Frequently Asked Questions
Argus, the Company
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What does Argus Sell?
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Who
is a typical Argus customer (or who does Argus sell to)?
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What
equipment & service guarantees does Argus offer?
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How does Argus
handle customer support?
Control Systems
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How
can a computer system control all of the equipment in the greenhouse?
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What
should I consider when looking to purchase an environmental control system?
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Is
it difficult to use (i.e. what level of computer competency is required)?
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Will I
save money by investing in an Argus System?
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What does a system cost?
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Can I install the system
myself?
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How
often will I need to upgrade my system hardware?
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How does Argus
handle software upgrades?
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What
happens when I need to expand my control system?
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Do you provide
wireless and mobile access?
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What
is Argus' liability should the system fail?
System Hardware - General
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What are
some of your available sensors and uses?
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What types of alarms
are available?
System Specifics - Control Reference
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How
does Argus handle indoor/outdoor relationships?
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How are climate zones
Handled?
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How does Argus control light?
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How does Argus control
temperature?
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How does Argus control
Humidity?
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How does Argus control CO2?
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How does Argus control
Irrigation?
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How does Argus control
plant nutrients?
Control Software
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What about
charting & graphing capabilities?
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Can
I export data from the Argus system to other programs?
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What about
record keeping and data management?
Troubleshooting
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What happens if the PC fails?
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What happens in a power
failure?
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What backup systems
are recommended?
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What happens in emergencies?
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Argus offers complete fully integrated computer control systems for managing greenhouse environmental, irrigation, and
nutrient equipment.
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Our systems are modular, highly expandable,
and feature distributed control.
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Systems range in size and complexity from one
to hundreds of individually managed climates and irrigation systems.
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Full span, integrated control is a feature of
Argus systems and equipment operation programs.
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All control functions are processed and
executed on dedicated hardware, independent of the PC operator interface.
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Argus normally supplies all sensors, control
panels, software, and control interface equipment required.
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We also supply fiber optic cabling options,
relay panels, and custom control equipment for specific applications.
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Our customers are
located throughout the world. They include many of the
leading
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professional growers
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researchers
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facilities managers
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We offer a standard 1-year warranty.
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We stock most parts and can usually provide
overnight delivery for critical replacement items.
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We offer a low cost parts exchange service for
many items.
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Argus is recognized as an industry leader in customer
service.
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We provide free phone support for as long as
you own your system (toll free in North America).
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We also offer additional fee-for-service
consultations & design engineering advice on new projects or new
equipment configuration.
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An integrated
computer control system monitors all environmental conditions inside
and outside of the greenhouse.
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It automatically activates the heating, and
cooling equipment (as well as other accessory equipment such as irrigation
and nutrient control systems) in a coordinated manner to efficiently
achieve the setpoint targets established by the operator.
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Make sure that your operation and equipment is
suited to automated control and will benefit from it. There should be
sufficient payback in terms of reduced operating and management costs, and
the potential for increased climate control uniformity and cropping gains
to warrant an investment in control automation.
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Look for a manufacturer that provides
horticultural control systems as its primary business.
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Ask prospective vendors about their system
capabilities, expandability, after sales service costs and support. If you
can, try to find out how thoroughly each prospective system is when it
comes to climate and equipment t control. For example, each vendor may
offer a lighting control program, but only one two some may offer the
depth of control options you require for optimum control and energy use.
Some may not have the safety features to protect your equipment from
damage and premature wear.
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Check references.
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You do not need any particular skills to
operate the Argus system, other than knowledge of the equipment to be
controlled, and a basic understanding of the control objectives for your
operation.
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Some basic proficiency in using a PC running
under the Windows operating system is an asset.
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All parameters have on-line help topics
available at the click of a mouse button, and to make the control logic
easy to understand, all program screens and functions are presented in a plain English
format.
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That depends on how you use it. An integrated
control system enables you to realize production gains and better crop
uniformity with fewer inputs by managing your resources with more care and
precision.
