Professional single-zone environmental control — lights, CO2, temp, humidity, and scheduling in one 7" touchscreen unit.
The TrolMaster Hydro-X Plus (HCS-3) is a professional-grade single-zone environmental control system built for commercial horticulture, cannabis, and hydroponic operations. It ships complete with the MBS-PRO 4-in-1 sensor (temp, humidity, CO2 ppm, and light presence), RJ12 cable set, and free smartphone app — everything needed to bring a room online from day one.
The Hydro-X Plus (HCS-3) sits at the top of TrolMaster's Hydro-X controller lineup — a professional-grade, single-zone environmental control system designed to manage an entire grow room through one centralized 7-inch, 800×480 LED touchscreen interface. It is the upgraded successor to the original Hydro-X, delivering expanded device capacity, advanced lighting control functions, and cloud-connected remote monitoring via a wired Ethernet port and the free TrolMaster app.
Out of the box, the HCS-3 package includes the Hydro-X Plus controller unit, the MBS-PRO 4-in-1 environmental sensor, an RJ12 T-splitter, an RJ12 cable set for light connections, a 12V power adapter, and access to the TrolMaster smartphone app. This is a complete starter configuration — no additional sensors are required to begin monitoring and controlling a room.
The HCS-3 supports an unlimited number of lights (via LMA-series lighting adapters), up to 8 temperature device stations, up to 8 humidity device stations, up to 4 CO2 device stations, and up to 12 programmable timer device stations — with up to 50 independent schedules configurable across all parameters. Multiple control modules allow operators to build distinct temperature and humidity stages within a single zone, tightening environmental consistency across the canopy.
All sensors and device stations connect to the HCS-3 via standard RJ12 cables and RJ12 Y-splitters in a daisy-chain configuration, making installation and future expansion straightforward. An optional SPH-1 8-port hub can be used in place of individual Y-splitters to further simplify wiring in larger builds. Up to 10 smoke detectors and 10 water leak sensors can also be integrated, with instant push notifications to a connected smartphone if any alarm is triggered.
The HCS-3 includes two independent lighting control channels, each with its own setpoints and dimming sequences — useful in facilities running multiple lighting types or phased light programs across the same zone. The system is compatible with virtually any horticultural lighting (LED or HID) through TrolMaster's LMA-series adapters. Spectrum and group lighting control, sunrise/sunset simulation, cloud-movement simulation, and overheat protection are all built in.
Daily Light Integral (DLI) monitoring and control lets operators calculate and deliver precise PPFD targets across a photoperiod, reducing energy waste and improving consistency between cycles. The optional MBS-PAR quantum sensor (sold separately) can be added to the system to close the loop on light intensity — automatically adjusting fixture output based on real-time PAR values. Historical data from all connected sensors is automatically logged and stored within the controller for review and compliance documentation.
The HCS-3 is designed for licensed cannabis and hemp cultivation facilities that need reliable, documented environmental control in a single-zone configuration. It is well-suited as a per-room controller in multi-room builds, where each room operates independently but all units can be monitored remotely through the TrolMaster app. The modular RJ12 bus architecture means devices and sensors from other Hydro-X-series controllers remain cross-compatible — operators already running Hydro-X hardware can upgrade to the HCS-3 without replacing existing device stations.
Internet connectivity is achieved via a hardwired Cat 5/6 Ethernet connection to the port on the bottom of the unit. TrolMaster does not include built-in Wi-Fi; a wired LAN connection is the recommended and supported method for remote access. For teams speccing a new build or expanding an existing facility, contact HSC for configuration guidance and volume pricing on multi-unit deployments.
| SKU | HCS-3 |
| Display | 7" LED touchscreen, 800×480 resolution |
| Light Device Control | Unlimited (via LMA-series adapters) |
| Temperature Device Stations | Up to 8 |
| Humidity Device Stations | Up to 8 |
| CO2 Device Stations | Up to 4 |
| Programmable Timer Stations | Up to 12 (up to 50 schedules) |
| Lighting Control Channels | 2 independent channels with individual dimming |
| Safety Sensor Support | Up to 10 smoke detectors + 10 water leak sensors |
| Connectivity | Wired Ethernet (Cat 5/6); no built-in Wi-Fi |
| Input Voltage | 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| Included Sensor | MBS-PRO 4-in-1 (temp / humidity / CO2 ppm / light presence) |
The HCS-3 package includes the controller, the MBS-PRO 4-in-1 sensor (temp, humidity, CO2 ppm, and light presence), an RJ12 T-splitter, an RJ12 cable set, and a 12V power adapter. You can monitor and begin basic environmental control immediately. To actually switch or dim devices (ACs, dehumidifiers, CO2 generators, lights), you will need compatible TrolMaster device stations and LMA-series lighting adapters, which are sold separately.
No. The HCS-3 connects to the internet via a hardwired Cat 5/6 Ethernet cable plugged into the port on the bottom of the unit. TrolMaster recommends wired LAN as the supported connection method; most commercially available Wi-Fi range extenders with Ethernet ports are not confirmed compatible. Wired connectivity is the reliable path for remote monitoring and app control in a commercial facility.
The HCS-3 supports an unlimited number of light fixtures through TrolMaster's LMA-series lighting adapters. It is compatible with virtually any commercial horticultural lighting system — LED or HID — depending on the adapter used. Two independent lighting control channels allow operators to run separate dimming sequences or setpoints for different fixture groups within the same zone.
Yes. The HCS-3 supports up to 10 smoke detectors and up to 10 water leak sensors connected via the RJ12 bus. If any of these sensors trigger an alarm, the controller sends an immediate push notification to the connected smartphone, which is a meaningful addition for facilities running lights-out or overnight operations.
Yes. The Hydro-X system uses a modular RJ12 bus architecture, and all TrolMaster device stations and sensors are cross-compatible across the HCS-1, HCS-2 Pro, and HCS-3 Plus tiers. If you are upgrading from an existing Hydro-X controller, your current device stations can be retained and reconnected to the HCS-3 without replacement.
Get operator-direct pricing and availability. We supply licensed commercial cultivators nationwide.
Request a Quote