Users can set up independent zones within the greenhouse for different types of plants and flowers. GEM control devices and monitors are integrated to work in unison. The PC hardware can also run word-processing and other applications simultaneously with the GEM program. GEM can be monitored by modem and fully controlled with a remote terminal. If environmental parameters exceed the specified range, GEM sets off an alarm at the remote site to alert the grower.
All GEMs come with computer-override systems, although manual switches are also available.
To transmit information, GEM uses AC power lines already in the greenhouse and thus requires no additional wiring. The system's ability to send wireless communications from the PC to the remote sensors reduces installation costs by 50 to 70 percent over those of conventional systems. Uses and Markets GEM is designed for use in all greenhouse environments. The system monitors a wide variety of command modules and climate-control devices and is compatible with many existing vents and other controls. In commercial use, GEM has been shown to reduce energy, water, chemical, and pesticide applications to achieve savings of up to 50 percent over traditional systems.