Master Your Growth with Mars Hydro Intelligent iControl System

With 16 years of experience and over 1,000 global dealers, Mars Hydro is dedicated to delivering high-efficiency solutions for indoor cultivation. As technology evolves, the brand has shifted its focus to include smart, user-friendly functionality.

The launch of the intelligent iControl system has unified Mars Hydro’s ecosystem, enabling centralized control of lights, fans, and other grow equipment. These smart integrations bring all devices into one interface, letting you monitor conditions and manage your grow setup effortlessly.

In this blog, we’ll explore how the iControl system enhances your indoor growing experience, making cultivation smarter, simpler, and more efficient.

News about the Mars Hydro Smart Family

The Mars Hydro Smart Family is about to take a big step forward. On July 21, we’ll officially launch the upgraded iControl Smart Controller. The upgraded iControl Smart Controller brings even more advanced features. Keep reading to explore more details.

iControl Highlights Overview

The 2025 iControl is a comprehensive upgrade of Controller 43. While retaining the functions of Controller 43, it has expanded and upgraded many advanced functions, making it more intelligent and user-friendly.

Full Environmental Control

The upgraded iControl now supports a complete range of grow equipment, including lights, fans, humidifiers, and more. With advanced temperature and humidity control plus real-time VPD monitoring, it keeps your environment optimized automatically. Just set your target conditions, and iControl will adjust connected devices to maintain them throughout the growth cycle.

Scenario-Based Automation

A key enhancement is the addition of scene settings. You can define different climate strategies for each growth stage, simulating seasonal shifts and day-night cycles. Once scheduled, iControl transitions smoothly between stages, ensuring your plants get the right care at the right time.

Expandable Sensor System

The potential of iControl doesn’t stop here. You can also take control to the next level with optional sensor kits (sold separately). These smart add-ons provide precision monitoring and automation for:

• PPFD Sensor: Automatically adjusts lighting based on real-time light levels.
  
  
• Soil Sensor: Tracks soil moisture and nutrient levels to optimize watering and root health.
  
  
• CO₂ Sensor: Triggers CO₂ supplementation when ppm levels dip below your target.
  
  

Remote Monitor & Data Logging

Connected through the MarsPro app, iControl lets you monitor your grow room anytime from your smartphone. View real-time climate data, track changes over time, and get instant alerts for issues like temperature spikes, low water levels, or device disconnections. Whether you’re nearby or away, you stay fully in control.

Support for Mars Hydro products

• LED Grow Lights: Most Mars Hydro LED grow lights with an RJ12 port are compatible with the iControl for Bluetooth dimming. The only exception is the TS600, which does not support dimming.
  
  
• Inline Fans: The 2025 iFresh fan comes with an RJ12 interface, enabling smart features like speed control and environmental automation. Fans without RJ12 interfaces can still be switched on and off through the timer mode, cycle mode, and environment mode, but speed adjustment is not possible.
  
  
• Clip-on Fans: Similar to inline fans, only the RJ12 version of the clip-on fan supports intelligent speed control. Non-RJ12 versions are limited to on/off switching via the controller.
  
  
• Humidifiers: Current 5L and 15L plant humidifiers without RJ12 support can only be turned on or off according to the 3 modes. RJ12-compatible models with smart control features are planned for future release.
  
  
• Drip Irrigation, DWC, and Heating Mats: These devices support on/off control according to the 3 modes via the controller.
  
  
• Grow Tent Kits: All current Mars Hydro Grow Tent Kits include lights, fans, and clip-on fans that are compatible with the smart controller plug for seamless automation, except for kits featuring the TS600.

Purchasing Advice

Mars Hydro’s intelligent iControl system is ideal for indoor growers who want more than just the basics. If you’re ready to take your grow setup to the next level, here’s how to choose the right components:

• IConnectu: Ideal for users who only have Mars Hydro lights or fans, IConnectu is a great entry point for those just beginning to explore smart grow tech.
  
  
• ITime: Designed for basic scheduling needs, ITime works well with products that only require simple on/off timers. It doesn’t support advanced features like environmental control, dimming, or speed adjustments.
  
  
• iControl: Perfect for home growers using the Mars Hydro complete grow set, iControl connects and automates lights, fans, and clip-on fans for a streamlined growing experience.
  
  
• Smart Sensors: Upgrade your environmental control with optional sensors for PPFD, CO₂, and soil monitoring. These add-ons are great for growers seeking more precise, data-driven growing.

FAQs

Q1: Can the controller control other brands’ devices?
Yes, but only LED grow lights that support 0–10V dimming and use the same RJ12 wiring specifications. Other devices are not currently supported.

Q2: Can the new controller connect to the old models?
No, the old and new models aren’t compatible. The new iControl controller only works with the latest compatible devices.

Q3: Can devices be assigned to different scenes?
Each controller can only run one scene at a time. Devices connected to it must follow that single scene.

Q4: Can devices without RJ12 cables be controlled?
Devices without RJ12 cables can be plugged in and controlled with basic functions like timers, but speed or setting adjustments aren’t possible. They cannot be connected directly to controllers, which only support devices with RJ12 cables.

Final Thought

As smart technology continues to evolve, the cultivation industry is steadily moving toward greater automation and intelligence, and Mars Hydro’s iControl system is helping lead that progress. With powerful features and flexible control, it offers growers a more efficient and intelligent way to manage their grow environment.

Choosing Mars Hydro means more than just upgrading your equipment. It’s an opportunity to join a movement toward the future of cultivation. We welcome your feedback and experiences, which help us continue improving our products and creating smarter solutions for the growing community.