Link4 iPonic 624 User Manual

Dual-room climate controller
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iPonic™ 624
Dual-Room Climate Controller
User Manual
June 2014 Edition
Copyright © 2014 Link4 Corporation
Revised July 2, 2014

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Summary of Contents for Link4 iPonic 624

  • Page 1 624 Dual-Room Climate Controller User Manual June 2014 Edition Copyright © 2014 Link4 Corporation Revised July 2, 2014...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Introduction ..............4 Theories of Operation..........5 Customer Service ............6 Contact Us ................6 Terms and Conditions ............7 Installation ..............8 Inspect Your Package ............. 8 Contents ................8 Mount Your iPonic™ 624 .......... 9 Wiring Your iPonic™...
  • Page 3 Temperature Setpoint ............25 Humidity Setpoint ..............26 CO2 Setpoint ................ 28 Light Settings ................ 29 Setpoint Times ..............30 2. REPORTS ..............31 3. SYSTEM SETUP ............ 33 Equipment Setup ..............34 Sensor Setup ................ 37 Alarms Setup ................ 40 Time/Date Setup ..............
  • Page 4: Introduction

    Introduction Thank you for purchasing the newest edition of Link4’s illustrious lineup of innovative hydroponic controllers. The iPonic™ 624 is Link4’s latest dual-room hydroponic environmental controller that enables you to seamlessly operate and fully integrate all your monitoring devices and equipment in your greenhouse facilities.
  • Page 5: Theories Of Operation

    624 to be uniquely yours and make every outlet work with what equipment you want. An area that your iPonic™ 624 varies from Link4’s predecessor, the iPonic 614, is that this machine does not have a growth cycle. This was a main feature of the 614, but is not a part of the 624.
  • Page 6: Customer Service

    Customer Service Link4’s customer service team is ready to help you out twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week and 365 days a year. Please write down the model and serial numbers of your iPonic™ 624 so we can better assist you.
  • Page 7: Terms And Conditions

    Returns – At Link4 we offer the option to return any product that is purchased and does not meet customer satisfaction. Note that all software is ineligible for return. A credit or a refund of the purchase price paid will be sent to the customer, minus shipping, handling, and any restocking fees associated.
  • Page 8: Installation

    Additional Costs – It is expressly agreed that the Buyer will reimburse Link4 for any additional costs attributable to changes in the specifications, directions or design of the items furnished, which are requested or approved by the Buyer at Link4’s listed retail prices in effect at the time such changes are ordered.
  • Page 9: Mount Your Iponic™ 624

    You may lengthen the sensor cable as needed, but be sure to use an adapter and wire approved by Link4 to make any extensions. If you make any splices to extend the length of the cable, make sure they are waterproof.
  • Page 10: Wiring Your Iponic™ 624

    Failure to install to Link4’s specifications will void the warranty. iPonic™ 624 User Manual Page 10 of 56...
  • Page 11: Quick Start Guide

    Quick Start Guide Configure your iPonic™ 624 in four (4) easy steps! Step 1 – Mount Your iPonic™ 624 Mount the controller at eyelevel and away from any moisture or electrical sources Locate the four (4) mounting holes at the base of your unit Leave at least ten (10) inches of workspace below the unit Mount the controller to a sturdy surface If possible mount the controller outside and between the two (2)
  • Page 12 Use Soft Button No. 2 and No. 3 to change the minutes Use the Navigation Menu to highlight the minutes Use Soft Button No. 4 to set up the meridian indicator (AM/PM) Use Soft Button No. 5 to set up the clock preferences (12H/24H) Press OK to confirm Time settings To set up the Date, follow the instructions below:...
  • Page 13: Connect To The Internet

    (iponic.link4cloud.com). If you haven’t done so already, please create an account. Text Message Alerts Once you have connected to your iPonic 624 through the internet and then setup your remote access you will begin receiving text message alerts. (See pg. 14) These will show up as iPonic Alert Notification.
  • Page 14: Remote Access

