Hydrofarm Autopilot APC8200

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Summary

Overview and Package Contents

Package Contents

Lists all items included in the product package for the user.

Safety Warnings

Provides essential safety precautions and warnings for operating the device.

Key Features

Highlights the main features and capabilities of the CO2 controller.

Initial Setup and Boot-up

Details the initial setup steps and what to expect during device boot-up.

LCD Display and Chart Zoom

Trend Chart Zoom Levels

Explains the different zoom levels available for the CO2 trend chart.

Device Operation Modes

Max;Min Display Indicators

Describes the maximum and minimum value indicators on the display.

Auto Detect Day;Night Function

Explains how the photocell sensor automatically detects day/night to control the CO2 generator.

CO2 Output Control Logic

Details the logic for controlling the CO2 output based on set center and zone values.

Hold Home Functionality

Explains how to revert to start-up settings or factory settings.

Main Menu Configuration

S1 Set Center (CO2 ppm)

Guides on setting the custom CO2 ppm value for the device.

S2 Set Zone (Deadband)

Explains how to set the deadband or zone value for CO2 control.

S3 Home (General Plant)

Describes the preset Home setting for general plant CO2 control.

S4 Re-Calibrate

Details the procedure for calibrating the device with ambient CO2 levels.

S5 Advance Settings

Covers advanced settings like alarm, altitude, and factory reset.

Technical Specifications and Disclaimers

Device Specifications

Lists detailed technical specifications for the CO2 controller.

Disclaimers and Limitations

States the intended use and limitations of the CO2 monitoring device.

Warranty Information

Limited Warranty Details

Outlines the terms and duration of the product's limited warranty.

Summary

Overview and Package Contents

Package Contents

Lists all items included in the product package for the user.

Safety Warnings

Provides essential safety precautions and warnings for operating the device.

Key Features

Highlights the main features and capabilities of the CO2 controller.

Initial Setup and Boot-up

Details the initial setup steps and what to expect during device boot-up.

LCD Display and Chart Zoom

Trend Chart Zoom Levels

Explains the different zoom levels available for the CO2 trend chart.

Device Operation Modes

Max;Min Display Indicators

Describes the maximum and minimum value indicators on the display.

Auto Detect Day;Night Function

Explains how the photocell sensor automatically detects day/night to control the CO2 generator.

CO2 Output Control Logic

Details the logic for controlling the CO2 output based on set center and zone values.

Hold Home Functionality

Explains how to revert to start-up settings or factory settings.

Main Menu Configuration

S1 Set Center (CO2 ppm)

Guides on setting the custom CO2 ppm value for the device.

S2 Set Zone (Deadband)

Explains how to set the deadband or zone value for CO2 control.

S3 Home (General Plant)

Describes the preset Home setting for general plant CO2 control.

S4 Re-Calibrate

Details the procedure for calibrating the device with ambient CO2 levels.

S5 Advance Settings

Covers advanced settings like alarm, altitude, and factory reset.

Technical Specifications and Disclaimers

Device Specifications

Lists detailed technical specifications for the CO2 controller.

Disclaimers and Limitations

States the intended use and limitations of the CO2 monitoring device.

Warranty Information

Limited Warranty Details

Outlines the terms and duration of the product's limited warranty.

The Autopilot APC8200 is a digital CO2 monitor and controller designed for environmental control in various settings, particularly for plant cultivation. It functions as an environmental controller, specifically managing CO2 levels to optimize plant growth.

Function Description:

The APC8200 monitors ambient carbon dioxide levels and controls the output power to a CO2 generator or regulator to maintain a user-defined CO2 concentration. It features a built-in day/night sensor that automatically detects light conditions, allowing it to override CO2 control and shut off the CO2 generator during the night, conserving resources. Conversely, if light is detected and CO2 levels are low, it activates the CO2 generator. The device also includes a data logger function, referred to as "Tracer," which records CO2 data over time. A trend chart with variable time zoom levels allows users to visualize CO2 trends. The controller utilizes a 2-channel low drift NDIR sensor for accurate CO2 measurement.

