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 has an 800x480 7" LCD touch-screen monitor, multiple advanced light control functions and expanded device control capacity.
As with all TrolMaster main controllers, 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. 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
| Device Type | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Lights | * Unlimited |
| Temperature Devices | 8 |
| Humidity Devices | 8 |
| CO2 Devices | 4 |
| Program (Timer) Devices | 12 |
| MBS-PRO, 4-in-1 sensor | 1 |
| MBS-PAR, PAR / Light meter | 1 |
| MBS-SD, Smoke Detector | 10 |
| WD-1, Water Detector | 10 |
Please Read Before Use
The HCS-3 controller comes with our MBS-PRO 4-in-1 sensor. The MBS-PRO sensor 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 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 detect the presence of smoke and water leaks. Multiple MBS-SD and MBS-WD can be connected to provide larger coverage area for smoke and/or water detection.
The HCS-3 features two separate lighting control channels. Each lighting line (channel) MUST have a single wattage/type of fixture connected to it. Never mix fixtures with different wattages or types on the same light line. Each of the two light control channels can be controlled individually. TrolMaster controllers can control 95% of lighting systems available today. Using one or more LMA lighting adapters, TrolMaster can control as many lights as necessary... unlimited numbers.
All connections between the HCS-3 and device modules/sensors use standard RJ12 cable. A maximum cable length of 1000ft (300 meters) is allowed between the HCS-3 Hydro-X Plus Control System and the devices or sensors.
Connections
Mounting the Controller
1. Mount the base panel on the wall with screws.
2. Attach the controller onto the base panel.
3. Lock the controller with the spring clips.
4. Finished.
Determine where to locate the main controller. It is recommended to be in an area that will remain dry and clean. The controller comes with a simple DIN type bracket.
Pull the 4 tabs outward to release the bracket from the unit, mount the bracket to a wall or surface. Place the unit back on the bracket and press the 4 tabs back in to lock the unit in place.
Reminder: Interconnecting RJ12 communication cables are available in different lengths. The HCS-3 Hydro-X Plus Control System is supplied with a 4ft and 16ft cable. Cables are also available in lengths of 25ft and 50ft. Select the correct length for your application.
Diagram Description: Connections
The diagram illustrates the physical connections for the HCS-3 system. It shows:
- Grow Lights: Connected via Lighting Adapters to Line 1 and Line 2 ports.
- Sensors: Connected to the SENSORS RJ12 port. This includes modules like the 4-in-1 Sensor, Water Detector, Smoke Detector, Quantum Sensor, and Water Content Sensor.
- Device Stations: Connected to the DEVICES RJ12 port. This includes Temp Device Stations, Humid Device Stations, CO2 Device Stations, and Program Device Stations.
Connection Details
1. Internet Connections
The HCS-3 controller can connect to the internet for remote monitoring, notifications, and remote settings changes. TrolMaster recommends using a hard-wired Cat 5/6 cable plugged into the Ethernet port on the bottom of the HCS-3.
Note: There is no built-in Wi-Fi on the HCS-3. Contact TrolMaster Tech Support for Wi-Fi connection options, as most commercially available Wi-Fi range extenders (with Ethernet ports) are NOT compatible with TrolMaster controllers.
2. Sensor Connections
All sensors connect to the RJ12 port on the unit labeled SENSORS. Use an RJ12 cable to connect to a Y-splitter or an SPH-1 8-port splitter hub. Plug sensors like the 4-in-1 sensor into the splitter. Y-splitters allow connecting multiple sensors or subsequent splitters.
Connect MBS-PAR light meters, smoke detectors, or water leak sensors similarly. After connecting all sensors, press the small button on each sensor to link or "address" it to the HCS-3 controller. The Hydro-X Plus automatically assigns addresses sequentially. Addresses are saved unless a factory or sensor reset is performed.
3. Device Module Connections
All device modules connect to the RJ12 port on the unit labeled DEVICES. Use an RJ12 cable to connect to a Y-splitter or an SPH-1 8-port splitter hub. Repeat for all device modules.
After connecting, press the small button on each device module to link or "address" it to the HCS-3 controller. The Hydro-X Plus automatically assigns addresses sequentially. Addresses are saved unless a factory or device reset is performed.
Note: SPH-1 splitter hubs can be used for a cleaner installation, providing a centralized point for cables.
4. Light Connections
The HCS-3 controls most brands of LED or HID lights using two built-in lighting control channels. Each channel operates independently, allowing for different types/wattages of lights or splitting a grow room into two zones.
To control lights, install a TrolMaster Lighting Adapter into the RJ12 ports labeled Line 1 and Line 2 on the controller. TrolMaster offers various Lighting Adapters for different light brands and types. Contact Tech Support or visit www.trolmaster.com for assistance.
Each lighting channel can be set up with its own timer settings, dimming temperature setpoints, and dimming/power percentage. This allows for multiple lighting layouts (e.g., two-zone, checkerboard) and dimming sequences.
Instructions
1) Main Interface
Main settings are accessed by touching icons on the left side of the main page: Light ?, Temperature ?️, Humidity ?, CO2 ?, Timer ⏰, History ?, Settings ⚙️. Each icon leads to a specific settings page.
The main screen displays current conditions: Time, Date, Week, Day, Light Intensity (PPFD), VPD (kPa), Air Temp (°F), Air Humidity (%), and CO2 Level (PPM).
