How it Works
Carter-hoffman
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GC12
User Manual
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Carter-hoffman GC11, GC42, GC41, GC12 User Manual

GARDENCHEF
HERB AND MICROGREEN GROWING CABINET
Models GC42, GC41, GC12, GC11
GC42
MANUFACTURED BY:
CARTER-HOFFMANN
1551 McCormick Avenue
Mundelein, IL 60060 U.S.A.
Phone: 847-362-5500
Fax: 847-367-8981
Email: TechnicalService@Carter-Hoffmann.com
GC12
Shown with custom
stone counter-top
Toll Free: 800-323-9793
GC41
PATENT PENDING
Part Number: 18400-3244 Printed in The United States of America Rev: KBA092117
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
The GardenChef provides a self-contained environment that is ideal for growing herbs and micro greens. The lights pro­duce the proper spectrum and an irrigation system delivers water and nutrients to the plants. The automated system pro­vides everything the plants need to grow year round and right in the kitchen. It is preprogrammed for the growing needs for common herbs and microgreens. You can customize the growing conditions for other plants as needed.
GC42
Model
Number
Number of
Growing
Zones
Capacity
10”x20”
Trays
Overall Dimensions Caster
Height Depth Width
GC42 8 16 79” (2007 mm) 28-1/4” (718 mm) 66-3/4 (1695 mm) 3” (76 mm) 525 (238 kg) GC41 4 8 79” (2007 mm) 28-1/4” (718 mm) 37-1/2 (953 mm) 3” (76 mm) 275 (125 kg) GC12 2 4 33-1/2 (851 mm) 28-1/4” (718 mm) 66-3/4 (1695 mm) 3” (76 mm) 200 (91 kg) GC11 1 2 33-1/2 (851 mm) 28-1/4” (718 mm) 37-1/2 (953 mm) 3” (76 mm) 160 (73kg)
CONSTRUCTION...Welded & riveted double wall, non-insulated cabinet con­struction.
CABINET MATERIAL... 430 series stainless steel exterior; 301 series interi­or with reflective finish
BASE FRAME... 12 gauge stainless steel full depth bolsters.
CASTERS... 3” diameter polyurethane casters. All swivel; front casters fitted with brakes.
LEGS…4” Adjustable legs for leveling DOORS...Single panel tempered glass
doors set in extruded aluminum frame. Magnetic gasket. Full length integrated door handles.
HINGES… Adjustable edge mount hing­es with chrome plate finish.
GROWING DRAWERS... Removable growing drawers. Stainless steel con­struction with drainage holes in rear for ebb and flow irrigation. Each drawer will accommodate two standard 10” x 20” flats with 5” or 7” greenhouse domes for sprouting. Includes one set of growing trays and 5” domes.
Level Growing Space
1 (top shelf) 9.875”
2 11.5” 3 13”
4 (bottom shelf) 16.75”
CONTROLS...Touchscreen digital con­trols. Automated system provides correct measures of water, nutrients, relative humidity, lighting on optimum cycle for plant growth and nutrient data. Prepro­grammed default settings for most grow­ing needs; programmable for other grow­ing situations. Lock-out access code.
ENVIRONMENT... Digital controls for automatic light, watering schedule and
Default Programs:
Watering Cycle: Once every 4 days Watering Time: 5 Minutes Daylength: 18 Hours (lights on each day)
humidity levels for growing. Temperature based on ambient room temperature. WATERING SYSTEM... Automatic fil­tered pump/aerator irrigation system delivers water and nutrients from the reservoir to the plants. Programmable watering cycle. Auto-fill reservoir. 3/8” NPT fill connection: 3/8” NPT drain con­nection. pH and TDS (total dissolved solids) sensors.
GROWING LIGHTS... Equipped with 18” T5 high output fluorescent light fixtures. Each fixture includes an integrated elec­tronic ballast, 6400°K lamp with a nano­tech reflector for maximum reflection. Lights imitate the suns’ rays for optimum growing. Removable opaque polycar­bonate shields. Fully programmable light cycles.
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS...
GC42: operates on 120 volts, 4.4 amps. GC41: operates on 120 volts, 2.5 amps. GC12 operates on 120 volts. 1.4 amps. GC11 operates on 120 volts, 1.0 amps. All are 60 cycle, single phase. Six foot rubber cord with 3 prong grounding plug. NEMA 5-15P.
