A Brief Review of iNetGrow

Pictures of Sample Implementations

Commercial Greenhouse Implementation

The first two pictures below show a user-installed iNetGrow system for greenhouse irrigation. The system replaces a timer. Besides time-based irrigation, the iNetGrow system is programmed to vary the irrigation times according to the temperature and light level during the summer months. During the winter months, the relative humidity is also considered in setting the irrigation times.

The Apopka controller and the three smart modules are placed in a metal box under the bench.

Inside the box, you can see the controller and the three smart modules daisy-chained to the controller. The box also houses the transformers and a homemade switch box. A temperature probe is placed inside the box to monitor the temperature. The Apopka controller is connected to the local area network through a wireless link. Since the metal box would block the wireless signals, the wireless client is wrapped in plastic and placed outside the box. In the picture below, you can see the wireless client immediately to the left of the bench support leg.

Residential Irrigation System

The picture below is taken from a home-owner implementation of a residential irrigation system. The iNetGrow system allows the user to monitor his lawn while on vacation through a web page. The script allows both scheduled irrigations and manual overrides.

The system uses the existing transformer (24VAC). A single smart module (DO-E) controls four solenoid valves that cover the four irrigation zones. The Apopka is connected to the local area network (LAN) through a wireless client, as shown below. The setup is simply mounted on the garage wall, since the garage is relatively free from dust and water.

Also see:

1. What is Agricultural Control?

2. Sensors and Actuators

3. The “Apopka” Controller

4. Ethernet and Internet Protocols

5. Pictures of Sample Implementations