Hog Slat HS580 Environmental Controller
The Hog Slat HS580 is purpose-built for swine barns, delivering straightforward environmental control and dependable ventilation schedules that reduce airborne dust and ammonia spikes specific to hog environments. Versus the more poultry- or multi-spec focused controllers here, the HS580’s advantage is practical simplicity, rapid installation with Hog Slat hardware, and lower capital cost for pork producers who need targeted control rather than extensive analytics. Its financial and operational value is strongest for producers who prioritize proven, no-frills performance and easy maintenance.
Simple automation
Durable hardware (mud-proof!)
Simple automation
Durable hardware (mud-proof!)
Review Summary
"Hog Slat’s HS580 is appreciated for dependable basic environmental control, straightforward setup, and strong value for swine producers; reviewers cite a more dated interface and fewer advanced expansion options compared with top-tier systems. Overall it’s seen as a practical, cost-effective choice for many farms."
Cost-effective control
Environmental controller tailored for hog facilities with routines for controlled ventilation, heating and curtain/inlet management.
Cost-effective control
Environmental controller tailored for hog facilities with routines for controlled ventilation, heating and curtain/inlet management.
Time-Saving Convenience
Increased Safety & Security
The Hog Slat HS580 is purpose-built for swine barns, delivering straightforward environmental control and dependable ventilation schedules that reduce airborne dust and ammonia spikes specific to hog environments. Versus the more poultry- or multi-spec focused controllers here, the HS580’s advantage is practical simplicity, rapid installation with Hog Slat hardware, and lower capital cost for pork producers who need targeted control rather than extensive analytics. Its financial and operational value is strongest for producers who prioritize proven, no-frills performance and easy maintenance.
Simple automation
Durable hardware (mud-proof!)
Cost-effective control
Environmental controller tailored for hog facilities with routines for controlled ventilation, heating and curtain/inlet management.
Provides scheduled and demand‑based ventilation with alarm logging to protect animal welfare and reduce airborne contaminants.
Simple automation
Durable hardware (mud-proof!)
Cost-effective control
Environmental controller tailored for hog facilities with routines for controlled ventilation, heating and curtain/inlet management.
Provides scheduled and demand‑based ventilation with alarm logging to protect animal welfare and reduce airborne contaminants.
$1,000-2,500 USD
Cumberland Edge Controller
The Cumberland Edge Controller emphasizes cloud-enabled monitoring and edge analytics to drive data-driven ventilation and dust-control strategies, enabling remote tuning and predictive alerts that lower downtime and cleaning costs. While it can carry subscription or connectivity expenses that make it pricier over time than a basic REV-8X, its analytics and remote control capabilities often unlock operational efficiencies and targeted interventions that the other controllers—focused primarily on local control—do not provide.
Cloud-ready
Edge wizard
Cloud-ready
Edge wizard
Review Summary
"Users report the Cumberland Edge Controller delivers modern connectivity and straightforward setup, making it convenient for remote management and routine ventilation tasks, though some note limited third-party integrations and occasional firmware updates. Most customers appreciate its ease of use and responsive support."
Plug-and-play
Cloud and edge connectivity for remote monitoring, alerts and over-the-air updates
Plug-and-play
Cloud and edge connectivity for remote monitoring, alerts and over-the-air updates
Time-Saving Convenience
Increased Safety & Security
The Cumberland Edge Controller emphasizes cloud-enabled monitoring and edge analytics to drive data-driven ventilation and dust-control strategies, enabling remote tuning and predictive alerts that lower downtime and cleaning costs. While it can carry subscription or connectivity expenses that make it pricier over time than a basic REV-8X, its analytics and remote control capabilities often unlock operational efficiencies and targeted interventions that the other controllers—focused primarily on local control—do not provide.
Cloud-ready
Edge wizard
Plug-and-play
Cloud and edge connectivity for remote monitoring, alerts and over-the-air updates
Modular I/O and flexible programming to integrate fans, sensors and dust control devices
Cloud-ready
Edge wizard
Plug-and-play
Cloud and edge connectivity for remote monitoring, alerts and over-the-air updates
Modular I/O and flexible programming to integrate fans, sensors and dust control devices
$1,000-2,500 USD
Honeywell Q5020A Universal Linkage
The Honeywell Q5020A is a versatile, cost-conscious universal linkage designed to cover a wide range of damper sizes and actuator types, making it a go-to choice for mixed-equipment retrofit jobs where minimizing parts SKUs matters. Compared with brand-specific kits in this list, the Q5020A trades the perfect-fit benefits of OEM mounts for broad compatibility and lower upfront material cost, which can reduce total project spend when labor for adjustment is acceptable.
