Aquarium Controllers
- Thread starter jamest0o0
- Start date
Is more then just saying it has Tunze support.
Technically saying that the Profilux is Tunze coded is wrong and misleading.
I am hoping to explain this as clear as I can.
Profilux does not have special software to run Tunze Pumps.
What it does have its built in features that you the user can define on what 1-10v outs do.
One example is defining voltage range to 0-100% range.
You can define the voltage range with any combination.
Examples;
Low scale to 1volt = 0%; High scale to 5v to 100%
Low scale to 8volt = 0%; High scale to 10v to 100%
For Tunze Pumps, you need to set the range to 3v to 8v to order to control them.
I read some where on the DA forums, someone trying to connect a LED driver that the range was 0-5v and RKE could not do it, because it can not define ranges that are not within 0-10v.
But this feature is not the only thing that makes Profilux able to control the Tunze, you need more.
You must be able to define how you want to control that output.
Like ramping, pulsing, deceleration, acceleration, and timing circuits.
The list is long, on what you can define for that Output channel.
What makes Profilux Tunze ready, is the way Profilux control software is defined, not because it coded to work just specifically with Tunze.
Which way did Apex go with?
Special Code, just for Tunze? Or Flexible Code, like Profilux did?
Profilux is design to control just about anything and then some.
With the new Analog input card, any device that can send a voltage within the 0-10v signal can be read by Profilux controller.
Quantum Sensor (Amplified 0-5 V)
Flow meter( 0-10v)
Pressure Sensor for CO2 Bottle (0-10v)
Noticed some of these are not 0-10v, anything within that range will be able to be define by the Profilux Controller.
I hope this was clear and understandable, lol.
builderguy
New member
It was clear, and those inspire me to think more about how to use the 1-10v inputs.
Let's see how APEX works when it comes out, plus the available code space in the apex is huge and it's a 32-bit controller to boot.
Right now with the progamming logic choices that Curt has discussed with me, and the onboard functionality the APEX looks like a great value for "power users".
Again Luis - I'm very impressed with Profilux, but the APEX is looking sweet for the money.
Functionality out of the box for $500:
Ethernet Connectivity
USB Connectivity
pH Monitor/Control
pH probe
ORP Monitor/Control (need optional probe)
Temp Probe
Temp Monitor/Control
Built-in Web Server
Web-based Monitor/Control/Programming
Seasonal Lighting and Temp Control
Four Integrated 0-10v/Variable Speed Pump Ports
Email and Text Messaging (no additional SMS unit required)
6 Digital Inputs (switches, etc)
Expandable to 240 modules (try that with Profilux)
Namable Outlets, Probes, and Ports
Multiple user defined displays - can even scroll through different displays.
EB Power bars have hub-ports for expandability of other power bars and control modules.
Active electrical current monitoring on all outlets
It's kinda like my SUV...I have a fully loaded Explorer Limited - Leather, 305hp HO V8, on-board Nav, power rear-seats, moon-roof - etc....Now I almost went for the NICER, and arguably superior X5 4.0 (The expensive German SUV) and spend considerably more TO GET THE SPECIFIC FEATURES I WANTED - I do sometimes have "buyers remorse"...but I saved a lot of money and my Explorer has been great.
As I listed on a previous post - for my SPECIFIC set-up and what functionality I need/want the Profilux is about 50% more. So it all depends on what you want to do and if you can get the same functionality for less, why not use the money for something else - sometimes the functional, reliable, cheaper American made item makes more financial sense than the high-end luxury German made item - if that makes sense.
Let's see how APEX works when it comes out, plus the available code space in the apex is huge and it's a 32-bit controller to boot.
Right now with the progamming logic choices that Curt has discussed with me, and the onboard functionality the APEX looks like a great value for "power users".
Again Luis - I'm very impressed with Profilux, but the APEX is looking sweet for the money.
