OPTIMAL CONTROL MAXIMAL PERFORMANCE
EXTENSIVE CONNECTION AND CONTROL CAPABILITIES
OPTIMAL CONTROL MAXIMAL PERFORMANCE
EXTENSIVE CONNECTION AND CONTROL CAPABILITIES
MAXI CONTROLLER
WHY CHOOSE FOR A MAXI CONTROLLER?
The Maxi Controller is a modular control system for controlling the Dimlux lighting system, a fan and the heating. The Maxi Controller controls and monitors the CO2, vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and the plant temperature depending on the sensors chosen and connected.
Through the datalog function it is possible to store all the measured values, on a USB-stick, by the controller in order to view these later in a graph form on your computer. The controller writes all the values onto the stick every minute.
• Step by step to continuous variable dimming
• Create optimal growing conditions for your crop
• Extensive connection and control capabilities
• Simulates sunrise and sunset
• Energy and cost savings
• Datalog function
COMPREHENSIVE AND ACCURATE SETTINGS
In addition to a whopping 7 dim options the Dimlux Maxi Controller can adjust the light output to the temperature of the room. This also facilitates the transition from step by step dimming to continuous variable dimming and thus making it even easier to achieve the perfect light setting. This is possible by pressing the + and – (brightness) buttons or to set the desired temperature and leave the rest to the Maxi Controller. When exceeding the preset temperature, the lights are automatically dimmed or even partially disabled. It does not get any easier!
SENSORS:
MEASURING = KNOWING
There are several sensors available that can be connected to the Maxi Controller. A temperature sensor and humidity sensor may be combined with a temperature sensor for optimal plant growth of crops. The values obtained from the temperature sensor, humidity sensor and plant temperature sensor are then analyzed and combined so that the optimum ratio between the temperature, humidity, plant temperature – and thus the vapor pressure deficit – can be achieved.
EXTENSIVE CONNECTION AND CONTROL CAPABILITIES
A single Dimlux Maxi Controller can control up to 160 Dimlux Expert Series (in pairs of 40). Two Dimlux Expert Series fixtures can directly be connected to a Maxi Controller by means of speaker wire, multiple lighting systems should linearly (daisy chain) be connected to the first two lighting systems. Furthermore, the Dimlux fixtures and the Maxi Controller can be connected directly into the wall without using relays, timing device and timer. This is safer and also saves costs.
SIMULATION OF SUNRISE AND SUNSET
Plants do not use photosynthesis until a certain temperature is reached, when the lights are turned on after a dark period, this can be stressful and can affect growth, and also condensation could be formed which can cause rot. This can be prevented by the Maxi Controller through slowly switching the Dimlux fixtures on and off and thus simulating sunrise and sunset.
ENERGY AND COST SAVINGS
If a Dimlux light system is connected to a Dimlux Maxi Controller this ballast is the only ballast without inrush current. A typical current ranges from 50 to 160 amperes per digital ballast. Newer digital ballasts are with soft start technology so that the inrush current is limited to 50-60 amperes. This seems little but when it’s multiplied by the number of ballasts (160 for example), this provides a significant amount of power savings.
Because the Maxi Controller is a modular system, it is possible to extend the system with:
SMART BOX
The Smartbox box has 3 outputs so that a heater, humidifier, dehumidifier and fan can be connected to the Dimlux Maxi Controller. All outputs are 15A. The fan control is electronic and quiet in use (no hum). The fan controller has a temperature and RH control that are individually adjustable. The temperature controller works through SmartLogic, this is an algorithm that ensures that the current temperature is actually equal to the set temperature.
OPTICLIMATE CO2 SENSOR
The OptiClimate CO2 sensor can be connected to the DimLux Controller and also controls the CO2 generator or CO2 pressure reducing valve. The sensors use NDIR Dual Beam technology that provides unprecedented calibration precision and stability. Other CO2 sensors are single beam and need to be calibrated regularly. Dual Beam sensors are two sensors in one where the measurement sensor is periodically adjusted by the second sensor. Because the second sensor is active for only 5 minutes per month, it does not age or drift.
TEMPERATURE SENSOR
The temperature sensor allows the Maxi Controller to dim the lights based on a grow environment’s ambient temperature. If the set value is exceeded, the lights will dim to keep the temperature under control. If the temperature rises despite dimming, half of the dimmed lights will be switched off in a checkered board pattern. If the temperature still continues to rise all lights will be switched off for at least 20 minutes.
HUMIDITY (RH) SENSOR
The RH sensor displays the ambient humidity on the Maxi Controller. If the RH sensor is connected, a humidifier can also be switched on with the Maxi Controller. If the VPD is to be displayed, the plant temperature camera and the ambient temperature sensor will also be required.
PLANT TEMPERATURE CAMERA
Plant temperature is more important than ambient temperature. When the camera is connected, climate can be controlled based on the plant temperature. If plant temperature gets too high, the Maxi Controller will dim the lights to keep the stomata open. In case of water shortage (e.g. due to a faulty pump) the lights are also dimmed or turned off to prevent crop damage.