Introduction and Important Notes
Before continuing with this guide, please check your NextLight Mega for any stickers on the Com Port and driver housing.
- If you have "RJ12 Updated" and "Updated - 0-10V DIM to OFF Drivers" stickers, please see the Updated Com Port Dimming Guide.
- If you do NOT have these stickers, you have a NextLight Mega Classic. Determine if your fixture is equipped with a Classic Com Port (refer to page 1 of the original document for visual reference).
- NextLight Mega Classic equipped with a Classic Com Port will be referred to as "NextLight Mega w/ Com Port" for the remainder of this guide.
- Fixtures without Com Ports are NOT dimming enabled.
The NextLight Classic Com Port Dimming Guide is for example purposes only. This guide does NOT cover every set-up scenario. Always consider volt and amp load for all components when installing. Always contact a licensed electrician regarding electrical questions. For additional operational guidance, contact NextLight via email at sales@nextlight.com or call 513.718.7556.
1. Overview of 1-10V Dimming Capability
Enabling 1-10V Dimming Capability
The NextLight Mega is dimming capable via the NextLight Com Port and a CAT6 communication cable. It is compatible with most third-party 0-10V controllers, but only enables 1-10V dimming capability. Suggested fixture load per dimmer is subject to the dimmer's capabilities. Operating Voltage: 100-277 VAC.
Diagram Description: Visuals show a NextLight Com Port, a NextLight Mega w/ Com Port, and CAT6 Cable(s).
Important Note: NextLight Mega w/ Com Port does NOT DIM to OFF. These fixtures will dim no lower than 10%. A timer is needed to achieve full shut off. Please see "Options for Shut Off" on pages 2 & 5 of the original document for details.
Dimming Communication Signal Flow
Diagram Description: A signal flow diagram illustrates the connection between a Dimmer, a CAT6 Cable, and two NextLight Com Ports. It indicates that CAT6 sockets on the NextLight Com Port can act as input or output.
Compatible Control Systems
Here are two examples of compatible control systems that can be integrated with NextLight Mega w/ Com Port for dimming purposes.
Important Note: NextLight Mega w/ Com Port does NOT DIM to OFF. These fixtures will dim no lower than 10%. A timer is needed to achieve full shut off. See following signal flow diagrams for examples.
Example #1: Basic 0-10V Dimmer
Example #2: TrolMaster Hydro-X (HSC-1)
2. Example #1 - Basic 0-10V Dimmer
This Basic 0-10V Dimmer is the simplest option when dimming is necessary. The NextLight Com Port only enables 1-10V dimming capability. A timer is needed to achieve full shut off. You can dim up to 20 NextLight Mega fixtures with one dimmer. There will be slight signal loss in groups over 10.
The slide feature does not indicate exact percentage of light intensity. It is suggested to use a PAR meter to ensure proper light intensity based on slider location.
Parts List
Diagram Description: Components shown include a Basic 0-10V Dimmer, NextLight Mega w/ Com Port (supports up to 20 fixtures per dimmer), a CAT6 Cable, and a Shut Off timer icon.
Options for Shut Off
- Option #1: Standard Wall Timer (use for 1 light) ⏰
- Option #2: Intermatic T-Series Timer (electrical loads up to 40A) ⏰
- Option #3: Custom Electrical w/ Licensed Electrician ⚡️
Proper Use
- Connect via CAT6 cable from the dimmer to the Com Port.
- Can control up to 20 NextLight Mega fixtures.
- Expect slight signal loss in groups over 10 fixtures.
- Dimming capability is only down to 10%. A timer is needed to achieve full shut off.
WARNING: Miswiring low voltage dimming control could cause permanent damage to the dimmer. Do NOT connect this control to line voltage. Do NOT connect with power applied. Maximum recommended operating current is 25mA.
Flow Chart for Option #1 - Standard Wall Timer
Diagram Description: This flow chart illustrates the setup for a single light using a Standard Wall Timer. It shows a Power Source ⚡️ connected to a Breaker Box, which then connects to a Timer ⏰ (ON/OFF). The Timer powers a receptacle ?, which powers a NextLight fixture. A separate CAT6 Communication line [CAT6] runs from a dimmer control (wall plate with dimmer slide and Com Port) to the NextLight fixture. The communication path is shown as dimming to 10% with NO ON/OFF capability via this path alone.