Functionality out of the box for $500:
Ethernet Connectivity
USB Connectivity
pH Monitor/Control
pH probe
ORP Monitor/Control (need optional probe)
Temp Probe
Temp Monitor/Control
Built-in Web Server
Web-based Monitor/Control/Programming
Seasonal Lighting and Temp Control
Four Integrated 0-10v/Variable Speed Pump Ports
Email and Text Messaging (no additional SMS unit required)
6 Digital Inputs (switches, etc)
Expandable to 240 modules (try that with Profilux)
Namable Outlets, Probes, and Ports
Multiple user defined displays - can even scroll through different displays.
EB Power bars have hub-ports for expandability of other power bars and control modules.
Active electrical current monitoring on all outlets
It's kinda like my SUV...I have a fully loaded Explorer Limited - Leather, 305hp HO V8, on-board Nav, power rear-seats, moon-roof - etc....Now I almost went for the NICER, and arguably superior X5 4.0 (The expensive German SUV) and spend considerably more TO GET THE SPECIFIC FEATURES I WANTED - I do sometimes have "buyers remorse"...but I saved a lot of money and my Explorer has been great.
As I listed on a previous post - for my SPECIFIC set-up and what functionality I need/want the Profilux is about 50% more. So it all depends on what you want to do and if you can get the same functionality for less, why not use the money for something else - sometimes the functional, reliable, cheaper American made item makes more financial sense than the high-end luxury German made item - if that makes sense.
luther1200
Premium Member
That basically what it came down to for me. The Profilux would have just wound up costing more. I have a lot of outlets and the Profilux powerbars aren't cheap. Now I know all there outlets are relays were the others only same are, but I didn't need all of them to be. I actualy don't need any right now. Down the road I will need 2. So Any controller would handle that.
builderguy
New member
Exactly....I have 12 controlled outlets in use now with my ACII and easily could go up to 16...at over $200 for 6 with Profilux that starts adding up fast.
Additionally, I have a closed loop with an OM-4way so I really don't care about variable speed pump control at all.
Additionally, I have a closed loop with an OM-4way so I really don't care about variable speed pump control at all.
fernandokng
New member
Here's a question -
If I were to buy the APEX right now for $500 (as this is all I need), how much do I need to spend on the Profilux to get the same features? i'm just trying to do an apples to apples comparison.
If I were to buy the APEX right now for $500 (as this is all I need), how much do I need to spend on the Profilux to get the same features? i'm just trying to do an apples to apples comparison.
luther1200
Premium Member
This does about the same as the APEX, but only has 6 outlets instead of 8. But it can do a few things the Apex can't. It has a 16 bit controller, were the APEX has a 32 bit. I would say this is a fairly close comparison.
The only thing i'm not sure about is what you would need to buy for the Profilux to have the internet controllability the APEX has. I am not sure if its ready to go or you need to buy something else for that option.
its $726 US
http://www.progressivereef.com/proddetail.php?prod=prflxp2exp9
The only thing i'm not sure about is what you would need to buy for the Profilux to have the internet controllability the APEX has. I am not sure if its ready to go or you need to buy something else for that option.
its $726 US
http://www.progressivereef.com/proddetail.php?prod=prflxp2exp9
NeveSSL
Got tubes?
The LAN interface is an additional $172 or if you want wireless, its $314.
http://www.progressivereef.com/ghl-expansion.php
Brandon
http://www.progressivereef.com/ghl-expansion.php
Brandon
builderguy
New member
Yep....better deal by far on the Apex.
Brandon, how you liking the RKE? Did you get the NET module?
Brandon, how you liking the RKE? Did you get the NET module?
Been a rough day at work. We have a $2.6m project at work and the only thing I am doing is babying sitting a bunch of contractors.
What you guys don't understand, I have 125 gallon aquarium running now.
I want my electronics yesterday and I want it to be reliable today.
RKE still does not have conductivity to the best of my knowledge, and its been out for over a year now.
RKE is still very limited on what it can do after one year, no web control at all, again over 1 year.
BTW, about 99% of all electronics are manufacture either in china or Twain, especially the USA made stuff, we do not make any thing anymore, just assemble them and they slap the label made in the USA, very sad.
Apex when it goes live, its not going to have conductivity.
People that have AC3 Pro and have conductivity are going to lose that function when they upgrade to the Apex.
Does that make any sense to anyone here? Why should we lose functions when we upgrade?
