Help choosing a light controller

[jonnynobody]

I have two 2000w HID's, two 600w HID's, and two quantum boards at 1110W totaling 4310w of power draw. I had a timer jump time a few days ago and while I was watering in the dark one of my 1000w lamps kicked on 2 hours ahead of schedule. I quickly disconnected it, threw away the timer, and replaced it with a new functional timer. However the experience scared the shit out of me, and made me quickly realize I need a light controller. The only issue I seem to be running into is that I have two LED quantum boards that are 120v. Every light controller I've looked at operates at 240v. My HID ballasts are all 120/240v compatible, but my two quantum boards are 120v. Does a controller exist that allows for 240v output receptacles as well as 120v output receptacles? I've pretty well accepted the fact that I will most likely have to install a 240v 4 light timer for the HID's and then a separate timer for my two LED boards. It would just be so nice to have them all on the same timer, however I don't see that as an option anywhere. Here are the two I'm looking at:

#1) Titan Controls® Helios® 4 - 4 Light 240 V Controller with Relay Trigger Cord
https://www.titancontrols.net/shop/product/titan-controls-helios-4-4-light-240v-controller-with-relay-trigger-cord_1?categoryId=lighting_3
This one has a 2 amp 120v receptacle on the front of the controller that I like. I can plug in an inline fan or even my 450w LED board. Then I would have 5 lights on the controller and only 1 light on a separate timer. I think this might be as good as I can do.

#2) MCL 8 Outlet HID hydroponic Master Light Controller Electric Box 120v /240v 50A
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MCL-8-Outlet-HID-hydroponic-Master-Light-Controller-Electric-Box-120v-240v-50A/401339313659?epid=1665035033&_trkparms=ispr=1&hash=item5d71afedfb:g:JZQAAOSwiB9dl-gJ&amdata=enc:AQAFAAACcBaobrjLl8XobRIiIML1V4Imu%2Fn%2BzU5L90Z278x5ickkTboA95HSvGa1O5UmCCGJLpKOAGzK2%2F7ZlpI3IW5rYHfzew7kyl3%2Bv825XsIh7WjXm94AD5iwpF%2BCaxslv2PIx40ijO1HVl%2BO3u8X87q23O7Ap3UmwFejbENda22VmM8PBVzFBEloCmuWD%2BoqNMpTCGMMpAtExxttMvY3PdzPVXK1AFWG%2FYWKwxFfWaet5lkNlD7BSti0%2BdLXukTPm8SD%2FfvpYcUcwSvwQub52Xv9NtM02WpoTMCkzyM3qlDlaG9D50f7Bx55pB0il8s6CVUU2xtpEdJCK2l05riGN8ui0KZGnAtNkghxlF%2FTLqSgxvy2QyyEH2J9niZ9VWPtu7VPk4ysr2%2Fb7Icwfg5MH3Ib0nunzZh%2Fw0DaPSp%2B5zCf4auOHIy9rMHEsVg%2FbazoSUu0OUlQ0lQkNLW7I476Z5Sfw087WgmfyWjXht57KcXboLhWSvgmc0Vq%2BQo30jjkpj84vNlZcLT2fTmemEUuW1JcOlD7YlOjM%2F3%2BCZoQkil3C75pEzgEzhnZBYAk%2BH5m3c7caVeJ2xisv2O%2FQj%2FSDoQ3jWmqCDT3Avtrwbem2HM0NNcw5A2eeYRPnk5rirELM9oyp7%2BFanDzJa%2BmJD1h05IiqYR%2FYsQvSkwUt7TD4kUC1%2Fb7fJYLXdgMUh6ZoKkweMF8DJlwkE9elrNvQXImBtWf8S29u65ar6YWSGnLfkMNsnwtEj5ocFQ%2F1s3d0wCq3R%2BPyklyR2PVTWfHQ1j63f6g1wMNQZezvxklAWcor61nmte2omqKEhVaeMfXBv98e7irFw%3D%3D|cksum:401339313659da6be4aa1b8046d2b596a821b882f133|ampid:PL_CLK|clp:2334524

