Summary #
The Mitras LX7 and LX6 series are standalone LED fixtures. The LX7 includes built-in WiFi and USB connectivity; the LX6 connects via USB only. They can be operated in three modes: independently as a standalone unit, as a group where one LX acts as the master and the others follow its schedule, or fully integrated with a ProfiLux controller. This guide covers the physical installation, initial connection, and configuration for all three modes.
Looking for the full technical manual? Download the Mitras LX7 Manual.
Applies to #
- Mitras LX7 Series (incl. Industrial Line / IL)
- Mitras LX6 Series
- Compatible controller:
- ProfiLux 4 Series (incl. Industrial Line / IL)
- ProfiLux 3 Series
- Software:
- GHL Connect (App, Webinterface, myGHL)
- GHL Control Center
Before you start #
- Mounting system: Have the mounting system ready before connecting power — the Mitras Flex Mount System or a Mitras Hanging Kit. See the Flex Mount Assembly Manual for assembly details. Ensure sufficient clearance between the fixture and the water surface, and confirm the mount cannot tip the fixture into the water.
- PLM-PWC expansion card (ProfiLux-controlled mode only): Requires a PLM-PWC expansion card installed in the ProfiLux before proceeding with that mode.
Installation & Setup #
Step 1 — Mount and connect the power supply #
Mount the fixture above the aquarium using the chosen mounting system. Then connect the luminaire power cable to the power supply, and the power supply to the power cord. Only then connect the power cord to the mains outlet — always connect to the outlet last.
Important: The ventilation slots of the luminaire must never be blocked or covered. Ensure adequate air circulation around both the fixture and the power supply during operation. Salt deposits on the fixture must be removed immediately to avoid damage.
The fixture powers on and starts up with its default settings.
Step 2 — Connect for configuration #
The Mitras LX7 can be configured via WiFi or USB; the Mitras LX6 connects via USB only:
- GHL Software: See GHL Connect & GHL Control Center – Installation & Setup for installing and using GHL Connect or GHL Control Center.
- WiFi (LX7 only): For initial setup, the LX7 creates its own WiFi hotspot — connect to it using GHL Connect to complete first-time setup and configure a permanent network connection. See Network (LAN & WiFi) – Setup Guide.
- USB: Connect the included USB cable from the Mitras LX to a computer. See GHL Connect & GHL Control Center – Installation & Setup.
Step 3 — Initial settings #
Once connected, open the General page and configure the following:
- Time and date: Required for the lighting schedule and all simulations to run at the correct times. Set the time and date manually, or enable NTP for automatic synchronization when connected to a network. Also set the correct timezone and enable Change from winter to summer time if automatic daylight saving time adjustment is needed.
- Language: Sets the language shown on the device’s own display. This does not affect GHL Connect or GHL Control Center.
- Display settings: Adjust display brightness for day and night, and set when the display dims — useful for reducing disturbance in a dark room at night.
Step 4 — Configure the operating mode #
All wireless and operating mode settings are also found on the General page. Use the Identify luminaire button to make the connected fixture blink briefly — helpful for confirming which unit you are configuring when multiple LX units are connected.
Standalone
The default mode — set Mode to Standalone. The Mitras LX operates independently, holds its own schedule, and the radio module is not used. No further wireless configuration is needed. See Next steps to continue with the lighting schedule.
Multiple Mitras LX units — one as master
One unit acts as the master and holds the schedule; the others are set to Slave mode and receive settings wirelessly via the built-in RF module — a dedicated communication channel separate from WiFi, which keeps units synchronized without adding load to the home network.
Configure in the General section of each unit:
- Master unit: Set Mode to Master, assign Address 1, and choose a Channel (default: 11).
- Each additional unit: Set Mode to Slave, assign a unique Address (2 for the second, 3 for the third, and so on), and set the same Channel as the master.
Slave units can optionally be given a time offset (–60 to +60 minutes) relative to the master — useful for simulating a sunrise or sunset moving gradually across multiple fixtures above a long aquarium.
Configure the lighting schedule on the master only — Slave units follow it automatically. See Next steps to continue.
ProfiLux-controlled
The ProfiLux with a PLM-PWC expansion card acts as the master, wirelessly controlling all connected Mitras LX units. All lighting features — simulations, multichannel curves, and integration with other ProfiLux functions — are managed from a single controller.
