Whether you’re a commercial grower or looking to grow some fresh herbs in your home, a grow light controller can help you achieve better results, control your lighting conditions, and grow smartly. This article will look at some of the top grow light controllers on the market today. We will also explore some of the key benefits of using a grow light controller and discuss the various available features to help you grow your plants more precisely and efficiently.
Overview of the best grow light controllers
Best Value
Titan Controls Spartan Series Light Controller
- 8 Light Controller with Dual Trigger Cords
- 240 Volts | 60 Hz.
- 8000 Watts
Best Control
AutoPilot PX2 Lighting Controller
- Dual-zone Configuration
- Work with any controllable Phantom or Core HID fixtures
Premium
Lyonsyst Grow Light Controller
- 8 Universal Outlets
- 120 V | 50A
- 8000W total/1000W per Outlet
What are grow light controllers?
Grow light controllers allow you to control your grow lights and lighting conditions to achieve optimal results. Whether you grow plants indoors or outdoors, grow light controllers can ensure that your plants get just the right amount of light at the right time. These devices are typically equipped with features like timers, light intensity controls, and remote control capabilities that allow you to grow your plants in the most effective way possible.
How to choose the right grow light controller for your needs?
When choosing a grow light controller, there are several factors to consider. Some of the key considerations include the following:
The size and layout of your grow space: If you have a large grow area or grow lights that emit high levels of heat, it may be important to choose a grow light controller with advanced features like temperature and humidity sensors.
The types of plants you grow: Some grow light controllers are designed specifically for certain plant types, such as flowering plants or leafy greens. If you grow various plants, look for a grow light controller that offers customizable settings to optimize grow conditions to suit each type of plant.
Your grow goals: Whether you are looking to grow for commercial purposes or want to grow a few plants at home, it is important to choose a grow light controller that helps you achieve your desired grow outcomes. Some grow light controllers include data monitoring and reporting features that can help you track growth patterns over time. Others may focus more on providing advanced grow settings for optimal grow results.
Your budget: grow light controllers vary widely in terms of price, and choosing one that fits within your budget can help you achieve your grow goals without breaking the bank. To get the most bang for your buck, look for a grow light controller with advanced capabilities and flexible settings that can grow with your needs over time.
Whether you need grow lighting accessories: Many grow light controllers work with additional grow lighting accessories, such as nutrient sensors or fan speed controls. If you already have these accessories and want to upgrade your grow equipment, be sure to choose a grow light controller that is compatible with your own accessories.
Best grow light controllers review
Here are the best grow light controllers currently on the market:
1. Titan controls spartan series (best value)
Titan Controls Spartan Series, 8 Light Controller with Dual Trigger Cords, 240 Volts
Features:
- This product is perfect for anyone who wants to grow plants indoors. Some of its features include operating up to 8000 watts of grow lights and dual trigger cord sets that allow you to stagger lighting schedules and delay starting times via an external wall timer.
- This unit also has universal outlets that support 120 Volt or 240 Volt cord sets, 50 Amps input power, and 40 Amps output power (240 Volts/60 Hz./8000 Watts).
2. AutoPilot PX2 lighting controller (best control)
AutoPilot APDPX2 Advanced PX2 Lighting Controller, White
Features:
- With the Autopilot PX2 Advanced Lighting Controller, you can precisely control up to 512 fixtures in two independently controlled zones from one centralized location.
- The PX2 was created to be used with any operable Phantom or Core HID fixtures and PHOTOBIO LED fixtures. It can manage up to 512 digital HID fixtures (256 per zone) or 100 analog LED fixtures (50 per zone).
- The PX2's dual-zone configuration allows you to operate both zones, analog or digital, allowing for greater grower flexibility. With this feature, growers can save power by checkering boarding identical fixtures while reducing output to one of the zones during the light cycle within the same environment. Additionally, they can alternate rows and zones within the same environment to create more uniformity by having independent control over their growing space's perimeter versus interior lighting.
Lyonsyst 8 outlets Light Relay Controller,Light Controller
Features:
- The Light Relay Controller with Trigger Cord  makes it easy to run anywhere from four to eight HID lights at 120/240 volts. The simple, easy-to-follow instructions make for a quick and painless installation process.
- The trigger cable plugs into a standard 120v 24-hour timer or an environmental controller premium quality industrial grade relay. The outlets accommodate a 120-volt or 240-volt ballast cord set.
Key benefits of using a grow light controller
Grow light controllers can offer several important benefits, including:
Precise control over lighting conditions: Many grow light controllers allow you to adjust the intensity and duration of your lighting, which can help ensure that your plants get the exact amount of light they need at any given time. For example, if you grow your plants indoors under grow lights, a grow light controller can help you maintain consistent lighting conditions even as the seasons or weather change outside.
Convenient and remote control: Thanks to features like timers and remote controls, grow light controllers allow you to manage your grow lights regardless of where you are. This enables you to check on your plants and adjust settings as necessary, even when you’re not physically present at the grow site.
