Distance to Basement Sump

[ataller]

I am looking to add a controller to my system. My DT is in my office, and my sump and fuge are in the basement a floor below.

Ideally I would like to have the display unit by the tank, a powerbar under the tank for the lights, and everything else in the basement for ph/temp/orp control (probes/control unit/power bar etc.).

I am not familiar with what type of cords connect all of the various components. Is there a relatively inexpensive cable that I can get in say a 30 foot length that will allow me to connect my display and power bar to the rest of the system on the floor below.


Thank you,

Adam

 

[aquamanic]

You can run the USB styled AquaBus up to 200' and you can get them custom made on the web. The User Guide has specifications and sources. Your probes might be your limitation but if you can keep them within 10' of the various module, whether that's the base module, PM1, PM2, etc., then you should be OK.

 

[ataller]

All the probes can go by the controller by the sump. Within a foot or two.

The two remote modules I will need are the display and a powerbar.

Do both of those run off the aquabus?

Can I use a USB cable instead of the aquabus?

Thanks,

Adam

 

[aquamanic]

The two remote modules I will need are the display and a powerbar.

Do both of those run off the aquabus?

Yes. In fact, you can actually plug the display module into the powerbar and just run a USB from the powerbar EB8 to the base module.

Can I use a USB cable instead of the aquabus?

It's the same thing. You just can't use any boosters or repeaters on the cable. Normal USB is 5v. The AB is 12v. A booster/repeater would destroy your modules.

You can get a custom USB cable of any length up to 200' total, male "A" connectors on each end and it will work.

 

[ataller]

Oh yah, the USB thing is ideal, I think I have one here long enough already.

Thanks so much for your help,

Adam

 

[ataller]

Last question,

Right now I only need 4 sockets under the tank, and say another 4 downstairs. Is there an equivalent new generation 4 socket energy bar? I only see the new style 8 socket energy bar? Will the plainer looking 4 socket direct connect four offer the same functionality? That way I could have one DC4 upstairs and one downstairs.

Thanks,

Adam

 

[aquamanic]

Will the plainer looking 4 socket direct connect four offer the same functionality?

No, it is not an AquaBus compatible module and lacks the power detection and amperage usage reporting the EB8 has. And besides, it's about the same price. You can connect it to the Apex but you're limited in terms of distance. Stick with the EB8 - you'll use the outlets eventually!

I devote a complete chapter in the User Guide to the various modules that are available for the Apex and their differences if you're interested. It's stickied at the top of the forum.

 

[ataller]

Great info thanks again.

Reading your sticky now.