2) Grow Light Control
There are 2 separate channels/ports for controlling lighting fixtures, each controllable independently. This allows using two types or wattages of lights within a single room.
The MBS-PAR quantum meter can be added to measure and automatically adjust light intensity to maintain a user-set PPFD level.
Lighting control is easy. The first page (Lights ICON) shows basic settings: select Line 1 or Line 2, choose AUTO control, or manually turn lights On/Off. The second page is for advanced settings. Switch between pages by swiping left/right.
The Hydro-X Plus includes 4 advanced light control functions: DLI Control, Spectrum Control, Group Control, Cloud Control. Note: Only one advanced function can be activated at a time.
Advanced Lighting Control Options
DLI Control
DLI control replaces standard percentage-based power control. It uses the MBS-PAR sensor's light level reading to automatically control light output. Users set a desired PPFD (umol/s), and the lights provide that amount. The function also calculates and displays the Daily Light Integral (DLI) number, allowing precise light control for enhanced growth and energy saving.
Spectrum Control
For ThinkGrow "Plus" series LEDs, Spectrum Control allows fine-tuning of LED color output/spectrum, including separate control of UV, White (full spectrum), Deep Red, and Far Red LED chips.
Group Control
For other light brands, control is via the two standard channels. For ThinkGrow LEDs, Group Control allows up to 10 separate "groups" of LEDs to be controlled independently with different light levels, timer settings, and high-temp dimming.
Cloud Control
Simulate natural outdoor environments with cloud cover to improve plant health and save energy. This is achieved by selectively dimming/brightening groups of lights to simulate cloud cover thickness, appearance, disappearance, and speed.
3) Device Modules
The Hydro-X Plus can control almost any device in grow rooms using up to 4 types of device stations (temperature, humidity, CO2, program/timer). TrolMaster offers over 16 different device/control modules for centralized control and remote access via the Trolmaster app.
4) Assigning Device Module Names
Connected device/control modules can be assigned custom names. On each Setting page, tap the [edit icon] (top right corner) to enter a unique label for the device module.
Device Control Interfaces
Temperature Control
Up to 8 individual temperature modules can be connected. Settings are displayed on one of two pages. Press "Setting" to access module-specific settings.
Temperature Interface A (e.g., DST-1, DST-2): Allows selection of Day/Night temperature settings, heat/cool control, and hot-start time delay.
Temperature Interface B (e.g., TS-1, TS-2): Allows selection of only Day/Night temperature settings.
Humidity Control
Humidity Interface A (e.g., DSH-1, DSH-2): Allows selection of Day/Night humidity settings, dehumidify/humidity control, and hot-start time delay.
Humidity Interface B (e.g., HS-1): Allows selection of only Day/Night humidity settings.
CO2 Control
Settings for CO2 devices (solenoids, generators, exhaust fans) are on a single page. Options include Turn On Device When CO2 Level, Day CO2 Setpoint, and Fuzzy Logic control. Note: Fuzzy Logic CO2 control is only for compressed CO2 gas tanks.
Programmable Timer Interface
Modules for controlling equipment via timer. Choose between Recycle mode (repeats a cycle with user-defined start time, On/Off duration, and number of cycles) and Schedule mode (selects multiple On/Off times, down to 1-second On time and 1-minute Off time).
Historical Chart Interface
Displays Average Temp and Humidity Data over 24 Hours, 7 Days, or 30 Days. Shows max/min values.
System Setting Interface
Access system settings by tapping the [settings gear icon] on the bottom of the column. Settings include:
- General Settings: Room Status, Date, Time, Time Zone, DST, Auto Time Calibration, Time format, Brightness, etc.
- Alarm Settings: Maximum and Minimum Day/Night Alarm Setpoints for Temperature, Humidity, Light, CO2, and VPD.
- Calibration: 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 the Import/Export functions via MicroSD card (supports exFAT & FAT32).
- Serial Number: Check the controller's serial number. The QR code on the controller is used to add it to the TM+ app.
5) Firmware Update
Update to the latest firmware for bug fixes and new functions. Visit the website for the most updated version. To update, tap the [settings gear icon], choose System Reset, then Firmware Update. Updates can be done online (if connected to the internet) or via a MicroSD card.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage | 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz |
| Certifications | ETL/FCC |
| Degree of Ingress Protection | IP20 |
| Max Number of HID Fixtures | 256*2 |
| Max Distance to Device | 1000 ft / 300 meters |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.36°F |
| Temperature Deadband | 3°F (1~15) |
| Humidity Range | 5-95% |
| Humidity Accuracy | ±3% |
| Humidity Deadband | 3°F (1~15) |
| CO2 Range | 0-2000 PPM |
| CO2 Accuracy | ±30 PPM |
| CO2 Deadband | 50ppm (10~250) |
| Working Environments | Temperature: 31-104°F, Humidity: ≤90% |
Warnings
WARNING: DO NOT allow the Hydro-X PLUS Control System to be exposed 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.
AVERTISSEMENT: N'exposez PAS le régulateur de zone Hydro-X PLUS à de l'eau ou à une chaleur excessive. NE l'ouvrez PAS, NE tentez PAS de le réparer ou de le démonter, car il ne contient aucune pièce réparable par l'utilisateur. L'ouverture du régulateur entraîne l'annulation de la garantie. Si la surface du Hydro-X PLUS est sale, essuyez-la à l'aide d'un chiffon sec. Le Hydro-X PLUS fonctionne sous des conditions de ventilation naturelle.
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