Phytotronics WATER PRO Manual de usuario
13688 Rider Trl N, Earth City, MO 63045
PHONE (314) 770-0717 FAX (314) 506-4587
www.phytotronics.com
Revision 1.2, 10-15-2021
Water Pro VPD Misting
and Irrigation Control
2
WATER PRO
The WATER PRO is a watering controller that can be installed directly in the greenhouse.
The basic system consists of the Controller with 12 Built-in Relays, One VPD Sensor, One
Photocell Light Sensor and One 24-VAC/40-VA External Transformer.
The WATER PRO gives the grower the ultimate tool to control mist and irrigation for an
inside growing area. By constantly monitoring “all” of the environmental changes that
surround the plants, the WATER PRO will then automatically regulate the amount of
water delivered to the plants.
The WATER PRO is a standalone system. The system can be expanded with the addition
of a WATER PRO EXPANSION unit. This adds 12 more Relay Outputs. A second VPD
Sensor can also be added. The WATER PRO can be connected to a remote PC and used
with the optional GROWLINK Software for sensor data logging and remote control
operation.
USE A QUALIFIED AND LICENSED ELECTRICIAN AT ALL TIMES
TRANSFORMER – wire to the two AC screws, the ground screw is not used. Be careful not to cross
the wires of the power cord or energized solenoid wires. The resulting short will blow the
transformer.
ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT
The electrical circuit that feeds the machine tool transformer must have no other loads connected to it.
This will prevent damaging surges from other related electrical devices. Follow all local and national
codes in the connection of all of the greenhouse equipment. Always allow for voltage drop conditions.
Always consider that the greenhouse is a wet environment. Plug the transformer into a surge protector.
* We would highly recommend using a surge protector when operating your misting controller so that
it will stop voltage spikes and surges that could damage your controller, such damage is not covered
by your warranty.
WIRING METHODS
Always use stranded copper wire when connecting cables or conductors to the WATER
PRO termination board and WATER PRO EXPANSION module plugs. Stranded wire
allows more flexibility. Do not use any wire smaller than #18 gauge stranded for all
outputs. Remember to always use a qualified and licensed electrician.
SENSOR CONDUCTORS
Always route the sensor conductors separately from the control conductors. This is very
important to reduce electrical interference. Never route sensor conductors in conduits used
for other voltages. This is in violation of most electrical codes and will cause dangerous
interference to the control system.
CONTROL CONDUCTORS
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Route all control conductors separately from sensor conductors. This is very important to
reduce electrical interference. Control conductors may be routed in conduits that contain
other power system wiring only if the insulation material on the control conductors is the
same as that of the power system wiring. Consult the national electrical code or local codes
if in doubt about the insulation ratings of the wire in use.
NOTE: WHEN FIRST SETTING UP AND BEFORE PROVIDING POWER TO
THE WATER PRO, MAKE CERTAIN ALL OF THE ON/OFF/AUTO SWITCHES
ARE IN THE OFF POSITION. THIS APPLIES TO THE WATER PRO AS WELL
AS THE WATER PRO EXPANSION MODULE.
INSTALLING THE UNIT
The WATER PRO should be installed as close as possible to the crop area to be controlled.
The VPD Sensor is hung above and in the center of the crop area. Make sure the sensor is
mounted so that no water hits the sensor or can be sucked into the fan. The Photocell Light
Sensor is built into the WATER PRO enclosure.
INSTALLING A WATER PRO EXPANSION MODULE (OPTIONAL)
1. CAUTION! First Turn the WATER PRO unit OFF.
2. Connect the conductors from your solenoid valves (24VAC type) to the WATER PRO
EXPANSION module plugs.
3. Make sure all plugs are secured into the WATER PRO EXPANSION module then turn the
screw locking the panel in its enclosure and latch the Lexan door.
6. Make sure all ON/OFF/AUTO switches are in the OFF position.
**Refer to STATION SET-UP, to set up the new expansion stations**
INSTALLING AN ADDITIONAL VPD SENSOR (OPTIONAL)
1. Hang the VPD Sensor in the middle of the area to be controlled. If the distance from
the WATER PRO exceeds 100 feet, run a Sensor Extension Cable from the WATER
PRO and connect it to the VPD Sensor Cable.
