Matrix MC5 Grow Light Controller

Matrix MC5 Lighting Controller: Independent Spectrum Channels and Advanced Scheduling

For the Matrix Hybrid 1000W, the MC5 isn't optional — without it connected, the fixture runs at either 100% on or completely off. No dimming, no spectrum tuning, no UV control, no far-red scheduling. That's the first thing to understand. Two independent channels handle up to 80 fixtures via 0–10V or 100 fixtures via RS-485, each with seven discrete output levels (0%, 25%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 80%, 100%) across the complete Matrix LED and Hybrid lineup. Each channel runs its own schedule independently, so you're not locked into mirroring intensity or timing across the room.

EOD Far Red, Emerson Effect, and Environmental Automation for Matrix LED and Hybrid Systems

End-of-day far red is where the MC5 earns its place in advanced grows — program the far-red channel to run 5–15 minutes after lights-off, signaling the plant's phytochrome system and tightening the transition into the dark period. For growers experimenting with the Emerson Effect, running far-red alongside the main spectrum boosts photosynthetic efficiency by engaging Photosystems I and II simultaneously. The included temperature and humidity sensor plugs directly into the environmental automation layer, enabling temperature-triggered dimming and humidity-based spectrum adjustments with no third-party software, no app, and no cloud dependency — RJ12 daisy-chain wiring handles the connection between controller and fixtures.

Key Features

• Required for Matrix Hybrid 1000W Dimming: Without the MC5, the Hybrid 1000W operates at full power or nothing — this controller is what unlocks dimming, spectrum tuning, UV scheduling, and far-red control.
• 2 Independent Channels — Up to 100 Fixtures Each: Each channel runs its own schedule and intensity, supporting up to 80 fixtures via 0–10V or 100 via RS-485 for flexible layout and scalable room design.
• EOD Far-Red Scheduling at 5–15 Min After Lights-Off: Trigger the far-red channel at the end of the photoperiod to improve phytochrome signaling, sharpen night cycle transitions, and refine flowering response without manual intervention.
• Temperature and Humidity Sensor Included as Standard: Environmental automation — temperature-triggered dimming, heat protection, humidity-based adjustments — requires this sensor, and it ships in the box rather than as a paid add-on.
• No Software Required — Fully Plug-and-Play: RJ12 daisy-chain wiring, manual operation, and on-device custom presets mean the MC5 runs reliable, repeatable lighting cycles without a connected device or subscription.

Technical Specifications