Frequently Asked Questions
Most frequent questions and answers
Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD)
Vapor pressure deficit is the difference between the pressure of water vapor in 100% saturated air at a given temperature (basically a leaf’s vapor pressure) and the air’s actual vapor pressure. A high VPD value raises a plant’s transpiration rate and increases nutrient movement through the the plant’s xylem, while a low VPD value slows the movement of nutrients through the plant.
Growers should care about VPD because it impacts yield quality, overall plant vigor, and nutrient utilization. Correctly managing VPD increases yield, decreases the presence of pathogens and optimizes carbon dioxide applications.
Maxi Controller
(1) Dimlux Maxi Controller EVO1 and (1) Power Supply with 6-Foot (1.8-Meter) cord.
The Dimlux Maxi Controller switches up to (160) ballasts/lighting systems and can adjust output according to ambient temperature. Lamps can be automatically dimmed when the temperature exceeds a maximum preset level.
Use with Dimlux lighting systems is the only (digital) ballast that does not need to use an inrush current. Inrush currents of conventional (digital)ballasts vary between 50 and 160 Amp, while newer types of digital ballasts use soft-start technology that limits the inrush current to between 50 and 60 Amp. This level is still an appreciable current, especially when multiplied by the number of (digital) ballasts incorporated in the circuit.
Dimlux ballasts can be controlled by a single Maxi Controller allowing Dimlux ballasts to dim at the same time, a feature that is convenient with newly-planted crops. Light output can be increased in 10% increments on successive days or otherwise manipulated to provide the most natural indoor growing environment possible.
Dimlux ballasts used in combination with a OptiClimate Maxi Controller also offer many other functions and options, such as: Simulation of sunrise/sunset, asynchronous times (for example, 10 hours on and 11 hours off)
An OptiClimate canopy temperature camera can be connected to the Maxi Controller to monitor evaporation from the crop: an excessive canopy temperature is indicative of problems with the plants’ evaporation capacity (for example, too little water or excessive light). If the canopy temperature rises to an excessive level then the Dimlux ballasts are dimmed or switched off until the temperature falls to an acceptable level: failure to lower an excessive canopy temperature would result in the plants reducing their evaporation capacity by closing the stomata, which would in turn shut down the assimilation of CO2 and photosynthesis, a process that halts plant growth. A prolonged shutdown will ultimately result in scorched foliage and cause irreparable damage to the plant’s engine (the foliage). The canopy temperature is of greater importance to plants than ambient temperature.
CO2 Sensor
No, the CO2 Sensor is designed and intended for use with the Dimlux Maxi Controller which is sold separately.
For the best results and atmospheric monitoring it is important to hang the Dimlux CO2 Sensor in the canopy area at the same height as your plants. Ensure the light cell is directly exposed to your lights so it will switch on and off automatically during light and dark periods. The CO2 Sensor has a built-in 2-pin plug on the back of the unit and comes with a 2-pin to 3-pin adapter to accommodate US and European power supplies.
It can be advisable, in some situations, to purchase a separate extension cord so that the sensor can be positioned in the most suitable location.
On the front of the Sensor, there is a 2-pin socket, this is used to power the separately available Dimlux CO2 Regulator. This regulator attaches to a standard CO2 cylinder and releases CO2 gas whenever necessary. Gas is controlled by a solenoid valve within the unit.
Calibration of your CO2 Sensor is accomplished using the Maxi Controller. Outside CO2 levels are generally around 400 ppm. By initially taking a reading in an outside area you will clearly determine how close or distant your CO2 Sensor is from the 400 ppm benchmark. Depending on how far your Sensor reads above or below the 400 ppm level determines what adjustment is necessary. The Sensor is then moved indoor for CO2 monitoring and flow control.
The Dimlux CO2 Sensor monitors levels of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in the surrounding environment and transmits this data to the Dimlux Maxi Controller (Sold separately) for real-time dispensing of CO2 based on the atmospheric needs of the grow area. The Sensor also powers the CO2 Regulator (Sold separately) ensuring optimal levels of CO2 are always present and removes the need for manual adjustment.
The advantages of this system are a reduction of CO2 waste, maximizing plant growth, and the elimination of manual adjustment which is often inaccurate or neglected. A built-in light cell is an additional feature which ensures the CO2 Sensor shuts down distribution when lights are off and plants switch from taking in CO2 to releasing it.
In any closed-loop environment, CO2 supplementation is an absolute must and is a tactic used by the industries top growers for the most prodigious results. In these environments, little-to-no fresh air is drawn into the controlled environment from the outside. By deploying the Dimlux CO2 Sensor, Maxi Controller, and OptiClimate, the most natural and productive atmosphere can be created for plant growth. The outcome will ensure all hardware costs are recuperated in one grow cycle.
