Aquacontroller Jr Serial -> Bluetooth adapter

[kroe]

I have been using my Ac Jr with a serial to bluetooth adapter from aircable.net. It is about $100, and works flawlessly.

Just a heads up in case others are in my situation (bought the Jr and don't want to run a serial cable all the way to the computer).

In retrospect I wish I bought the AC3 just for the built in web server. It would probably pay for itself in the electricity saved by not running my computer all day just to give my Jr a web server.

 

[reefknight]

What all did you have to purchase to make this work? I am very interested in installing this on my AC Jr. I too wanted the convienence of the AC3, but I did not want to spend quite that much. A Bluetooth solution would be great as I already use it for my desk top, cell phone and Palm pilot. Any problems with the conection this way? Difficulties? Thank you for your assistance.

Bill

 

[kroe]

If you already have a bluetooth adapter for your PC you will just need the serial to bluetooth adapter from aircable. If you don't you'd need to buy a bluetooth adapter for your PC also.

The only setup problems were due to me not knowing what rate/settings the aquacontroller uses to connect over serial (it is not the settings in the config section of the program - that is for a modem connection). You want 9600/no parity/1 stop bit.

 

[reefknight]

This sounds great! I would love to be able to scrap this cable, it's a pain. Did you need to order the external power cable for your unit or will the AC Jr power it? Thanks for your help!

Bill

 

[kroe]

You need the external power cable.

 

[cato]

Ken tell me more. I have a AC jr from reef-daddy and would love all the benefits of the ACIII. Where do I get the Blue tooth stuff from/ what do I need? I'm a noob with this stuff. My pc runs 24/7 anyways so it wouldn't be a prob. Thanks.

 

[kroe]

You'll need one of these: http://www.aircable.net/serial.html. I think it's the male you need - whichever would plug into the end of the serial cable that comes with the AquaController. Oh yeah... your AC Jr needs to have the serial port option for this to work (I don't remember if Reef-Daddy's had it). You need the optional power adapter too.

You'll also need a bluetooth adapter on the PC end, such as this one: http://www.aircable.net/usb.html. When I ordered mine they had a package deal with both of them for $100 if I remember right, call them up and ask I bet they'll still do that deal.

To use email notification and web access you'll need to run AquaNotes 3 on your PC (not the free version).

 

[cato]

Thanks