Docs/Inkbird Controllers

Inkbird Controllers

The Inkbird ITC-308-WIFI (temperature) and IHC-200-WIFI (humidity) are dual-outlet controllers that TentPilot controls via the Tuya cloud API. Unlike Kasa plugs, TentPilot doesn't toggle the outlet directly — it adjusts the controller's own setpoints. This is called setpoint mode.

Supported models

Why setpoint mode?

The Inkbird controllers have built-in compressor protection and safety timers. If TentPilot toggled the outlet directly, it would bypass these protections. Instead, TentPilot tells the controller "target 78°F" and lets it handle the actual switching. The Inkbird's built-in logic handles hysteresis and compressor delay.

Setup

1

Add devices to the Tuya Smart app

Use the Tuya Smart or Smart Life iOS/Android app to add your Inkbird device. Follow the pairing instructions in the Inkbird manual. Once added, the device should appear in the app with current readings.

2

Get Tuya API credentials

Go to iot.tuya.com, create a Cloud project, and link your Tuya Smart account. You'll need:

  • Client ID
  • Client Secret
  • Your region (US, EU, or CN)

The free Tuya IoT tier supports up to 10 devices and is sufficient for most grows.

3

Add credentials to TentPilot

In the dashboard, go to Settings → Integrations → Tuya. Enter your Client ID, Client Secret, and region. TentPilot will discover all linked Tuya devices automatically.

4

Assign to room

In Devices, find your Inkbird devices and assign each to a room. Set the role: temp_controller for ITC-308 or humidity_controller for IHC-200. The control loop will use setpoint mode automatically for these device types.

How setpoint adjustment works

TentPilot's VPD control loop calculates the optimal temperature and humidity targets for your current growth week. For Inkbird devices in setpoint mode, it sends small setpoint adjustments (bounded by temp_max_adjust and humidity_max_adjust in your room's tuning config) rather than toggling the outlet. This respects the Inkbird's internal logic while still moving toward VPD targets over time.