Having been a beta tester for DA since the RKE first came out, I have been in a position to get some inside track information on upcoming features, software, hardware, etc. You guys have no idea whats coming with the Archon. There are many things that people have been asking for on this system for a long time and the Archon will allow these improvements to be made. Stay tuned, there's plenty more where that came from!
Digital Aquatics Archon Owners Thread
- Thread starter skripo
- Start date
MJNTWise
7 Year Newbie
Come on man Give us a hint!!!! lol :bounce1:
cidbozek
New member
GoPro work?
The camera needs a URL in order for it to work with the Archon. It is meant for IP cams. Not sure if you can set up a GoPro that way.
SoloGarth
Active member
I have bee waiting and watching all this since the new system was announced. I have been running my RKE system for years now with minimal problems. Obviously the net server is slow and not very stable and setting it up requires some networking knowledge. The firmware update process is archaic. Watch an eco tech marine firmware upgrade to see how this should be done. My sl2v2 and salinity probe still don't work even after all the drama surrounding that. I just gave up on that one as it seems to require weekly calibration. A few other problems that I won't go into here.
In any case I would prefer to make my purchase through BRS if possible since I trust them. Are there plans to have retailers distribut the Archon? I haven't seen anything yet. BRS seems to have jumped the DA ship some time ago in favor of the Apex.
As for new updates I would really like to see some of the stuff Neptune has had for a long time. Leak detectors, UPS compatibility, ect. Also is there an iOS app for this system? I have zero interest in something that requires me to use a browser for all access. Particularly when considering the loss of the head unit/display.
In any case I would prefer to make my purchase through BRS if possible since I trust them. Are there plans to have retailers distribut the Archon? I haven't seen anything yet. BRS seems to have jumped the DA ship some time ago in favor of the Apex.
As for new updates I would really like to see some of the stuff Neptune has had for a long time. Leak detectors, UPS compatibility, ect. Also is there an iOS app for this system? I have zero interest in something that requires me to use a browser for all access. Particularly when considering the loss of the head unit/display.
Just wondering why you feel an iOS app is superior to a browser based control.
As I understand it, There are plans in the future to repurpose the RKL/RKE head unit to function with the Archon.
SoloGarth
Active member
Well a lot of reasons really. But what it comes down to is ease of use. The reason apps exist is that they are easier and quicker to use than a browser. They do not require you to input a URL and are not a subject to other shortcomings of browsers. Am I really alone in thinking this way? Pretty much every modern web connected device uses an app rather than just a web browser.
I have not heard whether or not DA is going to launch an app for the Archon, but I too think it is totally unnecessary. Entering a URL on my phone or iPad really isn't that tough. You can also bookmark it as well. That being said, if enough people request it, I am sure that they will work on it.
So is the Archon giving you guys many problems since it's so new?
Would you recommend people to wait to get it or are they not having many problems with it.
Since a lot of the Archon modules are not out yet, are you just using the original modules? Also what's going to be the difference between the two modules?
Would you recommend people to wait to get it or are they not having many problems with it.
Since a lot of the Archon modules are not out yet, are you just using the original modules? Also what's going to be the difference between the two modules?
SoloGarth
Active member
So here is the thing when it comes to the app. Most programming would obviously be done via the web browser. However what if you want to make a quick change? I frequently use standby to turn off my circulation pumps if I need to work in the tank. And I use the current RKE iPhone app when traveling to get a quick look at important parameters. I can't believe that they would create this controller that is designed to be used without any display and not make a mobile app for it. It just seems like denial of current technology trends.
I am not saying that I would rather have just the app and no web page. I just think that there should be both and that if they want their system to compete in the market they shouldn't leave this out. Even my router has an app that is very useful.
I am not saying that I would rather have just the app and no web page. I just think that there should be both and that if they want their system to compete in the market they shouldn't leave this out. Even my router has an app that is very useful.
n2585722
Well-known member
It is simple enough on the iPad to goto the Archon home screen in the browser and add the Archon home screen to the iPad home screen. It then shows like the reset of the apps. It opens in the Archon home screen when you click the icon and enter your user name and password for the Archon.
I don't see DA developing an app for the Archon. The whole idea behind it was to eliminate the need for an app when accessing it. I have accessed it with my phone, iPad and computer without any issues on either device. You don't even have to use your personal device to gain access to the Archon which you would if using an app.
I don't see DA developing an app for the Archon. The whole idea behind it was to eliminate the need for an app when accessing it. I have accessed it with my phone, iPad and computer without any issues on either device. You don't even have to use your personal device to gain access to the Archon which you would if using an app.
SoloGarth
Active member
The app would eliminate the need to enter username and password. It can alert you without the need for email. They are generally more stable than a mobile browser and load more quickly. They are easier to read due to mobile formatting.
