Question 1

What does Growbud connect to?

Accepted Answer

On the equipment side (operational technology, or OT), the Controller speaks Modbus RTU as a master for up to 128 devices or as a slave, BACnet MS/TP over RS-485, and CANopen. Sensors report over LoRaWAN or Bluetooth. The Controller also has valve outputs, relays, and leak and flow inputs. On the IT side, the Edge Server serves BACnet/IP and a local REST API on your network, the same API as the cloud. There is a Home Assistant integration, and sensors can join your own LoRaWAN network server.

Question 2

Can I use Growbud outside agriculture?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The same sensors, Controller, and Edge Server run three kinds of sites today. Greenhouses and CEA: irrigation, root zone, canopy climate, and drying rooms. Commercial buildings: indoor air, submetering, leak detection with verified shutoff, and automation into the BMS. Cold chain and foodservice: walk-ins and reach-ins, compressor draw, and alerts across multiple sites.

Question 3

Does Growbud work with my BMS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Controller drops into an existing system as a Modbus or BACnet device with no app setup, and the Edge Server serves BACnet/IP on your subnet. Growbud readings show up in your BMS as ordinary points, and the BMS can command outputs through BACnet objects.

Question 4

Can I build my own system?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Kits are starting points. Pick the sensors, the Controller, and an Edge Server if you want everything on site, then write rules where any reading can drive any output. Rules run on the Controller, so they keep working when the internet drops. Pull data into your own software through the REST API. If a Modbus or CANopen device you use is missing, email support@growbud.io with the model. We can usually add its profile in days.

Question 5

Do I need the cloud or a subscription?

Accepted Answer

No. You can use the free growbud.app, or run everything on the Edge Server ($600, no subscription) on an isolated VLAN or an air-gapped network. Control keeps running on site when the internet drops.

Question 6

Which sensor works best for the containers I use?

Accepted Answer

Choose Dro for potting soil and coco coir in containers 2 gallons or larger. Choose Vero for stone wool of any size, and for containers under 2 gallons.

Question 7

What's the difference between Dro and Vero sensors?

Accepted Answer

Dro has longer needles for larger containers (2 gallons or more). Vero has 3.5" sensing needles for stone wool systems and smaller containers. Both measure with high precision in any substrate.

Question 8

Do I need a gateway device?

Accepted Answer

A gateway is optional but recommended when you run multiple sensors. Without a gateway, sync each sensor manually over Bluetooth with the app SYNC DATA button. With a gateway, data syncs automatically over LoRaWAN, so you get continuous access without manual syncing.

Question 9

What's the difference between Indoor and Outdoor Gateways?

Accepted Answer

Indoor Gateway: for interior use, LoRaWAN auto-sync, Ethernet backhaul. Outdoor Gateway: weather-resistant, longer range, cellular or Ethernet backhaul. Use it for fields, remote sites without wired internet, and exterior installs. Sensor data rates are low, so cellular runs on affordable IoT plans. Both gateways connect multiple sensors to the Growbud cloud.

Question 10

How do Growbud sensors communicate data?

Accepted Answer

Growbud sensors support three modes. Bluetooth: range up to 300 feet, manual sync, no extra hardware (default). LoRaWAN (Private): range up to 2 miles, automatic sync, requires a Growbud Gateway. LoRaWAN (Helium): uses the public Helium network for automatic sync where coverage exists.

Question 11

How do I properly install my sensor?

Accepted Answer

Place the active sensing region in the wettest zone of the growing medium. Insert the full active region. Do not let needles touch container edges. Keep needles at least 1 inch from walls and drainage holes. Mark the insertion point for consistent placement. When you reinsert after maintenance, choose a fresh location.

Question 12

How do I switch between Bluetooth and LoRaWAN modes?

Accepted Answer

Change communication mode in the Growbud app device settings. Select Bluetooth or LoRaWAN. LoRaWAN needs a Growbud Gateway or Helium network coverage.

Question 13

How do sensors upload data?

Accepted Answer

Upload frequency depends on mode. Bluetooth: data uploads when you tap SYNC DATA in the app. LoRaWAN: data uploads automatically every 15 minutes through a Growbud Gateway or Helium network.

Question 14

How can I check if a product is in stock?

Accepted Answer

Each product page shows inventory status. Click the refresh button near availability to update stock in real time.

Question 15

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit cards. Stripe processes payments securely.

Question 16

Why is there a lead time on some products?

Accepted Answer

Dro, Vero, and the Controller are assembled in the USA and ship from production runs. The rest of the catalog is stocked hardware that we test and provision before it ships. Either way, it ships in the window shown on each product page. Ordering reserves your units from the next run, and you get tracking by email the day it ships. If you have an install date to hit, contact us and we will confirm timing before you order.

Question 17

Can I change or cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Email support@growbud.io right away if you need to change or cancel an order. We will try to help, but we cannot guarantee changes after an order is processed.

Question 18

What is your return policy?

Accepted Answer

We offer a 90-day return policy with no questions asked. Return products in original condition and packaging. Shipping and handling are non-refundable. This policy applies only to direct purchases from Growbud.

Question 19

What warranty do you offer?

Accepted Answer

All Growbud products include a 1-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. The warranty covers the original purchaser only. It does not cover damage from accidents, misuse, or unauthorized modifications.

Question 20

How long does shipping take?

Accepted Answer

Standard shipping: United States 3–7 business days; Canada 5–10 business days (customs can add time). Expedited shipping: United States 1–3 business days; Canada 3–5 business days. Orders usually process within 1–2 business days.

Question 21

Which countries do you ship to?

Accepted Answer

We ship to all 50 U.S. states and throughout Canada. Shipping outside Canada is not available yet. We plan to expand international shipping later.

Question 22

How is shipping calculated?

Accepted Answer

Shipping cost is calculated at checkout from destination, method, and package size and weight. Canadian orders may incur customs fees or duties paid by the customer.

Question 23

How can I get technical support?

Accepted Answer

Email support@growbud.io for technical support. We help with setup, troubleshooting, and product questions.

Question 24

Where can I find user manuals for my devices?

Accepted Answer

Download product manuals from each product page. You can also find them in the app under Help.

Question 25

My sensor isn't syncing. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

If a sensor does not sync: keep it in range (300 feet for Bluetooth, 2 miles for LoRaWAN). Enable phone Bluetooth for Bluetooth mode. Confirm the gateway is powered and connected for LoRaWAN mode. Restart the app or the device. If the problem continues, email support@growbud.io.

Question 26

How long do sensor batteries last?

Accepted Answer

Growbud sensors are built for long battery life. Bluetooth-only mode: ~6 months. LoRaWAN mode: ~3 months at a 15-minute reporting interval. Battery level shows in the app.

Frequently Asked Questions