Controlling the Grow with Advanced Environmental Control Systems

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Photo: Gnome Grown Farm / Outer Elements Photography

In commercial cultivation, control isn’t just a preference—it’s survival. Without it, farms are gambling with yield, flavor, potency, and the stability of the entire operation. Luckily, tech-savvy growers can leverage sophisticated multi-function grow room control systems to help streamline the cultivation process. These robust controllers can help manage everything from temperature and humidity to CO₂ and lighting with real-time data analysis for unprecedented control at every stage of plant development.

To determine the best grow room controller, cultivators should evaluate the benefits of automation across key aspects of the grow facility and ensure compatibility with existing sensors and equipment. The most advanced systems integrate with nearly all grow room technology, handling everything from multi-sequence lighting schedules to precise, real-time adjustments based on subtle environmental fluctuations an expert might overlook. On the budget-friendly side, growers still get access to impressive technology with AI-powered tools that can learn from environmental patterns and deliver actionable insights to improve plant health.

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TrolMaster HCS-2 Hydro-X Control System

  • Ease of use: Simple setup with app-based remote control; advanced customization may require guidance.
  • Automation: Automated environmental adjustments based on sensor feedback.
  • Best for: Professional cultivators in mid-to-large commercial operations who need flexible, multi-zone management and extensive device integration options.

The TrolMaster HCS-2 Hydro-X Control System can streamline environmental monitoring and management for commercial growers. This user-friendly, modular system is backward compatible with all current Hydro-X control and device modules, providing control for temperature, humidity, CO₂ levels, and lighting from an intuitive 10” touchscreen interface. 

With the HCS-2, growers gain real-time insights and remote access through the TrolMaster app, ensuring precise adjustments and optimal growth conditions from anywhere. Its ability to support up to 50 sensors and 50 separate control modules makes it a versatile choice for scaling operations. Each system includes a controller, mounting plate, and one MBS-Pro sensor.

Growlink Core Environmental Controller

  • Ease of use: User-friendly app for real-time monitoring, with full integration taking more time to implement.
  • Automation: Adjusts settings in response to real-time data.
  • Best for: Large facilities that value precision, scalability, and a data-driven approach to environmental control.

The Growlink Core Controller is a smart Internet of Things (IoT) platform engineered for precision and scalability. This device offers complete control over logging, alarming, scheduling, and cloud access for indoor and greenhouse grows. With precise control over climate, irrigation, lighting, and nutrient delivery, cultivators can save time on labor and energy costs while increasing crop yield and quality.

With cloud-based access and real-time data monitoring via the Growlink app, users can make adjustments on the go, ensuring plants thrive in optimal conditions around the clock. Users also receive immediate alerts about critical conditions or equipment malfunctions, mitigating damage during unforeseen circumstances. According to Growlink’s website, the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with a full refund for its core controllers with “no questions asked.”

AROYA GO Starter Kit

  • Ease of use: Easy setup, but data analysis features may challenge beginners.
  • Automation: Offers app-based monitoring with manual adjustments.
  • Best for: Beginners or small-scale craft growers focused on consistency and data-driven improvements without large infrastructure investments.

The AROYA GO Starter Kit is a comprehensive solution designed for small-scale and craft growers aiming for precision and consistency. This all-in-one package includes two TEROS ONE substrate sensors, a CLIMATE ONE aspirated climate station, and a data hub to seamlessly integrate with the AROYA cannabis cultivation software platform. 

AROYA - H34X with H421

With real-time monitoring of key metrics such as water content, electrical conductivity, temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels, growers can make informed decisions to optimize their environment. The system’s user-friendly interface and wireless connectivity ensure effortless setup and operation, allowing cultivators to focus on achieving higher yields and superior quality. The kit also comes with a three-year software license, providing ongoing access to data analytics and support.

TSRgrow GROWHub Environmental Monitoring Software

  • Ease of use: Feature-rich but complex for beginners; best suited for experienced operators.
  • Automation: Automated adjustments with compatible TSRgrow lighting systems.
  • Best for: Advanced cultivators managing large facilities focused on energy optimization and operational cost control through detailed data analysis.

TSRgrow’s GROWHub environmental monitoring software is designed to work as an autopilot to manage, track, and autonomously control the grow room alongside GROWPod sensors. This advanced platform offers real-time data collection and analysis, enabling precise control over critical factors including air temperature, water temperature, humidity, CO₂ levels, vapor pressure deficit, and light intensity. By integrating seamlessly with TSRgrow’s advanced LED lighting systems, GROWHub allows for the creation of custom lighting zones and schedules, ensuring optimal conditions for various cultivars.

GrowHub

The system’s intuitive interface provides actionable insights, helping cultivators enhance crop health, increase yield, and reduce operational costs with efficient resource allocation. With features like energy usage tracking and customizable alerts, GROWHub empowers growers to make informed decisions and maintain an ideal growing environment.

