Aquatronica

[jamesdawson]

Did they update the one button timing (for example... shut off the main pump for feeding) from 15 minutes to 60 as it is supposed to do? I have not tried it recently.

Clint

I know how you feel Clint.

A foodtimer function that allows the user to select the time is overdue.

This is my one gripe about Aquatronica since it was promised.

James

 

[saurus]

Well, I know they implemented the one touch command but they made it a max of 15 minutes by mistake instead of 60 which is shown in the directions. I need the 60 minute option so that I may shut down my skimmer for that amount of time when I dose my zeovit. I just was curious if they fixed it yet.

On a positive side note, I really like the controller. It has simplified my maintenance and calmed my nerves. What is cool is being able to have my main pump shut down if there is a significant change in the salinity due to a fouled float switch allowing too much ro water in the system among other things.

Cheers,

Clint

 

[RobbyG]

I dont think the one touch timer will be updated till they send a firmware update, the last update was just for a dll.
I think they are trying not to send out too many updates for each little problem, most software people wait unitl they have several problems corrected before a update is released. I expect that they will increase the timer when the Ethernet supported software is released. I will email them and find out.

 

[jamesdawson]

Thanks Robby!

James

 

[jamesdawson]

I meant to say,

Robby, if you communicate with them-could you suggest they allow more than 60 minutes. For people serious about filter feeders, its not unheard of turning off your main pump for 2-3 hours. Since it is really just a programming thing-why not let the user designate any amount of time for a feed timer?

Thanks Robby!

James

 

[RobbyG]

I noticed that Aquatronica updates there catalog with some delivery dates.

Ethernet Module -- End of September
Dosing Pumps - End of September
SMS Module - End of October (Strange I thought this was first!)


James, I have not gotten back a reply from AQ yet, it's usually a few days before they get back to me. I will send a second email specifying that 180 Minutes would be best

 

[clownnrnd]

I just setup my density stuff the other day. Can someone tell me how far the probe needs to be submerged? Readings seem to be low but are a bit better w/ the holes submerged. Will EM/ed me and said it could take 4 days to get acurate readings. It's been over 4 days, maybe I need to recalibrate it?
TIA,
Chad

 

[Psyire]

You need to submerge the upper holes, but be sure not to completely submerge the probe. I usually submerge mine to the point were the probe 'cover' ends.

 

[RobbyG]

Came across this!

http://www.itcaquatics.co.uk/acatalog/Basic_Products.html

Very odd how they included prices at this early stage.

 

[jamesdawson]

Robby does it again!

Very cool, this answers some questions like informing us that the SMS has battery back-up.

$200 or so equivalent price seems reasonable on the ethernet module-less so on the dosing module ( it does looks to be a very capable doser though)

All in all-very cool!

James

 

[RobbyG]

Thanks James.
Dosing looks a bit expensive but the Ethernet price looks good, I Guess AO will be posting his prices soon, I can't wait to get my hands on one of these

 

[saurus]

I am going to post this in the aquarium obsessed forum but I just wanted two sets on instructions. I have setup my level one and level two float switches. I have my program feed running through two solenoids directly into my system for evaporation replenishment. The lower level float switch activates when the water gets too low and opens one of the solenoids to let water in. Both solenoids are normally closed so when the first float gets too low it needs to turn on the plug that solenoid #1 is plugged into and then close when it fills up. The second solenoid is a backup incase the first solenoid gets stuck open. The second float is higher and #2 solenoid always needs to be open/on unless it is activated if the water gets too high and then turns the plug off that the #2 solenoid is plugged into. So, if the water level gets too high I need the second higher float switch to turn off a plug. I am having trouble trying to program this. The examples in the instructions are a little vague. I would appreciate detailed directions on how to program this. Thanks in advance and I hope it is not too confusing.

Cheers,


Clint

 

[Psyire]

If the dosing pump works real well, then it's not that bad of a price. To buy dosing pumps is expensive, and to have ones that are controlled by a total tank controller, is something very cool.

 

[Zaphod]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7468565#post7468565 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by saurus
I am going to post this in the aquarium obsessed forum but I just wanted two sets on instructions. I have setup my level one and level two float switches. I have my program feed running through two solenoids directly into my system for evaporation replenishment. The lower level float switch activates when the water gets too low and opens one of the solenoids to let water in. Both solenoids are normally closed so when the first float gets too low it needs to turn on the plug that solenoid #1 is plugged into and then close when it fills up. The second solenoid is a backup incase the first solenoid gets stuck open. The second float is higher and #2 solenoid always needs to be open/on unless it is activated if the water gets too high and then turns the plug off that the #2 solenoid is plugged into. So, if the water level gets too high I need the second higher float switch to turn off a plug. I am having trouble trying to program this. The examples in the instructions are a little vague. I would appreciate detailed directions on how to program this. Thanks in advance and I hope it is not too confusing.