2. Connect the VPD Sensor to the termination connector on the back of the
WATER PRO.
Consider purchasing a second VPD Sensor for the following reasons:
1. More thorough sensing control of the watering area or zone is needed.
2. Additional greenhouse watering area/zones to be controlled.
3. Back-up.
INSTALLING A GROWLINK PC CONTROL CABLE (OPTIONAL)
1. Run the communications cable from the PC location to the WATER PRO. This is a
special type of computer communications cable (RS-485) and the maximum distance
the WATER PRO can be from the PC is 5000 feet.
2. Connect the communication cable to the WATER PRO. Up to 32 WATER
PRO units can be linked on the communications line. The farthest WATER PRO in the
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chain cannot exceed the 5000 foot maximum.
After all equipment has been installed, all interconnection wiring has been completed and
sensors are in place and connected into the WATER PRO, the system should be tested.
TESTING THE INSTALLATION
Prior to powering on and testing your system, make sure all of the ON/OFF/AUTO
SWITCHES are in the OFF position. After powering on the unit, test your installation by
turning ON each of the Output Stations, one at a time, with the corresponding
ON/OFF/AUTO switch. Move the switch to the ON position for this test. (Not AUTO). The
device (solenoid valve, pump, injector, etc.) that is wired to this station should
activate. Move the switch back to the OFF position before activating the next Output
Station.
FEATURES OF THE EQUIPMENT
INPUTS and OUTPUTS
The Sensor Inputs to the WATER PRO are as follows:
1. Air Temperature #1 from VPD Sensor #1
2. Leaf Temperature #1 from VPD Sensor #1
3. Relative Humidity #1 from VPD Sensor #1
4. Sunrise/Sunset from Photocell
5. Air Temperature #2 from VPD Sensor #2 (Optional)
6. Leaf Temperature #2 from VPD Sensor #2 (Optional)
7. Relative Humidity #2 from VPD Sensor #2 (Optional)
The WATER PRO unit has 12 outputs that can be expanded to 24 outputs by adding a
WATER PRO SYSTEM EXPANSION module. Each output is custom designed to your
greenhouse specifications. Typically, they’re defined as Irrigation, Misting, Aux (pumps,
injectors, etc.), or Not Used.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Run
Manual Mode
Set System
Set Station
Set Aging Target Groups
Set Alarms
Calibrate
End of Schedule Warning (Blinks when crop age finished)
SWITCHES
Top left RUN/SET Switch
Top center PRIOR/NEXT Switch
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Top right VALUE Switch
RUN/SET
Switch Up: Starts the Run Mode and clears an Alarm.
Switch Down: Toggles between all Modes. (Run, Manual, Set System, Set
Stations, etc.)
PRIOR/NEXT
Switch Up: Moves to the previous item within the current Mode.
Switch Down: Moves to the next item within the current Mode.
VALUE
Switch Up: Increases the displayed value. In Run Mode, freezes the display.
Switch Down: Decreases the displayed value. In Run Mode, freezes display.
NOTE: Holding down both the PRIOR/NEXT and the VALUE Switches for
5-seconds will reset the unit to its factory defaults.
SETTING UP THE UNIT
GENERAL MODES:
RUN
When the WATER PRO is in the Run Mode, the LCD Display will scroll through the
following information:
Time
Date
Customer Identification (entered by owner)
Air Temperature #1
Leaf Temperature #1
Relative Humidity #1
Air Temperature #2 (If optional sensor installed)
Leaf Temperature #2 (If optional sensor installed)
Relative Humidity #2 (If optional sensor installed)
VPD #1 Calculation
VPD #2 Calculation (If optional sensor installed)
NOTE: When a Station has finished a Crop Age, a message will join this scrolling
information advising which station has finished. Hi-Low active alarms will also
scroll.
MANUAL MODE
This Mode is used to activate the individual stations. When a station is activated manually,
the VPD Accumulation Total for that station ZEROS OUT and starts a new accumulation.
Each station that has been set up in the system and made active will ask the question TRIG
STATION with the number of that station. For stations that have been setup for MIST the
choices will be, YES or NO. For stations that have been set up for IRRIGATION the
choices will be the number of times to trigger that station, (0 to 5).
