Aquacontroller 2 stopped working...HELP?!?!

[bigdeeezy]

I know I know...its an ancient aquarium controller but it has worked for me for many years until now!

The other day I came home from work and noticed none of my lights were on and checked around to see what was going on. Please keep in mind I am using this controller in conjunction with the PowerHouse X10 modules. I checked the X10 modules, swapped them out with other ones, initialized the AC 2 and reprogrammed everything, changed the RJ11 cable from the controller to the power line interface and it still does not work.

Usually when I manually turn on the lights via the AC 2, I would hear clicks from the X10 modules but this time I do not hear anything. Can it be the power line interface module that is bad which is not sending signals to the other X10 modules to turn it on and off?

I tried to look for the interface module but it seems like it is out of stock everywhere...what are my other options? What can I use in conjunction with the AC 2 to automate my lighting schedule? Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[scuzy]

get a new apex. it's about time.

 

[bigdeeezy]

get a new apex. it's about time.

knew someone would say that! haha Im saving up for that!

but in the meantime, is there a cheap fix for this for the time being?

 

[scuzy]

well I guess you can use a timer for lights. but all the automation won't come cheap.

 

[marioensf]

AC Jr?

 

[bigdeeezy]

AC Jr?

its an Aquacontroller 2 like the one below

 

[marioensf]

Wondering if a replacement ACJr will do the trick...

 

[gwubsmuzix]

I have a AC JR just laying around if you wanna buy it for cheap :thumbsup:

 

[bigdeeezy]

the thing is i dont know if the unit is the issue or the power line interface is the issue...I am looking for the interface module to test first then see whats the outcome...I will let you know.

 

[marioensf]

Maybe the dc power supply went out

 

[ricksreef]

I have a complete JR with dc8, wasn't looking to get rid of it but my ice cap ballast went out tonight so I'm in need of a new one or two goosenecks' for a pair of kessils a360's. looking to trade or I can give you a good deal on it

 

[sfsuphysics]

Check the IO ports of your controller, a similar thing happened with my AC3 a while back, eventually the humidity of the tank caused enough corrosion to short out the RJ45(or RJ11 I forget which interface they use)

Unfortunately it was not something that was fixable and required a new device to be bought (then about a week later Neptune announced their Apex and pricing which was the same price as the AC3 I bought the dicks!)

 

[treylane]

Hurry up and save for the apex, they're awesome

You can certainly replace the ac2 and x10 modules for regular light timers if you're looking for cheap:
http://www.amazon.com/Woods-50007-I..._sim_60_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1QN02DS4Q4P2KS6CXGFG

I also think I have an ac3 in the garage I'll let go for cheap or trade for frags.

 

[bigdeeezy]

thanks all for the help! my lights are currently on a coralife timer i had laying around i just found...Apex coming soon...hopefully LOL

 

[Psionicdragon]

where are you located

 

[bigdeeezy]

san jose

 

[Psionicdragon]

ah ok..i have an ac2 that u can have if you come up north around SF area.

 

[bigdeeezy]

@psionicdragon Thanks! I will keep you in mind if I do happen to need it.

 

[bigdeeezy]

took the AC2 apart and it seems like there is a diode/resistor that is burnt...possibly causing the issue

Straight dookie...who has an AC for cheap as my temp solution? or maybe an Apex for a good price?

 

[scuzy]

you still haven't gotten a replacement after a month?