Cheers,


Clint

are you using the computer? If not then it gets pretty confusing.

 

[RobbyG]

Reply from Aquatronica about FeedTimer.

Hello Mr. xxxxx,
We will modify the function key's time limit from 15 minutes to several hours, when we release the new software version this fall. This software will also have new functions for the accessories that we presented at Interzoo, you can visit our website for details on the new products.

Best Regards,
AQUATRONICA - A.E.B. srl Division
Technical Assistance : Derek Turci

 

[RobbyG]

Ooops I should have looked at Dosing Pump prices before I commented. I have never looked at them before and I was just comparing it's price to what other AQ parts sell for,, stupid of me.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7468937#post7468937 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Psyire
If the dosing pump works real well, then it's not that bad of a price. To buy dosing pumps is expensive, and to have ones that are controlled by a total tank controller, is something very cool.

 

[RobbyG]

Lets Say Soleniod 1 is plug "D" and Solenoid 2 is plug "E"
and Level sensor 1 is the lower and Level Sensor 2 is the higher

Program this way:

Level S1 set plug D on at Lvl2 (Low water)
Level S1 set plug E on at Lvl2 (Low water)
Level S1 Set plug D Off at Lvl1 (Right Water Level)
Level S1 Set Plug E Off at Lvl1 (Right Water Level)

Level S2 Set plug E off at Lvl1 (High Water)
Level S2 set plug D off at Lvl1 (High Water)

This method is a little more complicated by offering redundant turn offs but it gives more security in cases where a level sensor may be stuck or a solenoid burned out or even a combination problem where one solenoid is dead and one level sensor is stuck.

Eg if Solenoid 1 is dead and Level sensor 2 is stuck, the water will still stop because of this Line:

Level S1 set plug E off at Lvl1

Oh BTW dont think this kind of thing is rare! When you setup redundant systems most people dont service them for long periods, your Solenoid #1 may burned out and be stuck ON for months and you would not know, then your Sensor gets jammed at a later date and you still might not know. With this setup you would need 3 out of the 4 hardware units to fail or both solenoids, before flooding would occur.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7468565#post7468565 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by saurus
I am going to post this in the aquarium obsessed forum but I just wanted two sets on instructions. I have setup my level one and level two float switches. I have my program feed running through two solenoids directly into my system for evaporation replenishment. The lower level float switch activates when the water gets too low and opens one of the solenoids to let water in. Both solenoids are normally closed so when the first float gets too low it needs to turn on the plug that solenoid #1 is plugged into and then close when it fills up. The second solenoid is a backup incase the first solenoid gets stuck open. The second float is higher and #2 solenoid always needs to be open/on unless it is activated if the water gets too high and then turns the plug off that the #2 solenoid is plugged into. So, if the water level gets too high I need the second higher float switch to turn off a plug. I am having trouble trying to program this. The examples in the instructions are a little vague. I would appreciate detailed directions on how to program this. Thanks in advance and I hope it is not too confusing.

Cheers,


Clint

 

[saurus]

Thanks RobbyG, you are the man . Funny thing is plugs d and e are the ones I am currently using. Much appreciated.

Clint

 

[RobbyG]

Thanks. BTW I think you could just replace the backup level2 sensor and solenoid with a mechanical Kent float valve. That is what I use, I prefer to cover my bases by having a purely mechanical backup, you never know if the AQ might get hit by a power surge (Lightning strike etc.) and get totaly messed up! The mechanical Valve is only $20 and will free up that level sensor for something else IMO the mechanical backup is better insurance. I use my extra level sensor to know if my carbon pads are clogged up.
Just a suggestion.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7472081#post7472081 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by saurus
Thanks RobbyG, you are the man . Funny thing is plugs d and e are the ones I am currently using. Much appreciated.

Clint

 

[jamesdawson]

Reply from Aquatronica about FeedTimer.

Hello Mr. xxxxx,
We will modify the function key's time limit from 15 minutes to several hours, when we release the new software version this fall. This software will also have new functions for the accessories that we presented at Interzoo, you can visit our website for details on the new products.

Best Regards,
AQUATRONICA - A.E.B. srl Division
Technical Assistance : Derek Turci

This is very cool, nice to know Aquatronica listens and acts on our suggestions/concerns!

Thanks again Robby!

James