Apex Controller - Details?
- Thread starter mcliffy2
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Thinking about the new-product-introduction process... There are prototype hardware and alpha software delivered from the contract manufacturer (which may even be overseas). This was likely the hardware/software that Curt showed at the trade show last month. There may have been some critical bugs that would have frozen the system but you can bet Curt would not have ventured into any of the areas with known problems during the show.
At some point, Curt is happy with the hardware design and he gives the go-decision to the production builds. They need to make their way to the Neptune warehouse (which may be Curt's bedroom for all I know
).
I'm guessing that pre-order and delivery targets are set based on hardware stability.
Since then there may have been software bugs uncovered (see the ACiii firmware update thread) that need to be fixed.
Again, at some point Curt is happy and decides to re-flash all of his first-run production units that were already on the boat.
When he is ready, he will announce pre-orders and ship as soon as possible.
Holding him to any communication plan is just not feasible based on the number of variables in the air. I personally hope that they are shipped soon as I am currently without a controller. I'd like to think he is busy re-flashing them now and ready to enable the new part umbers and pricing on the purchasing site.
Anyway, saying that this is a hush-hush attitude and saying that any more delays in communications would force other choices is just silly to me. Yes, pre-orders were not opened in the first week of May, but that means little if there were no expectations for delivery until the end of May anyway. Why send money any sooner than you have to? You are free to make other choices, go for it if you want.
At some point, Curt is happy with the hardware design and he gives the go-decision to the production builds. They need to make their way to the Neptune warehouse (which may be Curt's bedroom for all I know
). I'm guessing that pre-order and delivery targets are set based on hardware stability.
Since then there may have been software bugs uncovered (see the ACiii firmware update thread) that need to be fixed.
Again, at some point Curt is happy and decides to re-flash all of his first-run production units that were already on the boat.
When he is ready, he will announce pre-orders and ship as soon as possible.
Holding him to any communication plan is just not feasible based on the number of variables in the air. I personally hope that they are shipped soon as I am currently without a controller. I'd like to think he is busy re-flashing them now and ready to enable the new part umbers and pricing on the purchasing site.
Anyway, saying that this is a hush-hush attitude and saying that any more delays in communications would force other choices is just silly to me. Yes, pre-orders were not opened in the first week of May, but that means little if there were no expectations for delivery until the end of May anyway. Why send money any sooner than you have to? You are free to make other choices, go for it if you want.
Patience guys.. At MAX, Curt told me "pre-order in early May"; to me, that loosely means the first half of May, not necessarily the first week.
Like those old E&J Gallo commercials... "we will sell no wine before its time"... I'd rather they get it right, even if that means the APEX might be released a bit later than expected. Having been the R&D Director for a technology company, I know first-hand how a problem can crop up at the last minute, despite intense QA efforts. (I have no knowledge of this being the case with the APEX, so please don't take it as such.)
Like those old E&J Gallo commercials... "we will sell no wine before its time"... I'd rather they get it right, even if that means the APEX might be released a bit later than expected. Having been the R&D Director for a technology company, I know first-hand how a problem can crop up at the last minute, despite intense QA efforts. (I have no knowledge of this being the case with the APEX, so please don't take it as such.)
D
Deleted member 143833
I agree with Russ...
There are many processes that must happen before a product, with the quality and stability we have come to know of Neptune products can be made available to the general populous. I understand the excitement about the new controller but this controller deserves our patience.
Please don't allow excitement for this new controller turn into anger and terse treatment of fellow reefers.
There are many processes that must happen before a product, with the quality and stability we have come to know of Neptune products can be made available to the general populous. I understand the excitement about the new controller but this controller deserves our patience.
Please don't allow excitement for this new controller turn into anger and terse treatment of fellow reefers.
Constantin
New member
well, i am sure a lot of people are confused by the fact that there was a lot of info from Curt back in the beginning of April, however no news in the past few weeks... so people want to know whether its still scheduled to ship in late May or not, since some, like myself, need to buy a controller.
no need to get defensive or offensive about this topic, would be nice to get a simple update, thats all.
no need to get defensive or offensive about this topic, would be nice to get a simple update, thats all.
SirVilhelm
Member
oh you guys!
Paramecium
One man wolf pack
I too am interested in a solid due date for this controller. like a few others I need a controller soon and would like to buy the Apex rather than an older model for almost the same price, assuming he sticks with the $500 package he told me about at MAX.
Ladies and Gentlemen......please.......
Neptune Systems will give us an update when they are ready. We are lucky to have direct access to Curt in this forum. Let the man do his work.
If you need a controller now then buy one. If you sold your controller early then live with your decision.
