1. Safety Information
⚠️ WARNING - READ BEFORE USE
- High Voltage: Ensure power is disconnected before installation
- Water Protection: Keep device away from moisture and water
- Proper Grounding: Ensure all electrical connections are properly grounded
- Professional Installation: Complex electrical work should be performed by qualified personnel
- Heat Management: Ensure adequate ventilation around the device
- Load Limits: Do not exceed maximum relay ratings (check specifications)
2. Package Contents
Included:
- 1x LED lighting systems
- 1x LOTUS Smart LED Controller
- 1x RTC Module
- 1x Quick Start Card
- 1x Safety Instructions Card
3. Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|
| WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz) |
| Relay Outputs | 2 channels |
| Maximum Load | 10A per channel |
| RTC Accuracy | ±2 minutes/month |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to +50°C |
| Humidity | 10-90% (non-condensing) |
4. Quick Start Guide
Initial Setup
- WiFi Connection
Look for WiFi network: SmartLED_Control
Connect using password: smartled123
- Web Interface Access
Open web browser
Navigate to: 192.168.4.1
Login with password: admin123
- Time Synchronization
Click "🕐 Sync Time" button
Verify correct time display
First Configuration
- Change Default Password
Go to Settings (⚙️)
Enter new secure password
Click "💾 Save Settings"
- Select Operating Mode
Choose between Manual or Auto mode
Configure according to your needs
- Test Your Setup
Use "🧪 Test Mode" to verify relay operation
Ensure both channels work correctly
5. Operating Modes
Manual Mode
Direct Control: Manually control each lighting channel independently
- 🔴 Emerson Channel: Far-red spectrum for Emerson Effect
- ⚪ Full Power Channel: Main lighting system
Use Case: Ideal for experimental setups, testing, or when precise timing control is needed.
Auto Mode
Automated Cycles: Pre-programmed lighting schedules for optimal plant growth
- Vegetative Phase: 18 hours light, 6 hours dark
- Flowering Phase: 12 hours light, 12 hours dark
- Emerson Effect: Automatically applied during transitions
Configuration:
- Set start time for light cycles
- Configure weeks for vegetative phase (1-12 weeks)
- Configure weeks for flowering phase (1-16 weeks)
6. Light Channels & Emerson Effect
Understanding the Emerson Effect
The Emerson Effect is a phenomenon where plants show increased photosynthetic efficiency when exposed to both red and far-red light simultaneously, compared to either wavelength alone.
Scientific Background:
- Discovered by Robert Emerson in the 1950s
- Involves cooperation between Photosystem I and Photosystem II
- Far-red light (700-800nm) enhances red light photosynthesis
- Can increase photosynthetic efficiency by 20-30%
Channel Configuration
| Channel | Purpose | Timing |
|---|
| Emerson (Red) |
Far-red spectrum activation
Emerson Effect enhancement |
15 minutes before main lights ON
15 minutes after main lights OFF |
| Full Power (White) |
Primary plant lighting
Full spectrum illumination |
Main photoperiod duration
(18h vegetative / 12h flowering) |
Automatic Timing Sequence
- Pre-Dawn (15 min before main cycle)
Emerson channel activates
Prepares photosystems for main lighting
- Main Photoperiod
Full Power channel ON
Emerson channel remains ON (synergistic effect)
- Twilight (15 min after main cycle)
Full Power channel OFF
Emerson channel continues (transition period)
- Dark Period
All channels OFF
Natural rest period for plants
7. Settings & Configuration
Language Settings
The controller supports multiple languages:
- English - Default language
- Русский - Russian language support
- עברית - Hebrew language support
Language preference is automatically saved and applied after login.