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NOTE: THIS IS THE ONLY MODE WHERE THE ACCUMULATED VPD CAN
BE ZEROED OUT.
SET SYSTEM
This Mode is used to set the following:
Number of VPD Sensors: 1 or 2
Number of Stations: 1 to 12 (Up to 24 with the EXPANSION)
Number of Aging Groups: 1 to 6
Number of Disable Groups: 1 to 4
Max Number of Stations ON: 1 to 24, please set for 4 or less to prevent over taxing
transformer
End Of Sched Alarm: NO or YES
Set Clock: (enter correct time)
8. Month/Day/Year: (enter date)
9. Sunrise & Sunset: (enter correct times)
10. Light Sensor Sensitivity: Low/Med/High
11. Custom System ID: Off/Display/Program
12. Review I/O Assignments: NO or YES
13. Remote ID Code: 0 to 31
14. Temperature Read in: F or C
This Mode provides a lot of information to the grower, once the stations have been entered
into the unit. After all stations are set up and the SET SYSTEM Mode is activated, the
display will read, SHOW STATUS? Answer YES to see information on each station. This
information includes Station Name, Whether the Station is Off or On, Station Target,
Station Accumulated VPD, and amount of time left on an active watering cycle.
Note: Answer all questions with only the number of stations, crop aging groups and
disable groups that are currently being set up. This will prevent the unit from asking
for information about stations, crop age groups, and disable groups that do not exist.
SET STATION
This Mode is used to set up each of the stations. Choose whether the station will be used
for Misting, Irrigation, Auxiliary or Not Used. Then choose from Fixed Target or Crop
Age Group, Disable Group, VPD Sensor or Manual VPD, Crop Day, and the amount of
ON TIME for the device attached to the station.
SET CROP AGING TARGET GROUPS
This Mode is used to set up Crop Aging. Set up to six different groups. Crop Age Groups
can be set up for both Misting and Irrigation stations with either Increasing or Decreasing
Targets. The 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% midpoint targets for the Crop Age Group can be
changed. If the 20% target is changed, this will affect all targets from the Day 2 Target to
the target for the day prior to the 40% midpoint target. If the 40% midpoint target is
changed, this will affect all targets from the target the day after the 20% midpoint target to
the target for the day prior to the 60% midpoint target. 60% and 80% midpoint changes
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follow this same pattern. Each target for each Crop Age Day can be viewed in this Mode.
Increasing Targets within a Crop Age Target Group will reduce the amount of water the
crop receives as the crop ages. Decreasing Targets will increase the amount of water as the
crop ages.
If setting up an Increasing Target Crop Age, Too Low and Too High messages will flash
on the unit when adjusting the midpoint targets if the target being adjusted is lower than
the previous midpoint target or higher than the next midpoint target. This is just an
indicator to assist in setting up targets. Even though the message (Too Low or Too High)
might flash, the unit will accept whatever target is entered.
If setting up a Decreasing Target Crop Age, Too High and Too Low messages will flash on
the unit when adjusting the midpoint targets if the target being adjusted is higher than the
previous midpoint target or lower than the next midpoint target. This is just an indicator to
assist in setting up targets. Even though the message (Too High or Too Low) might flash,
the unit still accepts whatever target is entered.
SET DISABLE TARGET GROUPS
This Mode is used to set up the nighttime Disables. Set up to four different groups. When
setting up a group that is attached to a misting station, the misting station will disable for
the amount of time called for in the Disable Group prior to Sunrise. When attaching the
Disable Group to an irrigation station, the irrigation station will disable for the amount of
time called for in the Disable Group prior to Sunset. No matter what type of station
(misting or irrigation) is disabled, the disable will last until the next Sunrise. The midpoints
for a Disable Group can be adjusted just as the midpoints for a Crop Age Group. Each
disable target for each Disable day can be viewed in this Mode.
