AC Remote Station, Universal Remote Control for any remote controlled Heat & Cool AC such as Mini-Split AC system

What the ARS-2 Does

The ARS-2 bridges the gap between TrolMaster's environmental control platform and any mini-split or window-type AC unit that ships with an infrared remote. Rather than hardwiring into the AC or relying on manual setpoint changes, the ARS-2 learns the IR signal library from your unit's original remote — including Cool, Heat, and Auto mode commands — and rebroadcasts those signals on cue from the main controller.

Once taught, the station operates autonomously. Based on photocell status and temperature sensor readings fed back to the main controller, the ARS-2 fires the correct IR command at the AC head unit to hold the programmed Day or Night setpoint. The upgrade from the ARS-1 is meaningful: the ARS-1 could only act under a single mode, while the ARS-2 handles all three primary modes, giving operators real flexibility regardless of season or room condition.

Who It's For

Licensed cannabis and hemp cultivation facilities that run mini-split HVAC — whether single-head ductless units in individual flower rooms or multi-zone systems across a larger footprint — consistently face the same problem: mini-splits don't natively accept thermostat signals, so automated day/night temperature transitions require manual intervention or expensive HVAC replacement. The ARS-2 solves this without touching the refrigerant circuit or voiding the AC unit's warranty.

It is purpose-built for operators already running a TrolMaster Hydro-X (HCS-2, HCS-3), Tent-X (TCS-1), or Green-X (GCS-1) controller who want their mini-split to participate in the same automated environment as their lighting, CO2, and humidity devices. Each AC unit in a space requires its own ARS-2 station — a multi-room or multi-zone build should account for one unit per head.

Key Features and Operational Logic

IR signal learning covers AUTO, COOL, and HEAT modes, so the controller can send the appropriate command as conditions change across a grow cycle — not just cooling season. Once configured, separate Day and Night temperature setpoints are programmed inside the TrolMaster controller. The ARS-2 monitors photocell and temperature sensor status and automatically sends the matching IR command to the AC head unit when a transition is triggered.

Operators can also program one of the two periods — Day or Night — to hold temperature parameters that effectively keep the AC unit off entirely during that window. This is useful for rooms where cooling is only needed during lights-on, or for low-load dark periods where running the mini-split is wasteful. The ARS-2 handles the off-period without any manual touchpoint.

Hardware setup is straightforward: the unit mounts via its back panel near the AC head, connects to the main controller via the included 16 ft RJ12 cable (a 4 ft cable is also included for tighter installations), and draws power through that same RJ12 line — no external adapter needed. A Micro-SD slot accepts firmware updates (32 GB card or smaller required), ensuring the station stays compatible as TrolMaster extends its platform.

How It Fits a Commercial Build

For cultivation operators who spec'd mini-split HVAC because of cost-efficiency, zoning flexibility, or facility constraints, the ARS-2 is the missing link that brings those units under automated environmental control — the same control loop managing every other device in the room. Temperature stability across canopy is measurably tighter when the AC responds to sensor feedback rather than a fixed manual setpoint that may drift by multiple degrees before staff intervenes.

In multi-room facilities, each ARS-2 is independently addressed on the TrolMaster bus, so a single Hydro-X system can manage multiple rooms and their respective AC units under different day/night profiles. Pair with TrolMaster's temperature/humidity sensor stations and CO2 modules for a fully closed-loop environment — the ARS-2 is one node in a scalable automation architecture, not a standalone thermostat swap.