Link4 Corporation iPonic 624 Dual Zone Environmental Controller

Link4 Corporation iPonic 624 Dual Zone Environmental Controller Questions & Answers

Q: A fan can be an On/Off device or a fan device. What’s the difference?

A: An On/Off device and a Fan device are almost identical. The only difference is that when a Fan device turns on, the CO2 injection process is “cut off” (disabled). If a fan is configured as an On/Off device (through the advance menu) the CO2 operation is not affected. If the fan is being used to exchange air, the Fan equipment type is preferable. If it is used to just circulate air, use the On/Off equipment type.

Q: What do channels 7 & 8 do? Do they exist?

A: Channels 7 & 8 can be configured to operate just like any other channel. However, it can only control low voltage signal. The output is a “dry output” (a small relay that closes) that can handle a 24V signal at 1A max. The connection terminal block is inside the unit. You need to run your wires through the white opening on the bottom and to the controller board itself. See the electrical diagram in the manual for the terminal location or here.

Q: What equipment can I plug into the iPonic controller?

A: The iPonic can handle up to 15A (115VAC) only. Any more current than this will cause the circuit breaker to trip. Please read the equipment power name plate or label carefully. Equipment that either has high running current or high power on current should be controlled via external trigger boxes and have the trigger cable plugged into the iPonic controller. Heaters, air conditioners, and lights should not be plugged directly into the iPonic controller.

Q: Is the iPonic unit susceptible to noise from growlight ballasts?

A: Yes. Noisy ballasts combined with poor installation will lead to inaccurate sensor readings and even power resets on the controller itself. The controller has been designed to minimize the interference susceptibility, but proper installation is paramount to a successful experience. Please use these guidelines to minimize noise interference:
- The iPonic controller must get its power from a clean dedicated circuit. This means the power to the controller should not be shared by anything that generates electrical noise (e.g. ballasts, motors, drives, etc.)
- The controller, sensors, and sensor wiring need to be physically separated from any high voltage lines and sources by at least 6 ft.
- If drives are used (or extremely noisy motors) then the power wiring to the motor should be shielded with earth ground.
- Sensor wiring should not be longer than necessary. If extension is required, you must use Link4’s shielded extension wire.

If the erratic behavior disappears when you turn off the lights or motors, this is most likely an interference issue. Keep in mind that the noise source could be motors that are located in another room and are not controlled by the iPonic controller.

Q: How can I be notified when there is an alarm on the iPonic controller?

A:
There is an indicator on the unit itself (home screen, upper left).
It can trigger an output to turn on something such as a light, buzzer, or SensaPhone.
With the optional Communication Module and an Internet connection, it can send you an email or text message to let you know about the alarm.

Q: What happens on the iPonic after a high alarm?

A: Once the iPonic’s high-temperature alarm has been triggered, It will automatically shut off all the lights. The temperature staging will already be at the highest cooling stage. The unit will stay in this condition until the temperature drops back into the normal operation range, at which point the iPonic will resume its normal operation.