Building My 375gal Glass Reef
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EnglishRebel
Retired Rebel Reefer
The Elite does not have the ability to be programmed from a computer - you have to do everything on the display. I'm still on the fence so I'm not sure if that's deal breaker although the company says they're working on a computer interface. Good value though.
Mornin', Alan. Before I inadvertently steer someone in the wrong direction, up 'till now I have only been able to "program" the AC-III to determine the switching of power to electrical components to either an on/off status. For example, I am currently working on an interface that will permit the setup of complex scenarios to control the power supplied to multiple devices. This will allow me to cater for things like maintenance tasks, water changing, feeding of various types of food, etc. Given, this kind of functionality would not interest most of us, but I am a tech freak, and always have been. 
Technically, the potential of the Elite impresses me more than that of the AC-III Pro. I just couldn't get past the initial troubles they were having and went with the AC-III.
Technically, the potential of the Elite impresses me more than that of the AC-III Pro. I just couldn't get past the initial troubles they were having and went with the AC-III.
EnglishRebel
Retired Rebel Reefer
Tom
I guess I have the luxury of waiting until they get things sorted before I buy (my time frame is about three months).
I guess I have the luxury of waiting until they get things sorted before I buy (my time frame is about three months).
Here's a link to DA's thread on the RKE net module if interested.
http://forum.digitalaquatics.com/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=403
I was one of the early adopters and I admit there were problems at first. None that ever threatened my tank only interface issues. Those issues have been resolved now. For anyone considering purchasing a new controller the RKE is worth a look.
http://forum.digitalaquatics.com/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=403
I was one of the early adopters and I admit there were problems at first. None that ever threatened my tank only interface issues. Those issues have been resolved now. For anyone considering purchasing a new controller the RKE is worth a look.
I suppose any answer would depend what one considers important. I find the RKE to be the better choice for a number of reasons - all just my priorities:
- wireless communication capability with upgrade
- upgradeable firmware
- graphical display
- 250 outlets switchable
- very user friendly menu system
- 63 alarms
- very extensive data logging capability
- stackable timers
All that said, at this point I am sure that 99 out of a 100 of us could do all we need with either product. And I should know, I recently bought one.
EnglishRebel
Retired Rebel Reefer
Given that all things are equal, isn't the RKE the better option because of it's lower price and bundled probes?
EnglishRebel
Retired Rebel Reefer
That's what I figured. I think I'm going with the RKE.
Tom 1st thing I want to say is thank you. You have put in so much time in planning and then executing. You have done a fantastic job. I have picked up some great ideas. one of them is the fan box. I purchased some of the pvc sheets. What type of glue did you use for this? Would weldon work with this? Thank you again.
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Nick
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Nick
law086
Premium Member
I keep seeing people say this, but I'm not sure why.
The RKE is $490. That basically gets you the unit, 8 outlets, a PH probe and a Temp probe... plus misc cables. That does NOT get you remote monitoring, email alarms, etc.
The ACIII is ~$470 and that gets you 8 outlets, a PH probe, a temp probe, and misc stuff. That DOES give you remote control/monitoring, email alarms, etc.
So tell me why the RKE is cheaper? If you want to add the NET module, you're up to $600. That's more than the ACIII!
law086
Premium Member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13877936#post13877936 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GlassReef
I suppose any answer would depend what one considers important. I find the RKE to be the better choice for a number of reasons - all just my priorities:
- wireless communication capability with upgrade
- upgradeable firmware
- graphical display
- 250 outlets switchable
- very user friendly menu system
- 63 alarms
- very extensive data logging capability
- stackable timers
All that said, at this point I am sure that 99 out of a 100 of us could do all we need with either product. And I should know, I recently bought one.
