digital lightLINK

What the digital lightLINK Does

The digital lightLINK is a LINKS-ecosystem module that sits between the Growlink LINKS HUB and your lighting fixtures, translating the HUB's control signals into the fixture manufacturer's native digital communication protocol. That translation layer is what separates it from a simple 0–10V analog dimmer: rather than a generic voltage signal, the digital lightLINK talks to the fixture in its own language, unlocking full intensity and spectrum control on compatible fixtures — not just a single dimming curve.

Each module handles one lighting zone. In a multi-room facility, you deploy one digital lightLINK per room or zone and manage all of them from a single Growlink OS dashboard. The module draws power directly through the RJ-45 cable connecting it to the HUB — no separate power supply required. A setup button on the device allows re-addressing in the field, and an onboard LED indicates HUB connection status at a glance.

Fixture Compatibility & Wiring

The digital lightLINK supports nine fixture manufacturers: ThinkGrow, Dutch Lighting Innovations (DLI), Hydrofarm/Phantom, Synce, Fohse, Revolution Lighting, Faven, Iluminar, and Matrix. Fixtures that communicate over RJ-12 — ThinkGrow and DLI — plug directly into the module's RJ-12 port using the appropriate cable for that brand. All other supported manufacturers wire into the terminal block, which handles RS-485 and hardwire connections.

Wiring specifics vary by manufacturer. Phantom/Hydrofarm fixtures controlled by the Autopilot series use an RJ-12 to USB cable wired to the terminal block. Synce fixtures require the brand's THEIA Echo Air gateway device, which then connects to the digital lightLINK's RS-485 Modbus terminal. Growlink's Quick Start Guide documents each wiring diagram. Properly speccing the connection type before installation eliminates most setup issues in the field.

The digital lightLINK also requires a canopyLINK and a Climalink sensor for full functionality, including the high-temperature shutdown feature. Both are separate LINKS devices. If you are building out a Growlink LINKS system from scratch, factor those modules into your zone design.

Automation Features

Once connected to Growlink OS, the digital lightLINK enables a range of automated lighting behaviors. Sunrise and sunset ramping gradually transitions light intensity at the start and end of each photoperiod rather than switching fixtures on and off abruptly — reducing photomorphogenic stress that hard switches can cause in sensitive growth stages. High-temperature dimming automatically pulls intensity back when canopy temperature exceeds a defined threshold, protecting the crop when cooling capacity is outpaced by heat load.

Adaptive light intensity allows setpoints to shift dynamically based on sensor data fed through the Growlink OS platform. Combined with zone-specific scheduling, operators can run differentiated light recipes across multiple rooms — a veg room on an 18/6 schedule with a soft ramp, a flower room on 12/12 with different spectrum emphasis — all from a single interface. All schedules, ramps, and spectrum recipes are managed remotely through Growlink OS via web browser or mobile app.

Where It Fits in a Commercial Build

The digital lightLINK is the right call for any licensed cannabis or hemp operation already running — or planning to run — Growlink LINKS as its facility automation backbone. It replaces manual dimmer schedules and proprietary fixture apps with centralized, data-driven lighting control that coordinates with climate, irrigation, and nutrient events through Growlink OS.

For multi-room facilities, one module per room scales cleanly: add a HUB port and a digital lightLINK as each new room comes online. The module ships with wall-mounting hardware included; an optional DIN rail mounting kit is available separately for panel or enclosure installs. Per Growlink's installation guidance, mount the unit outside the direct grow environment — above the canopy and away from drip zones, misters, and humidifiers — to protect the connectors and circuitry from moisture. In high-humidity rooms running above 70% continuous RH, a weatherproof enclosure is recommended.

If your fixture brand is on the supported list and you are speccing a Growlink LINKS build, the digital lightLINK is the standard lighting control path. Contact HSC for a quote or to discuss how many zones your build requires.