ACJR will it do?

[saltwater4life1]

Hi,
I am considering buying the AC jr model, (It will be my first controller) I hope it will be able to do what i need/want. Other wise i'm out of luck or should i say money...
Anyways, The main purpose for me getting a controller will be to keep me in touch with my tank while i am not home, via web access I read the Jr is able to use aquanotes, what exactly can you do through aquanotes? (I downloaded the itunes app but i can't do anything since i don't have a controller) I assume i will be able to view things like temp, pH, see whats on? (lights,ato,etc) But can you change anything? Like turn my heater up/on or change timers? Also what are my options for connecting the AC jr to the web so i can do the above?
is there anything that i'm limited too? Like how you can only have 4 modules connected to the reefkeeper lite.
Alright i think thats all my questions! Hope i hear good news and i'll be adding it to my Christmas list
Thanks,
~Nick

 

[RussM]

The ACjr, while a good solid entry-level controller, is a rather dated product. You would be much better looking at the much newer Apex & Apex Lite models.

The ACjr does not have a network interface, so the AquaNotes iPhone app will not work directly with it. There is a free third-party software package called ACSerial2Web that makes the ACjr look like an AC3 - but you'll have to have a computer connected directly to the ACjr via serial interface as well as to the Internet, and it will need to be on 7/24.

The ACjr is limited to controlling 12 outlets.

 

[saltwater4life1]

Thanks, I was afraid of that... Well i was looking at a acjr combo pack and noticed it's not awhole lot more for the lite with just about the same stuff.. Whats the difference between the Apex and lite?

 

[RussM]

The AquaController Apex and the AquaController Apex Lite share the exact same cases, run the exact same software and are compatible with the exact same accessories. There are two differences between the Apex and the Apex Lite:

1. The Apex base unit supports 3 probes (Temp, pH, and pH/ORP). The Apex Lite only supports 2 (Temp, pH).

2. The Apex has 4 variable voltage ports that can be used for controllable pumps (i.e. Tunze) or dimmable lighting (i.e. VHO ballasts). The Apex Lite has no variable voltage ports. To give the Apex Lite similar capabilities as the Apex, you would need to purchase the VDM and a probe expansion module (PM1 or PM2 depending on the probes you want).

The Apex is typically bundled with the base unit, a display module, a single EB8 and two probes (temp and pH). The Apex Lite is bundled the same except with a single temp probe. Of course, you can purchase any of the modules or probes separately as well.