Q & A

*If the CO2 sensors are not reading correctly, these sensors can easily be calibrated by the user. Follow the procedures below.*

*Note: Check your CO2 calibration once per year to avoid “annual “drift” of the CO2 sensors.

To calibrate the CO2 sensors on the TrolMaster controllers, we recommend using the “outdoor ambient air” method. Outdoors the CO2 level around the world is approximately 410ppm in the year 2021. If the CO2 sensor is operated outdoors, it should always read about 390-430ppm. Follow the process below to first check, and then recalibrate the CO2.

1. Temporarily connect your CO2 sensor to the TrolMaster controller using a RJ12 cable long enough to allow the CO2 sensor to be brought outdoors so it can sample outdoor air which is always about 410ppm. Hang the sensor out an open window or door.
2. Once the sensor is connected and located outdoors, allow the sensor to remain unattended for at least 10-15 minutes.
3. After 10-15 minutes, check the CO2 reading. If the reading is between 390 and 430 ppm, that is pretty good. You likely do not have to calibrate the sensor.
4. If the sensor reads below 390 or above 430, you should re-calibrate the CO2 sensor.
5. Select 410ppm on the calibration page, and then press Enter.
6. The CO2 sensor will be calibrated. When complete, the controller will return to normal operation. The CO2 sensor can be re-installed.

*If the temperature or humidity sensors are not reading correctly, these sensors can easily be calibrated by the user. Follow the procedures below.*

To calibrate temperature or humidity on the TrolMaster HCS-1 or HCS-2, you will first need an accurate “reference” temp and humid reading from an accurate thermo-hygrometer. The important thing is to obtain a good point to calibrate the sensors to, you first need to know with confidence that the calibration will be correct when complete. Use either a high-quality / high-accuracy portable temp & humid meter or use multiple thermo-hygrometers located in the same location of the TrolMaster sensor you are trying to calibrate.

Once you have established what you believe to be the correct measured temp or humidity levels, you can then re-calibrate the TrolMaster’s sensors to that reading.

1. On the HCS-1 go to System – Calibration. / 
   On the HCS-2 select the Settings tab in the upper right corner on the main screen, then select calibration.
2. Next select the item you want to calibrate.
3. Using your observed reference temperature or humidity reading, change the calibration on the TrolMaster controller to read the same readings. Press Enter or Save.
4. The sensor is now calibrated to your new reference point.

*NOTE: To control a 2-stage heat or cooling unit, the user MUST select to use either the Heat / Cool or Heatpump system type on the TS-2 module.

Under Heat / Cool or Heatpump mode

1. The setpoint on the TS-2 functions as BOTH cool and heat setting when the TS-2 module system type is set to Heat / cool or Heat Pump mode.
2. In these modes, the setpoint is the “center” temperature. The temp deadband setting on the controller determines how much above or below the “center” setpoint the temp can go before action is taken by the TS-2. (Factory setting = 3’F)
3. If the temperature rises 3’F above the setting, 1st stage cooling will be activated. If a 2nd stage is connected, the 2nd stage will turn on 3 degree above the 1st stage. 
   As the temperature drops, each stage will turn off one by one. When the temp reaches the “center” setpoint, the cooling will turn off.
4. The exact same thing happens in reverse for heating.

Under Cooling or Heating Only mode

1. The setpoint on the TS-2 functions as EITHER a cool OR heat setting when the TS-2 module system type is set to Cool or Heat mode.
2. In those modes, the temp setpoint is the highest (for cooling) or lowest (for heating) the temperature can get before the HVAC or Furnace takes action. Once the temperature either rises (on cooling) or drops (on heating) the TS-2 will activate either cooling or heating at that temp setpoint.
3. The temp deadband setting on the controller determines how much above or below the setpoint the temp will go before the HVAC or furnace will turn off. (Factory setting = 3’F)
4. Once the temperature either drops or rises an amount equal to the deadband setting, the HVAC or furnace will turn off until the next time the temp setpoint is reached.