ACCESSORIES/OPTIONS...
 Starter kit: includes growing trays,
GC41
Shipping
Weight
Size
Leg
Height
4” (102 mm) 4” (102 mm) 4” (102 mm) 4” (102 mm)
mats, domes, sifter, pH & TDS cali­bration solutions, hydrogen perox­ide, 20 gallon plastic tub, measuring syringe
Standard 169 UL 1951
2
UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
This appliance should be thoroughly
cleaned prior to use. See the CLEANING
INSTRUCTIONS in this manual.
NOTE: DO NOT discard the carton or other packing materials until you have inspected the appliance for hidden damage and checked it
1. Remove the cabinet from shipping carton, ensuring that all packing materials and protective plastic has been removed from the unit.
2. Inspect all components for completeness and condition.
3. If any freight damage is present, a freight claim must be filed immediately with the shipping company.
4. Freight damage is not covered under warranty.
5. Check to insure all components are included: cabinet, anchoring straps, in­struction packet and additional accessories.
6. Read operation instructions completely.
7. Appliance should be thoroughly cleaned before use. See CLEANING IN­STRUCTIONS in this manual.
for proper operation. Refer to SHIPPING
DAMAGE CLAIM PROCEDURE on
bottom of this page.
WARNING: Tipping hazard
Anchor straps must be used to secure unit to a wall. Unit must be anchored, using straps along with the anchor points located in the upper corners of the back of the unit to structural supports in the wall behind the unit.
CAUTION: Health and safety regulations vary by jurisdiction. Prior to installation, operator must be aware and must adhere
to all local and state codes, including proper installation, plumbing and electrical h ook up, as well as any health certificates that may be required when growing food in your establishment. Carter-Hoffmann assumes no resp onsibility for improper installation or use of this product or failure to adhere to local regulations. NOTE: This unit is to be installed with adequate backflow protection to comply with all applicabl e federal, state and local codes.
FREIGHT DAMAGE PROCEDURE
NOTE: For your protection, please note that equipment in this shipment was carefully inspected and p ackage d b y skilled per-
sonnel before leaving the factory. Upon acceptance of this shipment, the transportation company assumes full responsibility for its safe delivery.
IF SHIPMENT ARRIVES DAMAGED:
1. VISIBLE LOSS OR DAMAGE: Be certain that any visible loss or damage is noted on the freight bill or express receipt, and that the note of loss or damage is signed by the delivery person.
2. FILE CLAIM FOR DAMAGE IMMEDIATELY: Regardless of the extent of damage. Contact your dealer immediately.
3. CONCEALED DAMAGE: If damage is unnoticed until the merchandis e is unpacked, notify the transportation company or carrier immediately, and then file a “CONCEALED DAMAGE” claim with them. This should be done within fifteen (15) days from the date the delivery was made to you. Be sure to retain the container for inspection.
Carter-Hoffmann cannot assume liability for damage or loss incurred in transit, freight damage is not covered under war-
ranty. We will, however, at your request, supply you with the necessary documents to support your claim.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD
WARN ING
All service requiring access to non-insulated components must be performed by qualified service personnel. Failure to heed this warning may result in severe electric shock.
CAUTION: ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD
Disconnect this appliance from electrical power before performing an y maintenance or service.
3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
For your safety and the proper operation of this appliance, please follow these safety guidelines. This manual should remain with the GardenChef so that new owners and users learn about the product and relevant safety precautions. Carefully read through this manual before installing and using the GardenChef.
 This appliance is designed to be operated by adults.  The water from your GardenChef is not for drinking.  Keep your seeds, nutrients and growing mediums in a safe, dry storage area.
When using electrical appliances basic safety precautions should be followed, including the following:
1. Be familiar with the appliance use, limitations and associated restrictions. Operating instructions must be read and und er­stood by all persons using or installing this appliance.
2. This appliance must be grounded. Connect only to properly grounded outlet.
3. Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described in the manual. mercial establishments only.
4. Cleanliness of this appliance and its accessories is essential to good sanitation.
5. DO NOT submerge this appliance in water. This appliance is not jet stream approved. DO NOT direct water jet or steam jet at this appliance, or at any control panel or wiring. DO NOT splash or pour water on, in or over any controls, control panel or wiring. DO NOT use corrosive chemicals or vapors in this appliance.
6. DO NOT store this appliance outdoors. DO NOT use this product near water – for example, near a kitchen sink, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, and similar areas.
