---
title: How to install the Ikos Controller Cosmos hydroponic system
description: "Installation and commissioning guide for the Ikos Controller Cosmos in hydroponic crops: connectivity schematic, step-by-step procedure, calibration and technical specifications."
url: "https://help.ikosadvanced.com/doc/cosmos-hydroponic-system-installation/"
updated: "2026-09-21"
category: Ikos Controller
---

# How to install the Ikos Controller Cosmos hydroponic system

![](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/portada-cosmos-hydroponic-system-installation.png)

# **How to install the Ikos Controller Cosmos hydroponic system**

This article is also available in: [Español](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/doc/instalacion-sistema-hidroponico-cosmos/) · [Français](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/doc/installation-systeme-hydroponique-cosmos/)

This guide describes the full installation and commissioning procedure for the **Ikos Controller Cosmos** in hydroponic crops, together with the technical specifications of the unit and each of its sensors. It is written for the installation technician and serves as a reference document for the customer.

## 1. Equipment description

An advanced measurement system for hydroponic crops, designed to operate wirelessly and autonomously thanks to its rechargeable battery and solar panel.

It provides comprehensive crop monitoring through a set of high-precision sensors, ideal for optimising yield and plant health.

Beyond making it easier to control growing conditions, the system allows more efficient management of water and energy, contributing to more sustainable and profitable production.

### System components

- **Ikos Controller** · datalogger and transmission
- **Ikos Tensiometer** · substrate tension
- **Ikos Multisensor** · moisture, EC and temperature
- **Ikos [DPV](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/diccionario/deficit-de-presion-de-vapor-dpv/) (H&T)** · temperature and humidity
- **Ikos PAR sensor** · radiation
- **Drainage gauge** · weight and tank
- **Volumetric meter** · irrigation volume
- **Solenoid valve** · line control

### Key features

- Multiple communication modules (UNB or GPRS) for efficient connectivity.
- Several sensors can be connected to each device, allowing complete monitoring.
- Powered by a rechargeable battery and solar panel for continuous, sustainable operation.
- Easy to install and portable, suitable for different crop types and configurations.

## 2. Datalogger connectivity schematic

Before you start, familiarise yourself with the connections on the box. Each sensor has an assigned position on the datalogger, identified by its label: **WEIGHT, VALVE, TEN·S, TEN·P, H&T, RAD, MULTI, CONT** and **12 V**. The antenna connects on the upper side.

![Datalogger connectivity schematic.](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/esquema-conexionado-en.png)
Datalogger connectivity schematic.

## 3. Before you start · key recommendations

- **Tray location:** do not install it under a water channel, and choose the most representative bags on the line.
- **No leaks:** the drip line must be free of leaks, both in the pipe and in the drippers, as this would affect the drainage calculation.
- **Levelled tank:** the tank must discharge as much water as possible when emptying; nothing should be in contact with the tank or the load cell.
- **Registration and calibration:** weight calibration is always carried out with an Ikos technician, who sends the calibration codes (a 200 g reference weight is included).
- **Extension cables:** volumetric meter → 25 m; radiation sensor, weight and valve → 2.5 m each.

## 4. Installation procedure

### Step 1 · Choosing the installation point

Select the most suitable installation point. Do not install the tray under a water channel and choose the most representative bags. Find the mid-point of the line, place the tray next to the supports and join them with the screws.

![Tray and legs laid out in position](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hidro-01-bandeja-patas-posicion.jpg)
Tray and legs laid out in position

![Tray fixed to the supports with screws](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hidro-02-bandeja-unida-soportes.jpg)
Tray fixed to the supports with screws

### Step 2 · Positioning the tray

Remove the 2 plant bags you are replacing with the tray and put it in their place, with the water outlet facing the slope of the site to help the water drain. Place the growing bar in the centre.

![Tray placed where the bags were removed](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hidro-03-bandeja-colocada.jpg)
Tray placed where the bags were removed

### Step 3 · Levelling the tray

Using the screws that join the tray to the legs, adjust the tilt with a spirit level. Level across the width and apply the slope along the length, aiming for the fall towards the water outlet connection.

![Levelling across the width of the tray](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hidro-04-nivelacion-ancho.jpg)
Levelling across the width of the tray

![Checking the slope along the length](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hidro-05-nivelacion-largo.jpg)
Checking the slope along the length

### Step 4 · Installing the bags with their drippers

Install the plant bags with their drippers on the tray, once it is in place and levelled.

