Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Growlink PIC discontinued?
Growlink are replacing the PIC with canopyLINK and valveLINK from their LINKS range. canopyLINK handles the sensors and valveLINK handles the valves, and the two run independently. We will keep selling PIC units until our stock runs out.
Does the Terralink sensor plug straight into the PIC?
No. The current Terralink comes on a 2m lead with an M8 plug, made for canopyLINK. The PIC has no M8 socket, so you cut the plug off, strip the wires and wire them into the PIC terminals using Growlink's PIC to Terralink wiring diagram. The older Terralink with a 5m bare-wire lead is no longer supplied.
How do I get more than 2m of sensor cable on a PIC?
Plug the Terralink into the 5m M8 Extension Cable, then cut the plug off the far end of the extension and wire that into the PIC. The sensor's own lead stays intact.
How many sensors and valves can the PIC run?
Up to 4 sensors and 4 x 24v solenoid valves, and that is the limit. canopyLINK takes up to 8 sensors and valveLINK runs up to 8 valves.
Do I need the Growlink HUB?
Not for the PIC, and not for canopyLINK or valveLINK either. On the LINKS range the HUB is optional. It gives a wired connection back to your router and is needed for LINKS devices that only work wired.
Can I move my PIC sensors to canopyLINK later?
Yes. A Terralink with a cut or bare-wire lead can be put back onto M8 with an M8 Transition Cable, so it plugs into canopyLINK.
Description
The PIC is being replaced. Please read before you buy.
Growlink are moving away from the PIC to their modular LINKS range. The job the PIC does in one box is now split across two units: canopyLINK for sensors and valveLINK for valves. They run independently of each other and neither needs the HUB. We will keep selling the PIC until our stock runs out.
The Terralink sensor in this bundle is the new LINKS version. It comes on a 2m lead with an M8 plug on the end, made to plug straight into canopyLINK. The PIC has no M8 socket, so you will need to cut the M8 plug off, strip the wires and wire them into the PIC terminals. The older Terralink came on a 5m lead with bare wires, and that version is no longer supplied.
Need more than 2m of cable? Plug the sensor into an M8 Extension Cable (5m), then cut the plug off the far end of the extension and wire that into the PIC. The sensor's own lead stays intact.
Moving to canopyLINK later? A cut or bare-wire lead can be put back onto M8 with an M8 Transition Cable.
Designed for growers who want to push their irrigation, plant quality and yields to the next level, the Precision Irrigation Controller (PIC, the grey box) measures dry backs and VWC and fires your solenoid valves, all from one unit.
Each PIC connects up to 4 x 24v solenoid valves (the FloraFlex Nylon Valve and RPE Solenoid Valve are compatible) and 4 x sensors. That is the hard limit. You will also need a pump that works under constant pressure, like the DAB pump: when a solenoid opens the pressure drops, and the pump powers up to hold the set pressure in the line.
The iOS and Android app (English only) lets you manage and monitor the system from your phone or tablet, and the crop steering rules engine helps you dial in your irrigation schedule. The PIC has Wi-Fi and Ethernet, plus email, text and push alerts with a Growlink subscription. With more than one sensor it gives you an average, and you can set rules to fire your solenoids when WC hits a set %.
Your data is free to view in the app and most growers are fine on the free plan. For more data points and detailed graphing on the web portal there are paid plans. See Growlink's current subscription pricing.
- Crop Steering - control plant growth and development by manipulating irrigation, nutrition and light, to boost yield and quality and cut waste.
- Data Visualisation - see the patterns and trends in your root zone data at a glance.
- Rules Engine - build your own automation rules for irrigation.
- Algorithm Library - rule sequences that adapt to your plants in real time, reacting to temperature, humidity, light and more.
- Alarms & Alerts - push, text and email notifications for critical events and less urgent warnings.
Running a Teros 12? You can hook it up to the PIC with the Growlink Teros 12 adapter, so no more single-spot readings over Bluetooth.
Wiring a Terralink to the PIC
- Cut the M8 plug off the sensor lead. If you need more length, plug the sensor into the 5m M8 extension and cut the plug off the far end of the extension instead.
- Strip back the outer sheath and the individual wires.
- Wire them into the PIC sensor terminals following Growlink's PIC to Terralink wiring diagram.
Older bare-wire Terralinks (the 5m lead version) wire in from left to right: Red, White, Bare.
Not sure about any of it? Get in touch and we will talk you through it.
PIC vs canopyLINK + valveLINK
| Max sensors | Max valves | Sensor connection | Needs the HUB? | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
PIC (this product) one box does both |
4 | 4 | Hard-wired (M8 plug cut off) | No | Available until stock runs out |
|
canopyLINK + valveLINK two units, each runs on its own |
8 per canopyLINK | 8 per valveLINK | Plug-and-play M8 | No (optional HUB adds a wired link) | Current range |
Price-wise there is not much in it. The LINKS Irrigation Bundle with 4 sensors costs about the same as the PIC with 4 sensors, and you get double the room on both sensors and valves, with no cables to cut.
Other Growlink options
- PIC Unit Only | + 1 Sensor | + 2 Sensors | + 3 Sensors | + 4 Sensors
- Terralink Sensor Only (2m lead, M8 plug)
- M8 Extension Cable (5m) and M8 Transition Cable (M8 to bare leads)
- TDR310W Acclima Sensor and Teros 12 Adapter
- canopyLINK (up to 8 sensors), valveLINK (up to 8 valves) and the LINKS Irrigation Bundle
- Browse the full Growlink range, all irrigation control units or our grow room irrigation systems
Useful links
