grow light controls

Anyone out there using some sort of smart controllers for your grow lights? I just put an X10 system in the basement. I used their computer software program to download to their controller via USB. Other than no real manual control unless you keep your computer plugged into the controller, I think I am going to like it. I bought ten plug in modules (3 prong) and already have 7 in use. Controller placement seems to be tricky (uses household wiring to send signals to modules) and apparently will not work if plugged into a surge protector/filter outlet. Other than that it appears to control just like I wanted it to do.

I tried Lowe's controller and controlled outlets (Heath/Zenith) and it just does not work that well so I have to take out 7 of their outlets and return it to Lowe's for a refund. It may be okay if everything is in one room and the controller has the newest firmware (if not, you have to send it back to the factory for an update).

You've put a lot of thought into this! Sorry no one's replied. How is it going with your setup?

Hi Gardenwife,

This works very well. Fairly easy to set up and get going and I thought very affordable. It wasn't much more than buying a heavy duty mechanical timer (other than the controller which was not bad either). Once you set an address for each module (two rotary dials) and plug into an outlet, then you can set several timers for each module from your computer (try that with a mechanical).

I may look into their security cameras next year which I understand you can view from any place with an internet connection.

I wonder how well one of those holiday light controllers would work with grow lights...Other than giving the seedlings seizures. LOL

The guy who did this http://media.putfile.com/WizardsofWinter-SM used Light-O-rama software and circuitry: http://www.lightorama.com/

More about the lights, interviews with the creator, etc. here: http://www.snopes.com/photos/arts/xmaslights.asp

Gardenwife,

That is so cool. I saw this video earlier from a friend but without the music. The music definitely adds to the drama.

This guy definitely spent some bucks and time to come up with this light show extravaganza.

I think I'll stick with a simple off/on once a day though. So far I have about 60 shoplights running 12 hours a day in the basement off the 8 controlled modules and then I have one mechanical timer running 5 shoplights in the garage. The things we do for our plants.

Butch

Wow! Are these just for your garden, or do you have a market?

Just a lot of houseplants - mostly begonias.

hcmcdole - that sounds like some set up you have there. since i only use about 6 lights for my vegetable seedlings i just use a six dollar timer which i plug into a 6 plug outlet. set it to go on for 17 hours and i'm all through.

Herbie43,

I agree with you on that point. I have several mechanical timers from when I first started and still use them for lamps and Xmas lights. I even purchased a cheap timer at Wal-Mart this year for Xmas lights and have already thrown it out because it didn't work. I guess I should've kept the receipt. I now spend a few dollars more and get the 3 prong instead of the 2 prong - they are heavier duty, too.