![Bags with plants and drippers installed on the tray](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hidro-06-sacos-goteros.jpg)
Bags with plants and drippers installed on the tray

### Step 5 · Installing the weight bracket and tank

Install the weight bracket with two screws and its spacers in the position shown, then fit the tank. Both the load cell and the tank have a connector that must be joined to a 2.5 m extension cable, which in turn connects to the matching connector on the box.

![Load cell and tank assembly](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hidro-07-celula-peso-deposito.jpg)
Load cell and tank assembly

![Detail of the weight bracket with its spacers](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hidro-08-soporte-peso-separadores.jpg)
Detail of the weight bracket with its spacers

### Step 6 · Installing the sensors

**Tensiometer:** place it in the centre plant, with the ceramic facing the plant. On large or more mature plants, install it from the side. In both cases the ceramic must sit in the centre of the bag at mid-height.
**EC sensor:** install it the same way, making sure the dripper falls vertically onto the sensor prongs.
**Radiation sensor:** install it facing south, above the plants, so they never cover it during the cycle.
**Temperature and humidity sensor ([DPV](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/diccionario/deficit-de-presion-de-vapor-dpv/)):** install it at canopy height.
Connect each sensor to its matching position on the datalogger.

![Tensiometer installed in the centre plant](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hidro-09-tensiometro-planta-centro.jpg)
Tensiometer installed in the centre plant

![EC sensor with its prongs in the bag](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hidro-10-sensor-ec-pinchos.jpg)
EC sensor with its prongs in the bag

![Radiation sensor installed above the crop](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hidro-11-sensor-radiacion-altura.jpg)
Radiation sensor installed above the crop

![Temperature and humidity sensor hung at canopy height](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hidro-12-sensor-temp-humedad-copa.jpg)
Temperature and humidity sensor hung at canopy height

### Step 7 · Installing the meter

Install the meter at the start of the dripper line. Mind its orientation: **the arrow shows the direction of the water**. If it feeds fewer than 40 drippers, connect another nearby pipe after the meter. Important: dripper lines must end in a plug and must not be joined to another secondary pipe.

![Meter with the arrow showing the direction of flow](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hidro-13-contador-flecha.jpg)
Meter with the arrow showing the direction of flow

![Branch to a nearby pipe when there are fewer than 40 drippers](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hidro-14-derivacion-tuberia.jpg)
Branch to a nearby pipe when there are fewer than 40 drippers

![Connection elbow on the auxiliary hose](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hidro-15-codo-goma-auxiliar.jpg)
Connection elbow on the auxiliary hose

### Step 8 · Installing the power supply box

Install the 12 V power supply box near the datalogger, power it from 220 VAC and connect it to the datalogger.

![12 V power supply box installed next to the datalogger](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hidro-16-caja-alimentacion.jpg)
12 V power supply box installed next to the datalogger

### Step 9 · Installing and commissioning the datalogger

Fit the datalogger box bracket to the post using a metal clamp or plastic cable ties, and mount the box where the other sensors connect. Connect the antenna and the battery to the electronic board. Once the sensors are installed, calibrate the weight and register the unit. Finish by closing the box.

![Box bracket fixed to the post with cable ties](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hidro-17-soporte-poste-bridas.jpg)
Box bracket fixed to the post with cable ties

![Datalogger box mounted on the bracket](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hidro-18-caja-datalogger-soporte.jpg)
Datalogger box mounted on the bracket

![Inside the box with the sensors connected and the board active](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hidro-19-interior-caja.jpg)
Inside the box with the sensors connected and the board active

## 5. Important notes

- **Weight calibration:** always carried out with an Ikos technician, who sends the calibration codes; the customer helps by placing the weight when the technician says so. The weight supplied is a 200 gram unit.
- **Drainage calculation:** once installation is complete, enter the number of drippers on the tray and the number of drippers fed by the line meter. The system uses that data to calculate drainage for each irrigation.
- **Levelling the tank:** once in place, add a little water to check that it is properly levelled and does not pool at the sides. Nothing must be in contact with the tank or the load cell, since any extra weight would simulate water that is not there.
- **Leaks:** the drip line must be free of leaks, both in the pipe and in the drippers, as this would affect the drainage calculation.
- **Extension cables:** the volumetric meter includes a 25 metre extension cable. The radiation sensor, the weight and the valve each include a further 2.5 metre cable to connect to the datalogger.

