Apex 2016

[ca1ore]

The beginning of the journey to obsolescence for the family of classic Apex controllers is nudging me closer to moving to the newer 2016 model. I've perused some threads on the topic, and just wanted to test some assumptions with folks who own the new unit.

1. I have accumulated a sizable stable of modules (some older black label) and as I understand it, they'll all be compatible with the new version, correct?
2. Older EB8 won't have the 832 features, obviously, but they'll continue to work as they always have?
3. I bought the classic lite, which required me to subsequently buy a VDM module. Since the new base has two VDM channels, I'll end up with four, with the module?
4. I assume there is an easy way to transfer over my current classic programming?

Any watch outs to be mindful of.

Many thanks.

 

[FullBoreReefer]

1. All past modules work with the 2016.

2. Correct, all Eb8's will function like they always have with no added or removed features.

3. Not entirely sure on this one, but the way other modules work, I would say yes you will have more VDMs now.

4. False, you cannot transfer programming. You literally have to hand write all your programming down and rename/program everything with the 2016. (Only thing I hated when I switched, took forever). Maybe Neptune has addressed this since my purchase, but they stated to me that the "inside" programming is not the same even though your "written code" is, which will not allow you to "save" settings and reload to the new 2016.

Mine has been flawless, I still use a wired connection as I have a dedicated line already ran, so the only thing I cannot vouch for in my situation is the WiFi reliability. Although it did work while setting it up, I just choose to use the wired approach for the long run.

 

[vhuang168]

1. All past modules work with the 2016.

2. Correct, all Eb8's will function like they always have with no added or removed features.

3. Not entirely sure on this one, but the way other modules work, I would say yes you will have more VDMs now.

4. False, you cannot transfer programming. You literally have to hand write all your programming down and rename/program everything with the 2016. (Only thing I hated when I switched, took forever). Maybe Neptune has addressed this since my purchase, but they stated to me that the "inside" programming is not the same even though your "written code" is, which will not allow you to "save" settings and reload to the new 2016.

Mine has been flawless, I still use a wired connection as I have a dedicated line already ran, so the only thing I cannot vouch for in my situation is the WiFi reliability. Although it did work while setting it up, I just choose to use the wired approach for the long run.

1) correct

2) correct

3) yes you will have 2 + vdm

4) correct. There is no 'file' you can copy and past over for the programming but you can copy the programming out, print it and write everything back in. You will have to redo the programming a little anyway since everything likely will be on different Aquabus addresses.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[FullBoreReefer]

On another note, they are 10% off currently. But, I bought mine on one of the preferred reefer days and also had double points promo netted me $160 in rewards, so yeah I paid $799 up fronth but got $160 in points. To good to pass up.

Order# 1100686624

 

[ca1ore]

4. False, you cannot transfer programming. You literally have to hand write all your programming down and rename/program everything with the 2016. (Only thing I hated when I switched, took forever). Maybe Neptune has addressed this since my purchase, but they stated to me that the "inside" programming is not the same even though your "written code" is, which will not allow you to "save" settings and reload to the new 2016.

That does sound tedious.

I still use the old web app; assume the new apex just works with fusion?

 

[vhuang168]

No. There is still a local dashboard but it is styled after Fusion.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Jyetman]

Thinking of buying another Energy Bar for my apex classic. Really like to be partly upgraded for when I pull the trigger on the new 2016 brain. So my question is knowing not all features will work but will at least the EB 2016 sockets work with the classic apex brain?

 

[FullBoreReefer]

Thinking of buying another Energy Bar for my apex classic. Really like to be partly upgraded for when I pull the trigger on the new 2016 brain. So my question is knowing not all features will work but will at least the EB 2016 sockets work with the classic apex brain?

This might be better answered by Neptune themselves.

To me, I think it would act as a standard eb8, BUT software/firmware etc might be the limiting factor. Meaning they may not talk correctly....this is all a guess

 

[vhuang168]

You cannot connect an EB832 to a Classic. I'm pretty sure it's gonna confuse your classic.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[soulpatch]

I wish they had given the option of an "upgrade" pack for those of us with portions already like the probes. I only want the brain and powerblock. If it had shaved off the amount of the probes I dont need I might have splurged already.

Depending on what else comes out and the state of the market in the next year will push me to upgrade or not.

 

[ca1ore]

Depending on what else comes out and the state of the market in the next year will push me to upgrade or not.

Agreed, pretty much where I am as well. I'd use my current one either on peripheral tanks that are hard to reach by USB or retain as an emergency backup.