Password Security
🔒 Security Recommendations
- Change default password immediately after first use
- Use strong passwords (minimum 8 characters)
- Include letters, numbers, and special characters
- Avoid common passwords or personal information
Time Configuration
Time Synchronization:
- Manual sync via "🕐 Sync Time" button
- Uses browser's local time
- RTC maintains time during power outages
- Accuracy: ±2 minutes per month
Auto Mode Configuration
| Setting | Range | Description |
|---|
| Start Time |
00:00 - 23:59 |
Daily start time for light cycles |
| Vegetative Weeks |
1 - 12 weeks |
Duration of vegetative growth phase |
| Flowering Weeks |
1 - 16 weeks |
Duration of flowering/fruiting phase |
8. Test Mode
Test Mode allows you to verify proper relay operation and lighting system functionality.
Test Sequence
- All OFF - Both channels disabled (2 seconds)
- Emerson ON - Only Emerson channel active (3 seconds)
- Both ON - Full Power + Emerson active (3 seconds)
- Full Power ON - Only Full Power channel active (3 seconds)
⚠️ Test Mode Safety
- Ensure all lighting systems are properly connected
- Verify power ratings before testing
- Test mode overrides all other settings temporarily
- Normal operation resumes after test completion
9. Firmware Updates (OTA)
Over-The-Air (OTA) Updates allow you to update the controller firmware wirelessly without physical access to the device.
OTA Update Process
- Prepare for Update
Ensure stable WiFi connection
Verify adequate power supply
Have firmware file ready (.bin format)
- Access OTA Mode
Click "🔄 OTA Update" button in web interface
Controller enters update mode
Status LED will indicate OTA readiness
- Upload Firmware
Use compatible OTA tools (PlatformIO)
Target IP: Controller's current IP address
Password: Current admin password
- Update Completion
Controller will restart automatically
Verify new firmware version
Test all functions after update
⚠️ OTA Safety Precautions
- Stable Power: Ensure uninterrupted power during update
- Network Stability: Use reliable WiFi connection
- Backup Settings: Note current configuration before update
- Compatible Firmware: Use only official firmware files
- Recovery Plan: Have physical access available if update fails
10. Troubleshooting
Common Issues & Solutions
🔌 Power & Connection Issues
| Problem | Solution |
|---|
| WiFi network not visible |
• Wait 30 seconds after power-on
• Check for interference
• Reset controller |
| Cannot access web interface |
• Verify IP address (192.168.4.1)
• Clear browser cache
• Try different browser |
⚡ Relay & Lighting Issues
| Problem | Solution |
|---|
| Relays not switching |
• Run Test Mode
• Check relay connections
• Verify load limits |
| Incorrect timing |
• Sync time with browser
• Check RTC battery
• Verify auto mode settings |
| One channel not working |
• Test individual channels
• Check wiring
• Verify relay functionality |
💾 Settings & Configuration Issues
| Problem | Solution |
|---|
| Settings not saving |
• Check browser JavaScript
• Clear browser cache
• Try different browser |
| Password not working |
• Check caps lock
• Clear browser saved passwords
• Use default: admin123 |
| Language not changing |
• Refresh page
• Clear browser cache
• Re-login to interface |
Reset Procedures
Soft Reset (Settings Only)
- Access Settings page
- Clear all configuration fields
- Enter default values
- Save settings
Hard Reset (Factory Defaults)
⚠️ Warning: This will erase all settings and return to factory defaults.
- Power off the controller
- Hold reset button (if available) while powering on
- Wait for initialization (30 seconds)
- Reconnect to default WiFi network
- Use default login credentials
11. Warranty & Support
Warranty Information
Standard Warranty: 12 months from date of purchase
- Coverage: Manufacturing defects, component failures
- Exclusions: Physical damage, misuse, modifications
- Process: Contact support with purchase details
Technical Support
| Support Channel | Contact Information | Response Time |
|---|
| Email Support |
support@lula-soft.com |
24-48 hours |
| Documentation |
docs.lula-soft.com/lotus |
24/7 Access |
| Community Forum |
forum.lula-soft.com |
Community Response |
Maintenance Schedule
| Interval | Task | Description |
|---|
| Weekly |
Visual Inspection |
Check connections, LED indicators |
| Monthly |
Time Sync |
Verify and sync system time |
| Quarterly |
Full System Test |
Run test mode, verify all functions |
| Annually |
Deep Clean |
Power off, clean connections, check mounting |