aquacontroller jr/reefkeeper

[sbeason]

I have a few questions regarding either one of these controllers.

1) Do they have to remained hooked up to your pc 24/7?

2) Or, do you just program it via your pcs, then go put it on your tank set-up.

My pc is three rooms away and 30 ft at least.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Please excuse my ignorance. -Steve

 

[kpc01]

From what I have researched, you don't HAVE to have a PC at all, they can be programmed from the unit. I think they can just give you cool readouts and be programmed easier thru the PC. I'm sure someone will chime in if I'm in the wrong.

 

[spooda420]

can they be made wireless???

 

[DrBDC]

I have mine connected to a gaming wireless unit. Mine is the regular AC3 though. It has an ethernet connection. All the wireless ones are usb now so I had to go with the gaming one for playstations and xboxes since they have ethernet connections.

 

[spooda420]

thats pretty neato... This way I would not need to leave my bedroom to monitor/see my fishies. web cam/the controller/laptop/HDTV, all i need is a fridge with cold beer, spray cheese and I'd be set.

 

[Fade]

You dont need a pc it is just way easyier to program. The Jr uses a serial cable and like Roy said the 3 or 3 pro uses cat5.

 

[drummereef]

I have my Aquacontroller Jr connected to the computer via the seral cable 24/7. With the ACJr, you need to have internet access on the computer to access Aquanotes via the internet (there is no built-in ethernet). I have the Jr also send me emails twice daily to tell me the tank stats. Works flawlessly. :thumbsup:

It was pricless when we went to Mexico on vacation. Told me everything I needed to know when we were away. That and the webcam so I could see if the pumps were still working.

 

[latazyo]

drummer, so do you have a really long serial cable or do you have the tank right next to your computer or a laptop or something?

 

[Fade]

On my parents we made a serial cable there computor is about 30 feet away cost us about 10$. We used cat 5 it only uses 4 wires out of nine possible. We got all the parts at radio shack.

 

[drummereef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9323003#post9323003 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by latazyo
drummer, so do you have a really long serial cable or do you have the tank right next to your computer or a laptop or something?

The computer is a dedicated computer for the tank. It sits right next to the stand. It's a tiny Dell Optiplex so it doesn't take up much space. The serial cable is the standard length (5ft.) that comes from Neputune Systems. I then ran CAT5E cable about 35-40 feet to the router that is in another room. Was fairly easy since I was able to run through unfinished areas of the basement. All of this for a 40 gallon, I'm crazy. :lol: Hopefully I'll get the 180 going in the next few months.