I'm not an electrician so hopefully someone more savvy can help me decipher the capabilities of the unit above. It says:

• This controller will run ( HID lights at 240 Volts or 120 Volts for 6 HID light - Maximum 8000
  Watts. Each Outlet can handle 1000W. Keep in mind maximum amperage is 50amp for all 8 outlet.
• Two Extra 120V Outlet

I'm not sure if that means the unit can be wired at 120v or 240v interchangeably. Of course wiring at 120v would significantly decrease the amp output, however I would be able to power all of my lights from that single controller. 50 amps at 120v gives me 6000w of power which is far more than the 4310w I'm drawing from my 6 lights. I would even be able to plug in all my inline fans. I appreciate any input anyone can offer.

 

[TintEastwood]

This is a cool economical relay box. May not be exactly what you are looking for.

Amazon.com: Iot Relay - Enclosed High-power Power Relay for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, PIC or Wifi, Relay Shield: Electronics

Amazon.com: Iot Relay - Enclosed High-power Power Relay for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, PIC or Wifi, Relay Shield: Electronics

www.amazon.com

IoT Relay

Create the Internet of Things with safe, reliable power control. Universal control voltage 3.3-48VDC or 12-120VAC connects to Arduino, Raspberry Pi, PIC or other micro. Or connect directly to a 3.3V to 48VDC or even 120VAC circuits. High voltage wiring and safety hazards are eliminated. A...

dlidirect.com

IoT Relay Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

Safe AC Power Control - ships now, 15-day free trial!

www.digital-loggers.com

I have a pair on the shelf.
Just in case my Titan hades 2 light controller fails me.

 

[jonnynobody]

This is a cool economical relay box. May not be exactly what you are looking for.

Amazon.com: Iot Relay - Enclosed High-power Power Relay for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, PIC or Wifi, Relay Shield: Electronics

Amazon.com: Iot Relay - Enclosed High-power Power Relay for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, PIC or Wifi, Relay Shield: Electronics

www.amazon.com

IoT Relay

Create the Internet of Things with safe, reliable power control. Universal control voltage 3.3-48VDC or 12-120VAC connects to Arduino, Raspberry Pi, PIC or other micro. Or connect directly to a 3.3V to 48VDC or even 120VAC circuits. High voltage wiring and safety hazards are eliminated. A...

dlidirect.com

IoT Relay Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

Safe AC Power Control - ships now, 15-day free trial!

www.digital-loggers.com

I have a pair on the shelf.
Just in case my Titan hades 2 light controller fails me.

I don't think I'm technically savvy enough to know what to use that for
I found this sexy piece of delicious looking hardware right here though:
https://www.powerboxinc.com/dpc7500-120v.html
Price is more than I want to pay, but it does exactly what I want. 240v input that converts to 120v receptacle outputs. It's perfect! I could run all 6 lights on the same controller without a problem. Might just have to bite the bullet and pull the trigger.

 

[Sleez]

I have the same question. One of my leds has the 240v wire. The other doesn’t. Is it possible to connect 120 and 240v together?

 

[kovidkough]

this may be a dumb question but do they make smart plugs for that many watts, im only running 1.2k so I have no idea what you deal with at 4k but I can plug into smart outlets that have digital timers on an app on your phone. you can set any increments you want any schedule

also found these

Amazon.com : Oppolite 2-Pack 240V to 120V Plug Adapter Voltage Converter for 1000W MH/Hps/CMH Grow Light Kit Hydroponic Growing Accessories for US (240V to 120V, 2-Pack) : Garden & Outdoor

Amazon.com : Oppolite 2-Pack 240V to 120V Plug Adapter Voltage Converter for 1000W MH/Hps/CMH Grow Light Kit Hydroponic Growing Accessories for US (240V to 120V, 2-Pack) : Garden & Outdoor

www.amazon.com

 

[jonnynobody]

I have the same question. One of my leds has the 240v wire. The other doesn’t. Is it possible to connect 120 and 240v together?