7. DO NOT operate this appliance if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, or if it has been damaged or dropped. Do not immerse cord or plug in water, keep cord away from heated surfaces, and do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter.
8. DO NOT cover or block any openings on the appliance.
9. Only qualified service personnel should service this appliance.
Safety Precautions During Operation
1. Contaminated items and/or garbage must not be present in the appliance.
2. Keep the door closed when not working with the GardenChef.
3. Do not remove the growing drawers when the appliance is watering. Refer to instructions for controlling the watering and lighting schedules.
4. Do not sit or stand on the open door or growing drawers. Doing so will ruin the drawers and slides and is a tipping hazar d.
5. Unplug the power cord from the outlet and disconnect the water supply when the appliance is not in us e. The pH sensor must be placed back into its case with storage solution when not in use.
6. Use genuine OEM parts when servicing and repairing the appliance. Any attempts to repair the GardenChef without an au­thorized professional can be dangerous and void your warranty.
7. Do not place anything on top of the GardenChef.
8. Take care when removing the grow drawers as they may weigh as much as 50 pounds when full y loaded with plants, soil and water.
9. When moving your GardenChef, ensure there is no water in the reservoir. Water may cause level issues if left in the unit while it is being moved, and slosh out of the reservoir creating a slip hazard.
This equipment is intended for use in com-
CAUTION: Purchase supplies and seeds from reputable suppliers and follo w instructions for prop er safet y and gro wing. Carter-
Hoffmann assumes no liability for conditions resulting from improper growing, maintenance and safety. Follow all safe food han­dling practices when growing and harvesting.
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
This appliance is equipped with a cord having a grounding wire with a grounding plug which must be plugged into an outlet that is properly installed and grounded. In the event of an electrical short circuit, grounding reduces the risk of electric shock by provid­ing an escape wire for the electric current.
WARNING—Improper use of the grounding can result in a risk of electric shock. Consult a qualified electrician or service agent if the grounding instructions are not completely understood, or if doubt exists as to whether the appliance is properly grounded.
4
INSTALLATION AND STARTUP
WARNING: Risk of personal injury
Installation procedures must be performed by a qualified technician with full knowledge of all applicable electrical and plumbing codes. Failure could result in personal injury and property damage.
WARNING: Tipping hazard
Anchor straps must be used
to secure unit to a wall. Unit must be anchored, using straps along with the anchor points located in the upper corners of the back of the unit to structural supports in the wall behind the unit.
IMPORTANT:
Power cord is 10' long
If necessary, contact a licensed electri­cian to install an appropriate 15 amp electrical circuit with correct NEMA re­ceptacle. Ensure that the plug is acces­sible after installation.
DO NOT use an extension cord.
CAUTION:
Electrical Shock Hazard
LOCATION
 Place the cabinet on level ground so that the inside water flows evenly. Lock the
front wheel caster brakes. Adjust the leveling legs so that they are on the floor. If your floor is not level, adjust the legs so that the unit is level. NOTE: Unit must be level in order to function properly.
 Leave at least 36 inches (914 mm) at the front of the cabinet, so there is ample
space for opening the doors and pulling the drawers out.
 Allow at least a two to six inch ventilation gap between the top of the unit and the
ceiling. Allow at least 2” of space for ventilation at the rear of the cabinet.
 Install the anti-tip straps, included with the cabinet. IMPORTANT: THIS PROCE-
DURE MUST BE DONE BEFORE GOING ANY FURTHER WITH INSTALLA­TION OR OPERATION OF THE CABINET.
INSTALLATION OF THE ANTI-TIP STRAPS
Before you operate the cabinet it must be installed, using anchors and straps, to prevent tipping.
1) Verify that you have these 4 items included with your Garden Chef: (2) ¼-20 X ¾” long screw, (2) washers, (2) 8’ long straps, (4) mounting brackets. (Fig. 1)
2) Using screws, washers, and the mounting plate, mount the bracket to the back of the cabinet as show in Figure 2
3) On the wall adjacent to the back of the cabinet, install wall anchors (acquired by other supplier) at equal height for the type of wall being used (i.e. wood, drywall, cement block, poured cement)
4) Install the mounting plate on the wall anchors with a screw and washer (acquired by other supplier) matching the wall anchor.