Why should have to replace the whole main unit just to upgrade?
Why do we need to wait for functions that has been out for years?
When the Profilux 3 comes out this year, I wont be doing the following;
Pay for a new Head unit.
Lose any functions.
Not be able to use any of my current accessory's.
Now, this is what I am going to get when the Profilux 3 get released.
Pay for upgrade kit, that will cost less then buying a Profilux 3, its cheaper to buy a pre-release date of the Profilux 3, a Profilux 2 plus the upgrade kit.
Buying a Profilux 2 now and buying the upgrade kit is going to be cheaper then buying a Profilux 3 when they release.
They reward their loyal customers.
A new 32 bit controller, part of the upgrade kit.
Aqua bus for 250 modules.
Web/data server built in, the lan will be part of the upgrade kit.
Tons of new functions.
One of their new accessory is going to be a remote touch screen.
Apex or RKE does not have any analog input cards, they are behind already.
If you guys are happy for waiting for functions for years time, and waiting to settle for less to save a buck, then its all good then.
Not me, I want reliability with the last-est functions today, the Profilux controllers gives me that now and for the future.
You get what you paid for.
What you guys don't understand, I have 125 gallon aquarium running now.
I want my electronics yesterday and I want it to be reliable today.
RKE still does not have conductivity to the best of my knowledge, and its been out for over a year now.
RKE is still very limited on what it can do after one year, no web control at all, again over 1 year.
BTW, about 99% of all electronics are manufacture either in china or Twain, especially the USA made stuff, we do not make any thing anymore, just assemble them and they slap the label made in the USA, very sad.
Apex when it goes live, its not going to have conductivity.
People that have AC3 Pro and have conductivity are going to lose that function when they upgrade to the Apex.
Does that make any sense to anyone here? Why should we lose functions when we upgrade?
Why should have to replace the whole main unit just to upgrade?
Why do we need to wait for functions that has been out for years?
When the Profilux 3 comes out this year, I wont be doing the following;
Pay for a new Head unit.
Lose any functions.
Not be able to use any of my current accessory's.
Now, this is what I am going to get when the Profilux 3 get released.
Pay for upgrade kit, that will cost less then buying a Profilux 3, its cheaper to buy a pre-release date of the Profilux 3, a Profilux 2 plus the upgrade kit.
Buying a Profilux 2 now and buying the upgrade kit is going to be cheaper then buying a Profilux 3 when they release.
They reward their loyal customers.
A new 32 bit controller, part of the upgrade kit.
Aqua bus for 250 modules.
Web/data server built in, the lan will be part of the upgrade kit.
Tons of new functions.
One of their new accessory is going to be a remote touch screen.
Apex or RKE does not have any analog input cards, they are behind already.
If you guys are happy for waiting for functions for years time, and waiting to settle for less to save a buck, then its all good then.
Not me, I want reliability with the last-est functions today, the Profilux controllers gives me that now and for the future.
You get what you paid for.
fernandokng
New member
Just wondering, what are analog input cards used for?
What I have noticed is that Cherry Corals stopped carrying Profilux, and so has Aquarium Specialty. Anyone know why there aren't more vendors carrying them?
What I have noticed is that Cherry Corals stopped carrying Profilux, and so has Aquarium Specialty. Anyone know why there aren't more vendors carrying them?
builderguy
New member
Depends on who you ask. Cherry Corals said it was concerned with service etc, on out of country suppliers, and also the exchange-rate fluctuations on the price.
Aqua-Digital - the North American Wholesaler for Profilux says it was a "mutual" decision and that they are shifting to a direct sales approach for the US for web-based purchases and sales through retailers that have storefronts instead of just internet sales.
My sense is that AquaDigitial and Mathias at Profilux do a very good job with customer service and support, so that doesn't seem like a reasonable beef to me...the fluctuations in the dollar...maybe...but I think it comes down to a business model change for GHL/Profilux for the most part.
I personally like having US-based support, just from an availability and turn-around standpoint...but that's just my preference.