All I am saying is that I at least would prefer to know that DA is going to be creating an app just like every other modern device before shelling out $400. Neptune systems, EcoTech, ReefAngel, Profilux all have an app. Thermostats, smoke detectors, door locks, light bulbs, routers and a ton of other web enabled devices have apps. Every modern device that is web connected has an app. They are designed to be used on a phone which we all have on hand. I do not see how the idea of the Archon eliminates this need at all. You do not NEED an app no. But it is more convenient and it is a standard option with any web connected gear.
All I am saying is that I at least would prefer to know that DA is going to be creating an app just like every other modern device before shelling out $400. Neptune systems, EcoTech, ReefAngel, Profilux all have an app. Thermostats, smoke detectors, door locks, light bulbs, routers and a ton of other web enabled devices have apps. Every modern device that is web connected has an app. They are designed to be used on a phone which we all have on hand. I do not see how the idea of the Archon eliminates this need at all. You do not NEED an app no. But it is more convenient and it is a standard option with any web connected gear.
n2585722
Well-known member
The Archon has Mobile formatting when viewed from a Mobile device. If fact is is different on a phone from the iPad and the iPad is different from the computer. It is aware of the device accessing it. I guess you don't have 5 pages of apps on your iPad. For one I am tired of having to add apps. I have way too many as it is. They all use memory up which is limited.
SoloGarth
Active member
Digital Aquatics Archon Owners Thread
No I don't have 5 pages of Apps. I just keep the useful ones on there. Tapatalk being one. It is far easier to use the tapatalk app on my phone than to use a browser. Same thing with my Nest devices and viewing data from the RKE. Same for books, music, photos, Amazon ect ect.
I guess I must be in the minority here as no one else has chimed in. I just feel that DA should be creating apps for the Archon just as every other company with similar equipment does. If users choose not to use it that is totally up to them. I just expect the full package when spending this amount of money. Better to have it and not need it than to not have it and, in this case want, it.
No I don't have 5 pages of Apps. I just keep the useful ones on there. Tapatalk being one. It is far easier to use the tapatalk app on my phone than to use a browser. Same thing with my Nest devices and viewing data from the RKE. Same for books, music, photos, Amazon ect ect.
I guess I must be in the minority here as no one else has chimed in. I just feel that DA should be creating apps for the Archon just as every other company with similar equipment does. If users choose not to use it that is totally up to them. I just expect the full package when spending this amount of money. Better to have it and not need it than to not have it and, in this case want, it.
n2585722
Well-known member
I guess to each his own. I don't use tapatalk even though it is installed. I would rather see the website as it is. Again that is with my iPad which is the full size version. If there is enough interest in an app. They might do that down the road. Right now they probably have their hands full with the new modules that are coming out and the updates to the Archon.
There are plans for a lot of what you are asking. As for the leak sensors. Any of the ones with a contact output will work on a switch input. There has been discussions on their form about the ones that will connect with the system.
There are plans for a lot of what you are asking. As for the leak sensors. Any of the ones with a contact output will work on a switch input. There has been discussions on their form about the ones that will connect with the system.
janes_mw
Active member
App would be a bonus for sure, but I really haven't been too upset that I just use my browser on the phone or pad or computer. It's really not a big deal for me but I can also see how folks would expect that "now days". For the most part, having used for a month or so now, I don't miss the control head, but again, I can also see folks missing the easy access of the standbys using the control panel for sure.
Be assured, you will find good and bad about every controller out there. I have had the other one and it is surely a very feature packed controller. I stuck with the RKE this time as I had the power blocks and other modules. Upgrading to the Archon seemed like a good fit. If I want to be purely subjective about it, I could easily find reasons to switch. Being objective although, I choose to want to grow with the controller. I have also thrown my share "of stones" at DA and Neptune over the years!.
Anyway, so far so good bringing my Archon on line. Biggest issue I had was not their issue after all (port forwarding). Your going to have pros and cons of every system out there, just depends on if your a ford or chevy lover in the long run
Be assured, you will find good and bad about every controller out there. I have had the other one and it is surely a very feature packed controller. I stuck with the RKE this time as I had the power blocks and other modules. Upgrading to the Archon seemed like a good fit. If I want to be purely subjective about it, I could easily find reasons to switch. Being objective although, I choose to want to grow with the controller. I have also thrown my share "of stones" at DA and Neptune over the years!.
Anyway, so far so good bringing my Archon on line. Biggest issue I had was not their issue after all (port forwarding). Your going to have pros and cons of every system out there, just depends on if your a ford or chevy lover in the long run
SoloGarth
Active member
Yeah I am on the fence. I keep hoping to see the system go up for sale at BRS or marine depot. Or better yet some review videos on YouTube. I have a good amount of programming experience so the open source code is a huge plus for me although I haven't worked with Linux much.
itzonlithai
New member
Apex Fusion is web based. I think it's just easier for devs to not have to program for two platforms (Android and apple) then worry about the hardware for each platform (processor, screen resolution, ram, etc...). I was disappointed when I found out I had to open Apex Fusion through the browser and not an app, but it's honestly been fine. The browser remembers my username/password and I always have a tab of it open so it doesn't take long to pull up.
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