5) Thread the loo s e end of the strap as shown in Figure 3 and then through your wall mounted anchor
6) As shown in Figure 4, thread the loose e nd of the strap through the buckle
The ground prong of the power cord is part of a system designed to protect you from electric shock in the event of inter­nal damage.
DO NOT cut off the large round ground prong or twist a blade to fit an existing receptacle.
IMPORTANT: Not under warranty
Damage to unit due to being connected to the wrong voltage or phase is NOT covered by warranty.
IMPORTANT: FILTERED WATER REQUIRED
Due to varying water quality in different municipalities, make sure that your facil­ity water is filtered of sediment and chemicals before hooking up the fill lines. Sediment from hard and soft wa­ter may eventually clog up the pumps and filters.
Figure 1
Figure 3
Figure 2
Figure 4
Continued on next page
5
INSTALLATION AND STARTUP
WARNING: Risk of personal injury
Installation procedures must be performed by a qualified technician with full knowledge of all applicable electrical and plumbing codes. Failure could result in personal injury and property damage.
WARNING: Tipping hazard
Anchor straps must be used
to secure unit to a wall. Unit must be anchored, using straps along with the anchor points located in the upper corners of the back of the unit to structural supports in the wall behind the unit.
IMPORTANT:
Power cord is 10' long
If necessary, contact a licensed electri­cian to install an appropriate 15 amp electrical circuit with correct NEMA re­ceptacle. Ensure that the plug is acces­sible after installation.
DO NOT use an extension cord.
CAUTION:
Electrical Shock Hazard
The ground prong of the power cord is part of a system designed to protect you from electric shock in the event of inter­nal damage.
DO NOT cut off the large round ground prong or twist a blade to fit an existing receptacle.
IMPORTANT: Not under warranty
Damage to unit due to being connected to the wrong voltage or phase is NOT covered by warranty.
IMPORTANT: FILTERED WATER REQUIRED
Due to varying water quality in different municipalities, make sure that your facil­ity water is filtered of sediment and chemicals before hooking up the fill lines. Sediment from hard and soft wa­ter may eventually clog up the pumps and filters.
**IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THIS NEXT STEP IS
COMPLETED CORRECTLY**
7. Pull both ends of the strap as show in Figure 5, make sure that the strap does not slide through easily
Figure 5
8. Pull the strap tight and tie up the rest of the strap neatly as shown in Figure 6
Figure 6
 Connect city water supply and city drain to the 3/8” NPT female fittings at the
back of the unit (Fig. 7). Access to the connections will be at the back of the cabi­net. NOTE: This unit is to be installed with adequate backflow protection to
comply with all applicable federal, state and local codes.
 City water connection must not be further than 10 feet from the cabinet and
no higher than 6 feet from the connections. A minimum of 35 PSI is required to feed the cabinet.
 Install the lights and diffuser panels (instructions on page 20)  The 120V electrical outlet sho uld b e within 6 feet of the cabinet. Do not use an
extension cord. Connect to a properly grounded outlet according the electrical specifications for the cabinet. See page 2 for specifications.
Pipes that have not been in regular use should be cleaned an flushed with running water prior to connecting to cabinet
Make sure the water inlet hose and drain hose are not twisted, crushed, entangled or leaking. Do not use connection hoses that have been used previously for other appliances.
If the unit is built in to a wall or structure, make sure that it can be easily moved for access to the back and side panels for service and mainte­nance.
Fig. 7
City fill connection: 3/8” NPT female
City drain connection: 3/8” NPT female fitting
fitting
6
START-UP
Note: the cabinet must be plugged in and plumbed by a professional technician to all applicable local and state codes. When you plug the unit in, it will turn on and you will see the startup screen (A). The unit runs diagnostics and start-up functions while this screen is visible. You do not need to do anything while the startup screen is show­ing. The unit will automatically go to th e HOME screen fol low ing the start up scree n. To unlo ck the scre en, p ress an y button and a number pad will appear. Enter “155 1” then ““. Note: when the cabinet sits for long periods of time or it is turned off and then on again, it will automatically revert to locked mod e. You will have to use the unlock code any time this happens. Follow these steps to set up your GardenChef for the first time:
A
FILL THE WATER RESERVOIR USING CITY WATER
Ensure water lines are hooked up first (see page 6). Ensure the reservoir is free of dirt and foreign objects before filling.
