Storing FarmBot for Winter
While FarmBot is designed to be used and stored outdoors, you may want to bring it inside for the winter, or if an extreme weather event (such as a hurricane) is heading your way.
Step 1: Move FarmBot into a storage position
Use the web app’s manual controls to move the Y and Z axes to a suitable storage position. We recommend storing your FarmBot with the z-axis in a lowered position, and the cross-slide positioned near one of the gantry columns.
Move the X axis to one of the bed end locations. This will facilitate removing the gantry from the bed in Step 6.
Step 2: Disconnect the water supply
Turn off the water supply to your FarmBot. Then unscrew the garden hose to barb adapter from the garden hose.
Using the web app, turn ON the water peripheral to open up the solenoid valve, allowing any remaining water in FarmBot’s tubing to drain.
Step 3: Unplug FarmBot
Using the web app, shutdown the FarmBot. Then unplug the power supply from the power source.
Disconnect the power supply from the power supply cable.
Step 4: Disconnect the x-axis cable carrier
Remove the screws that hold the x-axis cable carrier to the 35mm cable carrier mount. You may want to coil up the x-axis cable carrier, and secure the coil with a strap.
Step 5: Remove the x-axis belts
Remove the screws that hold the four belt clips located at the ends of the bed. Then coil up the loose belt length. Use twist ties or rubber bands to keep the belts coiled.
Step 6: Remove the gantry from the bed
For Express sized devices, lift from the center of the gantry main beam to slowly remove the FarmBot from the bed.
For XL sized devices, you will need an additional person to help with this step. Each person should be positioned at a gantry column (one person on either side of the FarmBot). Lifting from the gantry columns, both people must work in unison to slowly remove the FarmBot from the bed.
Step 7: Put everything in storage
Move the gantry, power supply, and any other hardware into your preferred storage location.