1. Insert the WCS-1 probes into the growing medium approximately 1/3 of the way up from the bottom of the container, (or as close a possible).
2. Fully saturate / flush a sample of medium (in a growing container / pot) with your nutrient solution. DO NOT use fresh water as that will affect the calibration of the sensor. Saturate the grow medium sample until water is running off.
3. Let the sample sit for 2-3 minutes.
4. Press and hold the black button on the WCS-1 module for 5-seconds. It will display calibrate to 100%. Press the button again… the 100% calibration will complete.
5. Once the 100% calibration is complete, remove the WCS-1 probe from the growing medium and then press the black button 5 times quickly to start the 0% calibration. Press the button again… the 0% calibration will complete.
6. Your WCS-1 is now calibrated to your specific growing medium. 

**We recommend calibrating anytime you change the growing medium type, or when you are in between crops.**

1. For EC, choose the correct cal solution based on the EC of the nutrient you will be using. The two most common solutions are 1.41 and 2.77 EC.
2. Place the probes into a clean sample of solution.
3. Stir slowly. Let the probe sit for at least 2 minutes in the solution.
4. After 2 minutes, check calibration. If it does not read within 5% of the correct reading, the probe should be calibrated.
5. Go to System Settings. Select Calibration / EC. Now select the correct calibration number that matches the cal solution you are using. Press Enter.
6. When complete with the calibration, the probe should read correctly.

NOTE: If the controller displays Out of Range, there might be a problem with the probe. Contact Trolmaster Tech support.

1. Place the probes into a clean sample of 7.0 cal solution.
2. Stir slowly... Let the probe sit for at least 2 minutes in the solution.
3. After 2 minutes, check calibration. If it does not read 6.9 to 7.1 the probe should be calibrated.
4. Go to System Settings. Select Calibration / PH. Calibrate to 7.0… Press Enter.
5. When complete you can also do a 4.0 calibration. Repeat steps 1-4 for 4.0 calibration.
6. When complete with either a single point, or two-point calibration, the calibration process is finished and the probe should read correctly.

NOTE: If the controller displays Out of Range, there might be a problem with the probe. Contact Trolmaster Tech support.

1. First, make sure that the controller is currently reading the temperature within the area. The controller MUST have a temperature reading for the lights to operate. Connect the temp / humid sensor if it is not connected.
2. Verify the controller’s current time setting is correct. The HCS-1 is set in 24-hour / military mode.
3. If you are having problems trying to control a whole group of lights, disconnect ALL the lights except for the first one connected to the LMA adapter. This way you are trying to control a single light, which will eliminate the chances of a defective cable, splitter or light fixture from causing all of the lights not to be controlled.
4. The LMA adapters are designed to connect directly into the Line 1 or Line 2 ports on the HCS-1 or HCS-2 controllers. Alternately, a SPH-1 can be used to connect multiple LMA adapters to the Line 1 or Line 2 ports on the controller.
5. The small LED on the LMA adapter should ALWAYS be flashing On / Off. If the LMA adapter is not flashing, that indicates a possible problem with the cable going to the lights, the LMA adapter or the controller itself. Try disconnecting the cable going to the lights… swap the LMA adapter to the other light control port… or swap the LMA adapter with another LMA adapter. If the LED is blinking on the LMA adapter, this usually means the LMA and controller ARE working properly.
6. Once the LMA is checked, look at the Device Status page. On the HCS-1, press the left arrow button one time from the main menu. On the HCS-2, press the right arrow button. On the Device Status screen, you can see all the connected module’s status, as well as the current status of the lights connected to Line 1 (L1) or Line 2 (L2).
7. If using the HCS-1 controller and viewing the Device Status page, the L1 and / or L2 box will be darkened and display the power setting of the lights if the lights are scheduled to be on. If they are scheduled to be off, the box will show OFF.  *Note: If the box has a power setting, but the box is blinking, that means the lights are in a 15-minute hot-start delay time to prevent hot-starting HID lights.
8. If using the HCS-2 controller and viewing the Device Status page, if the lights are scheduled to be on, the AUTO box will show the current power setting, and a small green LED will be illuminated in the upper left corner on the Line 1 box.  If they are scheduled to be off, the LED in the box will be RED. *Note: If the display says “Hot-start delay”, that means the lights are in a 15-minute hot-start delay time to prevent hot-starting HID lights.
9. If you look at the Device Status page and are not seeing the same settings as you selected within the Light settings, go to the light settings and verify all the settings are correct.
10. If all else fails, it might be a problem with the RJ cable, splitter, the light fixture itself or the LMA adapter. Try replacing these components one at a time and connect one light without any splitter if possible.