    To set up your controller for remote access through your computer or smartphone, please follow the three (3) easy steps below: Step 1 – Log in to your Link4 Account and click on My iPonic Cloud. Step 2 – Click on Add a controller to your account Step 3 –...
  • Page 15: Firmware Update

    Firmware Update To update the firmware on your controller, please follow the instructions below: From the Home screen of your Link4 Cloud Account, click on the Support tab Click on the blue box labeled iPonic Firmware UPDATE Download the iPonic Firmware UPDATE...
  • Page 16: Status Screens

    Status Screens Main Status Screens There are three Main status screens. The default status screen is divided between two rooms. The top section displays the current status for Room 1 and the bottom section displays the current status for Room 2. If you press the Home button, you will receive detailed information on the whole screen for Room 1.
  • Page 17: Screen Displays

    Screen Displays Temperature – The inside temperature of each room is displayed. CO2 – The carbon dioxide levels are measured in parts per million in each room. Humidity – The relative humidity is listed in each room as a percentage. Day Setpoint –...
  • Page 18: Screen Overview

    Screen Overview The iPonic™ 624 has three main screens. The Main status screen is divided into two sections to showcase each room. The other two status screens feature detailed information for Room 1 and Room 2. iPonic™ 624 User Manual Page 18 of 56...
  • Page 19: Internal Layout

    Internal Layout The diagram below shows how the iPonic™ 624 looks on the inside. There are eight (8) Manual Override Switches, a Reset Button that clears all configurations, a preinstalled Communication Module with an Ethernet port and a USB slot (use the slot on top). Make sure the power is turned off before opening your controller to avoid electric shock or irreparable damage.
  • Page 20: Before You Begin

    Before You Begin Setpoints The iPonic™ 624 allows you to use up to three (3) temperature Setpoints in a twenty-four (24) hour period. By configuring Setpoints at different times of the day, you can regulate the temperature within a range. When a Setpoint is in effect within a specific time frame, the controller will activate either a cooling stage or a heating state to return the greenhouse room to normal temperature ranges.
  • Page 21: Control Panel

    Control Panel The iPonic™ 624 has a Navigation Menu with four (4) Soft Buttons (HOME, CANCEL, OK, and BACK). The functions of the Menu and Buttons are as follows: MENU  Use the Navigation Menu to highlight a selection. Press OK to confirm the selection. •...
  • Page 22: Soft Button Shortcuts

    Be advised that you can control the output by activating the corresponding Soft Buttons on the channel. The inside of the controller also has Manual Override Switches. These switches need to be in the AUTO position at all times. If they are used to turn ON the outputs or to shut OFF the outputs, they will override all programmed settings.
  • Page 23 Soft Button No. 5 is a Shortcut to the designated Equipment Settings for Room 2. In this example, it’s the Ventilation Settings. Soft Button No. 6 is a Shortcut to the designated Equipment Settings for Room 2. In this example, it’s the Air Conditioner Settings.
  • Page 24: Top Level Menu

    Top Level Menu The Main Menu will appear when the Navigation Menu or OK button is activated. The following four (4) options will appear on the Main Menu: Setpoints – This section allows you to configure preferred operating conditions for two greenrooms (see Page 24). Reports –...
  • Page 25: Setpoints

    1. SETPOINTS There are 4 selections in the Main Menu to choose from, including Setpoints, Reports, System Setup and Save/Restore Configuration. The 5 selection, Stages, is optional and can easily be activated from the Advanced option in the System Setup (see Page 45).
  • Page 26: Humidity Setpoint

    The Set Heat Setpoint allows you to configure heating settings for your rooms. If inside temperatures drop below the Heat Setpoint, the heating equipment will be activated. The Set Cool Setpoint allows you to configure cooling settings for your rooms. If inside temperatures rise above the Cool Setpoint, the cooling equipment will be...
  • Page 27 The Humidify Setpoint allows you to humidify your room when humidity levels fall below control values. The Dehumidify Setpoint allows you to dehumidify your room when levels rise above control values. The Humidity Setpoint allows you to increase humidity levels. In the Switch Period option, you can select which time of day to modify.
  • Page 28: Co2 Setpoint