Flow Chart for Option #2 - Intermatic T-Series Timer
Diagram Description: This flow chart shows a setup for multiple lights using an Intermatic T-Series Timer. A Power Source ⚡️ connects to a Breaker Box, then to the Intermatic T-Series Timer ⏰ (ON/OFF). The Timer powers multiple receptacles ?, each powering a NextLight fixture. CAT6 Communication lines [CAT6] run from a dimmer control (wall plate with dimmer slide and Com Port) to each NextLight fixture. The communication path indicates dimming to 10% with NO ON/OFF capability via this path alone.
3. Example #2 - TrolMaster Hydro-X (HSC-1)
The Hydro-X system is a professional-grade single-zone environmental controller. It is a fully customizable modular designed system. Installation is simple and the system is easy to expand upon. The Hydro-X system can control lighting, HVAC systems, mini-split air conditioners, commercial dehumidifiers and humidifiers, as well as CO2 generators or regulators. With the free TrolMaster App, the user can access all of the settings and alerts on the system from anywhere at anytime.
Parts List
Diagram Description: Components shown include the TrolMaster Hydro-X (HSC-1), NextLight Mega w/ Com Port (supports up to 50 fixtures per line used), a CAT6 Cable N-Adapter, a TrolMaster F-Adapter (LMA-14), and a Shut Off timer icon.
Options for Shut Off
- Option #1: Standard Wall Timer (use for 1 light) ⏰
- Option #2: TrolMaster Program Device Station (DSP-1) (use for 1 light)
- Option #3: Intermatic T-Series Timer (electrical loads up to 40A) ⏰
- Option #4: Custom Electrical w/ Licensed Electrician ⚡️
Proper Use
- The TrolMaster Hydro-X (HSC-1) has two lines.
- Each line can handle up to 50 NextLight Mega fixtures. Expect slight signal loss in groups over 10.
- For every line used, a TrolMaster F-Adapter (LMA-14) and N-Adapter is needed.
- Dimming capability is only down to 10%. A timer is needed to achieve full shut off.
Flow Chart for Option #1 - Standard Timer (use for 1 light)
Diagram Description: This flow chart shows the setup using a Standard Timer with the TrolMaster Hydro-X. A Power Source ⚡️ connects to a Breaker Box, then to two separate Timers ⏰ (ON/OFF), each powering a receptacle ?. A NextLight fixture is connected to each receptacle. Communication lines run from the TrolMaster Hydro-X (HSC-1), via an N-Adapter and a TrolMaster F-Adapter (LMA-14), using CAT6 Communication [CAT6], to each NextLight fixture. The communication path indicates dimming to 10% with NO ON/OFF capability via this path alone.
Flow Chart for Option #2 - TrolMaster Program Device Station (DSP-1) (use for 1 light)
Diagram Description: This flow chart illustrates the setup using a TrolMaster Program Device Station (DSP-1). A Power Source ⚡️ connects to a Breaker Box, which powers a receptacle ?. The TrolMaster Program Device Station (DSP-1) is connected to this receptacle and controls the ON/OFF state. A NextLight fixture is also connected to the DSP-1. Communication lines run from the TrolMaster Hydro-X (HSC-1), via an N-Adapter and a TrolMaster F-Adapter (LMA-14), using CAT6 Communication [CAT6], to the NextLight fixture. Additionally, RJ12 Communication lines [RJ12] connect the Hydro-X to the DSP-1. The communication path indicates dimming to 10% with NO ON/OFF capability via this path alone.
WARNING: Pay attention to the amp load of the DSP-1. Any device that is 10A @ 120V or less can be controlled by the DSP-1. A single NextLight Mega is 5.4A @ 120V, meaning a maximum of 1x Mega can be connected per DSP-1.
Flow Chart for Option #3 - Intermatic T-Series Timer (electrical loads up to 40A)
Diagram Description: This flow chart depicts a setup using an Intermatic T-Series Timer with the TrolMaster Hydro-X. A Power Source ⚡️ connects to a Breaker Box, then to the Intermatic T-Series Timer ⏰ (ON/OFF). The Timer powers multiple receptacles ?, each powering a NextLight fixture. Communication lines run from the TrolMaster Hydro-X (HSC-1), via an N-Adapter and a TrolMaster F-Adapter (LMA-14), using CAT6 Communication [CAT6], to each NextLight fixture. The communication path indicates dimming to 10% with NO ON/OFF capability via this path alone.
