Setup Instructions for the LINKS Hub
LINKS Hub Technical Specifications
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Power Input: |
1A@24Vdc - Class II / Limited Energy Power Supply |
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Max Device Current: |
1A per port / 1A combined |
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Master (Input/Com) Port: |
1x RJ-45 to Local Network |
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Device (Outputs) Ports: |
8x RJ-45 for LINK Devices |
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Power Indicator: |
LED |
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Operating Temperature: |
10°C - 50°C ( 50 - 122°F ) |
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Operating Humidity: Power Terminals: Protocols Supported: |
Max 75% RH (non-condensing) Port for use with 24VDC Power Adapter Ethernet, 2.4 GHz Wi-fi, Growlink LINK Devices |
Features
- Universal Compatibility: Easily integrates LINKS devices with Growlink's control and monitoring platform, creating a unified system for streamlined operations.
- Standalone or Integrated Use: Operates independently or complements other Growlink controllers, flexibly adapting to your setup.
- Flexible Integration: Mix and match Growlink and LINKS hardware to scale effortlessly for both commercial and craft growers.
- Enhanced Precision: Enables comprehensive monitoring and environmental management, optimizing conditions for healthier plants and maximized yields.
What’s Included
x1 Hub
x1 AC/DC Power Supply
x1 Mounting Kit
x1 10 ft. RJ-45 Cable
LINKS Hub Package Dimensions
Size: 7.5” / 191mm (L) x
7.5” / 191mm (W) x
3.75” / 92mm (H)
Installation & Wiring Instructions
Mounting the Enclosure
It is recommended to install a HUB outside of each room and pass cables through walls to equipment and sensors in the rooms. When possible, mount equipment outside of the growing environment for better service access and reduced exposure to humidity. If a HUB is to be installed in a humid growing environment, mounting in a sealed enclosure is recommended.
Follow these tips for best results:
- Install the HUB in a dry location away from drips or condensation.
- Ensure the HUB is accessible for service.
- Use a weatherproof enclosure for high humidity conditions (>70% continuous.)
- Place the HUB in the area intended for mounting. Ensure there is adequate space
for connections.
- Mark the hole locations and install anchors or pre-drill holes if necessary.
- Mount the enclosure to the wall or ceiling using mounting bracket.
Note:
Protect input jacks from dust or contamination during installation, cover ports with masking tape.
Connections
HUBs must be connected to a network switch or router for communicating with the Growlink Cloud. You are also able to connect the HUB to your WI-FI network as either the main connection for the HUB or as a backup connection.
The HUB features an Ethernet Port that connects the controller to the local network.
Eight (8) downstream ports are provided for connecting devices or additional hubs. A power jack provides power to the hub and the eight device ports from a wall mounted power supply:
Power Supply: 24VDC / 1 Amp power supply is required to operate the HUB.
Ethernet Cable: Connect the Hub to the local network (Optionally, utilize 2.4GHz Wi-Fi)
Device Cable: Connect HUB connection devices to the numbered hub ports.
All cabling is standard 8-conductor RJ-45 straight through (no cross-over.) T568B
pattern recommended.
Mobile App Setup Guide
- Plug in your Growlink device to power it on. The LED should be blinking blue. If not, hold the SETUP button until status light flashes blue rapidly (12-15 seconds).
- Download the Growlink app from the Apple App Store, or Google Play Store.
- Go to Growlink.com/signup and create a Growlink Account:
- After creating your account, a verification email will be sent from ‘no-reply@growlink.com’ to the email address set for your newly created account. One must verify your email address in order to utilize your newly created account.
- Open the Growlink Mobile App and login to your newly created and verified account:
- Once logged in, tap on the settings icon in the top right corner and then tap Add New Hardware.
NOTE: The first time using the Growlink app you will be prompted to allow Bluetooth access. This is required to set up newer Growlink controllers.
