Cable for AQI to Computer

[wfgworks]

Can I buy this cable at Radio Shack or a computer store?

If so, does the cable have a specific name/generic name?

 

[North Bay 101]

It is a mini8 din plug to a db9 serial cable. You will have to make it yourself or buy it from Neptune Systems. If you make it yourself you can hook up the internal switch option.

 

[wfgworks]

North Bay 101

I need some help in understanding how the aquacontroller communicates with everything.

I thought it says in the manual that the cable can be purchased in computer stores?

I have my lights pluged upstairs with the tank under my stand with its own seperate oulet. The rest of my equipment is in the basement on a seperate outlet. I did 2 different outlets so if the lights ever tripped, it wouldnt shut down my pumps.

How will my lights communicate with the Aquacontroller if I have the Aquacontroller downstairs?
Do I have to have everything on one outlet?

Sorry for all the questions. This is my first time using the Aquacontroller and I'm a little confused so any advice on setting it up would be alot of help.

 

[North Bay 101]

The controller interface will communicate with your x-10 modules as long as they are on the same "leg" of your home electrical system. Some houses are 110 coming in and there won't be a problem there. The problem comes in when your panel is 220 and you have 2 110 "legs" in the panel. The interface will communicate on one side but not both. You can get around this buying a bridging module.

The serial cable can be bought at any computer store but trying to find a mini 8din cable will be a bugger.

No problem with the questions. You can PM me anytime. I like this sytem and most problems can be resolved.

 

[vanburen]

I have my ACII downstairs and the lights controlled upstairs. No problem.

 

[wfgworks]

Ok, I got the cable to connect my PC to my Aquacontroller but I have a problem. The end that connects to my PC cant plug into the back of my computer because the back of my computer is a female connection. I need the end of the cable to have PINS (I guess thats a male connector).

Did I order the wrong cable? My laptop is brand new and its a Toshiba so I dont understand what I'm suppose to do.

Some help PLEASE

 

[vanburen]

Are you sure you are plugging into the serial port rather than the vga port?

 

[wfgworks]

Vanburen

I'm pretty sure because my laptop doesnt have any other possible areas to connect too.

Is their an adapter that I can buy to make it compatible?

 

[wfgworks]

This is a link to view photos in the upper right hand corner below the picture of the laptop computer. Click on the link to view the back of the laptop.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...t&productCategoryId=cat01174&id=1099388214527

 

[clp]

For the link you sent, it looks like your laptop doesn't have a serial port. You'll need to get a USB to serial adapter. I personally use an iogear USB to serial adapter it has no problems.

Curt

 

[wfgworks]

Curt

Thanks, went an got the cable.

Can the PH, ORP and Temp probes be kept in the overflow box of the AGA tanks?

I would like to keep the Aquacontroller upstairs where my tank is. All my other equipment is the basement. Just didnt know if you suggested keeping the probes in a sump vs overflow box?

 

[wfgworks]

One more thing.

I have been trying to get my AQI to communicate with my computer and it keeps saying Aquacontroller not responding. Since I'm connecting through a USB, do I need to configure something different?

 

[clp]

For AquaNotes support please send an email to support@neptunesys.com. Include your name, phone #, and 12 authorization code for AquaNotes (found in the help->about AquaNotes window).

Curt