Gavita Master Controller EL2 - Gen 2

Lighting control at your fingertips! The Master controller EL1 and EL2 Gen 2 are our entry-level systems for centrally controlling large rooms with e-series fixtures. The second generation of Master controllers features improved and expanded functionality that raises the bar including non-volatile memory, event logging, independent sunrise and sunset settings and independent light cycles on the EL2. The EL1 has one lighting control channel and the EL2 has two lighting control channels. The EL1 can control 500 max repeater bus fixtures and 40 max single bus fixtures without a booster. The EL2 can control 1000 max repeater bus fixtures and 80 max single bus fixtures without a booster.

The Gavita EL2 Master Controller can switch, dim or boost control 80 ballasts from a central point or split the 80 ballasts between two rooms in alternating 12/12 cycles.

Using a Gavita Master controller to control your e-series fixtures offers you maximum control, ease of use, plug and play installation and safety. Just connect the controller cables to the fixtures with the included T-splitter (see diagram), set the dials on the fixtures to EXT (External control), plug the controller and the fixtures directly into mains and you are set to go.

The controller can switch all the interconnected fixtures on and off with its internal timer, adjust them to your required output level (in percentage or exact output power) and even simulate sunrise and sunset to gradually adjust the climate in your grow room when your lights go on or off. This electronic controller replaces expensive lighting timers and contactors while preventing ballast current in-rush when switching on your lights.

Two very important features are the auto-dim function and emergency shut-down. When the temperature in your grow room rises beyond the control level of your climate control your crop can be damaged beyond recovery. The temperature probe senses this and will automatically dim the lights to not overshoot your safe temperature, and maintain it. The display and warning LED indicate when this happens, and also indicate if this has happened while you were away so you can correct the problem. If for any reason your climate control completely fails and the temperature rises to unacceptable levels the system will perform an emergency shutdown of all connected equipment. The alarm contact of the controller can be connected to your alarm system for instant notification. You can connect all your e-series fixtures to one controller.

You can connect all your e-series fixtures to one controller, even divided in 2 separate rooms with their own temperature sensor for auto-dim at high temperature and emergency shutdown at extreme temperature. For auxiliary equipment you can connect up to two accessory Gavita ECM contactor modules, one to switch equipment when lights are on (for example a humidifier, CO2 equipment or air conditioning) and one for during lights off (for example a room heater).

Features & Benefits
• No need for a switchboard
• No high inrushes (ballast is always stand-by)
• Easy and safe installation (low voltage device)
• Protected against shortcuts
• Double temperature safety feature (auto-dim/auto-shutdown)
• For 80 ballasts, or 2x40 in two 12/12 rooms
• For DigiStar and Pro-lines e-series, incl. LEP
• Sunrise/sunset built in (0-30 mins)
• Show output in % or Watts
• Celsius or Fahrenheit and 24 hr/AM/PM
• Calibrate temperature sensors
• CE certified

Specifications:
• 24 hour timer (on/off): Yes
• Set output level: 50-115%
• Select ballast type: 400/600/750/1000W
• Show output as W or %: Yes
• Auto-dim at set temp: Yes
• Auto shutdown at set temp: Yes
• Sunrise / sunset period: Yes
• Outputs: 2 (main/aux)
• Number of ballasts per output: 40
• Total number of ballasts: 80 (either in one room or 2x40 in 12/12)
• Temperature sensors: 2 (for two rooms 12/12)
• Alarm contacts NO/NC: Yes
• External Contactor Modules (ECM): 2 optional
• Warranty: 3 years

Easy installation

Installing the Master Controller is a breeze: its a matter of plugging in, setting the dials of the ballasts to EXT (External control) and looping the low voltage control cord from the controller to your ballasts - all plug and play. Easy, safe and flexible.

Clear Interface

The five language interface is intuitive to use with just 5 buttons. In plain text you see all settings, warnings and statuses. For an easy overview we have added LEDs for each output channel, which indicate whether the lights are on, dimming or shut down due to a dangerous high temperature. The indication LEDs are supported by a full text warning on the high quality green OLED display.

Replaces Timers and Contactors

You can plug your ballasts directly into mains outlets. You do not need any timers or contactor boxes any more: the ballasts are in stand-by mode and wake up when they get the signal from the controller. This means that you don't have any inrush any more when you switch on your ballasts. Just set the on/off time on the controller and you are good to go.

Dimming and Boosting

Once you have connected your ballasts to the controller and set the on/off time you can set the output power centrally by the push of a few buttons. You can choose to have the output power displayed as a percentage or in actual output wattage of your ballasts. We even offer you a sunrise/sunset time setting in which the lamps ramp up or down at the start and end of the cycle.

Available Models

The Gavita EL controller series currently comprises of two models: The EL1 and EL2. Both feature auto-dim, auto-shutdown, sunrise/sunset and timer. The EL1 has one output channel, while the EL2 has 2 output channels and additional outputs for External Contactor Modules and alarm contacts. For one room without auxiliary equipment or alarm contacts, the EL1 is the best choice for you. If you require switched auxiliary equipment during lights on / off, alarm contacts and/or a 2 room 12/12 setup, the EL2 is most suitable.