A Greenhouse Weather Station That Talks to Green-X
Vent and curtain decisions are only as good as the outdoor data behind them. The TrolMaster MBS-WS puts wind, rain, temperature and humidity sensors into one compact unit for the Green-X GCS-1. Its three-spoon anemometer reads wind from 0 to 15 m/s, or about 33.5 mph, and starts turning at a light breeze. A rain sensor flags precipitation so the controller knows when to pull the sides shut. Outdoor temperature reads from -4 to 122°F with ±3°F accuracy. Humidity covers 0–90% RH with ±5% accuracy. The manual also lists a light sensor rated to 65,000 lux for day and night detection. Data runs over RS-485, and the station draws its 12V power from the controller. The housing carries an IP54 rating for outdoor mounting. TrolMaster rates it for about 20,000 hours of outdoor use and backs it with a 3-year warranty.
Mounting and Wiring the TrolMaster MBS-WS Outdoors
Pick a spot clear of ridges, trees and exhaust fans, where wind and rain reach the sensor without interference. Bolt it to the included metal bracket. Then use the supplied bubble level to set it perfectly flat. The wind spoons must sit horizontal and spin freely for accurate speed readings. Run the included 12 ft RJ12 to 4-pin IP65 cable to the GCS-1 sensor port and tighten the connector against water. On the controller's home screen, outdoor readings appear on the right beside indoor data from the MBS-GH. From there, DMC-1 and AMC-1 motor controllers can close vents on wind or rain triggers set by priority. A range with several Green-X controllers can share one station through the WSP-1 splitter. Inspect the spoons and rain sensor after storms, and clean them if readings stall. The package measures 7.48 × 6.69 × 6.69 in and weighs 1.83 lbs.
Key Features
- Four Outdoor Sensors: Wind speed, rainfall, temperature and humidity in one IP54 housing.
- Three-Spoon Anemometer: Reads 0–15 m/s (about 0–33.5 mph) for wind-based vent protection.
- Rain Detection: Flags precipitation so the Green-X can close vents and curtains automatically.
- RS-485 Link: Stable data over long cable runs, powered directly by the controller.
- Mounting Kit Included: Comes with a metal bracket, bubble level and 12 ft IP65 connector cable.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Part number | MBS-WS |
| Controller | Green-X GCS-1 (sensor port) |
| Wind speed range | 0–15 m/s (0–33.55 mph, 0–54 km/h); 3 spoons |
| Wind start-up speed | ≥1.6 ft/s |
| Temperature range / accuracy | -4–122°F / ±3°F |
| Humidity range / accuracy | 0–90% RH / ±5% RH |
| Rainfall detection | Detects precipitation (<10 mm/24 h) |
| Illuminance | 0–65,000 lux (per manual) |
| Communication | RS-485 |
| Input | 12V, 0.1A from controller; <1W standby |
| IP rating | IP54 |
| Operating temperature | -4–140°F (-20–60°C) |
| Expected lifespan | 20,000 hours outdoor use |
| Package contents | MBS-WS, mounting bracket, horizontal level tool, 12 ft RJ12 to 4-pin IP65 cable (ECS-9) |
| Package dimensions | 7.48 × 6.69 × 6.69 in (190 × 170 × 170 mm) |
| Package weight | 1.83 lbs (0.83 kg) |
| Warranty | 3 years |