Rugged steel
Easy adjustability
Rugged steel
Easy adjustability
Review Summary
"The Honeywell Q5020A universal linkage is frequently complimented for broad compatibility and robust construction, though some installers find the adjustments fiddly on complex dampers. Reviewers appreciate its versatility and durability in retrofit jobs."
Adjusts like origami
Adjustable linkage length and universal joints to fit a wide range of damper blade geometries and actuator outputs.
Adjusts like origami
Adjustable linkage length and universal joints to fit a wide range of damper blade geometries and actuator outputs.
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Increased Safety & Security
The Honeywell Q5020A is a versatile, cost-conscious universal linkage designed to cover a wide range of damper sizes and actuator types, making it a go-to choice for mixed-equipment retrofit jobs where minimizing parts SKUs matters. Compared with brand-specific kits in this list, the Q5020A trades the perfect-fit benefits of OEM mounts for broad compatibility and lower upfront material cost, which can reduce total project spend when labor for adjustment is acceptable.
Rugged steel
Easy adjustability
Adjusts like origami
Adjustable linkage length and universal joints to fit a wide range of damper blade geometries and actuator outputs.
Corrosion-resistant plated components for reliable performance in HVAC environments.
Rugged steel
Easy adjustability
Adjusts like origami
Adjustable linkage length and universal joints to fit a wide range of damper blade geometries and actuator outputs.
Corrosion-resistant plated components for reliable performance in HVAC environments.
$40-90 USD
Truth Hardware EntryGard 4500 Window Operator
The Truth EntryGard 4500 window operator is a durable, proven mechanical solution that excels at secure, weather-tight window operation in agricultural settings and is often chosen for straightforward, low-cost retrofits. While not as automated or high-force as dedicated motorized actuators like Vent-Axia or Progressive, its simple reliability and lower parts cost make it a practical choice where basic manual or low-energy powered operation is sufficient for ventilation and dust control.
Tamper-resistant
Rust-defying
Tamper-resistant
Rust-defying
Review Summary
"Installers praise its robust construction and reliable mechanical operation for awning/hopper style openings; mounting and adjustment can be fiddly but long-term durability is generally highlighted by professionals."
Old-school muscle
Sturdy mechanical operator designed for retrofit on casement and awning windows
Old-school muscle
Sturdy mechanical operator designed for retrofit on casement and awning windows
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The Truth EntryGard 4500 window operator is a durable, proven mechanical solution that excels at secure, weather-tight window operation in agricultural settings and is often chosen for straightforward, low-cost retrofits. While not as automated or high-force as dedicated motorized actuators like Vent-Axia or Progressive, its simple reliability and lower parts cost make it a practical choice where basic manual or low-energy powered operation is sufficient for ventilation and dust control.
Tamper-resistant
Rust-defying
Old-school muscle
Sturdy mechanical operator designed for retrofit on casement and awning windows
Gear-driven design provides smooth, controlled opening without high electrical demand
Tamper-resistant
Rust-defying
Old-school muscle
Sturdy mechanical operator designed for retrofit on casement and awning windows
Gear-driven design provides smooth, controlled opening without high electrical demand
$80-160 USD
SensorPush HT.w Wireless Thermometer/Hygrometer
SensorPush HT.w is a compact, high-accuracy wireless thermometer/hygrometer that excels for spot monitoring and low-cost remote alerts when paired with its Wi‑Fi gateway, making it attractive for smaller barns or zone checks. It is the most budget-friendly and user-friendly on this list for quick deployments, but compared with industrial options like Onset or Sensaphone it has more limited range, durability, and enterprise integration for large-scale ventilation and dust-control automation.
Pocket-size wizard
App-smart alerts
Pocket-size wizard
App-smart alerts
Review Summary
"Highly accurate, compact sensor with an excellent app and fast alerts; the WiFi gateway option enables convenient remote monitoring. Many users praise its ease of use and reliability but warn it is not ruggedized for very harsh farm environments without additional protection."
Probe-friendly
Compact Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi sensor with excellent smartphone app and notifications.