Product launches have a life of their own. We may not see the Apex until the fall....who knows. I want one yesterday also, but I can't have one until it is on the market......
Neptune Systems will give us an update when they are ready. We are lucky to have direct access to Curt in this forum. Let the man do his work.
If you need a controller now then buy one. If you sold your controller early then live with your decision.
Product launches have a life of their own. We may not see the Apex until the fall....who knows. I want one yesterday also, but I can't have one until it is on the market......
Constantin
New member
you guys are right, and no one is trying to rush anybody into anything, however when people start screaming "leave Curt alone, otherwise god will smite you" just because people wanted to know whether things are still on time is absurd.
there is nothing wrong with asking questions concerning time frame, and there is nothing wrong with letting people know that things are delayed or that you simply don't know.
Of course Curt is not going to do it until he knows for sure there is a delay because it might unnecessary turn away potential buyers.
Lets face is, most people who buy these kind of controllers new are reading these forums...
This is not criticism of Neptune, rather an expression of my amazement at peoples reaction of "DONT PUSH THEM"... no one is pushing anyone, this is a forum for Christs sake, people come here to find information.
there is nothing wrong with asking questions concerning time frame, and there is nothing wrong with letting people know that things are delayed or that you simply don't know.
Of course Curt is not going to do it until he knows for sure there is a delay because it might unnecessary turn away potential buyers.
Lets face is, most people who buy these kind of controllers new are reading these forums...
This is not criticism of Neptune, rather an expression of my amazement at peoples reaction of "DONT PUSH THEM"... no one is pushing anyone, this is a forum for Christs sake, people come here to find information.
Paramecium
One man wolf pack
I agree with Constantin. I don't appreciate getting crap from people for asking if the product is still on schedule. I need a controller soon, as my tank is ready to be filled with water and I don't want to spend $460 or so for an AC3 when a better product will be out soon for just slightly more.
If Curt were to come on here and explain that things are delayed for some reason that would be fine, if the time frame was long enough I could buy a used AC3 for now. If however they will still be available in the next month or so I will hold off and wait for the new product.
If Curt were to come on here and explain that things are delayed for some reason that would be fine, if the time frame was long enough I could buy a used AC3 for now. If however they will still be available in the next month or so I will hold off and wait for the new product.
My post was certainly not to give anybody crap (I have no reason to). Asking questions is what the forum is all about. It just seemed that some folks were getting a little heated and starting to go after each other a little. It would be nice to get more info (especially those that are currently putting together a new build), but we can't demand an answer. Curt will respond at some point.
Constantin
New member
this is a forum board, you can "demand" anything, but you are only going to get what you are going to get, if anything, all these demands help Curt and his company in knowing that there is a demand for the unit right now and also helps him in deciding on when and what kind of info should be out....
as long as no one is cursing.... and the first flame on there was from somebody who was saying "hahaha you are flying blind, silly you, you should know better"...
anyway, back on topic, would be great to know some info, i too have a tank that is waiting for water
as long as no one is cursing.... and the first flame on there was from somebody who was saying "hahaha you are flying blind, silly you, you should know better"...
anyway, back on topic, would be great to know some info, i too have a tank that is waiting for water
What interests me more than when it is available, is what modules will be available.
4 1-10V channels are not sufficient at all, I am looking at 8 1-10v illumination channels and 8 1-10V for more than just tunze pumps.
250 modules capable, but do I have to buy 6 modules to get 6 extra 1-10v channels when they have to be combined with 1 ph- 1 temp etc, Are the modules expandable and able to have ports added. What price is each module, same price as the base unit???? I don't know.
Now this is probably pre-empting the announcements, as I am sure Neptune want to delay some of their stuff until GHL have announced their line up with the profilux III.
My preference right now is with the Neptune as I would like the retained option to use X10 along with the Aquabus and power bars.
I am also waiting for the 230 volt version of the power bar to be release before I make a definitive purchase of a new neptune controller.
4 1-10V channels are not sufficient at all, I am looking at 8 1-10v illumination channels and 8 1-10V for more than just tunze pumps.
250 modules capable, but do I have to buy 6 modules to get 6 extra 1-10v channels when they have to be combined with 1 ph- 1 temp etc, Are the modules expandable and able to have ports added. What price is each module, same price as the base unit???? I don't know.
Now this is probably pre-empting the announcements, as I am sure Neptune want to delay some of their stuff until GHL have announced their line up with the profilux III.
My preference right now is with the Neptune as I would like the retained option to use X10 along with the Aquabus and power bars.
I am also waiting for the 230 volt version of the power bar to be release before I make a definitive purchase of a new neptune controller.
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