Aquatronica
- Thread starter JohnL
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1SickReefer
New member
Yes but sadly, you have to launch the phones web browser and go check the mail once you are notified to see the actuall parms, so I have to have the data plan ie: sprint vision..as well which is like 10 bucks, but it is not instant like SMS right to the screen...
I did the email way but it just is a PIA to launch the web browser everytime and it compresses it also and runs all the parms together. i just have it set to go to my SMS and i miss the last part of the alert but, if I get an alert I know there is a problem regardless, so I find the nearest PC or call home.
also the full web addy for receiving SMS from email directly to a spint sms phone is 0123456789@messaging.sprintpcs.com but this will not fit on the screen of the AC which has a max of 31 char for this field. I hope AQT make it unlimited or at least lke 50 char, sooo I have to have a dedicated email addy on comcast just just so that can auto forward to the addy that wont fit on the screen. that is a pia also but it works. I set the parental setting in comcast to only allow emails from AC addy to go through
Armando, I am confused on how they will offer sms also, maybe you will have to run phone line to a PC modem and than that can dial and page.? i dunno cant wait to see though.
RobbyG
Active member
The SMS may just use a phone line and nothing else. Most likely you input your ISP phone number and user name/password and the module will dial out and send you the message.
The message length is not all that important since you probably will only be notified with a short message of whats wrong. Example "Temp Level 81 deg - 01/21/06 - 9am".
How important is SMS? Well if your on the road a lot then a LAN connection is not going to help if you get back to your office and find out your water temp was 85 deg for the last 2 hours while with SMS you would be notified no matter where you are.
So for emergency notification SMS does have an advantage since almost everyone has their cell phone on them all day. Of course SMS has no abiliy to fix a problem but at least you know to call home.
Don't get me wrong LAN is a must but SMS is also handy.
The message length is not all that important since you probably will only be notified with a short message of whats wrong. Example "Temp Level 81 deg - 01/21/06 - 9am".
How important is SMS? Well if your on the road a lot then a LAN connection is not going to help if you get back to your office and find out your water temp was 85 deg for the last 2 hours while with SMS you would be notified no matter where you are.
So for emergency notification SMS does have an advantage since almost everyone has their cell phone on them all day. Of course SMS has no abiliy to fix a problem but at least you know to call home.
Don't get me wrong LAN is a must but SMS is also handy.
RobbyG
Active member
Interesting observation jbird, I better email AQT and make sure they make the address length long enough. But then again that's another thing I like about the AQT, they update there stuff often so fixes like this are always in the works. Please share with us your observations of the operation of the AC III, I know it's off topic but if you see something we could use it would be nice to know so we can let AQT know we want it.
RobbyG
Active member
Yes you can submerge them completely. That's exactly what I have on my system. I also have two other level sensors, one for the autotopoff in the refuge center and another one that alerts me when the return area water is getting low by 1". This basically tells me if the overflow filter is clogging and I get alerted.
The power strip has the ability to plug in either 2 level sensors or one level and one Temp. Since you need the Temp you will be limited to one level sensor unless you order an expansion module for more level sensors. The expansion module can hold two level sensors or two Temp sensors or one of each.
I started out with just one level sensor and used it to shutoff my pump if low water was detected. I later bought the expansion module with two more level sensors so I could do Autotopoff. The third one for the filter clogging was a toss up between using it for that or using it in my skimmer cup to know when the cup was full and shutoff the skimmer if the cup was full.
The power strip has the ability to plug in either 2 level sensors or one level and one Temp. Since you need the Temp you will be limited to one level sensor unless you order an expansion module for more level sensors. The expansion module can hold two level sensors or two Temp sensors or one of each.
I started out with just one level sensor and used it to shutoff my pump if low water was detected. I later bought the expansion module with two more level sensors so I could do Autotopoff. The third one for the filter clogging was a toss up between using it for that or using it in my skimmer cup to know when the cup was full and shutoff the skimmer if the cup was full.
Awright
New member
Armando,
Have you got the pH issue resolved?
I have been away for a couple of weeks, wow split thread, had some catching up to do.
My AQT pH probe seams to have been reading fairly steady up to about a week ago. It would go 8.5-8.1 and now it has became steady again. ??? Don't know why.
I have alot to hook-up to mine yet. Just haven't had the time to get into it yet. Now that the holiday seasons over, I should have more time (yeh right).
I will be following along a bit closer now.
Have you got the pH issue resolved?
I have been away for a couple of weeks, wow split thread, had some catching up to do.
My AQT pH probe seams to have been reading fairly steady up to about a week ago. It would go 8.5-8.1 and now it has became steady again. ??? Don't know why.
I have alot to hook-up to mine yet. Just haven't had the time to get into it yet. Now that the holiday seasons over, I should have more time (yeh right).
I will be following along a bit closer now.
Awright
New member
Armando,
Have you got the pH issue resolved?
I have been away for a couple of weeks, wow split thread, had some catching up to do.
