Frequently Asked Questions
Systems
Can I create a system without any smart power outlet?
This is a planned feature which is not yet supported. For now you can contact support, and we can create a virtual power outlet that allows you to set up these devices as a workaround. Keep in mind that Elfsys Grow Cloud won't be able to control your devices with virtual power outlets.
How to create a system that is neither DWC nor NFT?
We will add support for more system types in the future. Until then, if you want to use a different system other than DWC and NFT, such as Aeroponics or seedling tray/incubator, simply select DWC and configure the properties as best you can.
My device or reservoir is already used in another system, can I also add it to a new system I'm creating?
As a system in the Elfsys App is a virtual representation of your physical system, devices and reservoirs cannot be shared between multiple systems.
If you have multiple systems that simultaneously share devices or reservoirs, please treat them as one system in the Elfsys App.
If you wish to migrate a device from one system to another, you will first need to remove it from the current system before you can add it to the new one.
Grow templates
Can I create a new grow template without a system?
Grow templates contain instructions that are always relative to the topology of a specific system, so you cannot create one without a system. You can still use grow templates on other systems.
As an example: When creating a template, you can specify parameters such as the amount of light a plant should receive at any given growth stage. This value can vary significantly based on a variety of factors, such as the amount of lights, wattage, efficiency or distance to the plant. We need these reference points to be able to adjust the parameters for the system you want to use the template on.
Can I modify the plant species of a grow template?
Each species has unique requirements and growth behavior, which is directly coupled to the grow template. Therefore, changing plant species after the creation of the grow template is not allowed.
Cultivation modules and grow batches
Can I apply a grow template to a different system?
Yes. While grow templates are created in reference to a specific baseline system, you can generally apply them to other systems as well. When creating a new grow batch, we will adjust the grow plan to accommodate for potential differences to the baseline system. For details, please refer to the related documentation.
Not all grow templates are compatible with all systems. The Elfsys App will inform you in such cases, for example if the template requires devices not present in the target system.
I don't have a grow template, can I create a grow batch directly?
This is a planned feature which is not yet supported. At this time, starting a grow batch requires a grow template that matches the plant variety you want to grow. You can easily create a new one if you don't want to use one of the existing templates.
I updated the grow template, but my ongoing grow batches were not updated?
We differentiate between grow templates and grow plan of grow batches. A grow template is sort of like a blueprint for growing a plant in a specific system. A grow plan is a concrete execution plan fine-tuned to a single grow batch based on that blueprint.
When you use a grow template to start a new grow batch, we are creating a grow plan based on the selected template. Therefore, updating the original grow template does not have any effect on currently running grow plans derived from it.
You can directly adjust the schedule of an ongoing grow batch if needed.
Can I add a new stage during my batch?
This is a planned feature which is not yet supported.
Can I go back to a previous stage?
Advancing to the next stage triggers changes in device schedules, monitoring, and actionable tasks, and it is currently not possible to go back to a previous stage.
To avoid prematurely advancing stages, make sure to create accurate descriptions of the expected outcomes of each stage in the grow template. This allows you to make an educated decision about whether or not to advance when the time comes.
Devices
Can I create a device that is not controlled by a smart power outlet?
This is a planned feature which is not yet supported. For now you can contact support, and we can create a virtual power outlet that allows you to set up these devices as a workaround.
Can I use an extension cord to add multiple devices to a socket on a smart power outlet at the same time?
No, you cannot. When multiple devices use a smart socket at the same time, Elfsys Grow Cloud cannot accurately control devices, because turning on one device will also turn on other devices on the same socket at the same time. Therefore, you cannot assign multiple devices to a single socket via an extension cord.
What if I need to change the sockets my devices are plugged in to?
When making changes to your planting environment, you might also need to adjust the position of multiple devices and change the sockets they are connected to.
The Elfsys App does not yet support batching in-place socket changes (for example A->B, B->C, C->A), so you will need to migrate one of the devices to an unused socket first, then move the other device to the now-free socket, and so on.
If you don't have an unused socket for "parking" devices, you can contact us to add a virtual power outlet that you can then use as a buffer.
IoT platform integrations
How to identify a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network? Why can a smart power outlet only connect to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks?
Wi-Fi networks are generally divided into two categories: 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. The main difference between them is the frequency band on which they operate and the range of frequencies they use to transmit data.
Most IoT devices are only compatible with 2.4GHz networks because of several reasons:
- Range: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi has a longer range compared to 5GHz Wi-Fi, which is an important consideration for IoT devices that usually need to be connected over long distances, such as in a large home or building.
- Power Consumption: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi uses less power compared to 5GHz Wi-Fi, which better meets the energy requirement for IoT devices.
- Cost: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi chips are typically less expensive compared to 5GHz Wi-Fi chips.
- Compatibility: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi has been around for much longer compared to 5GHz Wi-Fi, and has been widely adopted by many devices. This makes it easier for IoT devices to connect to existing networks and ensure compatibility with a wider range of devices.
Some home routers emit both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi signals under different SSIDs (network names). In that case, make sure to explicitly select the 2.4GHz band when connecting your smart device. Oftentimes, either of them is clearly identified, for example by having the term 5G in the name. In such case, if your Wi-Fi network is called MyHome, you should be able to find two wireless networks: MyHome and MyHome 5G. MyHome 5G is a 5GHz network as it ends with 5G, therefore MyHome is a 2.4GHz network.
Many modern routers emit both signals under the same SSID though, which may cause issues for some IoT devices. If you are having trouble pairing or connecting your device, you might need to separate the 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks on your router.