1 Remove the lower grow drawer(s) to access the water reservoir 2 From the home screen (B), press SET UP, SET RESERVOIR ( C), AUTO
ON (D) to switch to city water mode*
3 Press FILL (E) and check to make sure t he water is fillin g into the reser -
voir. The screen will display FILLING (F).
4 Once full, the GardenChef’s onboard computer will maintain a constant
water level *For manual filling, make sure to press AUTO OFF, then fill manually to
the top of the float sensor (about 5.5” deep). Water level must be moni­tored and replenished if it gets low.
B
GC11: 1 zone GC12: 2 zones GC41: 4 zones (shown) GC42: 8 zones
C
D
E
Fig. 1 Access the water reservoir
Fig. 2 Float switch/sensor; left side of reservoir; shuts off water once filled to proper level
F
SET UP THE pH DOSER (pH down solution required)
Note: Auto dosing requires that the irrigation pump be primed first. See page 9 for instructions.
1 Remove the lower grow drawer(s) to access the dry box (Fig. 3) 2 Place a pH dosing bottle in the dry box. Any clean bottle will do as long
as it is not taller than the dry box. Drill a hole into the cap to insert the dos­ing line. If the cap is the same size as your pH down solution bottle, place the cap from the dosing bottle onto the pH down bottle. If they are not the same size, fill the pH dosing bottle with pH down solution. Place the bottle into the dry box.
3 From the home screen (B), press SETUP, SET RESERVOIR (C), then
Press PH SENSOR (F), then Set AUTO DOSE to ON (G) and then Press DONE (G)
The onboard computer will check every hour and will run the dosing pump as needed to maintain the PH level. Default PH is 5.5, but can be changed on the SET RESERVOIR screen. Most plants need a pH level of 5 to 7. See FAQ’s on page 16 regarding low pH.
Note: Calibration does not need to be done on initial set-up.
7
Fig. 3 Dry box with pH dosing bottle
F
G
Continued on next page
CALIBRATE THE pH SENSOR
START UP(continued)
A
B
C
1 Remove the lower grow drawer(s) to access the reservoir (Fig.1) 2 Locate the pH sensor probe on the left side of the reservoir (Fig.2)
3 Fill one cup of water, one cup of
pH buffer #4 (Fig. 3) and one cup of pH buffer #7 (Fig. 4)
4 Remove cap from the sen-
sor and gently wash the pH probe in the water and dry on a clean cloth.
D
E
Fig. 1 Access the water res­ervoir; the sensor will be on the left side
water
#4
5 Gently swish
the probe in the pH buffer #4. Continue to swish the probe and follow instructions in step 6.
7 Wash the pH
sensor in the cup of water and dry on a clean cloth. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for pH buff­er #7 solution
#4
#7
#7
water
6 Enter the pH calibration
screen press SETUP (A), SET RESERVOIR (B), PH SENSOR(C), then CALI­BRATE (D) and follow the instructions on the screen.
Calibration will take about three minutes to complete.
8 Press DONE when calibra-
tion is complete
IMPORTANT: Safely store the pH sensor cap and use it to stop the sensor from drying out when the water reservoir is empty. Do not let the pH sensor dry out. Fill cap with pH #4 calibration solution before placing it on probe to store the sen­sor. Failure to follow this procedure will ruin the sensor and void the warranty.
Fig. 2 Blue PH sensor (shown with cap on)
Fig. 3 PH buffer #4
Fig. 4 PH buffer #7
Continued on next page
8
START-UP (continued)
CALIBRATE THE TDS (TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS) SENSOR (EC 1000 PPM solution required)
A
B
C
1 Remove the lower grow drawer(s) to access the reservoir (Fig.1) 2 Locate the TDS sensor probe on the left side of the reservoir
(Fig.2)
3 Fill one cup of water, and one
EC 1000 PPM solution
water
EC
PPM
D
Fig. 1 Access the water reservoir
E
Fig. 2 TDS sensor (black)
4 Gently wash the TDS probe
in the water and dry on a cloth
5 Gently swish the probe in EC
PPM solution and, while swishing the probe, enter the calibration screen.
water
EC
PPM
6 To enter the TDS calibration screen press SETUP (A), SET RESERVOIR
(B), TDS SENSOR(C), then CALIBRATE (D) and follow the instructions on the screen. Continue to swish the probe in the solution for three minutes.
Calibration will take about three minutes to complete. Press FINISH (E) when complete.
9
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