CO2 Sensor for Hydro-X with cable set

What the MBS-S8 Does

The MBS-S8 is TrolMaster's purpose-built CO2 sensor for the Hydro-X environmental control platform. It continuously measures CO2 concentration in parts per million (PPM) within the grow space and transmits that reading to the Hydro-X controller over the RJ12 bus — giving the controller real-time data to drive automated CO2 enrichment decisions.

Once the sensor is integrated, the Hydro-X can trigger and shut off your CO2 generator or tank-and-regulator system through one or more DSC-1 CO2 Device Stations based on actual measured PPM, rather than running on a fixed timer. That closed-loop approach keeps enrichment dialed in to your setpoint across the full lighting cycle without over-gassing or wasting CO2 during the dark period — the built-in photocell handles light-state detection automatically.

Who This Sensor Is For

The MBS-S8 is the correct CO2 sensor for any licensed cultivation operator already running a TrolMaster Hydro-X controller who wants to add active CO2 monitoring and automated enrichment control. If your facility is supplementing CO2 — whether via burner/generator or bottled gas — and you're currently managing that on a timer or manually, the MBS-S8 plus DSC-1 device module is the path to true closed-loop PPM control through the Hydro-X interface.

It is a Hydro-X-only component. The MBS-S8 does not function as a standalone CO2 meter and is not compatible with other controller platforms. Operators running the Hydro-X Pro or Hydro-X Plus platforms should verify sensor compatibility with their specific controller variant before ordering.

Key Features and What They Mean in Practice

Built-in photocell: The MBS-S8 detects ambient light state directly at the sensor. This allows the Hydro-X to automatically suppress CO2 enrichment during the dark cycle without requiring a separate light-schedule input — a meaningful operational detail in sealed or light-dep rooms where CO2 accumulation during lights-off creates unnecessary expense and potential safety exposure.

RJ12 plug-and-play architecture: TrolMaster's RJ12 bus design means the sensor daisy-chains onto the existing Hydro-X wiring run. The included 16 ft cable covers most in-room sensor placement scenarios, and the T-splitter allows the sensor to share the bus with other Hydro-X modules without breaking the chain. No custom wiring, no control panels to open.

Sensor care: TrolMaster specifies that sensors must remain dry and clean to prevent premature failure. Keep the MBS-S8 away from direct irrigation spray, condensate zones, and cleaning chemical mist. Mount it at canopy level in a representative air-flow zone — not directly above a CO2 emitter outlet or exhaust port.

How It Fits a Complete Hydro-X CO2 Control Build

The MBS-S8 is the sensing half of a two-part solution. To achieve full closed-loop CO2 control through the Hydro-X, you also need at least one DSC-1 CO2 Device Station. The DSC-1 is the switched outlet module that physically turns your CO2 generator or solenoid valve on and off — rated for up to 10A at 120V for domestic equipment, or up to 10A across the 100–240V world voltage standard depending on variant. The MBS-S8 reads PPM; the DSC-1 acts on the controller's decision. Multiple DSC-1 units can be daisy-chained for multi-zone or redundant configurations.

For operators building out a complete climate automation stack, the Hydro-X also supports temp/humidity sensors, lighting control adapters, VPD-based management, and remote monitoring through the TrolMaster app — all on the same RJ12 bus architecture. Adding the MBS-S8 is typically one of the final sensor additions to a fully instrumented room build.