Best Controller ?

[balloonpilot]

Mr_Harry

Yes I've been impressed by the DA folks and the accessability and willingness to help the new/non-experieced guy.

I'll check out the dedicated forum, thanks

 

[Mr_Harry]

We have all been there (being the new guy)

Actually the're one of the nicer groups I've met.

 

[luisagos]

Re: Profilux or RKE

Re: Profilux or RKE

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14849643#post14849643 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by balloonpilot
I appreciate every ones inputs and opinions, I'm almost ready to setting on the RKE /net... But want to find current info on Profilux before making the leap!

I need 16 outlets, at least 2 'contact' inputs (float sensors), Temp, pH, and ORP probes (will worry about accessories that adjust those later). I want to be able to expand as I add tank(s) and other stuff.

From a technology standpoint, I understand what folks are saying regarding the difference systems and their approaches - I just wish I could find a current site that has all the details on Profilux so that I can digest the specs/options/limitations.

Any good/current Profilux links?

Thanks

GHL Product Page.
http://www.aquariumcomputer.com/System__E_/Products/products.html

BTW the Profilux Controller has these functions that the other controller mention in this thread does not have.

Tunze controller. (RKE can not do this, because RKE can not set limits on the voltage range (3-8v), correct me if Iam wrong Harry)
Vortech ready. (Please tell TIM get it done, http://reefcentral.com/forums/showt...ays free [url]http://reefstatus.codeplex.com/
Profilux can be connect and run through the web.
BTW, RKE does not have a PC software.

What your asking for a controller to do, is not much.
Profilux can do it with ease, later this year the Profilux III upgrade kit will be available to us.

 

[Mr_Harry]

Re: Profilux or RKE

Re: Profilux or RKE

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14849643#post14849643 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by balloonpilot
I appreciate every ones inputs and opinions, I'm almost ready to setting on the RKE /net...
......
I need 16 outlets, at least 2 'contact' inputs (float sensors), Temp, pH, and ORP probes .......

You would want the:

ReefKeeper Elite (w/NET) package $590
(comes with 2 PC4s, the SL1, temp, and pH probe.

PinPoint ORP probe $79

2 addtional RKM-PC4 Plug strips $180 ($90 each)

That comes in at: $849.00 total


To get the best deal make sure you buy the Net bundle.


That gives you the 16 outlets, the pH, Temp and QRP Probe
and the two switch contacts for float sensors.


For float sensors I just bought 2 of the Reef Fanatic Float Switch
Kits from marine depot at 19.99 each you can ges float sensors
cheaper but these came with the brackets.

Most of us use two floats wired in series (one as the main one as
the backup) that way you only use 1 of the the two switch ports.

So it leaves the other one free for leak detection, etc.

Hope this helps


PS: What kind of Baloons do you Pilot?

 

[balloonpilot]

Keeping in mind that I'm "new"...

But what's the importance of being able to control the "Tunze" stuff, actually.. .what is Tunze stuff and why is it so important that it would sway ones controller decision?

 

[balloonpilot]

Mr_Harry,

Thanks for the info....

I wish their SW5 was out because I can see needing more contacts (1 ATO, 1 sump level, 1 leak on the floow, 1 something happend o the tank and the water is realy low, etc).

As for balloons - that would be hot air, experience is just about all brands since 1978

 

[Mr_Harry]

I think the SW5 will be out fairly quick , since they say q2.

I'm eying the Hub so I can use it to power the RKE
if the power goes out here, and still get my alerts.


Pretty cool on the Hot air balloons

I'd love to try it but I'd probably be too chicken

 

[balloonpilot]

Not too encurraging

Not too encurraging

Ok..

Maybe I'm focused on the negatives but I took at look at the DA forum for RKE (http://www.forum.digitalaquatics.com/viewforum.php?f=4)

and I see a LOT of problems with systems rebooting, emails going crazy, port probe calibrations messed up. These all appear to be current issues and even after current SW/firmware updates.

Can some set me a ease before I give up.

 

[luisagos]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14850238#post14850238 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by balloonpilot
Keeping in mind that I'm "new"...

But what's the importance of being able to control the "Tunze" stuff, actually.. .what is Tunze stuff and why is it so important that it would sway ones controller decision?

Profilux has this controller built in. Thats $300 you do not need to spend.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Tunze-Wavemaker...1QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247
Imagen being able to control the lights and wave makers like as a storm is blowing through. Designing custom flows for your tank, with random patterns or have them time to the second.
You decide on what to do.
Profilux can do this and many more type of functions that are built in.

