Minty Grow Diary - GR420 LED Grow Off

[chronicthehemphog]

I do really really like this tho would be great for when I'm fishing wouldn't have to rush back to check on them I'd get soo lazy tho

[Minty]

I do really really like this tho would be great for when I'm fishing wouldn't have to rush back to check on them

You would, as it only works remotely/offline at the moment i.e. all on the 'local' network. Which when I designed it, I thought was a 'feature'. In hindsight I couldn't really care and would rather have it controlled via RF over Wifi over the Web now.

To be fair the RF is not an issue as I could easily still use this tech remotely just need a dedicated server to 'proxy' my commands and show me the stats (looking at you GrowRoom420 ;o). For a fully modular system I want to incorporate Wifi, RF and IR and that should cover most cheap 'controllable' devices which is the basis for my Minty Hydro - 'scheduling' of cheap components such as the plug in adaptors is mostly what my software is about, then you are free to switch on and off what ever you please.

Still a work in progress mate, but what I have so far definitely makes my life easier. Even in terms of just the stats, the other day I saw the water stats 'go mad' i.e. all of them not normal and investigating discovered my drain pump had decided to back feed all the water from the Res down the waste so I was left with an empty res. Luckily the way I have my build setup - water is pumped into the bottom and drains from the top - this sort of fuck up didn't kill the plant as the pots only return while over filling if you know what I mean. But without the recirculation the water is not being chilled.

So basically, without noticing the stats fluctuating so quickly (because it's on my phone and my PC) it would have been a different story and I would have probably been back in root rot city - so it is valuable information to have 'on the fly' as it where ;o)

I'd get soo lazy tho

Yep, but I do have a medical condition that makes me really, really tired all the time (but can't sleep cause my brain is too active) - I can't win so automated weed is my future ;o)

[chronicthehemphog]

I do really really like this tho would be great for when I'm fishing wouldn't have to rush back to check on them

You would, as it only works remotely/offline at the moment i.e. all on the 'local' network. Which when I designed it, I thought was a 'feature'. In hindsight I couldn't really care and would rather have it controlled via RF over Wifi over the Web now.

To be fair the RF is not an issue as I could easily still use this tech remotely just need a dedicated server to 'proxy' my commands and show me the stats (looking at you GrowRoom420 ;o). For a fully modular system I want to incorporate Wifi, RF and IR and that should cover most cheap 'controllable' devices which is the basis for my Minty Hydro - 'scheduling' of cheap components such as the plug in adaptors is mostly what my software is about, then you are free to switch on and off what ever you please.

Still a work in progress mate, but what I have so far definitely makes my life easier. Even in terms of just the stats, the other day I saw the water stats 'go mad' i.e. all of them not normal and investigating discovered my drain pump had decided to back feed all the water from the Res down the waste so I was left with an empty res. Luckily the way I have my build setup - water is pumped into the bottom and drains from the top - this sort of fuck up didn't kill the plant as the pots only return while over filling if you know what I mean. But without the recirculation the water is not being chilled.

So basically, without noticing the stats fluctuating so quickly (because it's on my phone and my PC) it would have been a different story and I would have probably been back in root rot city - so it is valuable information to have 'on the fly' as it where ;o)

I'd get soo lazy tho

Yep, but I do have a medical condition that makes me really, really tired all the time (but can't sleep cause my brain is too active) - I can't win so automated weed is my future ;o)

See I'm really keen on a semi auto system, still like to be involved as much as I can but also be able to go fishing for a few days while still being able to keep an eye on things, feed or adjust fans, temps etc whilst out and about but not to sure how secure it'd be, not very tech savvy, pick things up pretty well with guidance tho hint hint

[Minty]

I reckon start with just the stats and make them 'ReadOnly' public so we can all check on your babies if needed - and send you a text to get your arse back from Fishing ;o)

Most of the high level automation is not worth it for a smaller grow. For example rather than have the 8x dosing pumps you should just have a premixed nutrient solution along with say PH+ and PH-

The complicated / mechanical parts all fail eventually and even I am moving away from this level of automation as it is too unpredictable and not worth the effort of building fail safes etc. unless being used on a commercial level.

The solid parts such as the sensor readings and remote controlling of devices is proven to work in my testing however.

[chronicthehemphog]

I reckon start with just the stats and make them 'ReadOnly' public so we can all check on your babies if needed - and send you a text to get your arse back from Fishing ;o)

Most of the high level automation is not worth it for a smaller grow. For example rather than have the 8x dosing pumps you should just have a premixed nutrient solution along with say PH+ and PH-

The complicated / mechanical parts all fail eventually and even I am moving away from this level of automation as it is too unpredictable and not worth the effort of building fail safes etc. unless being used on a commercial level.

The solid parts such as the sensor readings and remote controlling of devices is proven to work in my testing however.

All I'd want really is a basic res with premix in to pump controlled by a WiFi relay and camera and maybe a fan controller and thermostat just to keep things from going Pete tong while I'm away but wouldn't know how to make a secure system ie, software and networking outside of the home that's the bit I don't know, reckon I could get the hardware to do what I want and could chuck a system together easy enough just want to be able to see and control it without anyone else being able to access it, spy, sabotage sorry I'm rambling, been a heavy day

[Minty]

All I'd want really is a basic res with premix in to pump controlled by a WiFi relay and camera and maybe a fan controller and thermostat just to keep things from going Pete tong

Simples mate, do you have any current Automation in the house such as HIVE/Hue/Aleaxa/Google etc?

[chronicthehemphog]

All I'd want really is a basic res with premix in to pump controlled by a WiFi relay and camera and maybe a fan controller and thermostat just to keep things from going Pete tong

Simples mate, do you have any current Automation in the house such as HIVE/Hue/Aleaxa/Google etc?

Have a Google smart speaker (sat on kitchen cupboard, fun for 5 mins )

[chronicthehemphog]

Quick question minty, you have a camera in there, does it have night vision and if so does the ir affect the plant's in anyway? Ie messing up flowering? Don't want to put a camera in there and mess it all up

[Minty]

Quick question minty, you have a camera in there, does it have night vision and if so does the ir affect the plant's in anyway? Ie messing up flowering? Don't want to put a camera in there and mess it all up

Yes, it has IR but to be honest I have never used it as there is little point looking at them in the dark / under IR.

I am not sure if IR affects them while trying to 'flip' them as mine is an Auto and been under 24/7 light until recently when I finally decided to give her a 6 hour break a day ;o)

[chronicthehemphog]

Quick question minty, you have a camera in there, does it have night vision and if so does the ir affect the plant's in anyway? Ie messing up flowering? Don't want to put a camera in there and mess it all up

Yes, it has IR but to be honest I have never used it as there is little point looking at them in the dark / under IR.

I am not sure if IR affects them while trying to 'flip' them as mine is an Auto and been under 24/7 light until recently when I finally decided to give her a 6 hour break a day ;o)

Yeah not bothered about viewing at night just cautious as mines photoperiod and don't want the ir to affect it back to the drawing board for now then lol