Apex Controller - Details?
- Thread starter mcliffy2
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sfsuphysics
Active member
Man o Man, I got an AC3 not too long ago to replace my RKE, now out comes something that looks like an RKE?
As neat as it looks I learned my pre-ordering lesson once already (ended up costing me $500
).
My AC3 works perfectly fine as it is though, and at this point in time I don't need anything more for it, I just hope that support for it continues on.
As neat as it looks I learned my pre-ordering lesson once already (ended up costing me $500
). My AC3 works perfectly fine as it is though, and at this point in time I don't need anything more for it, I just hope that support for it continues on.
RokleM
Premium Member
My hunch is that support for the AC3 will continue, but enhancements to move towards or include Apex features will not. In short, I think the AC3 doesn't have the horsepower or memory to handle may (if any) of the new functions... which is why we're seeing a brand new overhauled unit that is DRASTICALLY more powerful.
As always, it kind of sucks to be an owner of the "old" technology, but it's solid and still works well.
Looking good so far Curt, that's all I can say
As always, it kind of sucks to be an owner of the "old" technology, but it's solid and still works well.
Looking good so far Curt, that's all I can say
sfsuphysics
Active member
Yeah I suspect the AC3 will be what the ACjr has become, yeah it's supported but nothing new/drastic is coming out for it.
As you said though its solid and works well, and to be perfectly honest the AC3 does more than I really need for now, so it'll be running the show on my tank for a while
As you said though its solid and works well, and to be perfectly honest the AC3 does more than I really need for now, so it'll be running the show on my tank for a while
mcliffy2
New member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14804703#post14804703 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NeveSSL
Hmmm... tough choice. RKE or Apex? We'll see.
FWIW, Curt, I'm definitely interested in hearing about future modules and plans for expansion. That's the one area that is currently holding me back from giving you my money.
Everything else looks pretty sweet, though.
Brandon
As a current RKE owner who will be switching, trust me its not. That said, if you want to buy an RKE, I'll have a good deal on one as soon as the Apex comes out
chrishet
Member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14804703#post14804703 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NeveSSL
Hmmm... tough choice. RKE or Apex? We'll see.
I know there is a lot of loyalty out there for these controllers, i.e. AC3 vs RKE, but I don't get it. As consumers we should demand the highest level of technology, reliability and support from our vendors. In my research for a controller I have seen way to much defense of the RKE device and have even been verbally attacked just for asking some simple questions, like when will the SW be available? IMO the Apex specs way outperforms the RKE and while we do not yet know what the stability of the Apex device will be we do know what the problems of the RKE has been.
One final point, these devices are not really that expensive in the grand scheme of things and they are a great value prop compared to doing it yourself. I actually own an automation company for telescope observatories and I understand the technology utilized here. Btw, I already have over $3K in my 22 Cadlights setup and I do not even own a controller yet!...I'm betting most of you 100 gal + owners have well over 10K in your setup....So kudos to Neptune for keeping the price down on such a nice piece of technology......with that being said, HURRY UP NEPTUNE!
Cajun Reefer
New member
- Will the old DC-8's, DC4's, & DC4HD's (power bars) work with the new Apex? If so, is there a limit to how many can be daisy chained and hooked up to the Apex?
- How many devices can the Apex handle without any additional modules (excluding the obvious power bars)?
- For the new power bar, what is it rated at for the total maximum amps and max amps per outlet?
- I'm assuming that the old 120 volt Socket Expansion can still be plugged into the new power bar, correct?
- Does the software come with the basic controller system under $500? Or is that a separate purchase?
- Will there be any issues with the new power bar as it relates to low power drawing devices like what happened with some of the older DC8? Forgive me, I don't recall the technical name, but I think y'all changed over to triacs or something similar to that name.
Thank you for your time and assistance! Looking forward to it.
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D
Deleted member 143833
Yes, the Apex will be backwards compatible with existing devices.
sfsuphysics
Active member
I'd be willing to guess that certain features, i.e. current monitoring, is not something that'll be backward compatible for obvious reasons
Well I think the whole deal with controllers is that it's similar to games for a computer vs games for a console, with a console you know all the hardware that'll be at work there, with a computer you can have literally billions of differences between two machines. Same with controllers, with some people they'll work flawlessly, best thing since sliced bread, others... not so much.
Cajun Reefer,
Yes all direct connect boxes will work with the Apex. Apex is expandable to thousands of controlled outlets. The expandability is virtually unlimited.