You can plug one of these into your 240v light timer and then plug your 120v LED light into it:
https://www.amazon.com/Southwire-9042SW8801-Outlet-Range-Adapter/dp/B07CJ246JP/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=xwVML&pf_rd_p=07442e57-5bbc-4b36-bdb2-92a549250cee&pf_rd_r=KJGJ1WJNV84E5FZQW9RS&pd_rd_r=5415bd46-ac73-4f42-b512-ab45192a48b1&pd_rd_wg=OM8pj&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_d

 

[jonnynobody]

this may be a dumb question but do they make smart plugs for that many watts, im only running 1.2k so I have no idea what you deal with at 4k but I can plug into smart outlets that have digital timers on an app on your phone. you can set any increments you want any schedule

also found these

Amazon.com : Oppolite 2-Pack 240V to 120V Plug Adapter Voltage Converter for 1000W MH/Hps/CMH Grow Light Kit Hydroponic Growing Accessories for US (240V to 120V, 2-Pack) : Garden & Outdoor

Amazon.com : Oppolite 2-Pack 240V to 120V Plug Adapter Voltage Converter for 1000W MH/Hps/CMH Grow Light Kit Hydroponic Growing Accessories for US (240V to 120V, 2-Pack) : Garden & Outdoor

www.amazon.com

Not for high voltage in the 50 amp range unfortunately. I wish it was that easy

 

[Oxyrhina]

Following along, I need a reliable solution also... I'm currently using smart plugs which I love everything about except after a few months two are randomly going offline and turning off.

If I can't find something off the shelf soon I'll give a Raspberry pi a shot with a mechanical relay. I think Mycodo would be great especially for expansion headroom...

 

[jonnynobody]

Following along, I need a reliable solution also... I'm currently using smart plugs which I love everything about except after a few months two are randomly going offline and turning off.

If I can't find something off the shelf soon I'll give a Raspberry pi a shot with a mechanical relay. I think Mycodo would be great especially for expansion headroom...

How many lights do you need to control?
Titan Controls - Helios 2 - 4 Light 120V Controller w/ Trigger UL Listed
2 amp accessory receptacle on the front of the controller also for controlling an inline fan or what have you. Nice little unit.
https://www.growwurks.com/titan-controls-helios-2-4-light-120v-controller-w-trigger-cord.aspx
Install a 50 amp single pole breaker with 6 gauge wire. Home depot sells it by the foot. I'm planning to run mine about 8" away from the panel to the controller mounted on a piece of 1/2" plywood. Done and done. I wouldn't recommend jerry rigging a light controller. To each their own though.

 

[Renfro]

Can you just run the 120v LED lights on the same timer you plug the trigger cord for the controller into?

 

[jonnynobody]

Can you just run the 120v LED lights on the same timer you plug the trigger cord for the controller into?

For 2 days now I've been racking my brain trying to figure out how to swing this and not once did I even consider using the 120v trigger cords as a means of connecting the LED boards to the controller. You're gonna have to live forever dude. Otherwise simple minded people like me are screwed

I know my gameplan now. There's a 240v 8 light controller on ebay for $120. Each 4 receptacle bank has it's own 120v trigger cord that will run to a timer. Trigger cord plugs into 1 of the 2 ports on the timer and 1 LED board plugs into the other side. Repeat the same setup for trigger cord b. Both LED boards are now timed to go on and off at 120v at the same time as my 4 HID's at 240v. Problem solved. And more economocally than the 4 light helios controller I was looking at. The 8 light controller with the 2 trigger cords is just a beautiful match for my lighting conundrum. Thanks again @Renfro ! Greatly appreciated!