Probe-friendly
Compact Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi sensor with excellent smartphone app and notifications.
Time-Saving Convenience
Increased Safety & Security
Skill Development & Mastery
SensorPush HT.w is a compact, high-accuracy wireless thermometer/hygrometer that excels for spot monitoring and low-cost remote alerts when paired with its Wi‑Fi gateway, making it attractive for smaller barns or zone checks. It is the most budget-friendly and user-friendly on this list for quick deployments, but compared with industrial options like Onset or Sensaphone it has more limited range, durability, and enterprise integration for large-scale ventilation and dust-control automation.
Pocket-size wizard
App-smart alerts
Probe-friendly
Compact Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi sensor with excellent smartphone app and notifications.
Optional WiFi gateway enables cloud access and offsite monitoring of barns.
Pocket-size wizard
App-smart alerts
Probe-friendly
Compact Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi sensor with excellent smartphone app and notifications.
Optional WiFi gateway enables cloud access and offsite monitoring of barns.
$100-200 USD
The MSA Altair 5X is a market-leading 5-gas detector with ultra-fast LEL response, rugged construction, extensive data logging and optional wireless connectivity, making it the best choice for integrated barn ventilation controls that require real-time alerts and historical trend analysis to optimize airflow and animal safety. While it is a higher-cost option, its advanced sensor performance and connectivity provide financial advantages over time by enabling preventive ventilation adjustments and reducing downtime or livestock risk compared with simpler handheld monitors.
Instant readings
Rugged drop-proof
Instant readings
Rugged drop-proof
Review Summary
"The MSA Altair 5X earns strong reviews for excellent sensor performance, fast response, ruggedness and advanced diagnostics, with many users calling it one of the most dependable long-term monitors for multi-gas barn ventilation control. Complaints are infrequent and typically relate to occasional firmware quirks or higher service costs."
Shockproof superhero
Advanced multi-gas detection with fast-response XCell sensors for precise control.
Shockproof superhero
Advanced multi-gas detection with fast-response XCell sensors for precise control.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The MSA Altair 5X is a market-leading 5-gas detector with ultra-fast LEL response, rugged construction, extensive data logging and optional wireless connectivity, making it the best choice for integrated barn ventilation controls that require real-time alerts and historical trend analysis to optimize airflow and animal safety. While it is a higher-cost option, its advanced sensor performance and connectivity provide financial advantages over time by enabling preventive ventilation adjustments and reducing downtime or livestock risk compared with simpler handheld monitors.
Instant readings
Rugged drop-proof
Shockproof superhero
Advanced multi-gas detection with fast-response XCell sensors for precise control.
Robust drop/shock resistance and high IP rating suitable for demanding farm use.
Instant readings
Rugged drop-proof
Shockproof superhero
Advanced multi-gas detection with fast-response XCell sensors for precise control.
Robust drop/shock resistance and high IP rating suitable for demanding farm use.
$1,000-1,800 USD
MultiTech Conduit IP67 Base Station
A market-leading, rugged IP67 gateway designed for harsh outdoor and agricultural environments, offering modular expansion and carrier-grade backhaul options that justify a higher upfront cost compared to Dragino and Milesight. Its hardened construction, long-term reliability and flexible connectivity make it the preferred choice where dust, moisture and uptime for ventilation control are mission-critical.
Rugged IP67
Modular brain
Rugged IP67
Modular brain
Review Summary
"Reviewers consistently highlight the MultiTech Conduit IP67 as a rugged, highly configurable industrial gateway with reliable connectivity for outdoor and harsh environments. Buyers note the higher cost and steeper setup curve but appreciate the stability and enterprise-grade feature set over time."
Gets dirty
IP67-rated outdoor enclosure designed for harsh agricultural environments and continuous operation.
Gets dirty
IP67-rated outdoor enclosure designed for harsh agricultural environments and continuous operation.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
A market-leading, rugged IP67 gateway designed for harsh outdoor and agricultural environments, offering modular expansion and carrier-grade backhaul options that justify a higher upfront cost compared to Dragino and Milesight. Its hardened construction, long-term reliability and flexible connectivity make it the preferred choice where dust, moisture and uptime for ventilation control are mission-critical.
Rugged IP67
Modular brain
Gets dirty
IP67-rated outdoor enclosure designed for harsh agricultural environments and continuous operation.
