AquaController Jr DC8 or X10 control modules

[jlfnjlf]

I have decided to go with an AquaController Jr to control my 100g I am working on. However I am sure if the DC8 or the X10 control modules are the better choice. I am hoping to get feedback from people who use both. I know with the DC8 I am limited to 8 controlled outlets, but with the X10 control modules I can run up to 12.

Thanks,

John

 

[MrMikeB]

I run the AC3 with the DC8 and have no problems - great unit. The AC3 can daisy chain multiple DC8/DC4s, but I am not sure the Jr. can too. One thing that helped sell me on the DC8 vs. X10 controllers was the nifty feature of soft starting on the pumps using the DC8. It is supposed to help reduce wear when starting up the pumps which is something I do not think the X10s can do.

One other thing, although this might be a moot point. The DC8/AC Jr. combo can also do dimming on the lunar lights to simulate the waxing and waning of the moon. The caveat being you have to use incandescent bulbs for moonlights.

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

I have seen some threads about trouble with noise affecting the X10 controllers (don't turn on/off on command). Could be very bad if it affected heaters or chillers. You might want to do a search.

 

[gabe3d]

The AC jr communicates with the X10 modules the same way as it does with the DC8 or DC4. You can daisy chain a DC8 with a DC4 and get 12 outputs, which is hte maximum number of channels it can address.

 

[funman1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9055876#post9055876 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gabe3d
The AC jr communicates with the X10 modules the same way as it does with the DC8 or DC4.

THIS IS VERY WRONG.
All the AC products (DC8's and such) ALL connect DIRECTLY to the controller via WIRE. That's what the DC stands for DIRECT CONNECT.

ALL X10 modules use Radio waves to communicate with the controller. There have been many horror stories using X10 do a search..

I would go with the DC's

~Steve~

 

[xia]

Can't you do DC8 and x10's? I have x10's on a power strip and they do give me trouble time to time, but I think the problem was my wireless transceiver not the x10 modules. Just replaced it since moving. In anycase that was the x10 working with the wireless transceiver, and not the controller with the x10's. Never noticed any problems with my AC2 and the modules.

Also although they work on a power strip, I don't think they were meant to be used like that. Anyhow x10's are a cheaper alternative, which you can always use for your home appliances later on. They have so many products for x10, I keep wondering why they don't come up with something like the DC8. Check out x10.com if you haven't already. I got the package deal with 3 appliance modules, 1 remote control, and 1 wireless transceiver for $39.99. They also have 5 appliance modules for $49.99. I just love turning on and off my pumps, without unplugging them.

http://www.x10wirelesshome.com/modules/x10_appliance_module_am466.html#

 

[xia]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9059259#post9059259 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by funman1

ALL X10 modules use Radio waves to communicate with the controller. There have been many horror stories using X10 do a search..

~Steve~

Hmm . . . I thought it was some kind of electrical signal? Since my controller connects to a control module without any kind of broadcast antennae.

Here's something from the Neptune site.

The following hardwired control options are available for the AquaController product line. A varity of control options are available for the Every device to be controlled by the AquaController needs a control module to receive commands. The control module receives commands transmitted over the AC power lines. If the control module's ID number matches that of the broadcast command's ID, then the control module turns the device either on or off. Depending on the controller model up to 40 different control modules can be controlled by one AquaController.

 

[xia]

The only interference I've heard about is with noisy ballasts. Also from Neptune website.

The Direct Connect 8 modules features 8 solid-state controlled outlets each capable of switching 120V at 6 Amps. The DC8 enables a very reliable hardwired connection between the AquaController and all controlled devices - X10 interference problems caused by noisey electronic ballasts (i.e. Blueline) are eliminated. NOTE: This module is suitable for use on ICECAPâ"žÂ¢ ballasts.

I remember having some problem with my PFO ballast too. That's why I just went ahead and plugged them into a timer, but left everything else to the controller. Peace of mind may be worth the extra money.

 

[jlfnjlf]

My original plan was to wire in X10 outlets into the control panel I am building. I went to order the outlets today, and thought to myself "am I making the best decision". I like the Idea of how clean the outlets will be in an array of outlets (3X4). Yet I want to make sure they will be stable enough in this application.

Thank you all for the feedback,

John

 

[jlfnjlf]

Oh and I will be running only IceCap ballasts.

 

[gabe3d]

I see i thought teh X10 actually plugs into the same port as the DC8.

MrMikeB,

How do you get the soft start feature to be enabled for a device? I can't seem to find it on my AC Jr?

Thanks
Gabe

 

[gabe3d]

Actually, i just checked and i was right. The x10 control interface communicates with the aquacontroller jr the same as it does with the DC8. With the phone line like cable.

 

[MrMikeB]

Gabe,

The soft start is actually built into the DC8 unit as a feature from my understanding of the documentation, and not necessarily the controller. A quote from Neptune Systems regarding the features of thd DC8
"Soft-Start" for reduced pump wear."
http://www.neptunesys.com/modules.htm

So I think it is natively built into the actual sockets that phase power in as the socket is reactivated by the controller.

 

[xinumaster]

I ran dc8 and x10 daisy chain using a single ACjr to control both. The thing I don't let about X10 is that the clicking sound when it switches is too load for me.

 

[funman1]

Yes the "control module" for x10 is wired.
However the "control module" talks to its units "unwired"

Yes, it uses the existing power lines as antenas, which IMO is not always the best.

As said above, xai sometimes has issues with things turrning on
or off.

In my reef I NEVER want to have "troubble from time to time"
That's not an option for me..

~Steve~

 

[jlfnjlf]

Steve,

if you had to make this decision how would you go?

Thanks John

 

[funman1]

I would stay away from the X10 for items that are System Critical.

Power heads, PC lights, Skimmers and such I would say are fine for X10.

Heaters, Metal Halides, ATO's, Return pumps I would say could be a bad idea for X10

If it were me I would prolly go with the DC 8 and then possibly the 4 extra x10; if that ended up being cheaper.
Or if the DC 4 was cheaper then the X10 I would go with all DC's

But that's just me..
~Steve~

 

[Sparkss]

X10 is an accident waiting to happen, do it right the first time and go with the DC8. I have read of many that started with X10s and move to the DCs, but cannot recall having read about anyone that had DCs and changed over to X10s.

 

[jlfnjlf]

Thank you all for the feed back.

I ordered the DC8 when I ordered the controller today. I do plan on using 4 X10s as well if I need the extra controlled outlets.

Thanks again,

John

 

[jlfnjlf]

OK so here is the plan.

I ordered the DC8 when I ordered the AC Jr. However reefgeek.com called yesterday and said the AC Jr kit that ordered is back ordered.

DC8 :rollface:
1. MH (IceCap 250W)
2. MH (IceCap 250W)
3. T5 (IceCap 2X80W)
4. T5 (IceCap 2X80W)
3. Sump return pump (Pan World 50PX-X)
4. CL pump (Iwaki MD70RLT)
5. Oceans Motions Super Squirt Compact
6. Heater (undecided)
7. Skimmer (Gen-X 4100)
8. Chiller (undecided)

X10 :mixed:
1. Canopy fans
2. Refugium lights (2 18” kitchen lights)
3. Stand fans
4. LED moon lights