Introduction - Autogrow MultiGrow Installation Manual

MultiGrow Installation Guide

Introduction

Please read and fully understand this entire manual before commencing any installation
works.
Note for Installers - Disclaimer
The MultiGrow Controller is a sophisticated piece of computing equipment incorporating modern
standards of information technology, and process control. As such, it must be installed by a suitably
qualified electrical tradesperson. This manual is written as a guide and sets out minimum standards
for installation. Failure to comply with the requirements of this manual, may result in damage to
and/or malfunction of the MultiGrow controller and connected equipment. Autogrow Systems
Limited does not take any responsibility for damage to equipment, or for other consequences arising
from installation which does not comply with the requirements and recommendations set out in this
guide.
Installation of Electronic Equipment
All electronic equipment will last longer if kept in a cool, shaded and dry environment. In addition,
modern electronic equipment is sensitive to electrostatic discharge and so personnel contact with
circuit boards and connectors inside boxes must be minimised. An electrostatic wrist strap and
connecting lead should be used especially if working on a plastic or carpeted floor or if wearing
synthetic shoes and clothing.
When installing equipment outside that is exposed to weather or even inside the humid greenhouse,
pay attention to rubber seals around the lids of equipment boxes and ensure cable glands are
tightened well onto the cables and sealed properly to the enclosure.
Power Supplies
Within the MultiGrow Controller, the PC and multi USB board are supplied by a 12V DC regulated
power supply. Only the adapter supplied with the controller should be used however if it requires
replacing, please contact Autogrow for a replacement.
All peripherals within the MultiGrow system operate on 24v DC however the relays on the Output
Modules can be supplied by 24v AC if required to operate solenoid valves. Please see special wiring
notes regarding this in the Module Connections section. The type of power supply connected to an
Output Module determines the voltage at the output. This should be considered when selecting
devices and is likely an interface relay may need to be used to control some devices.
In situations where multiple output modules are used in a single location, these may be supplied
from a single larger 24v DC Power Supply. However, if the output modules are in different locations
then separate smaller power supplies are recommended and will be more convenient.
Note:
Devices such as solenoid valves and peristaltic pumps may typically have a current rating of 1 Amp but are
likely to draw an in-rush current of up to 2 Amps. If four or more of these devices can be energised at the
same time (auto or manual) then the in-rush may exceed 8A and it would be possible to blow the 7.5A fuse
that is used to protect each group of 5 outputs. To avoid this problem, high current outputs should be split
across the two groups (outputs 0,1,2,3,4 and 5,6,7,8,9) or use interface relays to switch a larger current.
V2.0 MultiGrow Installation Guide Copyright© 2018 Autogrow Systems Ltd 3