## 6. Technical specifications

### Ikos Controller

| Power supply | Li-Po, 3.7 V, 4400 mAh |
| --- | --- |
| Solar panel | 3.6 W · 6.6 V |
| Microprocessor | ARM Cortex-M0+ 32 bit |
| Communications | DUAL: Ultra Narrow Band (UNB) or GPRS |
| Output signal | 3 analogue inputs · 1 RS485 input · 1 I2C |
| Number of sensor inputs | 5 |
| Connectors | 4 × M12, 4 pins |
| Dimensions | 161 × 161 × 80 mm |
| Weight | 600 g |
| Colour | Grey |
| Additional button | ON-OFF · LED push-button switch |
| Protection rating | IP 65 |
| Accessory | Mounting anchor |

### Ikos Tensiometer

| Measurement range | 0 – 1000 mbar |
| --- | --- |
| Power supply | 5 V |
| Length per tensiometer | 30 cm |
| Accuracy | 0.5 % |
| Overload pressure | 150 % FS |
| Temperature compensation range | -10 °C ~ 70 °C |
| Operating temperature range | -30 °C ~ +70 °C |
| Zero temperature coefficient | 0.3 % FS / 10 °C |

### Ikos Multisensor

| Humidity range | 0 – 100 % |
| --- | --- |
| Temperature range | -30 °C ~ +70 °C |
| Conductivity range | 0 – 20 mS/cm |
| Output signal | RS485 |
| Response time | < 1 s |
| Power supply | 5 V |
| Effective measurement area | Ø 70 mm · height 70 mm |
| Encapsulation | ABS |
| Operating temperature range | -40 °C ~ +80 °C |
| Protection | IP68 |
| Storage | 10 – 60 °C @ 20 % ~ 90 % RH |

### Ikos [DPV](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/diccionario/deficit-de-presion-de-vapor-dpv/) pendant (H&T)

| Voltage | 5 V |
| --- | --- |
| Output signal | I2C |
| Operating range | Temperature: -40 °C ~ +85 °C · Humidity: 0 – 100 % · Pressure: 300 – 1100 hPa |
| Resolution | [DPV](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/diccionario/deficit-de-presion-de-vapor-dpv/): 0 – 10 kPa · Temperature: 0.01 °C · Humidity: 0.008 % |
| Accuracy | Temperature: ±1 °C · Humidity: ±3 % · Pressure: ±1 Pa |

### Ikos PAR radiation sensor

| Spectral range | 400 – 700 nm |
| --- | --- |
| Resolution | ± 5 % |
| Output signal | RS485 |
| Measurement range | 0 – 2500 µmol/m²·s · 0 – 2000 W/m² |
| Operating range | Temperature: -40 °C ~ 80 °C · Humidity: 0 – 100 % |

### Ikos volumetric meter

| Power supply | 5 V |
| --- | --- |
| Output signal | RS485 |
| Maximum distance | 1000 m |
| Protection | IP68 |
| Operating range | Cold water: 0.1 °C ~ 30 °C · Hot water: 0.1 °C ~ 90 °C |

### Ikos drainage gauge

| Water tank | Fibre, green |
| --- | --- |
| Structure | Metal |

### Ikos solenoid valve

| Model | CWX-15 |
| --- | --- |
| Voltage | 12 V |
| Operating current | Max. 100 mA |
| Opening / closing time | < 5 s |
| Control mode | Contact |
| Pressure | Max. 1.0 MPa |
| Power | < 3 W |
| Temperature range | 0 – 100 °C |
| Valve size | DN20 |
| Protection | IP65 |
| Product life | 100,000 cycles |

## Any questions? We are here to help!

- 👉 **OPEN A TICKET** in the app · How? [See here](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/doc/abrir-ticket-soporte/)
- 👉 Switchboard: +34 950 50 51 50 (Mon-Fri, 8:00 to 16:00)
- 👉 Support email: support@ikosadvanced.com
- 👉 Customer service: +34 651 674 870 (Mon-Fri, 8:00 to 16:00)
- 👉 Support via WhatsApp: [wa.link/boec9r](https://wa.link/boec9r) (Mon-Fri, 8:00 to 16:00)
- 👉 IKOS website: [ikosadvanced.com](https://ikosadvanced.com/)

## Related articles

- [Hidropónico](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/doc/hidroponico/)
- [Montaje, partes y canales del Ikos Controller](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/doc/montaje-ikos-controller/)
- [Cómo diagnosticar las conexiones del Ikos Controller](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/doc/comprobaciones-conector-ikos-controller/)
- [Cómo configurar el contador volumétrico](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/doc/configurar-contador-volumetrico/)
- [Ikos Multisensor](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/doc/ikos-multisensor-conductividad/)
- [Sensor de radiación solar PAR](https://help.ikosadvanced.com/doc/sensor-radiacion/)