Important Technical Specifications:

CO2 Measurement Range: 0-5000 ppm
CO2 Accuracy (0-3000 ppm): ±50 ppm or ±5% of reading (whichever is greater)
CO2 Accuracy (over 3000 ppm): ±7%
Repeatability: 20 ppm at 400 ppm (standard deviation of 10 readings in 1 minute)
Display Resolution: 1 ppm (0-1000); 5 ppm (1000-2000); 10 ppm (>2000)
Operating Temperature: 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C)
Storage Temperature: -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C)
Operating & Storage RH: 0-95%, non-condensing
Temperature Dependence: ±0.2% of reading per °C or ±2ppm per °C (referenced to 25°C)
Pressure Dependence: 0.13% of reading per mmHg (corrected by user's altitude input)
Response Time: <2 min for 63% of step change or <4.6 min for 90% step change
Warm-up Time: <30 sec
Power Input: AC 100~240 VAC
Sensor Unit Dimensions: 153x33x27mm (6.0"x1.3"x1.1")
Control Unit Dimensions: 195x145x44mm (7.7"x5.7"x1.7")
Weight: 700 g (24.7 oz)

Usage Features:

Set Center Value (S1): Allows users to set a custom ideal CO2 level (ppm). The default for general plant growth is 1200 ppm.
Set Zone (Deadband) (S2): Defines the acceptable CO2 fluctuation range around the Set Center value. The default is 400 ppm. For example, a 200 ppm deadband allows a ±100 ppm swing.
Home Setting (S3): Quickly reverts the Set Center to 1200 ppm and Set Zone to 400 ppm, optimized for general plant growth.
CO2 Output Control Logic: Output power is activated when CO2 concentration falls below Set Center + (1/2) * Set Zone and deactivated when it exceeds Set Center - (1/2) * Set Zone.
Day/Night Sensor: An integrated photocell automatically detects light and adjusts CO2 output accordingly, turning off CO2 generation during night cycles.
Trend Chart Zoom Levels: The display features a CO2 chart with various time spans (1 minute, 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week) and corresponding time per division, allowing detailed analysis of CO2 trends. An "Auto Cycle Zoom" option automatically cycles through these levels.
Max/Min Indicators: Displays the maximum and minimum CO2 readings on the chart for the selected zoom level.
Audible Alarm On/Off: A configurable setting to enable or disable an audible alarm.
Altitude Setting: Allows for correction of pressure dependence based on the user's altitude.
"Hold Home" Function: Holding the ENTER button for 3 seconds reverts the device to its initial start-up settings, displaying "Back Home done." This is distinct from a factory reset.
Menu Navigation: A MENU button allows access to various settings, with UP/DOWN buttons for value adjustment and ENTER for confirmation. If no action is taken for 1 minute, the menu LED will turn off, and the device will return to its normal state.

Maintenance Features:

Re-Calibrate (S4): Enables calibration of the device using outside atmospheric CO2 levels (approximately 400 ppm). The process involves placing the device outdoors for 20 minutes after initiating calibration.
Restore Factory Setting (S5): Resets the device to its original factory settings and erases all stored data in the chart. This is accessed via the Advanced Setting function and requires holding ENTER for 3 seconds.
Data Clearing: To clear all stored data in the chart, the "Restore Factory Setting" function must be used.

The APC8200 is designed for ease of use, with a clear LCD display showing ambient CO2, set center, and set zone values constantly. It comes with a CO2 sensor with photocell, a 15' data cable, and a user manual. The product is not intended for workplace hazard CO2 monitoring, human or animal health institutions, life sustenance, or medical-related situations. Hydrofarm offers a 3-year limited warranty on the APC8200, covering defects in materials and workmanship.