Agrowtek GrowControl GCX Cultivation Control System

  • Ease of use: Robust interface but requires experience to implement.
  • Automation: Offers high customization and device integration.
  • Best for: Technically skilled cultivators in medium-to-large operations who value full environmental control and customization across multiple systems.

The Agrowtek GrowControl GCX Cultivation Control System is a comprehensive control platform with support for up to 200 GrowNET peripherals. The software and sensors help facilities monitor and control their climate, irrigation, light spectrum, CO₂, and nutrient dosing.

agrowtek growcontrol gcx+

The standard system features a 10.1” touchscreen interface capable of supporting up to 100 devices, while the GCS+ version includes a 15.6” display with additional device support. Its robust data logging capabilities and remote access via Ethernet or optional Wi-Fi allow growers to monitor and adjust conditions in real-time, ensuring optimal plant health across all growth stages. 

Link4 iPonic 624 Dual Zone Grow Room Controller

  • Ease of use: Accessible touchscreen and dual-zone controls make it intuitive for multi-room setups.
  • Automation: Dual-zone control with cloud-based monitoring.
  • Best for: Multi-room commercial operations needing dual-zone management and cloud-based control to handle different strains or growth phases.

The Link4 iPonic 624 Commercial dual-zone controller is a complete solution for managing multiple cultivation environments. This advanced system allows independent control of two separate zones, enabling precise regulation of temperature, humidity, CO₂ levels, and lighting schedules tailored to each area’s specific needs. 

iPonic 624

Its user-friendly touchscreen interface simplifies programming and monitoring, while cloud-based connectivity offers remote access and real-time alerts via smartphones or computers. Designed for scalability, this controller is suitable for both small-scale operations and larger commercial facilities, providing cultivators with the tools necessary to optimize environmental conditions and enhance crop yields. The commercial series comes pre-mounted, pre-wired, and pre-tested for an easier and less expensive installation process without multiple boxes and conduits. 

Autopilot ECLIPSE F90 Master Environmental Controller

  • Ease of use: Clear displays and basic programming with dial adjustments.
  • Automation: Basic control with temperature-triggered safety features.
  • Best for: Beginners and cost-conscious growers in small setups who need reliable core environmental controls without remote functionality.

The Autopilot ECLIPSE F90 Master Environmental Controller offers cultivators precise management of temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels from a centralized. The device features three digital displays and six dials to precisely control the environment.

The controller also includes four power outlets designated for cooling, heating, humidifying and dehumidifying, and CO₂ regulation, each with protective covers to prevent moisture ingress. A built-in data logger records minimum and maximum readings, providing key benchmarking figures. The high-temperature shutdown feature safeguards crops during an AC or exhaust fan failure by deactivating CO₂ generators if temperatures exceed set limits. The remote probe works up to 15 feet from the controller unit.

AC Infinity AI+ Environmental Controller

  • Ease of use: Simple plug-and-play setup with an intuitive app interface.
  • Automation: Automatically adjusts device settings based on temperature, humidity, and VPD.
  • Best for: Entry-level and tech-friendly growers looking for an easy, automated system with reliable connectivity.

The new AC Infinity Controller AI+ is a sophisticated solution designed to optimize the cultivation environment with the help of artificial intelligence. This budget-friendly controller integrates seamlessly with up to 32 AC Infinity (UIS platform) devices including smart fans, grow lights, humidifiers, heaters, air conditioners, grow lights, and outlet devices from other brands.

Its intelligent automation adjusts device settings in response to real-time temperature, humidity, and vapor pressure deficit readings, ensuring optimal conditions for plant growth. The device is easy to use with a sleek 4.5” backlit display and a 12-foot sensor probe for accurate climate monitoring. The AI+ works with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, enabling remote access and control via the AC Infinity app. This integration provides advanced programming options, alerts, and data logging, empowering growers to maintain precise environmental control and enhance crop yields from their smartphones. 

Niwa Grow Hub+ Automated Grow Room Controller

  • Ease of use: Beginner-friendly interface and app for remote control.
  • Automation: Automates basic environmental adjustments like temperature and humidity.
  • Best for: Novice cultivators looking for a low-maintenance, easy-to-use system for automating essential controls in smaller grow spaces.

The Niwa Grow Hub+ is a budget-friendly all-in-one environmental controller designed to automate and optimize grow room conditions. This user-friendly device allows cultivators to manage up to four essential components—such as fans, lights, humidifiers, and heaters—through a single interface. Its sensors can detect vapor pressure deficit, humidity, temperature, light, dew point, and carbon dioxide.

getniwa app display

With real-time monitoring and control via the Niwa app, growers can set custom schedules and receive alerts to maintain the perfect growing conditions. The Grow Hub+ supports 120V and 240V systems, offering versatility for various setups. The system also includes pre-installed grow recipes with the ability to customize for different strains or stages of growth. 

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