autopilot APC8400 Digital CO2 Controller with Integrated Sensor User Manual
- June 12, 2024
- autopilot
Table of Contents
APC8400 Digital CO2 Controller with Integrated Sensor
Environmental Controller
User Manual DIGITAL CO, CONTROLLER
WITH INTEGRATED SENSOR
APC 8400 – USER MANUAL
APC8400 Digital CO2 Controller with Integrated Sensor
OVERVIEW
Thank you for purchasing the Autopilot Digital CO2 Controller with Integrated
Sensor! Our products are packaged and shipped with the utmost care. In the
unlikely event that your item is incorrect, incomplete, or unsatisfactory,
please contact Hydrofarm and we will resolve the issue.
PACKAGE CONTENTS
CO2 Controller Unit
Socket Unit
User Manual
Screws
WARNINGS
- To ensure safe operation, please read this manual carefully before installation and follow the instructions.
- Store this manual in a secure place for future reference.
- WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Accessories contain small parts.
FEATURES AT A GLANCE
- CO2 enrichment or CO2 exhaust
- Controls and monitors CO2 from 0 to 5000 parts per million (PPM)
- Easy to setup and operate.
- Integrated sensors with day/night detection
- Data-logging chart with adjustable time display
- 2-Channel Low Drift NDIR Sensor
- ETL listed
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Initial Setup: When first unboxing, plug the piggyback into the power socket. If successfully connected, three things will happen while booting up:
- Alarm will beep once.
- Chart display will show the current software version & “Warm Up.”
- Main display will show a countdown from 10.
Once the countdown is complete, your product is ready to use. No additional setup or calibration is needed.
- CO2 Trend Chart
- AVG HI Reading of Chart
- AVG LO Reading of Chart
- Audible Alarm On/Off
- Target Low Value
- Target Hi Value
- CO2 Reading
- Zoom Level of Time – indicates the chart’s timespan
- Target Zone Indicator
CO2 / SET TARGET HI / SET TARGET LOW
The device has three built-in main parameters: ambient carbon dioxide (7), Set
Target Hi value (6), and Set Target Low value (5). They are constantly
displayed on screen.
TREND CHART ZOOM
Below is a table showing the available Zoom Levels for all CO2 parameters, as
well as the duration of each interval for corresponding Zoom Levels:
Zoom Level (Time Span) (8) | Time Per Interval |
---|---|
1m (minute) | 5sec /div |
1h (hour) | 5m/div |
1d (day) | 2h/div |
1w (week) | 0.5d/div |
Auto Cycle Zoom | Cycle |
The DOWN button will toggle the available Zoom Levels for each parameter. Note
that in addition to the Zoom Levels for each parameter, there is an option
that will automatically cycle between the Zoom Levels. This can be achieved by
pressing DOWN until icon (8) appears at the top of the chart.
AVG HI / AVG LO
At the top right corner of the display, there are two numerical indicators:
AVG HI (2) and AVG LO (3). As the Zoom Level is changed, the AVG HI and AVG LO
will reflect the average high and average low values on the chart of the
selected parameter. At startup, the unit will automatically display values for
1d (day) value.
AUTO DETECT DAY/NIGHT
The built-in photocell sensor can automatically detect whether it is Day or
Night. The green back lit display automatically turns off during the night
period. If a button is pressed during this time the green back light will
display for 30 seconds. In Greenhouse (Increase) mode it can override the CO2
control and shut off the CO2 generator or regulator by turning off the output
power (CO2 Equipment socket) during the night. Conversely, if the Photo-Cell
detects light and the CO2 level is low, the device will start the CO2
generator by turning on the output power (CO2 EquIpment Socket). In Vent
(Decrease) mode, Photo-Cell status does not affect the output power (Exhaust
Fan socket) ON or OFF.
GREENHOUSE (INCREASE) CONTROL
This CO2 controller can be set for Greenhouse mode application by S5 ADVANCE
Mode setting. CO2 Equipment socket is on when CO2 concentration is below Set
Target Low. For example, if Set Target Low is 1000ppm, and the Set Target Hi
is 1400ppm, the output power will shut off when CO is over 1400ppm and power
on when CO is below 1000ppm.
VENT (DECREASE) MODE CONTROL
This CO2 controller can be set for Vent mode application by S5 ADVANCE Mode
setting. Exhaust Fan socket is on when CO2 concentration is over Set Target
Hi, and off when CO2 concentration is below Set Target Low.
HOLD HOME
To revert to start-up settings at any point, hold ENTER for 3 seconds
until you hear audible beep. The device will then revert to Home Setting, as
if the power was reset, displaying “Back Home done.” Note that this is not the
same as Restore to factory settings.
To clear all stored data in the chart you must Restore to factory settings. To
use Restore mode select the Advanced Setting function and hold ENTER for 3
seconds until an audible beep sounds.
Below is a table showing what main menu selection is made by pressing MENU
multiple times as well as their functions. Note that the device will display
“Done,” followed by the confirmed selection if selected correctly.
MAX / MIN
From the home screen, press ENTER. The trend chart will be replaced by “MAX,”
and the maximum value will be shown in the main display area. Press ENTER
again to view the minimum value. Press ENTER once again to return to the home
screen.
Note that after 10 seconds if ENTER is not pressed, the device will return to
the home screen.
