Computer controlled hydroponics...

[Luke Skywalker]

Hi all, I've heard about large hydroponic setups using pc's with special cards or printer port attachments which control the greenhouse/growroom systems like irrigation, lights, ph, ventilation, co2, temperature and so on. It would be much easier than using a separate timer for each item, and the pc would be able to monitor the grow in a much more accurate and direct way...

 

So are there such cards out there for the small scale, home growers? I'm interested in using my pc, or another, separate, and probably older pc to control the grow, but I'm not sure how to go about it, or if it's even possible. Anyone here using this or even know about it?

[Tom]

A simple $50 - $100 second-hand PC could easily run something like that, the control gear would be very expensive though.

 

http://www.gamers-forums.com/smilies/contrib/ruinkai/coolgleamA.gif

[boe~pimp]

heres a few links to have a look through......

 

Greenhouse Technology

 

Greenhouse Computer Equipment

 

should help.

[Luke Skywalker]

Thanks for that guys, yeah, looks like it's out of my range, or even most home growers.... Oh well, maybe someone will come out with a system to run off your pc for less than $200 one day... I'm sure it would be worth their while, and there is a large market out there for it.... Just look at all of us!

[Guest Field_of_Light]

When I was studying Aquaculture at University there were specific automated systems that could run an entire operation for the most part when dealing with water regualtion and flow etc....minus the water quality checks etc....

 

But we as budding students came up with a computer system for about 200$ which would do the same....we just borrowed the program....the most expensive part of it......

 

why buy when you can borrow?