So I know that many members use manual timers as they were, and currently still are the most reliable way to automate grows. With "smart'" power bars/strips/plugs becoming more popular, they are becoming more reliable. I don't think they are as reliable as a manual timer, but they sure are convenient. I thought it might be nice to do a quick write up on how I've set mine up, and if using mine as a template, please edit the timing according to the requirements for your own grow medium. Mine, which I will post screenshots of for an example, is for an Ebb and Flow with hydroton as the grow medium. It's using a 1 hour watering with 3 hours between watering cycles, this is where you will need to edit according to your grow medium. Mine is also setup to not have the airstone/airpump running 24/7, the air pump only turns on when: A) it detects the water pump has been activated, B) 3 min prior to a watering, C) going in to the app and manually turning it on
There are two areas in the app, "smart life" (which was downloaded from Google play store) that need to be setup after following manufacturer instructions to hook up to your wifi. Be sure to name the plugs.
Here is the first screenshot, don't worry about the tabs, they pop up after programming.
Click on the bottom "smart" button.
There are now two tabs you can click on, click on "tap-to-run".
Next on the top right corner is a "+" sign, click it.
Now you get to do the core watering programming.
Click on "launch tap to run"
Click on "delay" then enter the amount of time between your waterings. We want a delay in the 1st line to prevent a double watering, and it will also reset the time for the next watering based upon when it was last watered.
Then click on the blue "+" for "task" and add as per the screenshot and your desired tasks along with timing.
The key part is at the end, the last task. Before adding it, you should name, and save your program, then come back and add this later (just dont forget to).
You can see the settings i used, copy this and change the water pump off timing
Next, under the "Smart" tab, click on automation.
Set it up as per screenshot using the blue "+" button
Next to the your air pump into your water pump, simply click on the blue "+" go into "device changes status" and set up as follows:
Now go back and add that line I told you not to forget.
While your in the "tap-to-run" programming, it's time to also click the blue "+" again to add a manual watering that can be triggered by the push of a button in the app.
Use the option "run the device " , select your water pump. Then add the next task to be a delay, this is where you need to add or edit how long a watering cycle should be. Add another task of turning the water pump off, and save.
The only actual thing I have running on a schedule is my lights. Which is pretty self explanatory, the button is in the blue screen with the image of the power bar and what's active.
So I'm going to add in a bunch more screenshots, for reference. Sorry if any images(s) are repeats.
There are two areas in the app, "smart life" (which was downloaded from Google play store) that need to be setup after following manufacturer instructions to hook up to your wifi. Be sure to name the plugs.
Here is the first screenshot, don't worry about the tabs, they pop up after programming.
Click on the bottom "smart" button.
There are now two tabs you can click on, click on "tap-to-run".
Next on the top right corner is a "+" sign, click it.
Now you get to do the core watering programming.
Click on "launch tap to run"
Click on "delay" then enter the amount of time between your waterings. We want a delay in the 1st line to prevent a double watering, and it will also reset the time for the next watering based upon when it was last watered.
Then click on the blue "+" for "task" and add as per the screenshot and your desired tasks along with timing.
The key part is at the end, the last task. Before adding it, you should name, and save your program, then come back and add this later (just dont forget to).
You can see the settings i used, copy this and change the water pump off timing
Next, under the "Smart" tab, click on automation.
Set it up as per screenshot using the blue "+" button
Now go back and add that line I told you not to forget.
While your in the "tap-to-run" programming, it's time to also click the blue "+" again to add a manual watering that can be triggered by the push of a button in the app.
Use the option "run the device " , select your water pump. Then add the next task to be a delay, this is where you need to add or edit how long a watering cycle should be. Add another task of turning the water pump off, and save.
The only actual thing I have running on a schedule is my lights. Which is pretty self explanatory, the button is in the blue screen with the image of the power bar and what's active.
So I'm going to add in a bunch more screenshots, for reference. Sorry if any images(s) are repeats.
And yup, the very first thing I mentioned was reliability, but like most technologies, improvements happen over time. Stick to mechanical timers, there's nothing wrong with old school, its tried, tested and proven. That being said, there should always be room for improvement and that is just how I feel 
. It's an informed decision, which I thought I had made clear, my apologies if that wasn't stressed enough. This is pretty much an argument that was made when LEDs starting coming out, while I actually use HPS, I'm grateful for them continuing to push the envelope and help growers. But that is only an analogy, we're discussing smart power bars and plugs.
, and yes, a bit of paranoia is good, and can be helpful. But...I'm also guessing your just not into smart devices period as it's a risk you dont like, which is cool, I get that. But smart TVs (Samsung anybody?) and other companies have come under fire for similar data streaming. Got any apps on your phone like most people? Well, you already have signed your privacy away and btw....if PRC or any other Intel agency wanted info, unless you've got more then an average person's resources they're going to get it, be that access to your phones cam or mic.
Few of the plugs have smart meters
