Matrix MC5 Lighting Controller

The 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.

Important: When 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.

Precision Lighting Control for Advanced Grow Environments

The 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.

Unlike 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.

Independent Channel Control

The MC5 controller allows growers to independently control the three lighting channels on the Matrix Hybrid 1000W:

• Main Spectrum – Primary red and white lighting used for the core photoperiod.
• Far Red (FR) – Used for advanced spectrum control and plant signalling.
• HPS Channel – Supplemental spectrum designed to replicate traditional HPS characteristics.

This separation allows growers to fine-tune spectrum output and intensity depending on plant stage, canopy structure, and cultivation strategy.

Advanced Scheduling Capabilities

The MC5 enables separate schedules for each lighting channel, allowing growers to run highly customised lighting programs.

• Run the Far Red channel for a specific number of minutes at lights-on or lights-off.
• Adjust intensity levels throughout the day.
• Create unique photoperiod strategies to optimise plant development.
• Coordinate multiple spectrum channels across the same grow cycle.

This flexibility gives growers the ability to experiment with advanced lighting strategies and refine their environment for maximum yield and plant health.

End-of-Day Far Red (EOD FR)

Using 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.

• Typical duration: 5–15 minutes after lights-off
• Signals sunset to the plant's phytochrome system
• Helps plants transition into their night cycle more efficiently

This technique is commonly used by experienced growers looking to optimise flowering behaviour and photoperiod responses.

Harnessing the Emerson Effect

The MC5 controller also allows growers to experiment with the Emerson Effect, where red and far-red wavelengths work together to increase photosynthetic efficiency.

Red light stimulates Photosystem II, while Far Red stimulates Photosystem I. When both systems operate together, plants can process light energy more efficiently.

With the MC5 controller you can test strategies such as:

• Running Far Red alongside the main spectrum
• Adding brief Far Red pulses during the photoperiod
• Running Far Red at lights-on or lights-off

This level of spectrum control allows growers to refine plant morphology, canopy structure, and flowering performance.

Why Growers Use Dedicated Lighting Controllers

Modern 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.

By controlling spectrum timing, intensity and duration, growers can better align lighting conditions with plant biology and environmental conditions.

Temperature & Humidity Sensor Included – As Standard

Every 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.

This sensor is essential if you want to run any form of automation using environmental variables such as:

• Temperature-triggered dimming
• Heat protection strategies
• Humidity-based spectrum adjustments
• Automated environmental light responses

Without 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.

Why Choose the MC5

• Full Dimming Control – Adjust output levels to suit veg, transition, or bloom.
• Independent Channel Control – Manage spectrum and intensity separately across two channels.
• UV & Far-Red Scheduling – Program precise lighting recipes for advanced crop steering.
• No Software Required – Fully manual, plug-and-play operation.
• Scalable Control – Built for small rooms or expanding commercial facilities.

Advanced Spectrum Control

Individually 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.

Grouped Fixture Control

Supports separate group control within the same daisy-chain. Run different lighting strategies within one room without needing additional controllers.

Two Independent Lighting Channels

Each channel supports:

• Up to 80 fixtures via 0–10V
• Up to 100 fixtures via RS-485

This allows flexible layout design and scalable system growth.

Custom Presets & Schedules

Create, save, and run programmable lighting schedules to ensure consistent, repeatable results cycle after cycle.

RJ12 Plug-and-Play Connectivity

Simple RJ12 daisy-chain wiring allows fast installation and stable communication between controller and fixtures.

Technical Specifications

Adapter Input	12V, 1A
Controller Channels	2 Independent Channels
Lighting Control Levels	0%, 25%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 80%, 100%
Signal Types	0–10V / RS-485
Fixtures per Channel	80 (0–10V) / 100 (RS-485)
Operating Temperature	-20°C to 80°C
Humidity Range	0% to 100%
Sensor Included	Temperature & Humidity Sensor Included as Standard
Compatibility	Matrix LED and Matrix Hybrid systems (complete Matrix Lighting lineup)

Compatibility

The MC5 works exclusively with the complete Matrix Lighting lineup, including Matrix LED and Matrix Hybrid systems. Purpose-built for Matrix. Full control unlocked.