Connecting Profilux to my laptop

Dudester

Dudester

Premium Member
Just got a Profilux 3 ex for my new aquarium, psyched!!

I also bought an inexpensive laptop computer (which runs Windows 7) to serve as an interface for programming and monitoring parameters, and I've encountered a problem. When attempting to connect the Profilux to my laptop, it seems to require an RS232 cable to make the connection. My laptop doesn't include this input, although it does have USB ports. I tried to connect the controller to the computer with the included USB cable but they don't seem to connect in this manner. Any suggestions??
 
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I also noticed a TCP/IP option for connecting the controller to the PC. I hate to display my ignorance, but what the heck is that?

I also see in the manual that I can buy an RS232 to USB converter. But the manual also says that with the Profilux 3 ex (the model that I have), there is already a port to allow a connection with a USB cable without adding an extension card. Additionally, the manual mentions wireless connectivity. Considering all of these options that are supposed to be available to me, what's the most reliable connection that I should pursue? And how do I do it??
 
As long as you are able to connect wirelessly, you only need a wireless hub attached to your profilux and you should be able to connect wirelessly via your home network. You will need the rs 232 for updates opn the profilux and to make other major changes via computer.
 
I use this--- Linksys WET610N
to connect the profilux wirelessly to my computer via my network.
That should do the trick
 
Dudester said:
I But the manual also says that with the Profilux 3 ex (the model that I have), there is already a port to allow a connection with a USB cable without adding an extension card. Additionally, the manual mentions wireless connectivity. Considering all of these options that are supposed to be available to me, what's the most reliable connection that I should pursue? And how do I do it??
Click to expand...

You need to search at the official website of Profilux, most all questions has been asked and answered.
 
doggydoc said:
As long as you are able to connect wirelessly, you only need a wireless hub attached to your profilux and you should be able to connect wirelessly via your home network. You will need the rs 232 for updates opn the profilux and to make other major changes via computer.
Click to expand...

Thanks for all your help. While I do like this option, it seems odd that I'd have to purchase additional measures to connect my controller to the laptop, especially considering that I bought the top-of-the-line model. My only reservation to connecting wirelessly (aside from the additional necessary purchase) is that on occasion my home network goes down and I'd hate to be out of town and unable to monitor the tank if that occurred. But if I do choose to connect wirelessly, I could still connect the Profilux to my desktop computer for firmware updates and the like via the RS232 connection, then reconnect the controller to my tank room laptop for daily work, is this correct?

The other thing worth mentioning is that I have a LAN connection in my tank room. Would I connect the controller to that to allow for remote monitoring?

Sorry for so many questions, but I find the official website a little frustrating since a lot of the information is in German.
 
Hi Dudester,

If you connect your PIII in usb, you can by selecting RS232 and it will make the connection in USB. It's been a while since I used my USB connection, I don't remember if you have to select a COM port. If it doesn't work, you only need to scan com port so that the software can find on which com port your USB is set and the connection will be make.

Hope it helps
Alex B
 
luisagos - Thanks for that link, appreciate it.

the_rider - It worked!! Thank you so much, this seems like such a simple solution, I wonder why it's not more easily accessable information?! Do you perform firmware updates via your USB connection as well, or do you use an RS232 connection for that? Thanks again!
 
Using the supplied RS232 cable will prevent problems during the update. I've tried an update with USB connection and it gave me an error.
 
ReefRockerLive said:
Using the supplied RS232 cable will prevent problems during the update. I've tried an update with USB connection and it gave me an error.
Click to expand...

... but the laptop in my tank room doesn't have an RS232 connection. Could I take the Profilux out of the tank room and connect it to my desktop PC via RS232 for updates, then return the connection to the laptop in the tank room for normal use? This would potentially solve the issue for me.
 
yes you can do this, I do it the opposite way round I bring my RS232 supported lap top to the controller.

You can also use the RS232-USB adapter. There is a sticky thread about adapters here on the forum.
 
to save hassle any1 reccomend any laptops with correct port and any1 gt the step by step install method seems hard work. im also ordering aqua illumination light how wud i connect this to b controlled via laptop,and wud i need the ai controller
 
mr murphy said:
to save hassle any1 reccomend any laptops with correct port and any1 gt the step by step install method seems hard work. im also ordering aqua illumination light how wud i connect this to b controlled via laptop,and wud i need the ai controller
Click to expand...

I would like to respond to what ever you are asking.
However I need you to please type in English as I do not understand what you have typed.
 
mr murphy said:
to save hassle any1 reccomend any laptops with correct port and any1 gt the step by step install method seems hard work. im also ordering aqua illumination light how wud i connect this to b controlled via laptop,and wud i need the ai controller
Click to expand...

Am sorry about that. I like to write in short sometimes I.e texting. Forget the first part of the question because somebody answered that nicely. I'm just wondering when I order ai lighting would I need the controller or just the unit. And how would I connect it to profilux while profilux is connected to laptopas I've heard you can't connect both at once
 
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