    CO2 Setpoint In the Setpoint Menu, you can select the CO2 Setpoint option to control carbon dioxide levels in Room 1 and/or Room 2. In the Set CO2 Setpoint screen, you can configure carbon dioxide levels for each room. The CO2 Settings allows you to set daytime carbon dioxide levels.
  • Page 29: Light Settings

    Light Settings In the Setpoint Menu, select the Light Setting to control operating times for light sources in each room. In the Light Settings option, you can configure the Start Time to turn the lights on to initiate the daytime period. To shut the lights off, you can configure the End Time to initiate the nighttime period.
  • Page 30: Setpoint Times

    Setpoint Times In the Setpoint Menu, select Setpoint Times to control inside temperatures, relative humidity, carbon dioxide levels and lighting sources. The Setpoint Times settings allow you to program the simulated daytime and nighttime periods with the Set DAY Start Time and Set NIGHT Start Time options.
  • Page 31: Reports

    2. REPORTS The 2 option in the Main Menu is Reports. In the Reports option, you can get detailed data about each rooms’ performance. From the Room Select menu, highlight Room 1 or Room 2 with the Navigation Menu. In the Reports Menu setting, highlight the Sensor Report option to instantly review all data collected by the sensor...
  • Page 32 In the Reports Menu, select Graphs to view data for temperature, humidity, CO2 and lighting levels in a graphical format. In the Temperature option of the Graphing Menu, you can view graphs illustrating temperature, humidity, lighting and carbon dioxide levels. In the Temperature Graph Menu, you can view graph illustrations showing data...
  • Page 33: System Setup

    3. SYSTEM SETUP System Setup is the 3 option in the Main Menu where you can set up greenhouse equipment, sensors and alarms for specified periods of time. Systems Setup Menu: 1. Equipment Setup allows you to customize each equipment type for every outlet;...
  • Page 34: Equipment Setup

    Equipment Setup The Equipment Setup option allows you to customize each equipment type for every outlet. The Quick Setup option allows you to configure 8 outputs. It is recommended that you begin with the Quick Setup. The Soft Buttons that surround the display can also be used.
  • Page 35 The Advanced option allows you to customize the settings for each equipment type in detail. The Equipment Menu options matches the 8 outlets on the controller. You can also select the room the equipment controls. The Equipment Menu has 8 equipment settings for each room.
  • Page 36 The Override Setup Light screen applies to the other equipment types. This setting allows you to force the equipment to turn on or off, regardless of the programmed setting. The Override Duration screen can be programmed to turn on or off at a specified start time until it ends.
  • Page 37: Sensor Setup

    Sensor Setup Sensor Setup is the 2 option from the System Setup Menu. It allows you to program sensor modules to read inside temperatures, humidity, CO2 and lighting. The Sensor Setting option allows you to map the sensor module that is used to read inside temperatures, humidity, CO2 and lighting.
  • Page 38 The Sensor Setup screen in the Advanced menu allows you to program the temperature, humidity, CO2 and light configurations for each sensor. In the Sensor Setup screen, you can manually assign sensors to inputs on your controller. After you confirm your settings in the Sensors Setup screen, you can assign it to a specific input.
  • Page 39 From the Sensor Setup option, you can calibrate the sensor to a specific CO2 measurement reading. This is achieved by putting the sensor outside and pressing Start. It will automatically calibrate to the CO2 outside which is always a default setting of 400. iPonic™...
  • Page 40: Alarms Setup

    Alarms Setup Alarms Setup is the 3 option of the Systems Setup Menu that allows you to create different alerts for up to 8 channels. The Alarm Settings features 6 alerts that can be designated to warn you of high and low temperatures, high and low humidity, and low carbon dioxide levels.
  • Page 41: Time/Date Setup

    Time/Date Setup The Time/Date Setup is the option of the System Setup Menu. This option allows you to change the time and date. From the Set Time & Date option, you can set the time, set the date or synchronize your controller with the time clock on the internet.
  • Page 42: Advanced