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By increasing and centralizing your management
and control capabilities, automated control provides you with better
precision, efficiency, and coordination of your equipment and energy use.
Some growers have reported energy saving as high as 30%.
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Detailed information is continuously collected
and analyzed by the system, providing you with a powerful management tool
for maintaining optimum production conditions.
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It varies directly with the size and
complexity of the application. Generally the more measured inputs and
controlled outputs, the higher the cost.
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A base Argus system can manage up to 4
climates and 4 irrigation systems.
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We have installed systems ranging from $8,000
to more than $500,000 (US$)
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After receiving your specifications, we then
engineer a proposed system design for your review, complete with itemized
system component pricing.
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In many cases, yes. Argus systems are very
straightforward to install and many customers do install their own
systems.
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Installation costs vary with the size and
complexity of the applications, ranging from as low as $500 per climate to
as high as $5000. Typical installation costs are around $1000 per climate.
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Although the Argus system itself is low
voltage, you may require the services of an electrician for any line
voltage interfacing required.
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A good quality horticultural control system
should last for at least 10 years without the need for significant
replacement.
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Upgrading systems is usually expensive and
time consuming. If you choose a quality system that is appropriate for
your present and future needs your short-term investments will be on
expansion items rather that system overhauls.
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Argus provides minor software revisions free
of charge.
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When we release major software versions
provide new functions and features, you have the option of purchasing an
upgrade. (We don't play the endless software upgrade game popular with
so many PC applications. Many of our existing customers are still content
to use software versions created more than 10 years ago!)
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Yes, our systems are compatible with standard wireless technologies. Argus
has also introduced introducing new capabilities
that enable password protected multi-user access over local networks and Internet
portals.
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Some users are also using PDAs PDA/Phones and tablet PCS for system
access.
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With the new developments in wireless communications
standards, the technology is rapidly
evolving in power, capability, and possibilities. Many of the smaller devices will always be limited to some
extent, by smaller display sizes and limited operator input options.
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Liability is limited to replacement of the
product.
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Under the right conditions and given enough
time, all systems can and will fail. However, Argus systems typically
outperform and outlive the equipment they are designed to control.
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We work with our customers to make sure they
have adequate contingencies for all emergencies and management practices
in place to ensure proper supervision of all greenhouse equipment and
systems.
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Argus supplies high-resolution sensors for
each application that are the most appropriate, durable, cost effective,
and reliable.
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Apart from the standard aspirated air
temperature and humidity monitoring sensors, CO2, pipe temperature,
nutrient conductivity and pH, and weather station sensors (temperature,
humidity, wind direction, wind speed, rain detection, rain accumulation,
and light), the Argus system can interface to almost any industrial or
scientific measurement sensors.
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We stock 95% of our customer's sensor needs.
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We offer free factory consultation on sensor
types and choices.
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Alarms can be configured for any measured
parameter.
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All alarms can be chained or linked to other
alarms to enable more sophisticated multi-parameter alarm conditions.
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Powerful alarm configuration programming is
provided to specify how and when each alarm should annunciate depending
upon its user assigned priority. For example, non-urgent alarms can be
configured to annunciate silently as a software message in the operator
program while more important alarms can be set to ring audible local
devices or to activate phone dialers for remote alarm messaging.
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Modem alarm lists are provided in the software
for emergency callouts.
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The Argus system constantly monitors light,
temperature, rain/snow, wind, & wind direction.
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Outdoor conditions are considered along with
grower-established setpoints to determine the best possible strategies for
control.
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Each climate zone normally consists of one
contiguous air mass controlled from a single set of sensor inputs and a
common setpoint schedule. This includes all equipment used for zone-
specific temperature, humidity, light, & CO2 management.
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The control system is designed to coordinate
the activities of all equipment that is used to produce and modify a
climate zone.
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Argus uses outdoor global radiation values
from a weather-station-mounted pyranometer to control heating, cooling,
supplementary lighting, photoperiod, humidity, CO2 supplementation,
irrigation, shading, and thermal curtain operation.
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Information from PAR and other light sensors
can also be incorporated in light-based decision programs.