Tom,
1. Wireless what?
2. I think you can upgrade the ACIII firmware too, no?
3. Yeah, that's cool
4. 24 for the ACIII seems OK to me. I don't see that as a big plus for the RKE
5. Never used either, but I'd believe it seeing pictures
6. How many can you setup with the ACIII?
7. What's better than with the ACIII?
8. Can you explain? Something like timer A starts with timer B expires? What's that useful for?
Sorry for hijacking your thread, but I'm in the air now between the RKE and the ACIII. The web server and email alarms are must have features for me...and to spend $600 to get that with the RKE is a bit much.
EnglishRebel
Retired Rebel Reefer
law086
I must have been looking at the Pro which is $474 without probes.
I must have been looking at the Pro which is $474 without probes.
Well folks - I knew I shouldn't start commenting on the RKE vs. AC-III It was obvious I was only going to get myself in trouble. Seriously - I tried to make clear that I was just expressing a personal opinion. To be fair, I'll try to explain my points - but this will be the last comment I have .
1. Wireless communication without the need for game adapters, etc. I have no idea what this is going to cost. Its usefulness will depend on that.
2. RKE upgrades are done via USB. Technology not yet available with the AC-III. It doesn't know what USB is.
3. I guess we agree.
4. I need 8 outlets just for my skimmers and ozone. So the importance depends on your needs.
5. Try the menu on the AC-III - shades of the Commodore 64 (showing my age, here
).
6. How many, would depend on the size of the program you've written. The more complex the program, the greater the size and the less options you have. Again, shades of the Commodore 64.
7. You might have me here - I'm not sure.
My gut tells me if it'll handle 32 probes, well ...
8. I'm currently working on a program, external to the AC-III that will allow me to control feeding sequences which turn various devices on and off. The exact devices affected depends on which pumps are currently running and what parameters are currently reported. DA indicated to me (months ago, I admit) that this kind of logic will be doable via their implementation of stackable timers.
As to price. Most vendors sell the AC-III Pro with pH, ORP, and Temp capabilities, an 8 outlet device controller, a pH probe, and a temp probe for $700. This includes the email/network/telnet capabilities. The same from DA costs $610. An additional point here would be a comparison of similar accessory modules. The Neptune products are always more expensive.
So, that all said - I have an AC-III Pro. I am absolutely sure I will (with a little tweaking here and there) get it to do everything I need. It is a great product! It just wouldn't have been my choice had DA done more thorough beta testing.
It was obvious I was only going to get myself in trouble. Seriously - I tried to make clear that I was just expressing a personal opinion. To be fair, I'll try to explain my points - but this will be the last comment I have .1. Wireless communication without the need for game adapters, etc. I have no idea what this is going to cost. Its usefulness will depend on that.
2. RKE upgrades are done via USB. Technology not yet available with the AC-III. It doesn't know what USB is.
3. I guess we agree.
4. I need 8 outlets just for my skimmers and ozone. So the importance depends on your needs.
5. Try the menu on the AC-III - shades of the Commodore 64 (showing my age, here
).6. How many, would depend on the size of the program you've written. The more complex the program, the greater the size and the less options you have. Again, shades of the Commodore 64.
7. You might have me here - I'm not sure.
My gut tells me if it'll handle 32 probes, well ...8. I'm currently working on a program, external to the AC-III that will allow me to control feeding sequences which turn various devices on and off. The exact devices affected depends on which pumps are currently running and what parameters are currently reported. DA indicated to me (months ago, I admit) that this kind of logic will be doable via their implementation of stackable timers.
As to price. Most vendors sell the AC-III Pro with pH, ORP, and Temp capabilities, an 8 outlet device controller, a pH probe, and a temp probe for $700. This includes the email/network/telnet capabilities. The same from DA costs $610. An additional point here would be a comparison of similar accessory modules. The Neptune products are always more expensive.
So, that all said - I have an AC-III Pro. I am absolutely sure I will (with a little tweaking here and there) get it to do everything I need. It is a great product! It just wouldn't have been my choice had DA done more thorough beta testing.
PaulieWalnuts
New member
nice!!!
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