Data support for research: In addition to helping you grow your plants more efficiently and effectively, grow light controllers are often designed with data collection in mind. This can be especially useful if you’re conducting plant research, as grow light controllers can provide valuable data about your plants’ growth and development over time.
Remote control capabilities: Easily adjusting your grow lights and lighting conditions from a remote location can be extremely convenient, especially for commercial growers who may need to monitor their grow operations remotely.
Customizable settings: Depending on your grow needs, grow light controllers can also be customized to suit your particular requirements. Whether you need precise control over the duration and intensity of your grow lights or want to adjust settings like fan speed and temperature, there is likely a grow light controller that can meet your needs.
Nutrient sensor integration: Many grow light controllers also integrate with nutrient sensors, and other grow accessories, making it easier than ever to grow smartly. This can enable you to better monitor your plants’ progress, track growth patterns over time, and adjust your grow strategy as necessary.
Download our complete guide to choose the best grow lights for indoor plants
How does a grow light controller work?
A grow light controller uses sensors and other components to control the lighting conditions of your grow space. It can typically be connected to grow lights, fans, humidity, temperature sensors, and other accessories to manage your grow operation. Additionally, many grow light controllers are equipped with customizable settings that allow you to adjust light intensity and duration, temperature, humidity levels, and more. Ultimately, grow light controllers can help you grow your plants with greater precision and efficiency by providing the right conditions at the right time. They can also enable you to monitor your plants’ progress, collect data over time, and make adjustments to optimize growth results.
Types of grow light controllers:
Several grow light controllers are available in the market today, each with unique features and capabilities. Some common types of grow light controllers include:
Digital grow light controllers: Digital grow light controllers offer precise control over your grow lights, including the ability to adjust light intensity and duration as needed. They may also be equipped with built-in timers, data collection features, and other helpful tools to help you grow more efficiently.
Automatic grow light controllers: Also known as "smart" grow light controllers, automatic grow light controllers are designed to optimize grow conditions for your plants. They may include nutrient sensor integration and additional sensors for measuring temperature, humidity, and more.
Pulse grow light controllers: Pulse grow light controllers are designed to deliver brief pulses of high-intensity light to plants rather than continuous illumination. This helps provide more uniform lighting conditions across your grow space while reducing total power consumption and heat output.
Custom grow light controllers: Many growers customize their grow light controllers to suit the unique needs and conditions of their grow space. Whether you need more precise control over your grow lights or want to pair your grow light controller with other accessories, such as nutrient sensors or fan speed controls, several options are likely to help you grow smarter.
Final thoughts on grow light controllers
When it comes to grow light controllers, the most important thing is to choose a model that meets your specific needs and grow goals. Whether you are a commercial grower or just starting with indoor gardening at home, many options are available to help you grow smarter and more efficiently. To get the best results from your grow light controller, consider factors like the size and layout of your grow space, the types of plants you grow, and your budget. Additionally, look for a grow light controller that integrates well with other grow lighting accessories and offers advanced features that can grow with your needs over time. With the right grow light controller, you can achieve your best grow results and grow smarter!
FAQs
What is the difference between grow light controllers and timers?
Grow light controllers are more advanced than grow light timers, offering more precise control over your grow lighting conditions and functionality. They allow you to customize grow settings for different plant types or grow goals and integrate with other grow accessories like nutrient sensors and fan speed controls. Additionally, many models offer data monitoring and reporting features that can help you track grow patterns over time. On the other hand, timers turn your grow lights on and off at specific times and may not offer as much control or flexibility as grow light controllers. Also, they often do not integrate with other grow accessories or provide data for grow monitoring and reporting.
What is a grow light flip box?
A grow light flip box is a grow light controller that combines grow lights with a grow tent, allowing you to control your grow lighting conditions and grow space compactly. This grow light controller is typically designed for small-scale indoor gardeners or commercial growers with limited space. This grow light controller can be an efficient and affordable solution for those looking to grow smarter and more efficiently.
Do Grow Light Controllers Work with COB LED Grow Lights for Indoor Gardening?
Yes, grow light controllers do work with COB LED grow lights for indoor gardening. With advanced technology and efficient energy usage, it's clear that the cob LED grow light is the future for indoor plant cultivation. These lights provide the ideal spectrum for plant growth, and can be easily controlled to optimize growing conditions.
What is the difference between a grow light timer and an HID grow light controller?
While grow light timers are designed to turn your grow lights on and off at specified times, HID grow light controllers offer more advanced grow settings and functionality. They typically allow you to customize grow conditions for different plant types or grow goals, and they may integrate with other grow accessories like nutrient sensors and fan speed controls. Additionally, many HID grow light controllers offer data monitoring and reporting features that can help you track grow patterns over time. On the other hand, grow light timers may not offer as much control or flexibility as HID grow light controllers. They typically do not integrate with other grow accessories or provide data for grow monitoring and reporting.
Learn everything about hydroponics, from the basics to advanced techniques.
