Coralvue Hydros does not need internet to run, but does need internet to configure or change settings. I would stick to the main controllers and avoid the wifi power strips, plugs, or feeder. Those technically will work without internet, but need a local router to bridge between Hydros and the units. If you get multiple Hydros controllers, you link them using command bus cables and they locally communicate over that.
You can easily get hydros to setup over a hotspot, I do it at frag swaps and trade shows with my mobile hydros setup. Then once setup, you can remove internet and hydros will continue to operate as normal. Now some items to note:
1) you will not get any push or email alerts since its not connected to wifi but you can enable LOCAL alerts which will set off a loud beeping buzzer to alert you to critical faults
2) you will want to disable the cloud connection alert. this is the alert hydros pushes from the cloud to you saying "hey hey your system isn't connected to internet", this is under the options menu
3) the units WIFI LED will breathe RED since you dont have wifi, this can't be changed, so you will just have to ignore it
As for local control without internet, you can still connect directly to Hydros using the app on a phone or tablet via bluetooth:
1) Bluetooth/Read-Only Mode: this is the normal way to connect locally. The device is in read only, so you can view what your controller is doing and push outputs into OFF/ON/AUTO. You can NOT push configuration updates like changing an outputs settings or schedule, internet/cloud is required for that. This mode also still requires your device to have internet to authorize your account to the cloud, so if you are using a cell phone and you have service you are fine. If not... see option 2
2) Emergency Mode: This is the same as above for control (read only) but its a mode that DOESN'T require cloud access to verify your account credentials. You setup a local password that is stored on your device and you log into your local device using that instead of your normal cloud password. This is for cases where say a hurricane hit and you lost all local services and running on genny, this mode still lets you get in for manual control or viewing what your controller is doing.
So use the above for day to day statusing, and when you want to update something or change a setting, enable your hot spot, let your devices connect to it, and use the app in cloud mode to do your thing. Upload settings. Disable hot spot, and things will run its merry way.