One of the greatest developments in lighting technology in recent years is the advent of remotely dimmable light fixtures.

With remote dimming lights, the user can adjust the light intensity of all of the lights or have them automatically dim under certain circumstances. Trolmaster has been a leader in dimmable lighting control for years and our lighting adapters can control most lighting systems sold today.

TrolMaster’s HCS-1 and HCS-2 environmental controllers are both capable of controlling two separate types or banks of lights. The lighting adapters are simple in-line devices that will convert the Trolmaster lighting control signal to one of many communication protocols used by various lighting manufacturers.

Most light manufacturers provide the ability to control their lighting systems using what is known as a low-volt control. That low-volt control can take many forms and communication protocols. TrolMaster makes several types of lighting adapters that allow the Hydro-x to control lights using their low-volt control option.

The LMA-14 Lighting adapter is compatible with 0-10V protocol which is commonly used by 90% of the Grow lights in the Market.

Nowadays, LED grow lights have become popular for their truly remarkable feat of technology. One of the most important features of LED grow lights is controllability. Most LED fixtures are built with 0-10V dimmable LED drivers which are compatible with LMA-14 adapters.

Trolmaster provides several connection cable sets to connect the LMA-14 to LED drivers. The ECS-2 cable set is designed for the pigtail connection which is commonly used by most LED drivers.

The system uses photocell sensor to monitor the light status by the Line1/Line2 setting. If the lights are on/off when they were suppose not to, the system will send light alerts. You could set the Line2 channel to off if you don't use it. 

Go to the firmware update page and download the firmware to a Micro SD card. Only put one firmware file in the root of the SD card each time. 

Insert the Micro SD card into the unit and navigate to the firmware update menu by SYSTEM/SYSTEM RESET/FIRMWARE UPDATE. Press ENTER to confirm and the update will be done automatically. 

*Caution: firmware update is not necessary unless you aware of the new functions are what you need. Some updates may cause a factory reset which will lead to a loss of all setting. 

Go to the firmware update page and download the firmware to a Micro SD card. Only put one firmware file in the root of the SD card each time. 

Unplug the RJ12 cord from the device and insert the SD card into the unit. Press and hold the ADDRESS button and power the unit by plug in the RJ12 cord. The update will be done automatically. 

*Caution: firmware update is not necessary unless you aware of the new functions are what you need. Some updates may caused a factory reset which will lead to a loss of all setting. 

The Hydro-X could control LEDs with 0-10V dimming by lighting adaptor LMA-14.

TrolMaster provides a ECS-2 cable set for the wiring from LMA-14 to the dimming leads. The ECS-2 connector has a positive and a negative ports for a simple connection. 

One LMA-14 light adaptor could control up to 24 LED drivers (Driver dependent). TrolMaster also provide a powered Splitter Hub (SPH-1) to run multiple LMA-14 light adaptors in one system. 

No need to wire the COM port to the first Quest and It is better to skip the FAN connection, and have the fan and compressor run together through DEHU terminal. If you constantly run the fan and only cycle the compressor, you'll reintroduce water back into air off the wet coil and drain pan right when the compressor kicks off.

PS. Knob on your Quest must be turned fully counter-clockwise and make sure the switch above the knob is on "24V" (external control), not "Dehumidistat" (onboard dehumidistat).

To connect your controller to your App, you need to connect it to the Internet first. Hardwire your controller to your router directly for the most reliable connection. Check the connection symbol on the main screen to make sure the correct connection is built. Use the App to scan the QR code in the back of the controller or the system/serial number page on the LCD screen.