Profilux software functions are limitless, you can define any parameters way you like unlike other controllers that are not able to.
Also because of these functions the way they do them, they will always be able to control anything on the market, that can be controlled.
Vortech Wave makers does not have that feature enable, but the day they do enable it. Profilux owners Will be able to control it from day one.
Hence why I keep saying this.
Please tell TIM get it done.http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1619333

They have a great support site and you can ask them questions, they will answers them very fast.
http://www.aquariumcomputer.com/Forum/index.php

 

[zorden]

tunzes is a must have. i am not DA or proflux but i do have a tunze 7091. imho controlling tunzes via a controller is a must have.

 

[zorden]

Well i love this thread. looking at how ppl compare DA and GHL Proflux make me really think hard which controller to get but i guess its a good thread for ppl to read and learn.

i am reading up various products catalogues from Aquatronica to Proflux. good to know more abt DA too.

 

[Mr_Harry]

Re: Not too encurraging

Re: Not too encurraging

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14850411#post14850411 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by balloonpilot
Ok..

Maybe I'm focused on the negatives but I took at look at the DA forum for RKE (http://www.forum.digitalaquatics.com/viewforum.php?f=4)

and I see a LOT of problems with systems rebooting, emails going crazy, port probe calibrations messed up. These all appear to be current issues and even after current SW/firmware updates.

Can some set me a ease before I give up.

I think most of those post happen when you see an issue and someone is upset about it.

That being said I have no problems at all with the RKE,
mine is solid as can be.

I'm pretty convinced that the ones having a the issues
have the conmtrol lines ran near ballast etc.

I have a clean install so maybe that is why mine works well.

Others who say their systems work well
(and whom I've seen pic tures of) also have clean installs....
I don't think it is just mere coincidence.

That being said, I did a lot of research, and ALL of the
controllers have some bugs (they may just not call them bugs).

The way the company handles them is what is important to me.

Remember help is just a phone call away.

I hate to admit this but one controller company gt ruled out
right away , as I called there help and the tech on the other
end seemed "bothered" to answer simple questions.

To me the support is key, when you're having an issure you
don't want to have to wait to get an answer or have deal with
someone having a bad day.

With DA I called them at least a half a dozen times before ordering, asked all kinds of questions.

They were always polite and helpfull, so I ordered.

Then I called them woth questions after I got it, I did not get the
typical after the sale response I've gottemnfrom other companies.

What I got was a tech who sat onthe phone with me and walked
me through the steps.

And when I called them back a few more times they did the
same thing walking me through the steps while I took notes,
and programmed it.

They treated me like I was a valued customer, and that
they had all the time I needed to get the system setup.

I was a bit surprised, and I think that is what made me a loyal customer.

It always surprises me whenever I see a negitive response
to them, and I think why did the person not just call them.

The only real problem I have with them (and I'm being honest
here) is that they have such cool toys for such great prices is
that I keep looking at their products and coming up with reasons
to buy more of them.

In other words I enjoy spending my money with them since
I feel I actually got something of real value.

I'm considering buying an SL2 and salinity probe....
not that I really need it (a refractometer is just as easy)
but because..... well, it's another cool toy

The real time graphing is really slick as well.

Have fun.

 

[Henry Bowman]

^^^^ Mr Harry.....

You've pretty much said it all. I have one of the other brands. I like it etc but what it all comes down to is service. If the people providing the product are a pleasure do deal with, the game's over. THE most successful companies in the world all have one thing in common...Service. A guy that sold Cadillacs, GMC's etc in Texas wrote a book called Customers for Life. He considered each customer was worth 3-500K in their lifetime IF he could get them to buy all their cars from him for the rest of their lives..The products he sold werent the cheapest or most expensive but it was a true pleasure to take a car in to be worked on at his dealership. It was money that I looked forward to spending, I new things were going to be taken care of OR they always made it right...

Something WILL Eventually go wrong with any electronic equipment (CONTROLLER ) located around water controling various other electronic instruments, motors, ballasts etc. It's how the company takes care of the situation that ultimately makes the difference.

Wish I knew about these folks before I bought my controler.

 

[luisagos]

I hear you Henry on the service, Aquatronica should of provided free upgrades to all their customers that had those mayor problems with their main units.

I can not dispute DA support either way, I would be lying if I did so. I can only report what I see and read.

Keep this is mind, when someone buys a product, the goal is to have the product perform trouble free and last for a long time.

No one in their right mind wants to buy a product hoping they have problems, to get free coffee and donuts at the shop.

That dealership you spoke of, understood the principle of providing great service when the customer needed it. I am very sure he understood also, if his customer keeps coming back too often didn't matter how good his service was, that they would go to a different dealership.

GHL has great support at different levels.

They are knowledgeable, they do not only sell Aquarium Products, they are also have their own tanks. They use the products they sell.
I don't see DA answer posts on the weekends.
GHL are always on the RC Forums, including weekends.

