AC Jr Worth it?

Atticus

Atticus

New member
I know we had a thread about this awhile back, but lets revisit it....

There is a group buy for the AC Jr. currently for $245 you get the unit, ph and temp. probes, and a DC8 (this is the new version with serial jack)

For that price is it a no brainer to go with it or is there something better or a reason not to get the Jr?
 
That's definitely worth it....excellent price too... there really isn't a compariable controller for that price.
 
I have the Jr with the DC8 (no serial though) and the ACII w/ aquanotes. I love them both. I got a good deal on the ACII and wanted to be able to view my tank online. I'm not sure if the ACJR w/ serial is able to do the webserver thing but it's still an awesome unit. I don't think I will ever run a tank without one.
 
I think the only reason I wouldn't get it is if it doesn't have a way to output the information to a website so you can monitor your tank on those long vacations...
 
From what I can tell, the primary difference between the AC Jr and the AC III is that the Jr does NOT have the ability to connect to a network for monitoring purposes... If there are other differences, I'd be interested in hearing what they are.

I'd also like to know the difference between the AC III and the AC III Pro... I haven't been able to tell what the difference is from the information posted on their site.

I'm still too much of a noob right now, but I definitely see one of these in my future before too long.
 
From what I can tell, the primary difference between the AC Jr and the AC III is that the Jr does NOT have the ability to connect to a network for monitoring purposes... If there are other differences, I'd be interested in hearing what they are.
Click to expand...

Their are several differences between them. The ACIII of course has an ethernet port, a built in webserver and can email you if something is not right, this is programmable by you. This is all done directly from the AC3, it does not need to be connected to a PC to do all this. It also has the ability to connect an ORP probe, this can also be used as a second pH probe. Along with this you can add an expansion module and add another set of probes. Their are several other differences, it is just MUCH more expandable than the AC Jr. Still though, for $245, that is a heck of a deal on the Jr.

The ACIII pro add a conductivity probe, dissolved oxygen probe and a few more digital inputs, otherwise their is not that much difference, it does have a larger display. I steered away from the Pro, as the DO probe alone is $450!! Not to mention the higher cost for the PRO.

The AC Jr. and ACIII are both great controllers, the difference is the built in webserver and the greater expansion options on the ACIII.

HTH

Allen
 
I chose the Jr for now as internet access is not a big deal to me, money is. Once I go big and have the toys to control, then I will foot the bill for the AC 12 or whatever is on the market at that point.
 
there is one more additional differance between the units..

the number of controllable outlets...

the JR = 12
ACIII = 24
AC3PRO=40

actually all differences are listed on the webpage here:

http://www.neptunesys.com/comparison.htm

dont forget the Premium Aquatics LightHouse Aquarium Controller ...http://www.premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/PA-LHC.html

I was looking at these when I purchased the ACIII and with the additions to their unit I think it is a Viable option...
I know Slovan here has one and likes it .... I went AC3 for the ethernet port controllablity ... something the LightHouse just added..

I am not trying to run anyone away from the AC line of controllers as a Geek I love making my computer habit help the fish habit....
and Curt at Neptune SYS is great help if you ever have a problem.


Dave
 
I can recomend the Lighthouse controller as well. It has done very well for me. Its worth looking into as another option.
 
I got in on one of these group buys....same package....it is very nice, I love it!
Order the serial cable right away and beware you might need a ground loop adapter for that cable...I did.
Now that I have it up and running I don't know why I waited this long to get one.

P.S. dont forget to order some 7 and 10 pH calibration packets.

Good Luck

ein
 
Thought I was a geek, but you guys are over my head... Ground loop adaptor??? What is it? Where do you get it? Why do I need it?
 
Its a "ground isolated serial connector", you get them from Neptune Systems, buy it with the Jr. More often than not, when you connect the AC to your PC a ground loop is created between them, this often causes false pH readings. As to making one, I've seen this brought up on the Neptune forum, there is more to it than what you might think, buy one from the company. This is only needed if you are planning to have the AC Jr connected 24/7 to your PC.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8462824#post8462824 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Coralfreak
Its a "ground isolated serial connector", you get them from Neptune Systems, buy it with the Jr. More often than not, when you connect the AC to your PC a ground loop is created between them, this often causes false pH readings. As to making one, I've seen this brought up on the Neptune forum, there is more to it than what you might think, buy one from the company. This is only needed if you are planning to have the AC Jr connected 24/7 to your PC.
Click to expand...

Is the regular serial cable for $16 the right one then?
 
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