TrolMaster Hydro-X Plus (HCS-3) User Manual

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.

Like all main controllers from TrolMaster, the HCS-3/Hydro-X Plus works with TrolMaster\'s free app and can be connected to the internet directly using a standard CAT5 network cable. Current conditions measured by the HCS-3 can be monitored remotely using the TM+ smartphone app. Users can view historical data via a graph on their smartphone and receive warning messages/notifications if the growing environment exceeds selected setpoints.

Product Capacity

Please Read Before Use

The HCS-3 controller comes with the MBS-PRO 4-in-1 sensor, which accurately measures temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels 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. With the MBS-PAR sensor installed, the HCS-3 can actively monitor or control light levels using the actual measured light level.

The MBS-SD smoke detector and MBS-WD detect smoke and water leaks. Multiple MBS-SD and MBS-WD units can be connected for larger coverage areas.

The HCS-3 features two separate lighting control channels. Each channel must have a single wattage/type of fixture connected. Mixing fixtures with different wattages or types on the same line is not recommended. Each channel can be controlled individually.

TrolMaster controllers can manage 95% of available lighting systems. Using LMA lighting adapters, TrolMaster can control an unlimited number of lights.

All connections between the HCS-3, device modules, and sensors use standard RJ12 cables. A maximum cable length of 1000 ft (300 meters) is allowed between the HCS-3 and devices/sensors.

Installation

The controller can be mounted on a wall or surface using the included DIN type bracket. It is recommended to locate the controller in an area that remains dry and clean.

Steps:

• 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.

To release the bracket from the unit, pull the 4 tabs outward. Mount the bracket to a wall or surface. Place the unit back onto the bracket and press the 4 tabs back in to secure it.

Reminder: Interconnecting RJ12 communication cables are available in various lengths (4ft, 16ft, 25ft, 50ft) to suit your application.

Connections

The HCS-3 supports various sensor and device connections, as well as internet connectivity.

1. Internet Connections

The HCS-3 can connect to the internet for remote monitoring, notifications, and remote setting changes. TrolMaster recommends using a hard-wired Cat 5/6 cable plugged into the Ethernet port on the bottom of the HCS-3.

Note: The HCS-3 does not have built-in Wi-Fi. For Wi-Fi connectivity, contact TrolMaster Tech Support. Commercially available Wi-Fi range extenders with Ethernet ports are generally not compatible.

2. Sensor Connections

All sensors connect to the RJ12 port labelled 'SENSORS' on the bottom of the unit. Use RJ12 cables to connect to a Y-splitter or an SPH-1 8-port splitter hub. Plug sensors like the 4-in-1 sensor, MBS-PAR, smoke detectors, or water leak sensors into these splitters or hubs.

To link or "address" each sensor to the HCS-3 controller, press the small button on each sensor after connecting them. The Hydro-X Plus automatically assigns addresses sequentially. These addresses are saved unless a factory or sensor reset is performed.

Diagram shows connections for Smoke Detector, 4-in-1 Sensor, Water Detector, Quantum Sensor, Temp Device Stations, Humid Device Stations, CO2 Device Stations, Program Device Stations, and Lighting Adapters to Grow Lights, all connecting to the HCS-3 unit via RJ12 cables and splitters/hubs.

Device Module Connections

Device modules connect to the RJ12 port labelled 'DEVICES' on the bottom of the unit. Similar to sensor connections, use RJ12 cables, Y-splitters, or SPH-1 hubs to connect all device modules.

After connecting, press the small button on each device module to link or "address" it to the HCS-3 controller. Addresses are assigned sequentially and saved unless a reset is performed.

Note: SPH-1 splitter hubs can be used instead of Y-splitters for a cleaner installation, providing a centralized connection point.

Light Connections

The HCS-3 controls most LED and HID lights via its two built-in lighting control channels. Each channel can operate independently, allowing for different types or brands of lights or splitting a grow room into two zones.