MAIN MENU FUNCTIONS
The Main Menu functions can be toggled through by selecting the MENU button. If the main menu is not selected, the menu LED will remain off, leaving the UP buttons to toggle Zoom Levels, respectively.
- S1 Set Target Hi
- S2 Set Target Low
- S3 Home
- S4 Re-Calibrate
- S5 Advance Setting
Pressing MENU once will bring up the menu LED, with flashing before the
current choice. To select the function, press ENTER when menu selection LED is
flashing. Note that after 1 minute if nothing is pressed, the Main Menu LED
will
shut off and the device will revert to the normal state.
FUNCTION | DIRECTIONS |
---|---|
Si Set Target Hi | Set Target Hi value is preset to 1400ppm for general |
plant. Once Set Target Hi is selected (by pressing ENTER), use either UP or
DOWN to increase or decrease the Set Target Hi value. Press ENTER one more
time to confirm.
Note that the default value of Set Target Hi is 1400ppm.
52 Set Target Low| Set Target Low value is preset to 1000ppm for general
plant. Once Set Target Low is selected, Use UP and DOWN to increase or
decrease the Set Target Low value. Press ENTER to confirm.
Note that the default value of Set Target Low is 1000ppm.
53 Home| This is for basic indoor gardening, and cannot be adjusted.
Once selected, the Set Target Hi value is fixed 1400ppm, and Set Target Low
value is fixed 1000ppm.
S4 Re-Calibrate| Use this function to calibrate your device with outside
atmospheric CO2 level — 400 ppm. Select this mode, hold ENTER for 3 seconds
until a beep and the chart will read “Calibrating.” To ensure the accuracy of
calibration result, place the device outside for 20 minutes before
calibrating. To escape, press MENU.
Make sure the device is far from a source of CO2, not in direct sunlight, and
not exposed to water. Step away from the unit during calibration.
55 Advance Setting| This function rotates through four options when
selected:
• Audible Alarm On/Off
• Altitude Setting
• Work Mode Setting
• Restore Factory Setting
Restore Factory Setting will reset the device to factory settings and erase
all stored data in the chart. To use Restore mode, hold ENTER for 3 seconds
until an audible beep.
APPLICATION MODE SETTING
Press MENU, then select S5 ADVANCE SETTING function. LCD will show “Mode Setting.” Press UP, and then press ENTER to enter mode setting function. Press UP or DOWN to switch to Greenhouse mode or Vent mode. Press ENTER to confirm.
SPECIFICATIONS
Typical test conditions, unless otherwise specified: Ambient Temp =73+/-3°F (22 +/-3°C), RH=50%– 70%, Altitude=0~100 meter
MEASUREMENT | SPECIFICATION |
---|---|
Operating Temperature | 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C) |
Storage Temperature | -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) |
Designed For | Indoor Use |
Operating & Storage RH | 0-95%, non-condensing |
CO2 Measurement
Accuracy at 0-3000 ppm| ±50 ppm or ±5% of reading, whichever is greater
Accuracy over 3000 ppm| ±7%
Repeatability| 20 ppm at 400 ppm (standard dev. of 10 readings in 1 minute)
Measurement Range| 0-5000 ppm
Display Resolution| 1 ppm (0-1000); 5 ppm (1000-2000); 10 ppm (>2000)
Temp Dependence| 1-0.2% of reading per °C or ±2ppm per °C, whichever is
greater, 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 seconds
Back-Lit Display| The green back-lit display automatically turns off during
the dark period. Pressing any button during the dark period will illuminate
the screen for 30 seconds.
Power Input/Output| AC 120VAC, 60Hz, Current: 10A Max
Main Supply Voltage| Fluctuations up to ±10% of the nominal voltage
Applicable Pollution| Degree of the intended environment (POLLUTION DEGREE 2)
Dimensions| Socket Unit: 115 x 45 x 38 mm (4.5″ x 1.8″ x 1.5″) Control Unit:
195 x 145 x 44 mm (7.7″ x 5.7″ x 1.7″)
Weight| 760 g (26.8 oz)
DISCLAIMERS
This device is not intended for workplace hazard CO2 monitoring, nor intended
as a definitive monitor for human or animal health institutions, life
sustenance, or any medical-related situation.
Hydrofarm and the manufacturer assume no responsibility for any damage or loss
suffered by the user or any third party arising through the use of this
product or its malfunction.
Hydrofarm reserves the right to change the specifications without notice.
Manufactured for: HYDROFARM LLC
Address: 1304 Southpoint Blvd Suite 200
Petaluma, CA 94954
PAY ATTENTION TO ELECTRICITY SAFETY.
WARRANTY
LIMITED WARRANTY
Hydrofarm warrants the APC8400 to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship. The warranty term is for 3 years beginning on the date of
purchase. Misuse, abuse, or failure to follow instructions is not covered
under this warranty. Hydrofarm’s warranty liability extends only to the
replacement cost of the product. Hydrofarm will not be liable for any
consequential, indirect, or incidental damages of any kind, including lost
revenues, lost profits, or other losses in connection with the product. Some
states do not allow limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts or the
exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or
exclusions may not apply to you. Hydrofarm will, at our discretion, repair or
replace the APC8400 covered under this warranty if it is returned to the
original place of purchase. To request warranty service, please return the
APC8400, with original sales receipt and original packaging, to your place of
purchase. The purchase date is based on your original sales receipt.
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APC8400_Instructions_July2022
Rev. 07/12/2022Hydrofarm.com