Lighting — Lumatek

Lumatek makes fixtures aimed at professional use, and that shows most in how they are driven. The lamps are designed to hang off a central controller rather than each carrying its own dial. For one fixture that is unnecessary; from two onward it becomes the brand's point.

The series

The Zeus Pro 3.1 comes in 300, 465 and 600 W and is the main line. The ATS Pro in 200 and 300 W is more compact. The VF series is intended for vertical farming, where light hangs close to the crop in stacked layers, and has its own 650 W driver.

Control is not an accessory here

The Digital Panel Plus 2.0 is the controller and the 5 metre Daisy Chain cable links fixtures together. With that combination you dim everything at once, ramp the light up and down gradually and set one schedule rather than one per lamp. Count the cable into your order: its length decides how you may position fixtures, and one cable short means one fixture left out.

What makes vertical farming different

With stacked layers the distance between fixture and crop is small, and that places different demands on heat output and on the shape of the fixture than a lamp hanging a metre and a half above a tent. The VF series is built for it. In an ordinary tent that is no advantage, so choose that series only if your situation calls for it.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need the Digital Panel Plus?
Not for one fixture. From two onward, central dimming is the reason to choose this brand.

How many fixtures can I chain?
That depends on the controller and the fixtures. Check the controller's product page.

Can a Lumatek be dimmed without a controller?
That varies per model. Check whether the fixture has its own control on board.