Apex Programming and Misc Questions

[rus]

I am just finishing off setting up my new Apex , switched over from Aq3 , and for now will continue to use my Aquasurf for my tunze ( all wires are setup for it for now )

I'm wondering how I go about setting up the programming for this , I have setup the module ,and can see my new outlets , can I use old program ? If not is there a way to setup new programming based off my old one?

Thanks

- Also anyway to extend cables from Tunzes to Apex so I can use Apex instead?

- Can I make a longer wire for Temp and PH probe If I wanted to setup Apex to control other tanks ( Want to keep main system in one area of the room )

 

[aquamanic]

You can't port your ACx program to the Apex but you'll find they're not too much different if you use the 'advanced' mode.

You can purchase Tunze cables to use on the Apex or DIY something.

You can extend the BNC cable for the pH probe - sources on the web for BNC male - female cables but the temp probe has an RJ style connector.

Lots more answers to these and other common new user questions in the User Guide that's stickied.

 

[rus]

Thanks Alan

For extending my cables can I just purchase a patch cord that goes male to female or the desired length I need ? Or does adding on to the cable length cause any problems with the readings or control of the probes / Tunzes

Thanks Again

 

[RussM]

Kenargo's AC3 Simulator can import an AC3's timer setup & program then output it as the equivalent basic Apex programming, which you can then copy and paste into the Apex.... or simply study the output as a learning tool.

 

[rus]

Thanks Russ , I will check it out.

 

[aquamanic]

I think any time you extend signal cables you have to be concerned about degradation and interference. It all depends on the length and quality of cable/connections. The probe cables are 10'. I don't think doubling that will cause you issues. If you needed 50' or 100' then that's a different story. If you have flaky readings then the cable would be the first suspect. BTW, calibrate probes WITH any extension cables on.

The Tunze cable has a RJ45 connector on one end and a DIN5 connector on the other so you'd have to find a male-female DIN5 extension cable. I'm sure they're out there.

You should consider purchasing the appropriate expansion module(s) that will support the probes you want and just run a single long USB cable to that. Then use regular probe and control cables. You can run USB 200' and still be supported. A VDM and a PM1 would do the trick for you. One long cable to the VDM and a short one between the VDM and the PM1. They would sit next to your tank and have the Tunze and probe connections. Then you have a fully supported solution and much cleaner than a bunch of long cables going all over the place.

 

[rus]

Thanks Alan ,

Ya , I did consider that way , but trying to keep all the cables hidden in my fish room the best I can at least , and all the controls set up in one area for neatness. I had just a rats nest for a while , and with new setup decided I would make myself clean it up somewhat at least.

I will look around and see what I can find for cables extensions , thanks for help.

 

[rus]

So still a little confused on Aquasurf and Apex, I have my Tunzes running off it now but using Surf 1 and Surf 2 outlets. I have noticed it seems I should be using pump profiles ( which I set up 4 - 2 for each tunze which different settings ) to set it up and then virtual outlets to turn it to the pump profile I want at the time I want ? Is this the correct , or should I just use the oulets like I have so far?

I want to achieve 2 or more settings per tunze that will turn on according to when actinics turn on / when main lighting is all on / , and then again when all main lighting turns off.

I have been reading thru the manual online ( Great work on this ) But must admit still struggling a little on the profile, virtual outlet , misc ... in comparison to how i had the old programming on AQ. Not quite grasping it yet



Thanks for any info

 

[aquamanic]

You don't need the virtual outlets but you do need the profiles.

For outlet Surf1 you can do something like this, assuming you have profiles named PF1 and PF2 (of course, you can name them anything you want):

Set OFF
If Time 08:00 to 17:00 then PF1
If Time 17:01 to 7:59 then PF2

Or you could use a statement like this:

If Outlet MH_LightA = ON then PF1
If Outlet MH_LightA = OFF then PF2

Keep in mind that these 'surf' outlets are just for the speed signaling. You still will need a pair of 110v outlets for power although these could be simply wall outlets depending on whether you want to turn the pumps completely off via the Apex or not.

 

[rus]

Thanks Alan , appreciate the help on this.

I'm sure I will have more questions later, as I try to figure out more:idea: