Direct Connect 8 - let me get this straight...

[BJJ]

I just want to make sure I understand this;

When connecting the DC8 into the AC3, each outlet has its own address and if I daisy chain an additional DC8 there will be an additional 8 addresses available. The AC3 has the abillity to control each address independantly either by timer, or status from another address or just display operatin status. What ever I connect to these outlets I can either turn off or on manually from internet or through timer or monito operating status for example, I have my return pump connected to a level float switch so if the water level drops to a critical low, it will turn off my pump therfore if the pump/level switch is connected to the DC8, I can be "emailed" with an alert that the pump shutdown on low level? Is this right?

Also is the lamp control CL465 able to control my Aqualight-Pro LED moonlights? there are tree 1 watt LEDs on a single circuit. I was wondering if the dimming control would work if I plugged the LEDs into the lamp control unit.

Sorry asking so many questions, I just want to make sure I understand how this works an to make sure I make the right decision.

Thanks
Bryan

 

[ZippyBoy]

Bryan,

I'm no expert (yet) on the AC III / DC8 / Aquanotes software and have had issues with mine so far. But to answer your questions as far as I understand,

1. yes, the DC4 and DC8 outlets can be daisy chained. The outlet plugs into the wall and an RJ11 (telephone wire) connects the units and to the AC III. Each unit will have a unique address (A, B, C, etc) and each electrical plug on each unit will have a unique address (ie A01. A02, B01, etc).

2. Basic program skills will be needed to set up conditional statements that either do things (ie turn pumps, lights, etc on and off), or send alerts to email and/or an alarm device.

3. I have read on RC that the lamp module for moonlight dimming was designed for incandescent bulbs, not LEDs. Not sure if they will work on LED. Do a search on RC. If the RC search function is clogged, you can also use google advanced search and specify the web address and search parameters.

Hope this helps. Keith

 

[BJJ]

Thanks Keith,

When accessing the AC3 from the internet, will I be able to see the status of each device on connected to each plug/address? for example, Return Pump a.k.a. A01 stus = ON or Return pump status = Off meening low sump level. Remember My return pump is connected to an external level switch (sump type) that if the level drops if cuts off power to what ever is plugged into it.

 

[ZippyBoy]

Bryan,

I haven't tried that (yet) but as I understand it, the answer to your question is yes.......assuming you programmed the AC properly. I'm going to do the same thing when I get some time

There are a number of other people on this board who have done just that. Check out Joe Burger's website ( http://www.cnidarianreef.com/ ) for some ideas.

 

[armygreen11]

Your float switch is going to be wired into one of the digital input on the AC, not the DC8 (unless that's where the digital inputs are, but I don't think so) since it's an external stimulus, not a controlled item.

As for the moonlights, I think it has to do with the AC0-DC converter that they use. If it doesn't have a regulator in it, you're good to go. The transformer will just divide the input voltage and you'll get a lower output, but if there's a regulator, it may not work properly.