CO2 Controllers and Monitoring for Growing Indoors and Greenhouses

Dual Beam Tech Talk

[quote]However, lamp ageing and contamination also reduce the light at the CO2 detector. [/quote]

What: (ABOVE) The CFC1 CO2 controller has one built-in CO2 sensor and supports a model CFS CO2 senor for remote monitoring.  The sensor has a 25 foot cable, which may be lengthened as needed using standard CAT5 [computer network cable] adapters.

Why: Cost. A CFC1 CO2 controller with a remote sensor will monitor and control 2 grow areas, but costs less than 2 CFC1 CO2 controllers.  Note: The CFC1 controller comes standard with 2 CO2 control outputs for burners or valves even if a single CO2 sensor is used. The unit is ideally suited for CO2 Controllers and Monitoring for Growing Indoors and Greenhouses

Above: Purchase the remote CO2 sensor when ready to upgrade.

DUAL WAVELENGTH SENSOR TECHNOLOGY

What: A CO2 sensor determines the CO2 concentration by measuring the amount of light absorbed by CO2.  However, lamp ageing and contamination also reduce the light at the CO2 detector.  Dual Wavelength sensors measure the light at the CO2 absorption wavelength and also at a wavelength not affected by CO2 [Reference].  The reference light value is used to compensate for lamp ageing and contamination.

Why: Fewer calibrations and increased stability and accuracy

LIGHT SENSOR

What: Each sensor monitors the ambient light in the grow room

Why: Save propane or CO2 gas by disabling CO2 control when the lights are off.  This feature can be disabled.

HIGH TEMPERATURE SHUTDOWN

What: Each CO2 sensor monitors temperature in the grow room

Why: Safety.  The Crossfire Controller will turn off the CO2 Burner or valve if the grow room temperature exceeds a user programmable high temperature value regardless of the CO2 value.  This feature can be disabled.

DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES

CO2 Usage: The controller tracks usage of CO2 in hours as a reminder of when to change a CO2 bottle or canister.  The usage time is user resettable.

General Information: The controller also keeps track of the CO2 control cycle viewable on the LCD for diagnostics.

Low CO2 Warning: If the CO2 value in the grow room does not reach the desired value [Setpoint] within 20 minutes, a warning is flashed on the LCD: “Low CO2!” to indicate that perhaps the CO2 or Propane canisters are depleted.