© 2013 Agrowtek Inc.
www.agrowtek.com
| 83 Ambrogio Dr Suite H Gurnee, IL 60031 | [email protected]
5
Setting up the Software
The controller can be ordered with or without a touch-screen interface. The PC software can connect to the controller whether
there is a touch screen or not and can take the place of a touch screen if the controller will never be accessed locally or to
save cost and use a PC as the sole interface.
Communication Connection
GrowControl
TM
can be linked to a PC for complete remote control, monitoring, setup and data logging.
The GC-Pro is equipped standard with a RS-232 serial port for local connection to a PC via the PC’s serial port (or a USB port
with USB converter.) Optionally, the GC-Pro can be equipped with an Ethernet port for connection to your local area network.
When connected to a LAN, the controller can be accessed via IP address locally or remotely via the internet (with proper port
forwarding; see Port Forwarding.)
Simultaneous Connections
When equipped with an Ethernet port, the controller may be accessed simultaneously by multiple PC’s locally or remotely. The
controller can also connect via its serial port and Ethernet port simultaneously.
Notes:
1. Serial communication cables can be extended up to 50ft with a male-female extension cable available from Agrowtek.
2. A USB-to-Serial converter is available from Agrowtek to connect the controller’s serial port to a USB port on your PC.
3. A “Wireless Bridge” (or a router in bridge mode) can be used to connect the Ethernet port to a wireless router.
Minimum PC Requirements
Windows® XP, Vista, 7, 8 (32 or 64 bit)
Microsoft .Net 4.0 Client Run Time Environment (installer provides download link from Microsoft if not installed)
RS-232 DB-9 Serial Com Port, or USB port (with USB-Serial converter)
1 GHz processor
1 GB Ram
6Mb HDD space for program
Additional HDD space for data logging files or camera images
Installing the Software
Download the installer file from the Agrowtek website:
Http://www.agrowtek.com/download/GrowControlSetup.msi
Open the installer and follow the prompts to install the
program.
Running the Software
A short-cut to the program should automatically be placed on your desktop and in your start-menu.
Double-click the desktop icon or navigate to “Agrowtek > GrowControl(TM)” in the start-menu to open the
program.