At anyrate, if you want a Profilux go to their vendor forum here on RC and you can find how to order direct. Otherwise I'd recommend going through www.progressivereef.com
Aqua-Digital - the North American Wholesaler for Profilux says it was a "mutual" decision and that they are shifting to a direct sales approach for the US for web-based purchases and sales through retailers that have storefronts instead of just internet sales.
My sense is that AquaDigitial and Mathias at Profilux do a very good job with customer service and support, so that doesn't seem like a reasonable beef to me...the fluctuations in the dollar...maybe...but I think it comes down to a business model change for GHL/Profilux for the most part.
I personally like having US-based support, just from an availability and turn-around standpoint...but that's just my preference.
At anyrate, if you want a Profilux go to their vendor forum here on RC and you can find how to order direct. Otherwise I'd recommend going through www.progressivereef.com
luther1200
Premium Member
Do you have any figures on that? I asked in the Profilux forum but they never gave any money amounts?
Exactly how much is the upgrade going to cost?? And how much will the Profilux III cost, which has a 32 bit processor like the APEX?
builderguy
New member
Of course if you don't already own a Profilux it doesn't matter much does it?
The modular design of the RKE and Apex means that they can improve one section or another and the rest will remain compatible. Everything on the Profilux has to fit in the box or a slave unit...although I think they are working on some type of way to create a "card box" for expansion cards beyond what will fit in the unit.
Some release Pics of the upgrade kits.
This is the thread that has some information and cost comments.
http://www.aquariumcomputer.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=372
I like the personal approach, Michael is the RC GHL guy and I deal with him directly.
I tell him what i want to do, and he orders the parts or tells me where to get it.
Great guy and fun to talk with.
This is the thread that has some information and cost comments.
http://www.aquariumcomputer.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=372
I like the personal approach, Michael is the RC GHL guy and I deal with him directly.
I tell him what i want to do, and he orders the parts or tells me where to get it.
Great guy and fun to talk with.
I forgot to post this last nite. 
Great examples of some functions you have available, keep in mind these are just some of them.
http://www.aquariumcomputer.com/Download/Programmable_logic.pdf
Great examples of some functions you have available, keep in mind these are just some of them.
http://www.aquariumcomputer.com/Download/Programmable_logic.pdf
luther1200
Premium Member
Yes, but how much does it cost??? The upgrade??? And if you were to just buy the Profilux III??? I don't know why every one keeps dancing around that question??
Because I cant, I do not work for GHL, lol.
Its cost what is going to cost, if you read thread carefully, Matthus explains, how one of the Profilux 3 design thought was to keep cost down for existing Profilux owners.
Any previous Neptune owners is going to have to eat the cost of the old unit when they upgrade and lose functions when they upgrade.
You guys are just focus on just on one side of it, you need to look at the whole lifetime of the controller and your future needs.
Also Profilux owners also has replacement cost on the boards that has had water damage caused by the owner, DA and Neptune Systems do not have that policy.
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luther1200
Premium Member
Its kind of hard to look at the long term if you have no idea what the upgrade is going to cost. You could spend $700-800, for a Profilux II and then have to spend anywhere from $200-400 for the upgrade who knows? If it does wind up costing that much you are looking at anywhere from $900- 1,200 total. If that is the case I would just get the APEX or RKE for half that.
The part you don't understand, I am using my Profilux now, same as the Neptune owners are doing.
When a Neptune owner upgrades, it will cost them $500 and they lose some functions and the new model line starts over again. they got to wait for new modules before they can start using old functions that they had before, for an example conductivity probe.
And that can take some time, if they follow anywhere what RKE timetable is, its going to be a long time.
When I upgrade, I will not lose any functions only gain new ones.
My cost to upgrade is not clear ATM, but GHL is promising me, because I own a Profilux now, my upgrade kit is going to be discounted for my loyalty.
When a Neptune owner upgrades, it will cost them $500 and they lose some functions and the new model line starts over again. they got to wait for new modules before they can start using old functions that they had before, for an example conductivity probe.
And that can take some time, if they follow anywhere what RKE timetable is, its going to be a long time.
When I upgrade, I will not lose any functions only gain new ones.
My cost to upgrade is not clear ATM, but GHL is promising me, because I own a Profilux now, my upgrade kit is going to be discounted for my loyalty.
