DIY Cannatrol

katsu

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Let me lead with saying that I am NOT a handy guy. Occasionally I will fuck around with DIY, but more often I will barter with someone that has the skills to build what I need. I have always been interested in the Cannatrol, but the price is pretty exhorbitant. When I saw this link on Reddit, I was intrigued and started poking around the Internet and AI to see what I could come up with.

 
The Cannatrol is a high-tech curing chamber for cannabis that controls temperature, humidity, and airflow to optimize drying and curing processes. Here's an outline for building a DIY version of a Cannatrol-like system:

Materials Needed

  1. Enclosure:
    • Mini fridge, wine cooler, or insulated box (size depends on your needs).
  2. Temperature and Humidity Control:
    • Temperature controller (e.g., an Inkbird ITC-308 or similar).
    • Humidity controller (e.g., Inkbird IHC-200 or similar).
    • Thermometer and hygrometer (digital preferred for accuracy).
    • Peltier cooling unit or small AC unit (if the fridge doesn’t have a functional cooling system).
  3. Dehumidification:
    • Small dehumidifier or silica gel desiccants.
    • Optionally, a thermoelectric dehumidifier for precision.
  4. Humidification:
    • Ultrasonic humidifier or a wick-based humidifier.
  5. Airflow:
    • Small PC fans for circulation.
    • Adjustable vent or air intake to balance airflow.
  6. Power Supply:
    • 12V DC power supply or other appropriate adapters for your components.
  7. Miscellaneous:
    • Food-grade wire shelving or racks.
    • Weather stripping to improve the seal of your enclosure.
    • Cables, connectors, and mounting hardware.
    • Drip tray to catch any condensation.

Steps to Build

  1. Prepare the Enclosure:
    • Clean and sanitize the interior.
    • Add wire shelving or racks to hold cannabis buds, ensuring airflow around each tray.
    • Check for airtightness and improve sealing with weather stripping if needed.
  2. Install Cooling System:
    • If using a Peltier cooling unit, mount it inside the enclosure and ensure proper thermal insulation.
    • If using a functional fridge or wine cooler, skip this step.
  3. Set Up Humidity Control:
    • Place the humidifier and dehumidifier inside the enclosure.
    • Position the sensors for the humidity controller at mid-level for accurate readings.
  4. Install Air Circulation:
    • Mount small fans to circulate air evenly without blowing directly on the buds.
    • Ensure fans are wired to a power supply and can run continuously or intermittently.
  5. Wire the Controllers:
    • Connect the temperature controller to the cooling unit.
    • Connect the humidity controller to both the humidifier and dehumidifier.
    • Place sensors securely for accurate readings.
  6. Test the System:
    • Power on the system and adjust temperature and humidity settings.
    • Observe performance for 24-48 hours, ensuring stability in the desired ranges (typically 60°F and 55-60% RH for curing cannabis).
  7. Load and Cure:
    • Place trimmed cannabis buds on the racks in a single layer.
    • Monitor daily to ensure optimal conditions are maintained.

Tips for Success

  • Calibration: Regularly calibrate your sensors for accuracy.
  • Ventilation: Introduce fresh air periodically to avoid stale air buildup.
  • Condensation Management: Ensure that condensation doesn’t pool inside, which can lead to mold.
  • Automation: Consider adding Wi-Fi controllers for remote monitoring and adjustments.
 

Detailed Wiring Diagram

Below is the wiring configuration for a basic system using an Inkbird temperature controller, humidity controller, fans, a humidifier, and a dehumidifier:


1. Temperature Control Circuit

  • Inkbird ITC-308 Temperature Controller:
    • Heating Socket: Not used for this setup.
    • Cooling Socket: Connect the power plug of the fridge or Peltier cooler.
    • Temperature Sensor: Place inside the enclosure at mid-level.
    • Plug the Inkbird ITC-308 into a wall socket.

2. Humidity Control Circuit

  • Inkbird IHC-200 Humidity Controller:
    • Humidification Socket: Plug in an ultrasonic humidifier.
    • Dehumidification Socket: Plug in a small dehumidifier.
    • Humidity Sensor: Place inside the enclosure near the temperature sensor for accurate readings.
    • Plug the Inkbird IHC-200 into a wall socket.

3. Air Circulation Circuit

  • PC Fans (12V):
    • Connect PC fans in parallel to a 12V DC power adapter.
    • Use a switch or a fan speed controller to adjust airflow if needed.

4. Optional Ventilation Circuit

  • Intake and Exhaust Fans:
    • Use additional PC fans for intake and exhaust if external airflow is needed.
    • Use a manual vent or damper to control airflow.

Parts Recommendations

1. Controllers

  • Temperature Controller: Inkbird ITC-308
  • Humidity Controller: Inkbird IHC-200

2. Sensors

  • Thermometer/Hygrometer: AcuRite Digital Hygrometer with Thermometer for monitoring.