Temperature Sensor
(1) Dimlux Temperature Sensor with EITHER a 5-Meter or 10-Meter connection cord
By gathering specific temperature related data on a grow area, the Dimlux Temperature Sensor ensures lights come on and off as needed and provides the most refined and natural growing environment for your plants. Data is transmitted to the separately sold Dimlux Maxi Controller which in turn communicates with lights, CO2, and humidity, for a comprehensive environmental management experience. Usage of this product is appropriate for all cycles throughout the grow cycle including both veg and flowering.
The sensor portion of this product should be hung at approximately the height of the plant canopy. Use of a sensor cover to protect the probe from light radiation is mandatory to achieve accurate results. Connect this sensor to the “Temp” slot on the Dimlux Maxi Controller.
1000 Watt DE EL UHF
(1) 1000-Watt Complete Fixture consisting of the following:
(1) Xtreme Ballast
(1) Ultra Optics 98 Reflector
(1) 1000-Watt Philips Master Greenpower Lamp
(1) 4-Meter power cord
The first step in getting started with any lighting unit is determining how to hang it. Dimlux lighting systems are comprised of a reflector, ballast, and lamp, all in one easy to install unit. Therefore, determine the appropriate height and center the light system over your grow space. Be sure to use light hangers that will support approximately 15 lbs. Lights should not be too close to the ceiling nor too close to the plants due to the extreme heat they generate and fire hazard.
For the most effective results with Dimlux lights, use of the Maxi Controller is strongly suggested. Two Dimlux units can be connected directly to the Maxi Controller using connection wires. Additional Dimlux units can then be added by daisy-chaining them from the original two units connected to the Maxi Controller. In total, 160 separate lighting fixtures can be connected to each Maxi Controller.
630W CMH
(1) Dimlux Expert 630-Watt CDM System containing:
(2) 315-Watt Lamps
(1) Ballast
(1) Ultra Optics Reflector
(1) Power Cable – 4-Meter
Dimlux CDM fixtures utilize ceramic-discharge metal halide (aka CDM or CMH) lamps to produce a light spectrum that is much broader than other forms of HID lighting (like typical metal halides and HPS). Its output is more comparable to the light produced by LEP (light emitting plasma) units. LEPs actually have a slightly broader spectrum than the CDM fixture, but they simply do not compare in terms of brightness. It is apparent with the naked eye, as soon as you turn on this Dimlux unit, that it is every bit as bright as the equivalent wattage in HPS, providing the best of both worlds – a unit that delivers a broad LEP-style spectrum combined with the intensity and flare of equivalent HPS-style lamps! This unit is a great all-around lighting system that will greatly increase the quantity and quality of your harvest and plant yield.
The following Output setting can be selected: 165-Watt, 205-Watt, 245-Watt, 280-Watt, 315-Watt, 345-Watt, and 380-Watt. These (7) settings provide the flexibility to tailor and customize your lighting. Accommodating your plants demands based on environmental conditions in the grow area will ensure that temperatures remain well within acceptable ranges.
Because this fixture is full-spectrum, it is great for both the vegetative and flower (Bloom) stages. Some of the benefits of CMH lighting include triggering rapid growth, speeding up turnover times, and increasing the overall efficiency of your indoor garden. Issues with stretch that generally occur when using narrow, inadequate spectrums of light, are eliminated due to the healthy levels of blue/white light (at approximately 5000k to 6000k) internodes.
Fully compatible with the Dimlux Maxi Controller. Lights can be daisy chained together for up to 160 of these systems. On/Off times can be controlled centrally without the need of timers or other expensive equipment. The system is powered directly from the main and the Maxi Controller can automate all other functionality. Users have access to an extensive range of features and will be able to automatically regulate lighting according to VPD (vapor pressure deficit). VPD provides a much clearer picture of how the environment is affecting plants, describing the difference in vapor pressure between the plants themselves and the air around them. By using this measurement to reduce output levels when necessary, you’ll ensure that transpiration rates stay optimal at all times. The stomata on the underside of each leaf will then stay open, ensuring that photosynthesis is optimal at all times.
The first step in getting started with any lighting unit is determining how to hang it. Dimlux lighting systems are comprised of a reflector, ballast, and lamp, all-in-one easy to install unit. Therefore, determine the appropriate height and center the light system over your grow space. Be sure to use light hangers that will support approximately 15 lbs. Lights should not be too close to the ceiling nor too close to the plants due to the extreme heat they generate and fire hazard.