I give another example of real support.
Does DA replace water damage parts at cost?
Profilux does. http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1596976

GHL service means this to me, getting technical knowledge, experience with their products that they sell and own, recommending on maintaining a proper reef, they do only sell the dosing equipment, they will tell you how to use it.
The last thing on my list is product warranty, i know when I buy GHL products, (like the PH probes they do not fail like the other competitors, they are not suppose to) they will last and for some some reason I get a bad one, they will be there for me.

 

[DaveMorris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14854289#post14854289 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by luisagos

I can not dispute DA support either way, I would be lying if I did so. I can only report what I see and read.

And then, in the same post you say....

I don't see DA answer posts on the weekends.
GHL are always on the RC Forums, including weekends.

And....

I give another example of real support.
Does DA replace water damage parts at cost?
Profilux does. http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1596976

And yet another contradiction....

The last thing on my list is product warranty, i know when I buy GHL products, (like the PH probes they do not fail like the other competitors, they are not suppose to) they will last and for some some reason I get a bad one, they will be there for me.

I have a suggestion for you...again. Why don't you stop bad mouthing other companies and stick to praising GHL? DA answers support posts on the weekend all the time. They are also on quite late into the evening on most days. They answer the phone when someone calls. Can I call GHL direct and get tech support? You see I am asking that question because I don't know. You on the other hand just assume things and then come on here and bash DA. It's not right and it would be nice if you stuck to what you know. You share plenty of good information about GHL, but you know nothing about Digital Aquatics.

 

[laverda]

I don't know anything about the Profilux controllers, but I know the Aquacontroller is capable of everything I see they are. I have had the AC2, AC JR AC3 and AC3Pro and all have been extremely reliable. The new Apex looks like A really great controller with lots of built in fetures. None of the Aquacontrollers require additional software as stated previously. The AC3, AC3Pro and Apex are controlable from the web. Neptunes customer service is also very good.
I also have a fair bit on knowledge of the RKE and the RKE has been no where near as reliable as the AquaControllers.

luisagos
It sounds like you work for Profilux and clearly you do not know the capabilities of some of the other controllers available.

 

[zorden]

cool down guys.

 

[luisagos]

Dave focus,

Please pay attention to what I say.

I can not dispute DA support either way, I would be lying if I did so. I can only report what I see and read.

I do not see DA active on the boards on the weekends as GHL are.
I do not see DA replacing water damage parts at cost?
Can you read anywhere on their website on replacing water damage parts at cost?
DA has a lot of issues with the PH, more then they should of have had.


Laverda welcome to the debates.

I use to own AC3, and sold it within a month.
To connect to my network, I had to enter IP address manually and setup the ports.
With Profilux there is no setting, just install the free PC Software that GHL always keeps free, not charge $75 like AC does.

Once the program is installed and running. There is a big button on the bottom right that says connect now !!!
Thats it, no need to enter the IP address, ports, it was cake.
Within 10 second, I was talking to my Profilux Controller from my PC through the net, with 1 button.

AC3 does not come with the Salinity Probe Port.
Guess what, if I wanted that port I would of had to sell my new AC3 and buy the AC3 PRO.

Aquacontroller makes you replace the main unit to move up.
Profilux does not, if you do not need the probe just buy the normal Profilux, if 5 month from now, you want that feature, just buy the Salinity Probe Port Card and your set.

Aquacontroller did force me to sell my controller, but I brought a Profilux instead and never look back.
The New APEX has no mention of having the Salinity Probe Port, from the videos floating around is not there.

I agree with you about RKE not being reliable as the Aquacontroller.
I take the comment on me working for GHL as a compliment, BTW I do not work for them.

 

[balloonpilot]

luisagos

If I'm looking at ProFilux - What part numbers do Ineed to do:

16 outlets
2-4 contacts (float switch type)
pH, ORP, Salinity, temp (to start with)
Get it on the net

How many slots does the main unit have for expansion? When thats filled up, do I need to buy another box? With how many more slots does that have?

I gues my biggest issue right now is not being able to find answers to these questions, Profilux sounds great but...

 

[02WRXGT30R]

balloonpilot I believe you would need the Profilux plus II EX NET package and two additional 6 way digital power bars and either 4 float switches or 2 floats and 2 optical and 2 Y floater splitters

and as far as upgrade slots there is three and until the end of this year when the PIII is released if you need more you would have to buy a new controller but when the PIII is out there will be basically infinite expandability with expansion boxes

As far as controllers go I can say I love the Profilux support and reliability I have not had any issues with mine but any questions that com up are answered very quickly and if you have a reasonable request for a new product or feature it is took seriously and if possible usually will show up as a new product quickly witch i think is just awesome