SETTING THE PROGRAMMABLE TIMER
Set your timer to go on continuously for 45 minutes each day when your lights turn on. This time period will bring your room level close to the
desired range. After this period, set the timer to go off for 15 minutes, then on for 15 minutes. Repeat this on/off cycle throughout the lighted
period until 1 hour before the lights turn off.
DETERMINING A FLOW RATE
This is the basic formula for determining flow meter settings:
cubic ft. of growing area x .0012 = A A ÷ 3 = B B ÷ 2 = flow meter setting
To determine the flow rate for your growing area, follow the steps outlined below.
Step 1 - Determine the cubic volume of your area:
Room height x width x length = cubic volume
Example: 8' high x 10' long x 10' wide = 800 cubic feet
Step 2 - Take desired level of CO
2
(1500 ppm) and SUBTRACT existing CO
2
: 1500 ppm - 300 ppm = 1200 ppm. This is the amount
of CO
2
you need to add to raise the level to optimum.
Step 3 - Multiply your room volume x .0012 (1200 ppm) to determine how much CO
2
to add to your area. Example: 800 cubic feet x .0012 = .96
cubic feet.
For practical purposes we will round this off to 1 cubic foot. This is the quantity of CO
2
to add in an 800 cubic foot size room to reach the desired
1500 ppm level.
Before continuing on to the next steps, the following assumptions need to be established:
FIRST ASSUMPTION:
The average growing area enriched to 1500 ppm of CO
2
will return to normal levels in about 3 hours due to plant usage
and room leakage.
SECOND ASSUMPTION:
When calculating the flow rate for any growing area, this usage and leakage of CO
2
should be compensated for in that
particular area.
Step 4 - Now for the 800 cubic foot room, we take the approximately 1 cubic foot of CO
2
and divide it up over the 3 hour average period into 1
hour increments. There are 3 one hour periods in 3 hours. 1 cubic foot ÷ 3 = 1/3 cubic foot of CO
2
(.333)
This means that every hour, an 800 cubic foot room needs 1/3 (.333) cubic foot of CO
2
to replenish it back up to 1500 ppm. Because our system
operates on a 15 minute ON / 45 minute OFF cycle, the flow rate setting should allow 0.33 cubic feet of CO
2
to be emitted within each 15 minute
ON cycle.
To arrive at the appropriate flow rate setting, we need to multiply 0.33 by 4 (because the flow rate is measured in cubic feet per HOUR, but the
ON period is only 15 minutes, the flow rate must be four times the amount needed) to reach the flow rate per hour (0.33 x 4 = 1.33 CFH). For
practical purposes, round this to 1.3 cubic feet. This is the flow meter setting.
After following the regulator adjustment steps, set the flow with the flow meter adjusting knob.
SYSTEM CHECK
Once the flow rate and programmable timer have been set, test the system by plugging it in. Plug the regulator's 120 volt power cord into the
provided timer or connect to a CO
2
control system like the Autopilot Digital CO
2
Controller (item APCECOD), the Autopilot Analog CO
2
Controller
(item APCECO), or the Analog 24 hour Recycling Timer (item APCTART). After plugging in the unit, slowly rotate the timer dial clockwise to check
the on/off of the solenoid valve. Check the flow of CO
2
by using the flow meter setting.
www.hydrofarm.com
WARRANTY
Our CO
2
systems are guaranteed to the original owner for 1 year from
the date of purchase. Misuse, abuse, or failure to follow instructions
are not covered. If you have a problem, recheck your system and
timer to isolate the problem. If this doesn’t remedy the situation,
call the place of purchase to get a Return Authorization for the faulty
part. Send only that part. Unauthorized returns will not be accepted.
Save your receipt/invoice—a copy is required for all warranty work.
TROUBLESHOOTING
1. If any leakage is suspected, make sure all connections are tight,
and spray them with soapy water. If a leak exists, bubbling will be
seen.
2.
ALWAYS TURN OFF THE TANK VALVE BEFORE DETACHING ANY PARTS.
Check the solenoid valve’s function by plugging and unplugging it
directly to an outlet.
3. Any fitting leakage can be remedied by re-attaching firmly with
some teflon tape (available from your local hardware store.)
4. Plug the system back into the timer and slowly rotate the dial
clockwise to check its on/off functions.
5. If these steps don’t solve the issue, contact the place of purchase
to get a return authorization form.
NOTE: We also recommend our desktop CO
2
monitor (APCEM) to monitor
CO
2
levels, or our Digital CO
2
Controller (APCECOD) to automate them
completely (eliminates the need for the timer and calculations)
.
Components list:
1 - High Quality Regulator
1 - Solenoid
1 - Precision Flow Meter
(the three above pieces are pre-assembled together)
1 - Timer (TM01015D)
2 - Distribution Tubing (3
'
non-drilled, 15
'
drilled)
1 - “T” connector for tubing
6 - Eye screws
1 - 4 mm Hex Key
COSYS_instructions - Rev.5.5.15
