What is it and what make it special?

Growino is a 4-channel intelligent timer. Why intelligent? You can get much more control of when and how your electric devices are turned on and off. On each channel, you can set a hour-range, working and idle intervals, minimum temperature, maximum temperature or just the value of any 5v analog input.

Why would you like it?

If you have or are planning to have a growbox or a hydroponic garden, you will need timers to power on and off your lights and pumps. You will need a timer for each device, and the wiring needed for each one. Why isn't there a single device that can handle all of my needs? Well, now there is.

Using the rotary encoder and a switch button, you will be able to setup Growino's preferences for each relay channel.

Start / Stop Hours

You can set a channel absolute on and off hours. Absolute means that any other rule will be only checked if current time is within set hours. It could be handy if you are powering lights, and you don't want the lights on all the day. This is what a regular timer does. Not a big deal.

Run Cycles / Intervals

Within the working hours, you can set each channel to run during a certain period of time and stop until next cycle. This is great for Hydroponics, where you have to water your plants for some minutes each hour, for instance.

Sensor Rules

Growino uses DS18B20 Temperature sensors and it allows you power your devices only if the temperature is between certain limits. Ideal for fans, heaters or a/c systems.

Analog Sensors

Since it runs on Arduino, you can plug up to 3 analog sensors (5v) and restrict timer operation to certain values. You can use this with analog interfaces for pH probes, PPM meters, Humidity sensors, Soil moisture sensors, etc.

What I get?

You will get a really easy-to-solder PCB with all thru-hole components, that any hobbist can solder. The ATMEGA328P will include the Growino code that does all the magic. And, more important, you support Growino's development. If you can't afford or just don't want to buy it, it's an open source project you can build on your own.