Positioning the ballast directly behind the reflector and housing both of them together cleverly does away with the need for a lengthy cable, helping to prevent electromagnetic interference for an uninterrupted supply of energy to the lamp. As a result, you can suspend the entire unit directly above the canopy, dramatically increasing the intensity of light fed to plants and massively boosting growth rates.
For the most effective results with Dimlux lights, use of the Maxi Controller is strongly suggested. Two Dimlux units can be connected directly to the Maxi Controller using connection wires. Additional Dimlux units can then be added by daisy-chaining them from the original two units connected to the Maxi Controller. In total, 160 separate lighting fixtures can be connected to each Maxi Controller.
315 CMH
(1) Dimlux Expert 315-Watt CDM System containing:
(1) Lamp
(1) Ballast
(1) Ultra Optics Reflector
(1) Power Cable – 4-Meter
(1) Cat5 Interlink Cable
(1) Eye Hook set
Dimlux LEC fixtures utilize ceramic-discharge metal halide (aka LEC or CMH) lamps to produce a light spectrum that is much broader than other forms of HID lighting (like typical metal halides and HPS). Its output is more comparable to the light produced by LEP (light emitting plasma) units. LEPs actually have a slightly broader spectrum than the CDM fixture, but they simply do not compare in terms of brightness. It is apparent with the naked eye, as soon as you turn on this Dimlux unit, that it is every bit as bright as the equivalent wattage in HPS, providing the best of both worlds – a unit that delivers a broad LEP-style spectrum combined with the intensity and flare of equivalent HPS-style lamps! This unit is a great all-around lighting system that will greatly increase the quantity and quality of your harvest and plant yield.
The following Output setting can be selected: 165-Watt, 205-Watt, 245-Watt, 280-Watt, 315-Watt, 345-Watt, and 380-Watt. These (7) settings provide the flexibility to tailor and customize your lighting. Accommodating your plants demands based on environmental conditions in the grow area will ensure that temperatures remain well within acceptable ranges.
Because this fixture is full-spectrum, it is great for both the vegetative and flower (Bloom) stages. Some of the benefits of CMH lighting include triggering rapid growth, speeding up turnover times, and increasing the overall efficiency of your indoor garden. Issues with stretch that generally occur when using narrow, inadequate spectrums of light, are eliminated due to the healthy levels of blue/white light (at roughly 5000k to 6000k) internodes.
Fully compatible with the Dimlux Maxi Controller. Lights can be daisy chained together for up to 160 of these systems. On/Off times can be controlled centrally without the need of timers or other expensive equipment. The system is powered directly from the main and the Maxi Controller can automate all other functionality. Users have access to an extensive range of features and will be able to automatically regulate lighting according to VPD (vapor pressure deficit). VPD provides a much clearer picture of how the environment is affecting plants, describing the difference in vapor pressure between the plants themselves and the air around them. By using this measurement to reduce output levels when necessary, you’ll ensure that transpiration rates stay optimal at all times. The stomata on the underside of each leaf will then stay open, ensuring that photosynthesis is optimal at all times.
The first step in getting started with any lighting unit is determining how to hang it. Dimlux lighting systems are comprised of a reflector, ballast, and lamp, all in one easy to install unit. Therefore, determine the appropriate height and center the light system over your grow space. Be sure to use light hangers that will support approximately 15 lbs. Lights should not be too close to the ceiling nor too close to the plants due to the extreme heat they generate and fire hazard.
For the most effective results with Dimlux lights, use of the Maxi Controller is strongly suggested. Two Dimlux units can be connected directly to the Maxi Controller using connection wires. Additional Dimlux units can then be added by daisy-chaining them from the original two units connected to the Maxi Controller. In total, 160 separate lighting fixtures can be connected to each Maxi Controller.
Ultra Optics Reflector
There are 2 factors that contribute to reflector degradation and ultimately light loss to your canopy. Normal wear and tear, and room environment. Both of which can decrease quality of light by 20%. One of these can be controlled while the other cannot. Even though Dimlux follows the Single Bounce Clear Sight principal, (light bounces once on the reflector before going to the canopy), wear and tear occurs as this light (photons) bounces off the reflector. This cannot be avoided. What can be controlled is your room environment (dust in the air, spray residue, and general room cleanliness). With that in mind and depending on the wear and tear (and cleanliness of your grow room), replacing the reflectors is eventually a good idea (that can range anywhere between 12 months to 18 months – it depends on your maintenance regimen!).
Replacement reflectors are a cost-effective way to keep your light maximized without having to replace an entire fixture. No need to waste power without getting the most out of your light!