My AQT pH probe seams to have been reading fairly steady up to about a week ago. It would go 8.5-8.1 and now it has became steady again. ??? Don't know why.
I have alot to hook-up to mine yet. Just haven't had the time to get into it yet. Now that the holiday seasons over, I should have more time (yeh right).
I will be following alond a bit closer now.
Have you got the pH issue resolved?
I have been away for a couple of weeks, wow split thread, had some catching up to do.
My AQT pH probe seams to have been reading fairly steady up to about a week ago. It would go 8.5-8.1 and now it has became steady again. ??? Don't know why.
I have alot to hook-up to mine yet. Just haven't had the time to get into it yet. Now that the holiday seasons over, I should have more time (yeh right).
I will be following alond a bit closer now.
Awright
New member
Armando,
Have you got the pH issue resolved?
I have been away for a couple of weeks, wow split thread, had some catching up to do.
My AQT pH probe seams to have been reading fairly steady up to about a week ago. It would go 8.5-8.1 and now it has became steady again. ??? Don't know why.
I have alot to hook-up to mine yet. Just haven't had the time to get into it yet. Now that the holiday seasons over, I should have more time (yeh right).
I will be following along a bit closer now.
Have you got the pH issue resolved?
I have been away for a couple of weeks, wow split thread, had some catching up to do.
My AQT pH probe seams to have been reading fairly steady up to about a week ago. It would go 8.5-8.1 and now it has became steady again. ??? Don't know why.
I have alot to hook-up to mine yet. Just haven't had the time to get into it yet. Now that the holiday seasons over, I should have more time (yeh right).
I will be following along a bit closer now.
I have a few questions. How long has the ACII been around until they came out with the ACIII? Why did they have to make a new one? Is the AC not upgradable through download?
When I was looking for my controller, I think that was the biggest selling feature for me. The Aquatronica's Firmware and Software were upgraded through download. There was only one AQT. I never saw mention of any feature like that on the AC. Also if there is an upgrade to any of the interfaces, like bug fixes, it comes as a download.
The thing I hate the most about this hobby is that when it improves they come out with a new version. In alot of cases it's not avoidable. But with today's technology alot of it is, when it comes to toys like these. I would much rather spend money filling my tank than upgrading the equipment. That is virtually going to look the same as the piece it replaced, if you can even see it at all.
When I was looking for my controller, I think that was the biggest selling feature for me. The Aquatronica's Firmware and Software were upgraded through download. There was only one AQT. I never saw mention of any feature like that on the AC. Also if there is an upgrade to any of the interfaces, like bug fixes, it comes as a download.
The thing I hate the most about this hobby is that when it improves they come out with a new version. In alot of cases it's not avoidable. But with today's technology alot of it is, when it comes to toys like these. I would much rather spend money filling my tank than upgrading the equipment. That is virtually going to look the same as the piece it replaced, if you can even see it at all.
HotHotHot
Obligate Coral Killer
Correct, the ACII is not software upgradable, but you can order a chip from the manufacturer.
I have both controllers, although the ACII just died. Glad I had the AQT as a "backup" while I'm building my new tank. I also just ordered a second power bar so I can run both systems simultaniously for awhile.
Ed
I don't have alot of experience in Saltwater, but have a few years freshwater. I never used controllers until I switched. It's just from the very begining and the action taken to improve the AQT, without making a whole new unit. Downloadable upgrades seemed to make more sense. I do have to admit though, I don't know anything substantial about the AC line. I am sure it's a decent product in it's own right.
izzypop
New member
has anyone tried anything like this to get your PC/laptop to connect wireless?
http://www.industrialethernet.com/bluetooth-rs232.html
http://www.industrialethernet.com/bluetooth-rs232.html
TheMoneyPit
Premium Member
Just thinking out loud, but I would love a 7 inch touchscreen color display, any chance of that happening? Maybe I can rig something up but would like it better if there was an upgrade...
RobbyG
Active member
Some Good News from Aquatronica.
Got another email today, they wanted us to know that they are very interested in keeping the USA customers happy and have put the LAN module on higher priority. They are also going to have a meeting about discussing a Beta test group in the USA and will be letting those of us who want to become testers.
We should be able to get LAN Modules in MAY and start Beta testing the LAN software then They are going to let me know nearer to MAY the exact details and will also be giving WILL updates on the Beta Test soon. Better get out the Lip Gloss Guys and start Lining up for Kissing WILL'S butt The Q starts behind me 
Got another email today, they wanted us to know that they are very interested in keeping the USA customers happy and have put the LAN module on higher priority. They are also going to have a meeting about discussing a Beta test group in the USA and will be letting those of us who want to become testers.
We should be able to get LAN Modules in MAY and start Beta testing the LAN software then They are going to let me know nearer to MAY the exact details and will also be giving WILL updates on the Beta Test soon. Better get out the Lip Gloss Guys and start Lining up for Kissing WILL'S butt The Q starts behind me - Status