On the ProfiLux (configure the PLM-PWC):
- GHL Control Center: Go to System, expand the device tree, select PWC under the expansion cards, and click Configuration.
- GHL Connect: Go to System → Show and configure installed expansion cards, then tap the gear icon next to PWC.
The Channel and Address settings appear here. The defaults (Channel 11, Address 1) can normally be left unchanged — only adjust if you experience wireless interference.
On each Mitras LX (General page): Set Mode to Slave, set the Channel to match the ProfiLux (default: 11), and assign a unique Address starting from 2 — the ProfiLux holds address 1, so the first LX gets address 2, the second gets 3, and so on.
Once this is done, the ProfiLux controls the Mitras LX via a fixed set of Illumination channels — the exact channels depend on the Mitras LX model connected. The easiest way to get the correct assignment is to load the Mitras LX standard project in Light Composer or Multichannel Setup — this automatically assigns the appropriate light sources and Illumination channels for your specific model.
Energy Options (optional, advanced) #
Under Energy options (GHL Connect) or System → Energy options (GHL Control Center), you can fine-tune power, temperature, and fan behavior. The defaults work well for most setups — this page is mainly relevant if you need to limit noise, reduce heat output, or optimize for photography.
The setting at the top controls whether changes apply to this unit only or also to all Slave units.
Use the predefined energy plans (Extreme, High performance, Balanced, Very efficient and quiet) as a starting point — each applies a preset combination of the following:
- Mode: High Efficiency or High Output (maximum brightness with lower efficiency).
- Max. output power: An overall brightness ceiling — reduces all channels proportionally without changing the relative mix between them.
- Max. allowed temperature: The heat sink temperature at which the fixture begins reducing output to prevent overheating. The current temperature is shown as Actual.
- Max. allowed fan speed: Limits how fast the fans can run — reduce for quieter operation, increase for maximum cooling. Current speed is shown as Actual.
Power Balancing (PBF) — Mitras LX7 only: When reducing one color channel, the saved power is redistributed to other channels so the fixture continues operating at maximum total output rather than reducing overall brightness. In GHL Control Center, a table shows the PBF per channel with an Adjust button that opens a slider dialog. In GHL Connect, use Open power balancing settings. Both include a toggle to run all LEDs at maximum output simultaneously for testing the PBF settings.
PWM frequency: Switch between Standard mode and Photo/video mode. Photo/video mode significantly increases the PWM frequency to eliminate visible flicker in photos and videos — activate it only temporarily for this purpose, as it affects dimming behavior and efficiency.
Next steps #
With the operating mode configured, the Mitras LX is ready for scheduling. A good starting point is the Illumination Wizard in GHL Connect or Light Composer in GHL Control Center — both offer ready-made templates for Mitras LX models that pre-fill the light sources and a standard curve.
- Lighting Schedules – Configuration Guide
- Lighting Simulations – Configuration Guide
- Acclimation & Temperature-Dependent Light Reduction – Configuration Guide — if you are switching from a different lighting system, consider using Acclimation to ease corals and plants into the new spectrum gradually.
Notes #
- In ProfiLux-controlled mode, all schedule changes must be made on the ProfiLux — the Mitras LX only receives and executes the schedule transmitted to it.
Common Issues #
Cause
The wireless channel is set differently between the master and one or more Slave units, or the address assignments are not unique.
Solution
In the General section of each unit, confirm that all units in the group use the same Channel and that each unit has a unique Address.
Cause
The fixture’s operating temperature has reached the configured limit and it is automatically throttling output to prevent overheating.
Solution
Improve ventilation around the fixture and power supply. The current heat sink temperature is visible under Energy Options. If the issue persists at normal ambient temperatures, check that the ventilation slots are not blocked.
Cause
The operating mode may be set to Standalone on a unit that should be in Slave mode, or the ProfiLux PLM-PWC channel or address does not match the LX unit’s settings.
Solution
Verify the Mode, Channel, and Address settings on all units under General. For ProfiLux-controlled setups, also confirm the PLM-PWC configuration matches.
Cause
The USB driver has not been installed or was not recognized correctly.
Solution
See GHL Connect & GHL Control Center – Installation & Setup for driver installation steps. If the firmware needs to be recovered, see Firmware Update & Recovery.