Introduction

Main Navigation Tabs

Devices Tab

• Top Bar Features:
  • Location Selector: Allows you to switch between different locations (e.g., "Home", "Office") by tapping the drop-down menu.
  • Add Device (+): Use this button to add new devices to your selected location.
• Device Overview:
  • You can set shortcuts to frequently-used devices as favorite devices by tapping the "Edit" option in "Protect Devices"
  • All of the devices you have added to a location are displayed in the Devices Tab. Each device card shows the device icon, device name, and relevant device statuses depending on what the specific device is. Offline devices will be specified, and some device cards show basic metrics (such as temperature, moisture, and battery level for the AFRA soil sensor).
  • Tap a device to view detailed settings, including control options and advanced features like schedules or logs.

DIY Tab

• Automation Section:
  • View existing automations categorized by name.
  • Toggle automation on or off using the switch on the right.
  • Tap an automation to edit its tasks or triggers.
• Tap-to-Run Section:
  • Set up quick actions that can be manually triggered.
  • Perfect for tasks like turning multiple devices on or off with a single tap.
• Community Tips:
  • At the top of the DIY tab is the link to the Linkstyle Community Forum, where you can find helpful tips and support information.

History Tab

• Alarm Section:
  • View alerts such as scheduled task failures or device status changes.
  • Details like timestamps and affected devices are included.
  • Messages sent through DIY automation routines will show up in this section.
  • Tap "View" for more information on specific alerts.
• Bulletin Section:
  • Displays account-related notifications, such as login attempts.
  • Helps ensure your account security and keeps you informed about system changes.
• Home Section:
  • Provides a chronological log of actions, such as adding or removing devices, and system updates.

Account Tab

4. Account Tab

• User Profile:
  • View your profile picture, email address, and account details.
  • Access settings for cloud storage and linked services.

• Basic Services:
  • Manage features like location settings, camera configurations, and smart protection.

• Additional Features:
  • Access third-party voice services (e.g., Alexa, Google Assistant).
  • Explore community resources, shop for devices, and view app version information.

Additional Tips

• Switching Locations: Tap the location selector in the Devices Tab to seamlessly switch between multiple homes or areas. See this article for details.
• Real-Time Updates: Keep an eye on device status and notifications for real-time insights into your smart home.
• Editing Automations: Use the DIY Tab to fine-tune or create new routines to suit your needs. See this article for details.

Overview of Features

• Scheduled Watering: Automate watering sessions at specific times of the day to maintain consistent irrigation.
• Remote Control: Manage watering sessions from anywhere through the Linkstyle app, providing flexibility and control even when you’re away.

Recommended Uses

a. Scheduled Watering

b. Remote Control

c. Rain Delay

Limitations in Automation

a. Soil Sensor Integration Challenges

• Built-in Timer Restriction: The Hydrozen water timer's automated trigger comes with a built-in 10-minute automatic shutoff for safety and water conservation. However, this restriction can disrupt soil sensor-triggered routines. For example, if your soil’s moisture level hasn’t reached the desired threshold within 10 minutes, the system may not restart watering automatically.

• Moisture Threshold Issue: These systems struggle with dynamic thresholds. For instance, if your setup requires watering to start at 10% soil moisture and stop at 20%, the timer might not re-trigger after the 10-minute shutoff if the moisture remains below 10%.

• Example: Imagine a dry patch of soil starts at 5% moisture. After 10 minutes of watering, the level rises to 8%. The system will stop, but it won’t restart since the 10% threshold wasn’t crossed, leaving your plants under-watered.

Tips for Workarounds

• Use Manual Checks: Complement automated routines with periodic manual checks to ensure your plants are getting the right amount of water. Consider integrating the AFRA series of soil sensors to help keep an eye on your garden or plants.

• Optimize Placement and Scheduling: Position sensors and sprinklers strategically to maximize coverage and schedule watering sessions during optimal times to reduce reliance on dynamic automation.

• Rely on Traditional Gardening Knowledge: While modern gadgets like water timers bring significant convenience, they are not yet advanced enough to replace human expertise. Referring to traditional gardening practices, such as understanding your plants' specific needs and observing seasonal variations, remains essential for optimal results. Combining this knowledge with smart tools can yield the best outcomes.

Conclusion

Understanding SD/MicroSD Card Formats

• FAT16: Used for cards up to 2GB; limited compatibility with modern devices.
• FAT32: Supports up to 32GB; widely compatible but with a maximum file size of 4GB.
• exFAT: Designed for SDXC and SDUC cards; supports larger file sizes and storage capacity, making it ideal for high-performance tasks.
• NTFS: Rarely used for SD cards due to compatibility limitations with non-Windows devices.

Why Format Your SD/MicroSD Card?

• Improve Performance: Formatting removes fragmentation and improves write speed.
• Resolve Errors: Clears corrupted files and fixes card errors.
• Compatibility: Ensures the card uses a file system compatible with your device.

How to Format SD/MicroSD Cards

On Windows

1. Insert the SD card: Place the SD card into your computer's card reader.
2. Open File Explorer: Access your computer's file explorer.
3. Locate the SD card drive: Identify the drive letter representing your SD card.
4. Right-click and select "Format": Right-click on the SD card drive and choose "Format".
5. Choose file system: Select the appropriate file system (usually FAT32 for smaller cards, exFAT for larger cards).
6. Start formatting: Click "Start" to begin the formatting process.

On macOS

1. Insert the SD card into your Mac's SD card slot or a connected SD card reader.
2. Open Disk Utility from Finder > Applications > Utilities.
3. Select the SD card from the sidebar.
4. Click the Erase icon in the top toolbar.
5. Name the card and choose a system format:
   MS-DOS (FAT)/FAT32: For cards 32 GB or less
6. ExFAT: For cards 64 GB or larger
7. Click Erase.
8. Wait for the formatting to finish, then click Done.
9. Safely remove the SD card.

Tips for Formatting SD Cards

• Backup Data: Formatting erases all data. Ensure you back up any important files beforehand.
• Use SD Association Software: The SD Association provides a dedicated formatter tool for SD cards, ensuring optimal performance.
• Check for Lock Switch: Ensure the card’s physical lock switch (if present) is in the unlocked position.

Conclusion