To control lights, install a TrolMaster Lighting Adapter into the RJ12 ports labelled 'Line 1' and 'Line 2' on the controller. TrolMaster offers various adapters for different light types. For questions, contact Tech Support or visit www.trolmaster.com.

Each lighting channel can be independently configured with its own timer settings, dimming temperature setpoints, and dimming/power percentages. This allows for multiple lighting layouts (e.g., two-zone, checkerboard) and custom dimming sequences.

Instructions

1. Main Interface

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

Screenshot of the main interface showing icons for Light, Temperature, Humidity, CO2, Timer, History, and Settings. The main display shows time (01:30 pm), date (Jan 15, 2020), status (Flowering), Week 7, Day 1, Light Intensity (1400 PPFD), VPD (0.98 kPa), Air Temp (83.4 °F), Air Humidity (74.8 %), and CO2 Level (1200 PPM).

2. Grow Light Control

There are two separate channels/ports for controlling lighting fixtures, allowing independent control for different 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 the user\'s preset PPFD level.

Lighting control is user-friendly. The HCS-3 has two pages for grow light settings: a basic page for selecting Line 1 or Line 2 settings (AUTO control or manual On/Off) and an advanced settings page. Users can switch between these pages by swiping left or right on the screen.

Screenshot showing Light Control for Line 1 (100%) and Line 2 (2%), with AUTO, ON, OFF, and Setting buttons.

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

Screenshot showing Advanced Lighting Control options: DLI Control (1000 PPFD), Group Control, Spectrum Control, and Cloud Control, each with AUTO, ON, OFF, and Setting buttons.

DLI Control

DLI (Daily Light Integral) control replaces standard light power percentage control. Using the MBS-PAR sensor, the HCS-3 automatically adjusts light output to achieve the user\'s desired PPFD setting. It calculates and displays the total light received by plants over 24 hours, aiding in enhanced growth rates and energy savings.

Note: DLI, Spectrum, Group, and Cloud control functions work with ThinkGrow brand LED lights.

Spectrum Control

For ThinkGrow "Plus" series LEDs, Spectrum Control allows fine-tuning of the LED color output/spectrum. It provides separate control for UV, White (full spectrum), Deep Red, and Far Red LED chips.

Group Control

For other light brands, control is limited to the two channels. With 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 levels.

Cloud Control

This function simulates natural outdoor cloud cover by selectively dimming/brightening groups of lights. It provides 100% control over cloud thickness, appearance, disappearance, and speed, enhancing plant health and energy savings without reducing yield.

Note: Only one of the four advanced settings can be used at a time.

Device Modules

The Hydro-X Plus can control various devices in grow rooms using up to four types of device stations. TrolMaster\'s temperature, humidity, CO2, and program (timer) device stations connect to equipment for centralized control and remote access via the TrolMaster app. TrolMaster offers over 16 different device/control modules for flexible management.

Assigning Device Module Names

Each connected device/control module can be assigned a custom name. On the top right corner of each setting page, an 'Edit' icon ⚙️ allows users to enter a unique label for the device module. The temperature device interface page is used as an example.

Screenshot of Temp Device Stations (T1, T2, T3, T4) showing Device controls with AUTO, ON, OFF, and Setting buttons.

Up to 8 individual temperature device/control modules can be connected. Their settings are displayed on one of two pages. Pressing the 'Setting' button enters the settings page for the selected module. The HCS-3 automatically displays the correct page based on the device type.

Screenshot of T5 Setting for temperature, showing 'Turn On Device When Temp Level Exceeds Setpoint', Day Temp Setpoint, Night Temp Setpoint, and Hot Start Delay.

Temperature Interface A: Modules like DST-1 and DST-2 allow selection of Day/Night temperature settings, heat/cool control, and adjustable Hot-start time delay (0-10 mins).

Screenshot of T1 Setting for temperature, showing Day Temp Setpoint and Night Temp Setpoint.

Temperature Interface B: Modules like TS-1 and TS-2 allow selection of only Day and Night temperature settings.

