Setup Instructions for the valveLINK
valveLINK Hub Technical Specifications
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Input Power: |
Max 2.5A@24Vdc |
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Max Switching Current: |
1A per port/ 2.7A combined |
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Max Switching Voltage: |
24VDC@50% PWM (simulated 24VAC) |
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Device (Outputs): |
8 Sourcing FETS |
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Output Status Indicators: |
LED |
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PWM Mode: |
1kHz, 50% Duty |
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Minimum Cycle Time: |
1 Second |
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Interface: |
Growlink |
Features
- Eight Independent Channels: Manage up to eight irrigation valves individually, allowing tailored watering schedules for different crop zones. Supports up to 1 amp per output (2.7 amps max combined).
- Seamless Copilot Integration: Works directly with Growlink’s Copilot to automate crop steering for efficient plant growth and resource use.
- Flexible Control Modes: Offers manual, scheduled, and sensor-based operation to adapt to diverse cultivation strategies.
- Rugged Design: Built for durability in demanding agricultural environments, ensuring reliable and long-lasting performance.
What’s Included
x1 valveLINK
x1 AC/DC Power Supply
x1 Mounting Kit
x1 10 ft. RJ-45 Cable
x1 Mini Screwdriver
valveLINK Package Dimensions
Size: 7.5” / 191mm (L) x
7.5” / 191mm (W) x
3.75” / 92mm (H)
Installation & Wiring Instructions
It is recommended to install relays and other switching equipment outside of a grow room in the hallway whenever possible for improved access to the equipment without entering the growing space. Locating equipment in lower humidity areas will also extend the life of the equipment.
Mounting the Enclosure
When possible, mount equipment outside of the growing environment for better service access and reduced exposure to humidity. If a valveLINK is to be installed in a humid growing environment, mounting in a sealed enclosure is recommended.
Power Connections
Input Power: 24 VDC, 2.7A is required to operate the unit which will be supplied via the 24VDC power adapter included with the valveLINK. Maximum 2.5A power supply current.Input power protection required to prevent damage to the unit from overloading.
Outputs
There are eight (8) transistor outputs for driving solenoids with four common ground terminals. Two valves share a ground terminal.
Power Output Mode (AC)
Standard AC Mode (Pulse Width Modulation, PWM)
Standard irrigation valves operate on 24V “AC” power which is “flickering” on and off at50-60hz. The valveLINK controllers mimic this flickering on and off by providing the power to the valve in a pulsed fashion (pulse width modulation, or “PWM.”)
Note: The valveLINK driver will deliver a continuous DC voltage for 1 second when opening valves to provide sufficient inrush current to magnet coils in diaphragm valves.
Output Connections, Diaphragm Valves
Standard 24VAC irrigation valves can be connected directly to the valveLINK outputs. Up to eight valves can be connected and up to four valves can be operated simultaneously.
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 device 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 (if using with a LINKs Hub):
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
Relays are not activating, no power LED on PCB
Ensure the relay input terminals have 120VAC and are correctly wired. A dimly lit red LED should illuminate when the circuit board has power. If there is 120VAC at the input terminals, check that the fuse is not damaged (see fuse replacement.)
Relays are clicking but no power to an outlet
Check the status LED to determine if AC power is reaching the line terminal of the receptacle. The red LED is powered by AC voltage from the line voltage terminal of the receptacle and will only illuminate if voltage is passed through the relay to the terminal. If the status LED for the receptacle is on, check the equipment by bypassing the relay.
