Question 1

Which sensor should I choose for my growing setup?

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

What happens if an item is backordered?

Accepted Answer

When stock is low, products may ship on backorder. Typical lead time is 2–4 weeks. You receive an email when the backordered item ships.

Question 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

How can I get technical support?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 19

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 20

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 21

How long do sensor batteries last?

Accepted Answer

Growbud sensors are built for long battery life. Bluetooth mode: typically 3–6 months. LoRaWAN mode: typically 2–3 months. Battery level shows in the app.

Frequently Asked Questions