Modular architecture with mCard options for LoRa, cellular, and other backhaul interfaces to suit farm deployments.
Rugged IP67
Modular brain
Gets dirty
IP67-rated outdoor enclosure designed for harsh agricultural environments and continuous operation.
Modular architecture with mCard options for LoRa, cellular, and other backhaul interfaces to suit farm deployments.
$1,500-2,200 USD
Ranco ETC-211000-000 Electronic Temperature Control
The Ranco ETC-211000-000 is a practical, budget-oriented electronic controller that provides dependable relay switching for heater control panels and straightforward user adjustments for field technicians. It is an economical replacement choice for legacy panels where advanced PID tuning is unnecessary, offering lower capital cost than Dixell or Watlow while sacrificing some precision and connectivity options.
Simple setup
Robust build
Simple setup
Robust build
Review Summary
"The Ranco ETC-211000-000 is regarded as an affordable, reliable electronic temperature controller that performs well for basic refrigeration needs; some long-term users report occasional drift and desire clearer calibration instructions. It’s a solid value for straightforward control applications."
Old reliable friend
Robust electronic thermostat with dial-adjustable setpoint and reliable SPDT relay output for heater control
Old reliable friend
Robust electronic thermostat with dial-adjustable setpoint and reliable SPDT relay output for heater control
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The Ranco ETC-211000-000 is a practical, budget-oriented electronic controller that provides dependable relay switching for heater control panels and straightforward user adjustments for field technicians. It is an economical replacement choice for legacy panels where advanced PID tuning is unnecessary, offering lower capital cost than Dixell or Watlow while sacrificing some precision and connectivity options.
Simple setup
Robust build
Old reliable friend
Robust electronic thermostat with dial-adjustable setpoint and reliable SPDT relay output for heater control
Proven, compact design intended for OEM integration and retrofit into existing control panels
Simple setup
Robust build
Old reliable friend
Robust electronic thermostat with dial-adjustable setpoint and reliable SPDT relay output for heater control
Proven, compact design intended for OEM integration and retrofit into existing control panels
$70-130 USD
Onset HOBO MX1104 Agricultural Monitoring Kit
The Onset HOBO MX1104 kit is positioned as a best-in-class wireless data-logging solution for barn ventilation and dust control thanks to its rugged sensors, Bluetooth and cloud connectivity, and long battery life that minimize maintenance costs. Compared with the Sensaphone and Davis gateway approaches it emphasizes continuous high-resolution trend logging rather than only alarms, and it is considerably more affordable to deploy across many points in a barn than full-room control systems such as Munters or AgroLogic. This product is released and available, offering an excellent balance of capital cost, ease of installation, and high-quality environmental telemetry for dust and ventilation analysis.
Bluetooth logging
Battery marathoner
Bluetooth logging
Battery marathoner
Review Summary
"Users praise the HOBO MX1104 kit for accurate, reliable long-term temperature and humidity logging and easy local connectivity, though some note limited sensor variety and a premium price. Overall it's favored for straightforward agricultural monitoring but not as feature-rich as full control systems."
Tiny data guru
Bluetooth Low Energy wireless logging with HOBOlink cloud integration for remote access
Tiny data guru
Bluetooth Low Energy wireless logging with HOBOlink cloud integration for remote access
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The Onset HOBO MX1104 kit is positioned as a best-in-class wireless data-logging solution for barn ventilation and dust control thanks to its rugged sensors, Bluetooth and cloud connectivity, and long battery life that minimize maintenance costs. Compared with the Sensaphone and Davis gateway approaches it emphasizes continuous high-resolution trend logging rather than only alarms, and it is considerably more affordable to deploy across many points in a barn than full-room control systems such as Munters or AgroLogic. This product is released and available, offering an excellent balance of capital cost, ease of installation, and high-quality environmental telemetry for dust and ventilation analysis.
Bluetooth logging
Battery marathoner
Tiny data guru
Bluetooth Low Energy wireless logging with HOBOlink cloud integration for remote access
Rugged, weather-resistant sensors suitable for temperature and relative humidity monitoring in barns
Bluetooth logging
Battery marathoner
Tiny data guru
Bluetooth Low Energy wireless logging with HOBOlink cloud integration for remote access
Rugged, weather-resistant sensors suitable for temperature and relative humidity monitoring in barns
$900-1,400 USD