Edit: After more consideration I decided to go with the Titan Controls® Helios® 4 - 4 Light 240 V Controller with Relay Trigger Cord. UL Listed. The timed 2 amp 120v receptacle on the front connects my 450w LED board. Then I can connect the 660w board on the same timer as the trigger cord for the controller. All lights will power on at the same time using only 1 timer and the controller. I'm stoked. I'm so panicky since the recent timer issue I had that I'm literally waking up at 4am every morning just to make sure the lights go off. That's actually only the 2nd timer I've ever had fail on me so I shouldn't be as spooked as I am. But I am

 

[NukaKola]

For 2 days now I've been racking my brain trying to figure out how to swing this and not once did I even consider using the 120v trigger cords as a means of connecting the LED boards to the controller. You're gonna have to live forever dude. Otherwise simple minded people like me are screwed

I know my gameplan now. There's a 240v 8 light controller on ebay for $120. Each 4 receptacle bank has it's own 120v trigger cord that will run to a timer. Trigger cord plugs into 1 of the 2 ports on the timer and 1 LED board plugs into the other side. Repeat the same setup for trigger cord b. Both LED boards are now timed to go on and off at 120v at the same time as my 4 HID's at 240v. Problem solved. And more economocally than the 4 light helios controller I was looking at. The 8 light controller with the 2 trigger cords is just a beautiful match for my lighting conundrum. Thanks again @Renfro ! Greatly appreciated!

Edit: After more consideration I decided to go with the Titan Controls® Helios® 4 - 4 Light 240 V Controller with Relay Trigger Cord. UL Listed. The timed 2 amp 120v receptacle on the front connects my 450w LED board. Then I can connect the 660w board on the same timer as the trigger cord for the controller. All lights will power on at the same time using only 1 timer and the controller. I'm stoked. I'm so panicky since the recent timer issue I had that I'm literally waking up at 4am every morning just to make sure the lights go off. That's actually only the 2nd timer I've ever had fail on me so I shouldn't be as spooked as I am. But I am

You can’t run your 450w LED on the 2A 120v receptacle on the front. It’s only rated for 240w (2A x 120v).

 

[jonnynobody]

You can’t run your 450w LED on the 2A 120v receptacle on the front. It’s only rated for 240w (2A x 120v).

Thank you for pointing that out. I did my math incorrectly at 240v. I would have tripped the internal fuse potentially ruining the 120v receptacle permanently on a brand new controller. I don't believe those fuses are replaceable. What I'm thinking may be the best solution is using the controller listed above for my 4 HID's. Then I can run my 2 LED's at 120v on a separate timer. That's reasonable and as good as it gets I think. If I had a 6 or 8 light controller it seems like a lot of them come with 2 remote trigger cords - one for each bank of lights. With one of those 6 or 8 light controllers I would still be using 2 timers, so I'm really just chasing my tail here trying to get all 6 lights on the same timer. 2 timers is acceptable and I'm sure I can synchronize their on and off times within 1-3 minutes of each other. That would be much nicer than worrying about the 5 timers I'm using right now to control those 6 lights. Thanks again for pointing out the discrepancy on the 120v receptacle. I would have been beyond super pissed off if I killed a receptacle on my brand new controller, and that's exactly what would have happened

 

[Sleez]

I heard meanwell drivers can run on 120v or 240v. Just have to change the connector. Is this true?

 

[jonnynobody]

I heard meanwell drivers can run on 120v or 240v. Just have to change the connector. Is this true?

I might just be in luck. Here's the link to the specs on the 660w board I bought:
https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Shenzhen-sunlight-lm301b-quantum-Bar-grow_62551149687.html?spm=a2756.order-detail-ta-bn-b.0.0.3e8f2fc2a0rpAP

Input Voltage(V): 100-277VAC

I'm going to message the manufacturer to verify the unit can be plugged into a 240v receptacle without any modification of any kind to be on the safe side. The light controllers I've been looking at all accept a standard NEMA 5-15 electric plug, so no modification to the cord or plug would be required leaving the manufacturer's warranty intact. I checked on my 450w spider farmer board too and I found the same Input Voltage(V): 100-277VAC. Once I verify with both manufacturer's that the lights can be plugged into a 240v receptacle without issue I'll report back and shop for a 6 light controller. If I can get all 6 on a single timer I'd be doing back flips. It looks like that's the situation so far. I'll report back with manufacturer responses.

 

[jonnynobody]

I heard meanwell drivers can run on 120v or 240v. Just have to change the connector. Is this true?