SET ALARMS
This Mode is used to set up Alarms. Alarms will activate a warning if environmental
conditions in the greenhouse exceed the chosen parameters. Both High and Low Alarms
can be set. The WATER PRO can be connected to an existing external alarming system
(Sensaphone, bell, light, etc...). A dry relay hookup for the alarm system is provided on the
termination board in the bottom of the WATER PRO. The dry relay for the alarm can also
be used to warn when a crop-aging program has finished.
CALIBRATE
This Mode is used to calibrate the VPD Sensors. When calibrating Air Temperature, the
calibration procedure should be done using a reliable thermometer, out of direct solar
influence. Use a wet bulb/dry bulb or a sling Hygrometer to calibrate the Relative
Humidity. The Relative Humidity Sensor is accurate in a range from 0 to 100% plus or
minus 2% acceptable error. The Temperature Sensor is accurate in a range from 0 to 120°
F plus or minus 1° F acceptable error.
END OF SCHEDULE WARNING
This Mode will activate when a CROP AGE has finished on one of the stations. The LED
Light will activate and blink when a Crop Age has finished.
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HOW TO DETERMINE VPD TARGETS
MIST To determine the target for a particular station, do the following: In the SET
STATION MODE for a MIST STATION, enter a large target. (our recommendation for
early crop mist is 1000). The large target is to ensure the station won’t automatically water
the crop until the grower has determined the daily target. When the grower believes the
mist station needs to be watered, do the following: In the MANUAL MODE, choose the
mist station and activate it while noting the time of day. When the plants need to be
watered the very next time, (THE GROWER NEEDS TO DETERMINE THIS BY
PHYSICALLY WATCHING THE PLANTS), note the reading of the Accumulated
VPD for this station in the SHOW SYSTEM MODE as well as the new time of day. You
now have the target for the day. Go into the SET STATION MODE, choose the station and
enter in the new target.
REMEMBER THE PLANTS NEED WATER! NOW THAT YOU’VE
NOTED THE ACCUMULATED VPD AND THE TIME, GO BACK
INTO THE MANUAL MODE AND ACTIVATE THE STATION SO
THE PLANTS GET SOME WATER!
To go the next step with the available information, the targets for each day that the crop
will be under mist at this specific station can be calculated. Do the following: Take the
NEW TARGET and divide by the number of minutes between the two mists. This gives
the VPD per minute. For each daily target, calculate how much time between each misting
for that specific day if the environmental conditions were identical to the first target.
Multiply the number of minutes by the VPD per minute to develop a target for each day.
Hint: If developing a model for mist to propagate young plants, the targets should go up as
the plant grows. Targets going up mean that the amount of mist is going down.
IRRIGATION To determine the target for a particular station, do the following: In the
SET STATION MODE for an IRRIGATION STATION, enter a large target (our
recommendation for small plant irrigation is 10000). The large target is to ensure the
station won’t automatically water the crop until the grower determines the daily target.
When the grower believes the irrigation station needs to be watered, do the following: In
the MANUAL MODE, choose the station and activate it while noting the time of day.
When the plants are ready to be watered the very next time (THE GROWER NEEDS TO
DETERMINE THIS BY PHYSICALLY WATCHING THE PLANTS), note the
reading of the Accumulated VPD for this station in the SHOW SYSTEM MODE as well
as the new time of day. You now have the target for the day. Go into the SET STATION
MODE, choose the station and enter in the new target.
REMEMBER THE PLANTS NEED WATER! NOW THAT YOU’VE
NOTED THE ACCUMULATED VPD AND THE TIME, GO BACK
INTO THE MANUAL MODE AND ACTIVATE THE STATION SO
THE PLANTS GET SOME WATER!
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To go the next step with the available information, the targets for each day that the crop
will be under irrigation at this specific station can be calculated. Do the following: Take
the NEW TARGET and divide by the number of hours between the two irrigations. This
gives the VPD per hour. Multiply the number of hours by the VPD per hour to develop a
target for each day. Hint: If developing a model to do irrigation, the targets should go
down as the plant grows. Targets going down mean that the amount of irrigation is going
up.
