Considering AC

[wrz0170]

Hi Everyone,

I have a dumb question on the ACII. It says that it can handle an external modem. In order to use a computer, must it be hard wired to the modem using a serial cable? Or is there a method that can be used for remote (maybe wireless) access? Computer is upstairs, aquarium downstairs. Unfortunately, I don't have a laptop.

Second question is moonlights. I want to be able to do a lunar cycle. I have a TEK T5 6bulb hood and those with TEKs know that there isn't much room for any additional lighting. The only place to mount any type of lights is maybe on the acrylic shield.

I understand that the AC cannot dim LEDs?? Is that correct? If so, what may be some solutions that I can add to the TEK.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Sparkss]

Here is a thread that talked about different lunar light options :

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=613813&highlight=lunar

 

[kattner]

Hey wrz:

I have successfully hooked up my ACII wirelessly. You need two devices. FIrst, a serial to ethernet adapter. Second a wireless ethernet bridge (to convert a wired ethernet connection to wireless) Do a search in this forum for serial and wireless - there are a number of threads on the subject with recommendations on various devices. If you can't find them, let me know.

 

[wrz0170]

Thanks!! you just helped me spend more money Off I go to get me a ACII.

 

[kattner]

Just so you know, I finally upgraded from ACII to ACIIIPro since the ACIIIPro already has the ethernet built in. You just have to add the wireless bridge. It is a very elegant solution and about the same cost after you add all the other things to an ACII.

HTH

Ken\

 

[wrz0170]

Just so you know, I finally upgraded from ACII to ACIIIPro since the ACIIIPro already has the ethernet built in. You just have to add the wireless bridge. It is a very elegant solution and about the same cost after you add all the other things to an ACII.

HTH

Ken\

I have been doing some number crunching...........the numbers are close. The hard part hurting my brain is: spend the more money now and get it over with or ease the budget into it. That is the dillemma I face. But I am sure I am not the only one

 

[dhoch]

Go with the ACIII in my opinion (and I just got one and went through the same dilema) I think that the additional functionality of the ACIII is going to make you happier in the long run.

Dave

 

[wrz0170]

Well, after a lot of agonizing thought, I decided to go with the ACII. I really wanted to go with the III pro, but when you haven't even got a good skimmer yet and still have to get some odds and ends to just start your first cycle, budget really comes into play.

I know it may cost a little more down the road, but Aquanotes and the ability to go wireless is something I can piece meal together as budget allows. I guess thats the beauty of a modular system. But for right now, I figure the ACII, the DC8 and the Temp/pH probe should make for a great start to my cycle!

 

[kbecker]

with the ac3 pro, you really dont need aquanotes as it has the web interface. If you are concerned with graphing, it can be done with excel and / or access queries. If you really want the ac3pro, get it. If you dont, you will be kicking yourself the whole time. Also to get the ac3pro connected wireless, just buy an ethernet bridge.. its that easy.

I can take a screen shot of my excel sheet (later tonight) which grabs all the data from the ac3 logs if you would like.

 

[beergeek]

If you were thinking of the ACIII you should just do it. The ethernet alone makes this worth the money.

 

[wrz0170]

If you were thinking of the ACIII you should just do it. The ethernet alone makes this worth the money.

Believe me, I hear you! Budget is preventing me from going the AC III pro route. It's wanting the Porsche and getting the Beemer.

I still have to spring for a skimmer yet. Being that the ACII is modular, I can build upon it. Eventually get Aquanotes and the necessary parts to go wireless. But for now, I can get my tank finally off the ground after nearly 3 months of putting it together

 

[Sparkss]

If you only plan to use temp and PH, then the AC Jr/DC8 package is a good deal, but it doesn't support AuquNotes.. Basically the package ($273 for both at MD) is like buying a DC8 and getting the AC Jr for $100 (instead of $270+ for the ACII alone) I am not sure if the ACII comes with the temp probe or not ($39), but the AC Jr combo does. The Jr does have limitations.. so bear that in mind, like no ORP, only 12 controlled devices, etc.

I bought the AC JR combo because I plan to upgrade to the III Pro later.. when budget allows.. and since I don't know when that will be, I know at least that I have a decent controller at a decent price. By the time I do buy the III Pro I am sure that I will have gotten my money's worth out of the Jr and will already have the DC8 installed and other wiring done.

Just my $.02

 

[wrz0170]

Sparkss,

I am following a similiar plan as you. I would love to get an ACIII pro, but with all the other things I still have to get, budget is not going to allow it for now. I went for an ACII.

I guess I am working on the ole premise, better to have something than nothing! Heck, I love the fact that my stand won't be crammed full of wavemakers, ph/orp controllers, temp controllers, bulky timers, power strips and heaven knows what else. Maybe one day I will upgrade. By then the ACIII may be a lower price or Neptune comes out with something different.

My ACII arrives tomorrow I feel like a kid in a candy store.