The EB8 is rated for 5 Amps on outlets 1-3 & 5-7 (triacs), and 10 Amps on outlets #4 & #8. The 2 relays outlets are for use with higher current devices, or pumps which have a poor power factor.
Yes, the socket expansion will work on the EB8.
No, AquaNotes does not come with the Apex base unit; it really isn't needed.
niko5,
It will be shipping next month.
Tacocat,
Yes, it has day of week programming.
Curt
Yes all direct connect boxes will work with the Apex. Apex is expandable to thousands of controlled outlets. The expandability is virtually unlimited.
The EB8 is rated for 5 Amps on outlets 1-3 & 5-7 (triacs), and 10 Amps on outlets #4 & #8. The 2 relays outlets are for use with higher current devices, or pumps which have a poor power factor.
Yes, the socket expansion will work on the EB8.
No, AquaNotes does not come with the Apex base unit; it really isn't needed.
niko5,
It will be shipping next month.
Tacocat,
Yes, it has day of week programming.
Curt
Here is a summary of new features available in the Apex base unit:
Curt
Code:
- Monitor/Control - pH, Temp, and ORP
ORP input can either be an ORP input, or a second pH probe
Galvanic isolation on probes (no probe interference issues like the competition).
- Two AquaBus connectors for easy expansion, and flexible cabling options.
Plug and Plug bus allows for modular expansion.
High reliability protocol with robust error correction.
Cable lengths over 200 feet.
- All AquaBus modules allow for easy firmware updates
New features can be added to modules
No need to unplug/rewire devices to perform the firmware update (unlike the competition)
- Virtually unlimited expandability - most expandable controller.
- Expandable to 240 AquaBus modules
- hundreds of monitored probes/digital inputs
- thousands of controlled outlets
- 6 Digital Inputs
I/O port expansion backwards compatible with PX 1000
Compatible with the breakout box.
- Control Port - All control port accessories (DC8, DC4, DC4HD, AquaSurf, Lunar Sim)
work with Apex
- 4 Variable Speed Ports.
0 to 10V output interface
Can directly control up to 4 Tunze stream pumps (like AquaSurf)
Can dim ballasts with 0 to 10V interfaces (T5).
- Integrated Ethernet port.
Most advanced web server available.
Only aquarium controller with web server monitoring, control, and configuration.
Easily interfaces with wireless 802.11x accessories
Email or text message alarms
Interfaces with AquaNotes iPhone application
RSS and XML Support
- Only 32 bit processor on an Aquarium controller
Over 16 times more code space & 5X faster than the competition
The huge code space means that future expandability is guaranteed
- Very simple menu driven configuration.
menus to easily setup pumps, lights, heater, chiller, co2, etc.
No programming required for configuration
Can name the outlets (unlike the competition)
- In advanced mode enhanced AquaController programming language available
Day of Week functionality added.
Sub minute control added on EnergyBar controlled devices.
- 4 Feed Cycles or Maintenance modes
- Firmware updates via Ethernet
Flash memory so new features can be easily added
- Alternate power port on Apex Base Unit.
Email alarms or audible alarms when system power fails
Can detect power failures in EnergyBars.
- Internal rechargeable backup battery.
Retains clock
- Huge data logging memory
Graph probe/device data on the LCD display
Interactive flash graphing application in the web server
Over 1 years worth of data logs can be stored
Over 16 times more memory than the competition
- Compact Size
7.5" x 2.6" x 1.10"Curt
mcliffy2
New member
Looks like the best set of features available, and at a very low price One slight thing I noticed, and just being a stickler here, this claim isn't quite correct: "Only aquarium controller with web server monitoring, control, and configuration." The Biomatix is web-based and allows for all that, BUT, it isn't nearly as expandable and is pricier (no capability for a second pH probe was the deal breaker for me.)
One slight thing I noticed, and just being a stickler here, this claim isn't quite correct: "Only aquarium controller with web server monitoring, control, and configuration." The Biomatix is web-based and allows for all that, BUT, it isn't nearly as expandable and is pricier (no capability for a second pH probe was the deal breaker for me.)<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14801059#post14801059 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ah30k
Chuck, the connectors on the Apex are much smaller and marked V1/V2 and then V3/V4
There must be some physical adapter?
I would guess that the V1/V2 and V3/V3 ports are the same as the ones on the AquaSurf and thus the AquaSurf is not needed if you have an Apex.
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