    Advanced Advanced is the 5 option of the System Setup Menu. Each of the selections in the Advanced Setup screen allows you to customize different functions. For more information, please see the examples below. The Humidity Settings option allows you to set the time for the override to remain active and/or inactive.
  • Page 43 The CO2 Settings screen allows you to program a Deadband to prevent equipment from turning on and off, set a Fan Cut Off time to not waste carbon dioxide, switch between a CO2 tank and/or generator, and configure all cycle times. Your CO2 equipment will not run when the CO2 Fan Cut Off option is enabled.
  • Page 44 The Light Settings are advanced features that allow you to prevent equipment damage if there’s a power surge, control lighting for the Day Setpoint and add additional light sources. The Power Cool Down Time is a safety feature that protects your equipment.
  • Page 45 The Air Exchange Settings allows you to program your ventilation system to circulate fresh air inside your growing environment. The Advanced Stage Settings allows you to go into the options for situations that occur less often. Here you will have your settings for more uncommon occurrences.
  • Page 46 The Advanced Setpoint Settings allow you to either Enable or Disable the CO2 Night Setpoint, DIF Setpoint, Ramping and CO2 Fuzzy Settings. The CO2 Night Setpoint allows you to maintain a specific CO2 level during your night setpoint. The DIF Setpoint allows you to set a 3 time period for use on occasion when the normal settings are...
  • Page 47 The CO2 Light Cut Off allows you to shut off carbon dioxide when the lights are turned off. The CO2 Light Cut Off option allows you to cut off carbon dioxide when the controller turns the lights off or when the room is dark (if the lights are controlled by the unit).
  • Page 48 To Bootload is to begin updating your controller with Link4’s newest software. By selecting the Start Wizard Enable you can restore all default settings to your iPonic. The Back Light Time sets the lighting on the screen of your controller.
  • Page 49 Startup Wizard. In the Diagnostics mode, you can perform tests and receive diagnostic information for troubleshooting. Using this screen would be most helpful with a call to the Link4 customer service helpline. iPonic™ 624 User Manual Page 49 of 56...
  • Page 50: Save/Restore

    Save/Restore Save/Restore is the 6 option in the System Setup Menu. All settings and data files can be saved on a USB drive. This option is also the 4 selection of the Main Menu. In the Save/Restore Configuration option, you can save and restore system settings and data files.
  • Page 51 From the Save and Restore Configuration menu, you can select specific files to store and recall. The Save Log Files screen allows you to save the data measured by the sensors in .csv or .xml format. The information can be viewed in Excel.
  • Page 52: Communication Setup

    Communication Setup Communication Setup is the option in the System Setup Menu that allows you to configure your controller to connect to the Internet for remote access. From the Communication Setup Menu, you can configure your controller to be accessible from your PC with the IP Address on your router.
  • Page 53: Measurement Units

    Measurement Units Measurement Units is the 8 option in the System Setup Menu, which allows you to set desired units of measurement for temperatures and lighting. From the Measurement Units Setup option, you can select Fahrenheit or Celsius for temperatures and W/m2 or klux for light units.
  • Page 54: Save/Restore Configuration

    4. SAVE/RESTORE CONFIGURATION Save/Restore Configuration is the 4 Option in the Main Menu. It allows you to save and restore system settings. It is also the 6 option in the System Setup Menu. The Save and Restore Configuration allows you to store settings for different crops and seasons with the ability to restore deleted programs.
  • Page 55: Stages

    5. STAGES Stages are the 5 option of the Main Menu. This selection is optional. It is a shortcut to the Equipment Setup Menu. It can be enabled in the Advanced settings. From the Room Select menu in the Stages option, you can control the temperature and humidity settings for Room 1 and/or Room 2.
  • Page 56 From the Assign Stages option, you can set humidity levels by selecting Humidity Stages. This option allows you to program control settings for humidification and dehumidification processes. After humidification and dehumidification settings have been set, you can choose to Override your settings for specific humidity levels.

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