Multi Channel Signal Amplifier (MCSA)
The MCSA amplifies your 1 to 10V control signal so a single controller can drive far more LED luminaires, up to 400 fixtures, without adding a second control system.
- up to 400 LED luminaires
- 1 to 4 signal boards
- IP65 enclosure rating
- Controls up to 400 luminaires
- 1 to 10V sink or source
- IP65 rated enclosure
24V / 1A supply · 0 to 10V or 1 to 10V input, jumper selectable · 20 mA per channel
Amplify one signal, control the whole growing area
Most lighting controllers can only source enough current for a handful of fixtures. The MCSA boosts that signal so your existing control system reaches every luminaire in the zone.
Amplifies your control signal
Takes a 1 to 10V sink or source signal and rebroadcasts it at full drive current across every output channel.
Drives up to 400 luminaires
One MCSA extends a single control signal to as many as 400 LED fixtures, so a large growing area stays on one dimming curve.
Works with your existing controls
The MCSA sits between the controller you already run and your fixtures. There is no need to replace your control system.
How the MCSA works
The MCSA carries up to four signal boards. Each board has four inputs and four outputs, and every channel duplicates the control signal it receives. A fully populated four-board MCSA gives you sixteen amplified output channels from one incoming signal.
Each channel is set with onboard jumpers, so the MCSA matches whatever your controller sends:
- Input: 0 to 10V or 1 to 10V, sink or source
- Output: duplicates the input channel at up to 20 mA
- Configuration: 1 to 4 boards, shipped as a 4-board default
How many luminaires can one MCSA drive?
Capacity scales with the number of signal boards installed. Most P.L. Light Systems LED fixtures draw one count per luminaire, so a four-board MCSA reaches 400 fixtures. Higher-draw fixtures such as VertiMax reach fewer.
| Fixture | 1 board | 2 boards | 3 boards | 4 boards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ParFX Ultra / Plus | 100 | 200 | 300 | 400 |
| TriPlane | 100 | 200 | 300 | 400 |
| TriPlane Linear | 100 | 200 | 300 | 400 |
| VertiMax | 44 | 88 | 132 | 176 |
4 boards is the default MCSA configuration.
MCSA technical specifications
Signal board
- Number of channels
- 4 channels
- Current capacity per channel
- 20 mA at 1 to 10V (depending on luminaire)
- Input configuration
- 1, 2, 3, or 4 channels, 0 to 10V or 1 to 10V, sink or source, jumper selectable
- Output configuration
- 1, 2, 3, or 4 channels that duplicate the input channel, jumper selectable
Input and output protocols must be the same for each channel. Exceeding 10V or 20 mA on any channel may result in permanent board damage.
MCSA specifications
- Number of signal boards
- 1 to 4 boards
- Plug-in power supply
- 24V at 1A, center positive 2.1 mm x 5.5 mm plug
- Main power supply
- 24V DC via plug at 120V power supply
- Operating temperature
- 10 to 40 °C (50 to 104 °F)
- IP rating
- IP65
- Dimming connection
- Strain relief to the MCSA board. The dimming cable from the MCSA to your pre-installed dimming circuit is supplied by the customer.
Consult a local certified electrical contractor for a suitable dimming cable. Look for safety certifications, a UV rating, a 90 °C temperature rating, and 18 gauge twisted pair with foil.
MCSA dimensions
Configuration and dimensions
The MCSA controls up to 400 LED luminaires. Its default wiring and overall dimensions are shown below.
- Depth
- 6.75 in (17.15 cm)
- Width
- 16.25 in (41.28 cm)
- Height
- 15.875 in (40.32 cm)
- Weight
- 23.1 lb (10.48 kg)
MCSA questions, answered
How many luminaires can one MCSA control?
A single MCSA amplifies your control signal to as many as 400 LED luminaires in a full four-board configuration. The exact count depends on the fixture: most P.L. Light Systems LED fixtures reach 400, while higher-draw fixtures such as VertiMax reach fewer. Your regional sales manager can confirm the count for your specific luminaire.
Does the MCSA replace my lighting controller?
No. The MCSA works alongside the control system you already run. It takes the 1 to 10V dimming signal from your controller and amplifies it so the signal reaches every fixture in the zone.
What control signal does the MCSA accept?
Each channel accepts a 0 to 10V or 1 to 10V dimming signal, sink or source, selectable with onboard jumpers. Every output duplicates the input at up to 20 mA of drive current per channel.
Bring your whole growing area onto one control signal
Tell us how your growing area is controlled today and how many luminaires you run. Your regional sales manager will size the MCSA and the control wiring to match.