work that all the fans exhaust into. Im not sure how u have your fans but if they pull the air over the heat sink then push it through ductwork you may be able to chanel most of the air away from your plants.
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Post by WillyCKH on Dec 5, 2016 12:44:44 GMT -5
I think your doing a great job. I dont think there is a growspace that is absolute and works for everyone. You need to cater your space you your individual needs according to your time/space constraints and the plants your growing. As said before everything is healthy so your clearly doing things right. In regards to your fans maybe you could fabricate some duct work that all the fans exhaust into. Im not sure how u have your fans but if they pull the air over the heat sink then push it through ductwork you may be able to chanel most of the air away from your plants. Thanks James, I agree. I have thought about reversing the airflow direction as well, however it is easier said than done with brush-less motors because the controller and the design aren't reversible. For now I'm thinking of adding those mini greenhouse domes to my trays for plants they are more sensitive. For Pings, they don't seem to care much about the wind at all.
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Post by Seymour on Dec 5, 2016 12:55:13 GMT -5
I really like the domes as well. I went to Peterborough and met with cole. He uses them almost exclusively. After seeing his success i went and got some for myself.
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Post by atom on Dec 5, 2016 19:42:19 GMT -5
Oh man I'm jealous! This post is giving me so many great ideas too
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Post by WillyCKH on Dec 5, 2016 22:36:06 GMT -5
Oh man I'm jealous! This post is giving me so many great ideas too I'm glad that it helps
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Post by Apoplast on Dec 6, 2016 21:08:08 GMT -5
Looks great Willy!
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