UNDERSTANDING VPD (VAPOR PRESSURE DEFICIT)
There has been a significant amount of study by environmental and horticultural experts
concerning the basic principles of VPD and its usefulness in determining the watering
needs of plants. Unlike other methods used to determine watering needs, VPD has turned
out to be the most accurate method to date. VPD looks at all the environmental conditions
surrounding the plant. The MICRO GROW VPD Sensor measures the air temperature,
relative humidity, and the temperature of the plant leaf. These instantaneous sensor values
determine the VPD of the plants in the greenhouse at regular intervals. As the
environmental conditions change so does the VPD. By adding the VPD intervals together,
a pattern or target emerges where we know the plant must have water. After watering the
plant, the process starts all over again.
Just what is VPD and how does it relate to plants? To understand VPD we must understand
the following:
1. How water moves through a plant.
2. A plant’s structure.
3. How environmental factors affect a plant’s water use.
Plant Water Movement
The amount of water a plant needs is controlled by what takes place in the leaf, not in the
soil. When plants are watered, the roots take up water which moves through the stem to the
leaf. There, it evaporates into the air in a process known as “transpiration”. As water
evaporates from the leaf, leaf tissues start to dry, which results in the leaf pulling more
water in through the stem from the roots. This water vapor movement out of the leaf is
critical because the faster the water evaporates from the leaf; the more water is taken from
the soil and pulled through the plant to satisfy its needs. It’s the changes that take place in
the leaf, not in the soil, that determines the plant’s watering requirements.
Plant Structure
Water evaporates from plant cells to the air inside the leaf. This air is always saturated at
100 percent relative humidity. Vapor Pressure Deficit is a measure of the difference in the
amount of water (humidity) in the air inside the leaf and the amount of water in the air
around the leaf. The greater this difference, the faster the plants lose water.
Plants and the Environment
One example to understand the basics of VPD is as follows: Take a basin of water and a
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dry sponge and bring them together. This will cause each of them to try and neutralize the
other. The basin will lose water and the dry sponge will gain water. This same neutralizing
principle happens with plants. Take a plant and put it into a dry (low humidity)
environment and the plant will transpire more than usual. As the Relative Humidity in the
air increases, provided the Air & Leaf Temperatures remain constant, the VPD decreases
and the plant transpires less. If the Leaf Temperature increases and the Relative Humidity
and Air Temperature remain constant, the VPD increases and the plant transpires more. If
the Air Temperature decreases and the Relative Humidity and Leaf Temperature remain
constant, the VPD increases and the plant transpires more. As you can see, all the
environmental factors (Air Temperature, Leaf Temperature, and Relative Humidity) play a
part in the water lost by plants through transpiration. If the Air Temperature and the Leaf
Temperature are the same and the Relative Humidity of the Air is 100%, there would be no
VPD.
HOW TO DETERMINE CORRECT WATERING TARGETS
FIXED TARGET:
To establish Fixed Targets for Mist or Irrigation, use the Manual Mode, the Set System
Mode and the Set Station Mode exclusively. The Set Station Mode is where the target is
entered. The Manual Mode is where the station is activated to zero out the VPD
accumulation. The Set System Mode is where the accumulated VPD information is
displayed as it approaches the target that was entered in the Set Station Mode. When a
station (zone) needs to be watered, read the accumulated VPD in Set System for that
station and that will be the correct watering target. After doing this a couple of times, a
perfect fixed target for the station will be established.
If the crop is presently being watered using time intervals, there is a shortcut to establish a
target. During an interval when the timing method being used is delivering water to the
plants adequately, do the following:
1. Set up a station with a High Fixed Target (1000 for Mist and 50,000 for
Irrigation). The objective will be to NOT hit the target while in the process of
calculating what the target should actually be.
2. When the timer or other device being used waters the plants, go into the Manual
Mode and Trigger the Station with the high fixed target.
To do this:
a) Use the RUN/SET switch to go into the Manual Mode.
b) Use the VALUE switch to answer YES for the Mist Station or enter the
number
of times for the Irrigation Station.
c) Push the PRIOR/NEXT switch toward the NEXT position to activate the
station. Leave the ON/OFF/AUTO Switch for this station in the OFF
position. The station will zero-out the current VPD Accumulation and start
accumulating toward the High Target.
3. The very next interval that the timer waters the plants, check the current VPD
Accumulation for the station. This is the target! Divide this target by the number of
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