California Lightworks SolarSystem Controller

The California Lightworks SolarSystem Controller is the dedicated digital control hub for the SolarSystem 275, 550, and 1100 LED grow lights. It allows growers to move beyond fixed output and manually switched lighting by adding programmable spectrum control, dimming, digital on and off scheduling, sunrise and sunset transitions, multi day routines, and full grow cycle automation.

A single controller can manage a virtually unlimited number of compatible SolarSystem fixtures connected through the SolarSystem communication network. Once connected, the controller can independently adjust the red, white, and blue spectral channels, save custom light recipes, create up to 20 spectrum transitions within a 24 hour period, and combine multiple daily programs into longer schedules lasting up to 24 weeks.

For growers using California Lightworks SolarSystem fixtures, the controller is what unlocks the platform's full programmable lighting capability.

• Independent red, white, and blue channel control
• Up to 20 daily spectrum transitions
• Programmable sunrise and sunset simulation
• Schedules combine up to 10 saved programs across 24 weeks

Compatible SolarSystem Fixtures

The SolarSystem Controller is designed specifically for the SolarSystem 275, SolarSystem 550, and SolarSystem 1100. It is not a universal 0 to 10V controller and is intended to communicate directly with compatible California Lightworks SolarSystem fixtures.

The controller connects to the first fixture through an RJ11 communication cable, and additional SolarSystem lights can then be linked in sequence through their IN and OUT communication ports.

Independent Red, White and Blue Control

The SolarSystem platform divides its output into three independently adjustable channels:

• Red: Controls red and far red LEDs
• White: Controls the white LEDs with a small amount of red used to create a more natural viewing spectrum
• Blue: Controls blue and deep blue LEDs

The controller allows each channel to be adjusted independently, making it possible to alter both spectrum and overall light intensity as plant requirements change.

0% to 99% Spectrum Adjustment

Each spectrum channel can be adjusted digitally from off through full output. The controller display uses values from 0 to 99, with 99 representing full output — the two digit display uses 99 as 100% power, while 0 switches a channel off.

This gives growers the ability to reduce individual wavelengths without having to physically change fixtures or lamps.

Manual Spectrum Mode

For simple operation, the controller can be used as three digital dimmers. Manual mode places independent Red, White, and Blue controls directly on the touchscreen. Once selected, a spectrum setting remains active until it is manually changed or an automated program takes control.

This is useful for growers who want precise spectrum control without creating a full automated schedule.

24 Hour Digital Timer

The SolarSystem Controller can digitally manage light on and off times without requiring a separate external timer. Growers can select the daily start and stop times directly through the controller and combine those times with custom spectrum settings.

When the controller is handling the schedule, compatible SolarSystem fixtures can remain connected to unswitched power while the controller digitally manages the photoperiod.

Up to 20 Daily Spectrum Transitions

Advanced programming allows the spectrum to change automatically throughout the light period. The controller supports up to 20 programmable transition steps in a single 24 hour cycle.

For example, growers can begin the day with a more blue weighted spectrum, progressively increase other wavelengths, and move toward a red dominant spectrum later in the photoperiod. Each transition can be assigned its own execution time and individual Red, White, and Blue settings.

Sunrise and Sunset Simulation

The controller can gradually ramp light intensity at the beginning and end of the programmed day. Instead of instantly switching the fixtures from darkness to full intensity, growers can choose a transition duration that slowly increases output after the programmed ON time and gradually decreases output before the OFF time.

California Lightworks designed this feature to simulate natural sunrise and sunset transitions.

Multi Day, Week and Season Programming

Individual 24 hour programs can be saved and combined into longer schedules. The SolarSystem Controller can use up to 10 different saved programs across a grow schedule lasting as long as 24 weeks.

This makes it possible to automate transitions between propagation, vegetative growth, pre flowering, flowering, and finishing programs without manually reprogramming the lighting every few days.

Save Custom Light Recipes

Growers can create and save lighting programs based on specific crops, varieties, growth stages, or operating strategies. Each program can contain different red, white, and blue levels, ON and OFF times, transition timing, and sunrise and sunset behavior.

Saved daily programs can then be assigned to different phases within the calendar system.

Suggested Spectrum Settings

California Lightworks provides suggested starting spectrum settings for common growth stages:

• Seedling: R39 W49 B99
• Vegetative: R50 W99 B99
• Pre Flower: R99 W99 B50
• Flower: R99 W99 B40
• Finishing: R39 W99 B99

These settings are starting points rather than mandatory recipes and can be modified to suit the specific crop or growing environment.

View Mode

The controller includes a dedicated View Mode for working around the plants. When activated, View Mode temporarily switches the lighting to the white channel so plants can be inspected under more natural looking illumination rather than a red and blue dominant grow spectrum.

A safety timer can be set from approximately 2 to 120 minutes so the controller automatically returns to the programmed grow spectrum. An override option is also available when continuous View Mode is needed.

Built In Calendar

The calendar system allows multiple saved daily programs to be organized into a complete lighting routine. The controller tracks the current week and day within the active schedule and automatically moves from one lighting phase to the next.

A grow cycle can contain up to 10 distinct program phases and extend for as long as 24 weeks.

Control Multiple Fixtures From One Point

One of the major advantages of the SolarSystem platform is centralized control. A single controller can manage a large network of SolarSystem fixtures configured within the same control zone.

The first fixture connects directly to the controller, while subsequent fixtures are linked through RJ11 communication cables, allowing the same spectrum and scheduling commands to be distributed through the entire lighting zone.

Hard Wired Communication Network

The SolarSystem Controller uses a hard wired serial communication system rather than relying entirely on wireless connectivity. RJ11 cables connect fixtures in sequence, providing a straightforward communication path between the controller and each compatible light.

If one fixture loses power, communications can continue to downstream fixtures. However, disconnecting an RJ11 communication cable will interrupt communication with fixtures located downstream from that connection.

Power Failure Memory

The controller and SolarSystem fixtures are designed to retain important operating information through interruptions in power. Saved programs use battery backup, while compatible lights in Controller mode remember their last received operating state and can resume that state when power returns.

Touchscreen Interface

The SolarSystem Controller uses a touchscreen interface for programming and operation. The home screen displays current time, active program, current Red, White, and Blue settings, lighting ON and OFF times, and the current grow week and day.

Manual and Setup controls are also accessible directly from the home screen.

What's Included

• California Lightworks SolarSystem Controller
• Controller holder
• 14 ft communication cable
• AC adapter
• Documentation