{"product_id":"matrix-mc5-grow-light-controller","title":"Matrix MC5 Grow Light Controller","description":"\u003ch1\u003eMatrix MC5 Lighting Controller\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Matrix MC5 is a dedicated advanced lighting controller purpose-built for the complete Matrix LED and Hybrid lineup. Designed for growers who want full spectrum precision without third-party software or complex setup, the MC5 delivers reliable, hands-on control that simply works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eWhen paired with the Matrix Hybrid 1000W, the MC5 is required to unlock dimming, spectrum tuning, UV control and far-red scheduling. Without the MC5 connected, the Hybrid fixture will only operate at 100% ON or completely OFF (0%). There is no built-in dimming or spectrum adjustment without this controller.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePrecision Lighting Control for Advanced Grow Environments\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Matrix MC5 Lighting Controller gives growers full control over compatible lighting systems by allowing independent management of multiple spectrum channels. Designed for professional grow environments, the MC5 enables precise dimming, scheduling and spectrum control to optimise plant performance throughout the entire cultivation cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike basic timers, the MC5 allows growers to manage lighting intensity and behaviour across multiple channels, giving complete flexibility over how and when different spectra are delivered to the canopy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eIndependent Channel Control\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MC5 controller allows growers to independently control the three lighting channels on the Matrix Hybrid 1000W:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMain Spectrum\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e– Primary red and white lighting used for the core photoperiod.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFar Red (FR)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e– Used for advanced spectrum control and plant signalling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHPS Channel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e– Supplemental spectrum designed to replicate traditional HPS characteristics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis separation allows growers to fine-tune spectrum output and intensity depending on plant stage, canopy structure, and cultivation strategy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAdvanced Scheduling Capabilities\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MC5 enables separate schedules for each lighting channel, allowing growers to run highly customised lighting programs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRun the Far Red channel for a specific number of minutes at lights-on or lights-off.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdjust intensity levels throughout the day.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreate unique photoperiod strategies to optimise plant development.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCoordinate multiple spectrum channels across the same grow cycle.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis flexibility gives growers the ability to experiment with advanced lighting strategies and refine their environment for maximum yield and plant health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEnd-of-Day Far Red (EOD FR)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing the MC5 controller, growers can implement End-of-Day Far Red lighting techniques by scheduling the Far Red channel to run briefly after the main lights switch off.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTypical duration: 5–15 minutes after lights-off\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignals sunset to the plant's phytochrome system\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHelps plants transition into their night cycle more efficiently\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis technique is commonly used by experienced growers looking to optimise flowering behaviour and photoperiod responses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHarnessing the Emerson Effect\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MC5 controller also allows growers to experiment with the Emerson Effect, where red and far-red wavelengths work together to increase photosynthetic efficiency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed light stimulates Photosystem II, while Far Red stimulates Photosystem I. When both systems operate together, plants can process light energy more efficiently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the MC5 controller you can test strategies such as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRunning Far Red alongside the main spectrum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding brief Far Red pulses during the photoperiod\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRunning Far Red at lights-on or lights-off\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis level of spectrum control allows growers to refine plant morphology, canopy structure, and flowering performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Growers Use Dedicated Lighting Controllers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModern horticultural lighting systems often include multiple spectrum channels designed to influence plant behaviour in different ways. A dedicated controller like the Matrix MC5 allows these channels to be used strategically rather than simply switching lights on and off.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy controlling spectrum timing, intensity and duration, growers can better align lighting conditions with plant biology and environmental conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperature \u0026amp; Humidity Sensor Included – As Standard\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery Matrix MC5 purchased from us includes the temperature and humidity sensor in the box. Some suppliers sell the controller alone and charge extra for the environmental sensor. We include it as standard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis sensor is essential if you want to run any form of automation using environmental variables such as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperature-triggered dimming\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeat protection strategies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHumidity-based spectrum adjustments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAutomated environmental light responses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithout the sensor connected, environmental automation features cannot function. Including it as standard ensures you can immediately use temperature and humidity as live variables within your lighting strategy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Choose the MC5\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFull Dimming Control\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e– Adjust output levels to suit veg, transition, or bloom.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIndependent Channel Control\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e– Manage spectrum and intensity separately across two channels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUV \u0026amp; Far-Red Scheduling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e– Program precise lighting recipes for advanced crop steering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo Software Required\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e– Fully manual, plug-and-play operation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScalable Control\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e– Built for small rooms or expanding commercial facilities.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAdvanced Spectrum Control\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndividually control Far-Red, UV, and Full Spectrum channels with independent on\/off timing and dimming settings. Fine-tune your lighting strategy to optimise morphology, internodal spacing, and flowering response.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGrouped Fixture Control\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupports separate group control within the same daisy-chain. Run different lighting strategies within one room without needing additional controllers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTwo Independent Lighting Channels\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach channel supports:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUp to 80 fixtures via 0–10V\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUp to 100 fixtures via RS-485\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis allows flexible layout design and scalable system growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCustom Presets \u0026amp; Schedules\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreate, save, and run programmable lighting schedules to ensure consistent, repeatable results cycle after cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRJ12 Plug-and-Play Connectivity\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimple RJ12 daisy-chain wiring allows fast installation and stable communication between controller and fixtures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"table-wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"8\" cellspacing=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdapter Input\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12V, 1A\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eController Channels\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 Independent Channels\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLighting Control Levels\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0%, 25%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 80%, 100%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignal Types\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0–10V \/ RS-485\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFixtures per Channel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e80 (0–10V) \/ 100 (RS-485)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOperating Temperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e-20°C to 80°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity Range\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0% to 100%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSensor Included\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature \u0026amp; Humidity Sensor Included as Standard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMatrix LED and Matrix Hybrid systems (complete Matrix Lighting lineup)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MC5 works exclusively with the complete Matrix Lighting lineup, including Matrix LED and Matrix Hybrid systems. Purpose-built for Matrix. Full control unlocked.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Matrix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44483261956189,"sku":"10-010701-068","price":165.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2256\/3007\/files\/MatrixMC2Controller.webp?v=1768941056","url":"https:\/\/www.hortitechdirect.com\/products\/matrix-mc5-grow-light-controller","provider":"Hortitech Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}