- Select the ‘Add a New Controller’ option in the following menu if you’re connecting a new Links Hub to your account:
- Selecting this option will open the Controller registration wizard within the Growlink Mobile App. Follow the steps in the wizard to connect the LINKs HUB to your network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet:
Note: Reference these documents on Connecting to your controller to WiFi or Connecting your controller via Ethernet in case an additional reference is necessary. - Once the controller has been registered to your account, you will be prompted to select a Room. If no Room exists, tab the button to ‘Create a new room’ at the bottom of the page:
- Once a new room has been created, you will be taken to the Profile page of the new room to edit any important settings, such as the desired time zone, day range, and lighting shutdown temperature failsafe. Once the room’s profile has been configured, tap the ‘Save and Add Devices’ button at the bottom to begin registering devices to your created room:
Note: The Lighting Shutdown Temperature failsafe is a failsafe that exists on every Growlink Controller. This failsafe will shut off any ‘Lights’ device if any recorded temperature reads above the specified value in order to protects the plants in the room. The lights will turn back on once the temperature has dropped below the value specified for at least 10 minutes.
Add New Devices to an Existing Links Hub
- To add new devices to an existing Links Hub, go to the ‘Add New Hardware’ option within the Settings menu, and select the ‘Add New Device’ option in that page:
- The Links Hub will now iterate through the list of currently connected devices one module at a time and populate what devices have yet to be registered to the Links Hub. It is important to connect Links modules to the Hub one at a time.
Sensor Modules like the Canopy Link will display their sensor readings, and their associated sensor names can be renamed if desired:
Device output modules like the Relay Link will have a Device name and device type field per output, which allows the user to rename the output and device type to match the device being controlled by the output:
Lighting Control modules like the Digital Light Link will have a ‘Manufacturer’ drop-down list, where the user can specify the make of lights connected to the module:
- To skip a specific module from being registered to your Links Hub, tap the ‘Skip’ button at the bottom of the wizard:
- Once the sensor or devices have been named to your liking and any required fields for the module have been designated, one can tap the ‘Add & Next’ button to move onto the next module detected by the Links Hub:
- Once all currently detected modules are registered or skipped, a final confirmation window will populate:
- If you wish to add an additional Links module, connect the module to the Links Hub while at this screen. Once detected, one will be able to setup the sensors and devices of the connected Links Module.
If all desired modules have been added to the controller registration click the ‘I’ve Registered All Connected Devices’ button to finish the setup wizard.
Troubleshooting
Controller not showing up on my list of devices to connect:
Check your phone or tablet and ensure Bluetooth is enabled.
Hold down the Setup button located on the controller (see image below) for approximately 12-15 seconds until there is a rapid flashing blue light. Then refresh the device list on your phone or tablet.
Unplug the unit for 10 seconds and then plug the device back in and wait for the LED lights to stop changing colors (typically 15 seconds). Then refresh the device list on your phone or tablet.
Controller didn’t connect to Wi-Fi:
If unsuccessful in the first attempt to connect the controller to the Wi-Fi network, hold down the Setup button located on the controller (see image below) for approximately 12-15 seconds until there is a rapid flashing blue light. Once rapid flashing becomes visible, immediately release the Setup button. This will put the controller into Listening Mode (Blinking Blue). Now, restart the connection process outlined in the Quick Setup Guide section above.
The Wi-Fi network being used has changed:
In the event the controller needs to re-connect to an existing or new Wi-Fi network, put the controller back into Listening Mode (see above) and follow the Controller Connection process outlined in the Quick Setup Guide section above.
Controller LED Status Light Color Codes
During device setup and operation, these are the LED light indicators:
- Solid White: Firmware Startup
- Slow Flashing Green: Wi-Fi connecting
- Fast Flashing Green: Wi-Fi waiting on IP address
- Fast Flashing Cyan: Wi-Fi connected, connecting to cloud
- Fast Breathing Green: Loading configuration and detecting probes
- Slow Breathing Green: Connected to cloud and running
- Slow Flashing Blue: Wi-Fi configuration mode
- Safe Mode: Slow breathing magenta
- Safe Mode Requested: Fast flashing magenta
- Firmware Updating: Slow flashing magenta
- Slow Flashing Blue: Wi-Fi setup mode
