Timers + Controllers

A grow light timer keeps your photoperiod exact, and these digital controllers add dimming, sunrise ramps and climate control on top. Pick a TrolMaster Tent-X for a single tent and a Gavita EL3 or Autopilot PX2 for large rooms. Growlink or Hydro-X systems run a whole facility.

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Timers + Controllers

Grow Light Timer and Lighting Controllers for Grow Rooms

A grow light timer switches your lamps on and off on a set schedule. The digital controllers here do that job, then add dimming, sunrise and sunset ramps, and climate control. Brands include Gavita, TrolMaster, Autopilot, Growers Choice, Iluminar, Matrix and Growlink, with cabinets and adapters to finish an install....

Grow light timer infographic: lighting controller types, fixtures per zone, dimming signals, schedules and how to choose

For more dimming hardware, see our grow light controllers. Growlink sensors and LINK modules also have their own Growlink page, and both sit in the wider grow lights range.

Types of Timers and Controllers

Master Lighting Controllers

The Gavita EL3 runs up to 512 fixtures across two zones from an 8 in touchscreen. Autopilot PX2 sets photoperiod and output for two zones of HID or LED. Growers Choice uses a 24-hour cycle with 10 to 60 minute sunrise and sunset ramps. Each one replaces a plug-in timer for a full room.

Environmental Controllers

TrolMaster Tent-X, Hydro-X, Hydro-X Pro and Green-X run lights on two channels and switch fans, HVAC and irrigation through modules. The Iluminar HASH logs VPD, CO2 and PAR while it schedules two lighting zones. Growlink LINK modules add 0-10V dimming, relays and sensor hubs.

Relays, Dimmers and Accessories

The LTL Master 8 relay switches eight 1000W HID ballasts from one timer signal. The Fluence dimmer sets 0 to 100% output on 0-10V or PWM. TrolMaster cabinets and LMA adapters finish the panel and connect older ballasts to newer controllers.

How Growers Use Lighting Controllers

Set the photoperiod first, then the ramps and dimming level. Iowa State Extension advises 14 to 16 hours of light a day for seedlings on a timer. The Growers Choice controller adds a thermal probe on each channel that steps in if the room overheats.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should grow lights be on?

It depends on the crop and stage. Iowa State Extension recommends 14 to 16 hours a day for seedlings, with lights on a timer. Flowering crops that respond to day length need a set dark period. A controller holds that schedule to the minute, every day.

What is a lighting controller?

It is a central unit that schedules and dims many grow lights at once. Instead of a timer on each outlet, it sends a 0-10V or digital signal to every fixture. The Gavita EL3 runs up to 512 fixtures, and the Growers Choice controller handles 200.

How do I set a grow light timer?

On a digital controller, set the start time and the hours of light, then add sunrise and sunset ramps if it has them. Growers Choice ramps run 10 to 60 minutes. With a relay like the LTL Master 8, plug the trigger cable into a standard plug-in timer.