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Lighting
and shading programs are
fully programmable based upon relative or absolute times, accumulated
light or other user programmable parameters.
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Climate control settings include either
multi-day schedules or diurnal (daily) schedules.
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Specific temperature and humidity targets can
be defined for up to four periods of the day with smooth ramping between
periods.
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Astronomical (dawn and dusk) or regular clock
time may be used to define each period.
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Almost any environmental profile can be
created with these settings.
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Individual equipment settings can be
synchronized with the climate control settings including:
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Manual, snow load, spray program, and
temperature overrides can be configured.
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Argus controllers continuously calculate air
moisture content.
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Moisture values are calculated and expressed
as relative humidity and VPD.
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Depending on the application and customer
preference, Argus systems can use either wet bulb or solid-state humidity
sensors.
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Using feed forward control and operator
management strategies, Argus climate programs employ a combination of
heating and ventilation to achieve the dehumidification targets.
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Evaporative
cooling programs manage mist/fog systems as well as pad/fan systems.
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For dehumidification,
you can control the amount of heating and venting resources that are used.
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Argus systems can monitor multiple
environments for CO2 levels via stand-alone or multiplexed sensors.
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Multi compartment CO2enrichment is controlled for liquid or stack recovered sources.
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Systems include special programs for boiler heat
storage and CO2 extraction systems.
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Argus irrigation
programs feature highly integrated equipment control and the ability
to handle large, complex systems.
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Capacity management and multiple feed sources.
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Comprehensive decision programs allow for
irrigation based on light, time, or sensor based parameters and complex
combinations of input decision sources.
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Argus designs and configures a wide range of nutrient
monitoring, recirculating, & control systems customized for each
customer application featuring:
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full span setpoint control of EC & pH
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backup sensors
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light level & accumulated-light
compensation for pH
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flow metering, alarming, and safety
shutdown
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Argus systems feature extensive data and
graphical display capabilities.
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Data can be exported for use in other
applications such as third party growth modeling systems.
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Yes, recorded data is available for export.
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Argus can monitor energy usage for management
purposes.
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Argus systems feature extensive data recording
and archiving capabilities.
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Permanent event records can be used to monitor
equipment cycles and operation.
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Control is not affected. Argus uses dedicated
controllers that are independent of the PC you use to access the system.
Why? Because dedicated and distributed controllers are far more
reliable that PCs for real-time control.
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In the event of a loss of power, the
controllers simply resume operation once power is restored.
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All programming on the Argus system is stored
in non-volatile memory.
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To protect your equipment and reduce
electrical loading, controlled equipment is activated sequentially during
the power up sequence.
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Argus systems are usually much more reliable
than the equipment they control. The Argus system will often be the first
to notice an equipment problem and it can alert operators through user-
configurable alarm programs.
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Argus systems feature distributed control
architecture, helping to avoid catastrophic system-wide failures.
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Our systems use dedicated hardware and
software designed to operate under greenhouse conditions. They
continuously monitor their own status and report any internal any problems
through the alarm system.
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We configure systems with manual overrides,
maximum equipment redundancy and fail safe conditions.
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For the recorded data stored on your PC, we recommend you use standard
backup practices such as writeable CDs, DVDs, tape backup, or backup to
additional hard drives systems.
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Argus systems feature comprehensive alarm and
alarm annunciation programs allowing "Management by Exception".
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Multiple alarm levels and alarm linking enable
sophisticated alarm annunciation strategies.
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Many growers use Argus alarm features for
security monitoring and other event-based applications.
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Multiple dial-up call lists and alarm output
capabilities are provided for maximum annunciation and operator alerts during
emergencies.
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For critical conditions such as power failures
or loss of heating, cooling, or irrigation, we recommend additional emergency
backup contingencies, including the use of simple battery backed up
"Thermalarm" type devices and phone dialers. However, since
phone lines can sometimes fail, or multiple equipment failures can occur,
no single warning device is safe enough on its own. Whenever conditions
warrant, there is often no safer substitute than having a person on site.
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