Another AquaNotes Question:

[jnarowe]

Is anyone using AquaNotes on multiple computers linked to a network? My main PC is in my office on the second floor and my tank room is on the bottom floor. They are networked using a wireless bridge. I would like to use a laptop in the tank room, enter my test results in AquaNotes, but still use AquaNotes in my office.

Is it possible to have two AquaNotes installations on the same system?

 

[hex]

If you're using the full version -- you can turn on the AquaNotes webserver on your main PC then enter test results on your laptop through the web browser interface.

The only downside of this is your main PC has to be running Microsoft Personal Web Server or the IIS components.

Hope this helps.

 

[jnarowe]

It would help someone who knows what you are talking about! :lol: I think Curt had me turn off the web server for some reason. What do you mean by "web browser interface"?

 

[hex]

The AquaNotes program has web pages that you can go to with a regular web browser to check the status of your controller, change conditions tables, add notes, etc.

Directions to set this up are on page 8 of the manual:
http://www.neptunesys.com/AquaNotes.pdf

I have multiple computers on my LAN also and with this setup you can control your controller from any of them.

 

[jnarowe]

so what you are sayig is I can use Aquanotes on my base PC and just log in with the web browser from any other computer on the network? That's seems easy enough. I'll give that a try and see how it goes. So there is no conflict if Aquanotes is logged in and youu access via web browser?

 

[clp]

That is no problem. You can simultaneously access the controller through AquaNotes, and the controller's web interface or AquaNotes web interface.

Curt

 

[jnarowe]

Thanks Curt, and I really appreciate you getting that DC4HD out to me so quick. It came today! Now that is fast service. :thumbsup:

BTW, I just had Aquanotes shut down when I tried to open the Modify Program module.

 

[nhlives]

Just received my ACIII and AquaNotes. Am I correct that you have to have a serial cable to use AquaNotes? I also using Windows Vista. The behavior of the program is pretty awful. I can't decide if it a Vista compatability issues or is that just the way it works.

 

[dougchambers]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9244782#post9244782 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nhlives
Just received my ACIII and AquaNotes. Am I correct that you have to have a serial cable to use AquaNotes? I also using Windows Vista. The behavior of the program is pretty awful. I can't decide if it a Vista compatability issues or is that just the way it works.

With the ACIII, you either need the serial cable or have it connected via the Ethernet. The Ethernet option is pretty slick because you can set it up for external access to see/change tank parameters from the web. - Doug

 

[nhlives]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9247969#post9247969 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dougchambers
...or have it connected via the Ethernet. The Ethernet option is pretty slick because you can set it up for external access to see/change tank parameters from the web. - Doug

So this is the option I am looking for. How do you configure AquaNotes to directly access the ACIII via the Ethernet? I only have the "Direct to PC" Option. Does the personal Web Server need to be installed before you can configure the IP address of the ACIII?

Remember NO serial cable.

 

[clp]

From the getting started ->quick start section of the AquaNotes help file:

Follow the configuration steps below to setup AquaNotes for a Ethernet connection (AC3, AC3PRO):




1. Select the menu choice 'Database->Tank Database'. Update the Serial field on this window with the serial number of the AquaController. The serial number of the AquaController can be found performing a self-test. The serial number that should be entered is shown on the bottom line of the AquaController's self-test display (Passed #WXYZ).

2. Also on the 'Tank Database' form choose the 'Config' tab. Select TCP (Aqua3) button. Enter the IP address, login, and password of the AquaController 3.

3. Now select the menu 'Status->Reef Tank'. You should get a window which displays the current status of the tank and the controlled devices. If you get a message 'AquaController not responding', something is not configured correctly. Re-check the cables, and the AquaNotes configuration which is described in the previous paragraph. If you are still having trouble refer to the AquaController Not Responding trouble shooting section.

Curt

 

[nhlives]

Thanks but no thanks. I am returning my copy. Just a very old VB app in need of much renovation.

 

[jnarowe]

so can you write a better one and sell it?

 

[dougchambers]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9253160#post9253160 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nhlives
Thanks but no thanks. I am returning my copy. Just a very old VB app in need of much renovation.

You don't need Aquanotes to access the controller from the Internet. Via the web interface you can adjust your program and trend the three primary sensors. Aquanotes does have some nice features for remote control, database tracking, season adjustments, etc.

 

[nhlives]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9253601#post9253601 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
so can you write a better one and sell it?

I have done it before during 37 years in the software business.

 

[jnarowe]

well get on with it man. I would really like to see something like AquaNotes but with added functionality of a maintanance scheduler and programmable LED alarm lights.

 

[nhlives]

Pretty big project but something I might consider taking on. I am pretty new to this (reefs) and would probably wait until I developed my own list of requirements after getting some experience.

I have started a discussion at http://hollcraft.ws/reef/Lists/General Discussion/AllItems.aspx
that can be used if there is interest. Or here is O.K.

I would do a .Net application if I where to do this.

 

[jnarowe]

it would be cool if AquaNotes could be improved and that a good working relationship with Curt resulted in an improved delivered product. Just my opinion of course, and I am not talking about replacing AquaNotes, but Curt seriously has his hands full! He might be the hardest working guy in the business.

Maybe it could go to a "plug-in" situation where customers could add-on features as needed, or different tiers of tank management software could be purchased so those that only want basic features don't have to shell out for the high-end version. And then power users could get a full blown package. I would rather keep track of my tank maintainance as part of AquaNotes than use Outlook.