To specifically respond to your question it appears that most of these LED boards are capable of operating on 120v or 240v without any modifications. The complication you can run into though is a standard 240v receptacle does not accept a standard 3 prong 5-15 NEMA electric plug. You can use what @kovidkough suggested which requires no modification to the wiring:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0788NLPZ9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabt1_9ckVFbCVJDJYC
2 for $12.18. Can't beat that dude. Just verify with the manufacturer of the board that the unit can operate @240v. If it's a DIY board you might have to ask @NukaKola or @bk78 for expert advice.

 

[jonnynobody]

I'm on a bit of a budget presently and don't want to spend $230 for the helios I want. I decided to purchase the Topogrow 240v 8 light controller for $110 on amazon. I ordered a matching 240v 2 pole 50 amp breaker for the brand of the electric panel I have to run the power from the box to the controller. I'll pickup 10-15' of 6/3 wire from home depot. It's about $1.27/foot if I remember right. Next year I'll upgrade to a helios when funds allow. For now this gets the job done. I have a couple of top o grow tents that are decent quality. I should have it by the 3rd. I'll let y'all know how the top o grow controller works out.

 

[NukaKola]

I'm on a bit of a budget presently and don't want to spend $230 for the helios I want. I decided to purchase the Topogrow 240v 8 light controller for $110 on amazon. I ordered a matching 240v 2 pole 50 amp breaker for the brand of the electric panel I have to run the power from the box to the controller. I'll pickup 10-15' of 6/3 wire from home depot. It's about $1.27/foot if I remember right. Next year I'll upgrade to a helios when funds allow. For now this gets the job done. I have a couple of top o grow tents that are decent quality. I should have it by the 3rd. I'll let y'all know how the top o grow controller works out.

I have their 4-light controller. Replaced an old Sentinel unit with it, so far it’s been doing the job just fine.

 

[jonnynobody]

I have their 4-light controller. Replaced an old Sentinel unit with it, so far it’s been doing the job just fine.

You have no idea much better that makes me feel about my purchase. I feel like the Titan (and other name brand controllers) are inflating the cost of their product just because they can. As far as my understanding goes there are no costly components that comprise a light controller. I'd imagine the heavy duty relay is the most expensive part. They seem to retail for around $40. Wholesale is probably $20/each. How Titan can justify nearly $230 for a 6 or 8 light controller leaves me scratching my head a bit. There are so many predatory companies in this industry selling good products at grossly inflated prices I sometimes feel like I'm shopping at a shady car lot when I go hunting for grow room gear. It's a very similar theme. There's generally nothing wrong with the products. It's the vastly inflated prices and general sleaziness in the way they do business by sticking it to everyone just because they can. Fortunately there are companies like topolite that provide fair prices for a good product. We do have options. That's a good thing. And my diatribe is over

 

[NukaKola]

You have no idea much better that makes me feel about my purchase. I feel like the Titan (and other name brand controllers) are inflating the cost of their product just because they can. As far as my understanding goes there are no costly components that comprise a light controller. I'd imagine the heavy duty relay is the most expensive part. They seem to retail for around $40. Wholesale is probably $20/each. How Titan can justify nearly $230 for a 6 or 8 light controller leaves me scratching my head a bit. There are so many predatory companies in this industry selling good products at grossly inflated prices I sometimes feel like I'm shopping at a shady car lot when I go hunting for grow room gear. It's a very similar theme. There's generally nothing wrong with the products. It's the vastly inflated prices and general sleaziness in the way they do business by sticking it to everyone just because they can. Fortunately there are companies like topolite that provide fair prices for a good product. We do have options. That's a good thing. And my diatribe is over

Yeah, there is not much to them. My Sentinel one had a better relay but it was almost double the price and I bought it over 6 years ago. Relays are fairly cheap and easy to replace anyway. I built a 2 outlet relay w/trigger for my A/C just for more peace of mind running it off of a cheap digital timer but I was lazy to build another when I needed another light controller and they are cheap enough.