Screenshot of H1 Setting for humidity, showing 'Turn On Device When Humid Level Exceeds Setpoint', Day Humid Setpoint, Night Humid Setpoint, and Hot Start Delay.

Humidity Interface A: Modules like DSH-1 and DSH-2 allow selection of Day/Night humidity settings, dehumidify/humidity control, and adjustable Hot-start time delay (0-10 mins).

Screenshot of H1 Setting for humidity, showing Day Humid Setpoint and Night Humid Setpoint.

Humidity Interface B: Modules like HS-1 allow selection of only Day and Night humidity settings.

Screenshot of C1 Setting for CO2, showing 'Turn On Device When CO2 Level Exceeds Setpoint', Day CO2 Setpoint, and Night CO2 Setpoint.

CO2 Interface: A single page allows changing settings for device modules controlling CO2 devices (solenoids, generators, exhaust fans). Multiple settings provide customized CO2 control.

Note: Fuzzy Logic CO2 control is only usable with a compressed CO2 gas tank.

Programmable Timer Interface

This interface allows users to set up equipment control using timers. Two timer control functions are available: Recycle and Schedule modes.

• Recycle Mode: Repeats a preset cycle. Users select start time, ON duration, OFF duration, and the number of cycles.
• Schedule Mode: Allows selection of multiple ON and OFF times (up to 50 schedules). Timers can be set for as short as 1 second ON and 1 minute OFF.

Screenshot of P1 Setting for programmable timer, showing options for 'By Recycle' and 'By Schedule', with fields for Start at, On time, Off time, and Times.

Screenshot of the Average Temp and Humidity Data chart, displaying temperature and humidity trends over 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days, with max/min values.

Historical Chart Interface

Historical data from all sensors is automatically recorded and stored within the HCS-3. Users can view this data on the touch-screen display, the app, or the web program. Users can select which sensor data to display and view 24-hour, 7-day, or 30-day historical charts.

Screenshot of the Historical Chart Interface showing icons for General, Alarm Setting, Calibration, Deadband, System Reset, Screen Lock, Import/Export, and Serial Number.

System Setting Interface

Tap the nut icon ⚙️ at the bottom of the column to access system settings, including program backup and factory reset.

The system setting page includes basic settings:

1. General Settings: Room Status, Date, Time, Time Zone, DST, Auto Time Calibration, Time format, Brightness, etc.
2. Alarm Settings: Maximum and Minimum Day/Night Alarm Setpoints for Temperature, Humidity, Light, CO2, and VPD.
3. Calibration: Calibration for Temperature, Humidity, and CO2 sensors.
4. Deadband: Set Deadband Setpoints for Temperature, Humidity, and CO2.
5. System Reset: Options include Factory Reset, Firmware Update, Sensor Reset, and Device Reset.
6. Screen Lock: Screen Saver and Passcode settings.
7. Import/Export: Save and restore controller settings using Import/Export functions. Export saves settings to a MicroSD card ?; Import restores settings from the MicroSD card. (Supports exFAT & FAT32 format).
8. Serial Number: Check the controller\'s serial number. The QR code ? on the controller is used to add it to the TM+ app.

Firmware Update

Update to the latest firmware for bug fixes and new features. Visit the TrolMaster website for the most updated firmware version.

To update:

1. Press the nut icon ⚙️ in the lower-left corner.
2. Choose 'System Reset'.
3. Choose 'Firmware Update'.

Updates can be performed online (if connected to the internet) or via a MicroSD card. The latest firmware is available on the website.

Screenshot of the System Reset menu showing options for Factory Reset, Firmware Update, Sensor Reset, and Device Reset. Another screenshot shows the Firmware Update screen with current version and Update buttons.

Specifications

Warnings and Support

WARNING: 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 the 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.

For any issues or concerns with TrolMaster products, do not return them to the store. Please contact their tech support department at support@trolmaster.com or call 877-420-9876.

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