TrolMaster Hydro-X Plus HCS-3 Quick Instruction

Overview

The Hydro-X Plus controller is an upgraded version of the Hydro-X controller. It's a professional-grade single-zone environmental control system. It features an 800x480 7" LCD touch-screen monitor, multiple advanced light control functions, and expanded device control capacity.

The HCS-3/Hydro-X Plus works with TrolMaster's free app and can be connected to your internet directly using a standard CAT5 network cable. The current conditions measured by the HCS-3 can be monitored remotely using the TM+ smartphone app. You can read historical data by viewing a graph on your smartphone and receive warning messages/notifications if the growing environment exceeds your selected setpoints.

Product Capacity

Please Read Before Use

The HCS-3 controller comes with our MBS-PRO 4-in-1 sensor, which accurately measures temperature, humidity, and CO2 level within the growing environment. A photocell built into the MBS-PRO detects the presence of light.

The MBS-PAR is used to measure the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) from all light sources used to grow plants. With the MBS-PAR sensor installed, the HCS-3 can actively monitor or control your light levels using the actual measured light level coming from the MBS-PAR.

The MBS-SD smoke detector and MBS-WD will detect the presence of smoke and water leaks. Multiple MBS-SD and MBS-WD can be connected to provide a larger coverage area for the detection of smoke and/or water.

The HCS-3 features two separate lighting control channels. Each lighting line (channel) must have a single wattage/type of fixture connected to it. You should never mix fixtures with different wattages or different light fixtures on the same light line. Each of the two light control channels can be controlled individually. TrolMaster controllers can control 95% of the lighting systems available today. Using one or more of the available LMA lighting adapters, TrolMaster can control as many lights as necessary.

All connections between the HCS-3 and the device modules and sensors use standard RJ12 cable. A maximum cable length of 1000ft/300 meters between the HCS-3 Hydro-X Plus Control System and the devices, or to the sensors is allowed.

Connections

The controller comes with a DIN type bracket for easy mounting. Mount the base panel on the wall with screws, attach the controller onto the base panel, and lock it with the spring clips.

Reminder: Interconnecting RJ12 communication cables are available in different lengths. The HCS-3 Hydro-X Plus Control System is supplied with 4ft and 16ft cables. 25ft and 50ft cables are also available.

Diagram Description: The diagram shows the HCS-3 controller connected to various sensors and devices including: 12V-3A power supply, Micro SD card slot, ALARM port, INTERNET port, DC output, Lighting Adapters (Line 1, Line 2), Water Detector, Smoke Detector, Quantum Sensor, 4-in-1 Sensor, Water Content Sensor, Temp Device Stations, Humid Device Stations, CO2 Device Stations, and Program Device Stations. These are connected via RJ12 cables, some using Y-splitters or SPH-1 splitter hubs.

Instructions

1) Main Interface

The main settings are accessed by touching icons on the left side of the main page. Each icon leads to a specific page for Lights, Temperature, Humidity, CO2 & Timers. There are also icons for historical data and System Settings.

Main Interface Display: Shows current time, date, week, day, light intensity, VPD, air temperature, air humidity, and CO2 level. It also displays status for Flowering, PPFD, and kPa.

2) Grow Light Control

The HCS-3 has two separate channels (ports) for controlling lighting fixtures, allowing for two different types or wattages of lights within a single room. The MBS-PAR quantum meter can be used to automatically adjust light intensity to maintain a desired PPFD level.

Lighting control is accessed via the Lights ICON. The first page shows basic settings for Line 1 and Line 2, allowing manual On/Off control or AUTO control. The second page offers advanced settings. Users can switch between pages by swiping left or right.

Light Control Interface: Displays Line 1 and Line 2 with settings for percentage (%), AUTO/ON/OFF, and a 'Setting' button.

The Hydro-X Plus includes 4 advanced light control functions: DLI Control, Spectrum Control, Group Control, and Cloud Control. Only one advanced function can be activated at a time.

Advanced Lighting Control Options:

• DLI Control: Replaces percentage-based control by using the MBS-PAR sensor's light level reading to automatically control light output to a desired PPFD setting. It calculates and displays the Daily Light Integral (DLI) for plants.
• Spectrum Control: Allows fine-tuning of LED color output/spectrum for ThinkGrow 'Plus' series LEDs, with separate control for UV, White, Deep Red, and Far Red chips.
• Group Control: For ThinkGrow LEDs, allows control of up to 10 separate 'groups' of LEDs with different settings. For other brands, it uses the two main channels.
• Cloud Control: Simulates natural outdoor cloud cover by selectively dimming/brightening lights to improve plant health and save energy without reducing yield.

3) Device Modules

The Hydro-X Plus controller can manage various devices using up to 4 types of device stations: temperature, humidity, CO2, and program (timer). Trolmaster offers over 16 different device/control modules for flexible control of grow room equipment.

4) Assigning Device Module Names

Device/control modules can be assigned custom names. Touch the 'Edit' ICON on the top right of a settings page to enter a unique label for each module.

Device Control Interfaces:

• Temperature Interface A/B: Allows setting Day and Night temperature setpoints. Some modules (DST-1, DST-2) also allow heat/cool control and hot-start delay settings.
• Humidity Interface A/B: Allows setting Day and Night humidity setpoints. Some modules (DSH-1, DSH-2) also allow dehumidify/humidity control and hot-start delay settings.
• Programmable Timer Interface: Offers 'Recycle' mode (repeating cycles with set On/Off durations) and 'Schedule' mode (multiple On/Off times, down to 1-second increments).
• CO2 Interface: Provides settings for controlling CO2 devices like solenoids and generators. 'Fuzzy Logic' CO2 control is available for compressed CO2 gas tanks.
• Historical Chart Interface: Displays average temperature and humidity data over 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days.

System Settings

Access system settings by tapping the nut icon. This includes program backup, factory reset, and other configurations.

System Setting Pages include:

• General Settings: Room Status, Date, Time, Time Zone, DST, Auto Time Calibration, Time format, Brightness.
• Alarm Settings: Maximum and Minimum Day/Night Alarm Setpoints for Temperature, Humidity, Light, CO2, and VPD.
• Calibration: For Temperature, Humidity, and CO2 sensors.
• Deadband: Set Deadband Setpoints for Temperature, Humidity, and CO2.
• System Reset: Options include Factory Reset, Firmware Update, Sensor Reset, and Device Reset.
• Screen Lock: Screen Saver and Passcode settings.
• Import/Export: Save and restore controller settings using a MicroSD card (supports exFAT & FAT32).
• Serial Number: View the controller's serial number. A QR code is provided for adding the controller to the TM+ app.

5) Firmware Update

Update the firmware for bug fixes and new features. Visit the website for the latest version. Update via the internet or a MicroSD card through the System Reset menu.

Firmware Update Screen: Shows current version and provides an 'Update' button.

Specifications

Warnings

• DO NOT expose the Hydro-X PLUS Control System to water or excessive heat.
• DO NOT open or attempt to repair or disassemble the controller, as there are no user-serviceable parts inside. Opening the controller will void the warranty.
• If the surface of Hydro-X PLUS is dirty, wipe it with a dry towel.
• The Hydro-X PLUS operates under natural ventilation conditions.