3. Cooling System

  • Peltier Cooling Unit: TEC1-12706 Peltier Module with heatsinks and a fan.
  • Wine Fridge or Mini Fridge: Any model with a functional cooling system.

4. Humidifier and Dehumidifier

  • Humidifier: TaoTronics Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier.
  • Dehumidifier: Eva-dry E-500 Mini Dehumidifier or silica gel.

5. Airflow

  • PC Fans: Noctua NF-A12x25 for quiet and reliable airflow.
  • Fan Controller: Adjustable fan speed controller (if necessary).
  • 12V Power Adapter: Compatible with the number and power of fans.

6. Enclosure

  • Wine Fridge or Mini Fridge: Check local listings or stores for used or budget-friendly options.

7. Miscellaneous

  • Wire Connectors: Wago lever nuts or terminal blocks.
  • Weather Stripping: To improve the seal on your enclosure.
  • Drip Tray: To catch condensation from humidifier or cooling unit.
  • Shelving: Food-safe wire racks.

Assembly Tips

  1. Power Supply:
    • Match the voltage and wattage of your components with the power supply.
    • Use surge protectors to prevent damage.
  2. Sensor Placement:
    • Place sensors centrally and away from direct airflow or condensation.
  3. Testing:
    • Test each component separately before integrating them into the system.
  4. Safety:
    • Ensure all wiring is insulated and connections are secure to avoid electrical hazards.
 
I wish I had the time . I work 50+ hrs a week & have a new pole barn going up this spring/summer . Once the pole barn is done , I have to convert 800 square feet into a new grow room . With all that , I’m tied up until next fall . Add in my outdoor garden & my veggie garden . Hell I may have to hire a helper at this rate .
mo' plants, mo' plants, mo' plants !!!
 
Getting an AC Infinity controller would do the job of temp/humid measure and it also can trigger your heat/cool and humidity gear. This would make it a bit more plug n play. Not promoting them, but ACI would have a bit of the gear you would be looking for, ie their cooling/heating/humid/dehumid stuff.
I dry in an old fridge, but I just draw air through (bottom to top) with a 100mm fan and filter, and monitor with a hygrometer. My climate is temperate so Im lucky with that. Best computer fans and ones I use are Noctua. They have a good range of size/speed fans, super quiet too.
 
Let me lead with saying that I am NOT a handy guy. Occasionally I will fuck around with DIY, but more often I will barter with someone that has the skills to build what I need. I have always been interested in the Cannatrol, but the price is pretty exhorbitant. When I saw this link on Reddit, I was intrigued and started poking around the Internet and AI to see what I could come up with.

Man sure wish I had one of them - they are a bit pricey - interesting about using an infinity for curing a good place for a "cheap" Cannatrol - if one is going to grow, grow, grow for years one might really must think about getting one ?? need to check prices again
 
I can totally do this. The list of equipment is pretty cheap. I have an old wine cooler I do not use. Definitely will give this a shot. Parts are $150 or less
One could build whatever size box desired with 1/2 plywood and line the inside with dark colored FRP (fiberglass re-enforced plastic) board and seal seams. Inside will be a spray-able surface for easy sanitation. Cover the other side with foam board insulation and 1/4 inch plywood. Make it as simple or fancy as you like. Line it with stainless steel and weld seams if you want! lol Now you have airtight and waterproof box. Add appropriate equipment relative to the size of the box.
You could even go full nerd and hook all sensors up to a raspberry pi mini computer and a relay box to trigger power to devices. Even add a moisture content sensor to measure the bud itself. Basically a controller application for drying. There's tons of code people have written for free use at sourceforge.net and other code repositories. Cheap Trolmaster type of systems. Python based and doesn't run Windows
 
A small grow tent has worked just fine for me except the hottest time of the year, even then it's only 64°-66°F inside. Corner of a Basement with two adjoining exterior walls contributes and maintains cool temperatures, concrete floor also contributes to these cool 60°f temps, 60% humidity also contributes to lower temperature. My 3'x3' tent with a automated humidifier set to 60% and an inline fan creating slight negative air has maintained 60°F & 60% humidity +- 2% easily for 8-10 months of the year, even then in the hottest months of the year I use a dehumidifier for the whole basement to maintain 60% and the temp is usually under 65°f. I really don't see any advantage with using a cannitrol in my situation. The cellar is a proven concept that is ancient, just gotta keep slight airflow and humidity in check. I'm sure a cannitrol is nice, but to me it's overrated and unessesary. Just reminds me of ice fishing electronics nowdays, people think that they need a $2,000+ pan view fish finder to locate schools of fish under the ice. Now at least half the people out there have this glorified technology.
 
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