EcoSmart Live now up

[xenon]

I have over three years software quality assurance testing and have to say based on my experience I do not believe this software is ready for beta testing.

Totally agree.

I always thought EcoTech screamed quality but they certainly dropped the ball with EcoSmartLive.

 

[EcoTech Support]

Another two hours today and I'm completely frustrated...I have done a factory reset on all my lights. I was forced to do this using the old ecotech configuration utility because ecotech live doesn't recognize my lights. Anyway after the factory reset I tried to update the firmware, again using the old config utility because ecotech live doesn't recognize my lights, and it said no firmware update was necessary...?? I have tried rebooting, starting the connection manager, connecting to ecotechlive, connecting the radions by usb. Doesn't work. Next I tried connecting to ecotechlive, starting the connection manager then connecting the radion...doesn't work. I then removed connection manager, rebooted my machine, connected to ecotechlive, downloaded connection manager, started connection manager, connected my lights...no dice. I'm not sure what else to try at this point. I have over three years software quality assurance testing and have to say based on my experience I do not believe this software is ready for beta testing. I welcome any suggestions or assistance anyone can offer.

What are the details of your computer and Java JRE?

 

[Eastamherstbias]

Totally agree.

I always thought EcoTech screamed quality but they certainly dropped the ball with EcoSmartLive.

Ummm you do know it is beta? You can't drop the ball on a beta. When you download a beta it comes with assumed risks. Iphone 6.0 beta 1 was a buggy mess. It gets worked out before it goes live. Windows 8 has been in beta for 7 months.

 

[xenon]

Ummm you do know it is beta? You can't drop the ball on a beta. When you download a beta it comes with assumed risks. Iphone 6.0 beta 1 was a buggy mess. It gets worked out before it goes live. Windows 8 has been in beta for 7 months.

It was beta when only a select group of people had access.

Now anyone can use it so technically it has been "launched".

I would use the old config utility but I only have Mac computers now so I am forced to use EcoSmart Live.

 

[Eastamherstbias]

Boot camp or Parallels and you can have windows. Put the win 8 beta on and you are all set. I did that since I got the radion.

A beta is still a beta no matter how many people have access to it. You took a calculated risk. Betas are no longer betas once the bug level hits a manageable level and they move up to release candidate status.

 

[fishyguy7]

It was beta when only a select group of people had access.

Now anyone can use it so technically it has been "launched".

I would use the old config utility but I only have Mac computers now so I am forced to use EcoSmart Live.

I would say its no longer in beta form when they remove that big word on the login window that says "BETA"

 

[ghostman]

A beta is still a beta no matter how many people have access to it. You took a calculated risk. Betas are no longer betas once the bug level hits a manageable level and they move up to release candidate status.

What an ridiculous statement. So Ecotech expects people to pay a premium price for their light, and expect their customers to take a "calculated risk" using their bug filled software? If I had 4 radions and spent $3000 in lights over thousands of dollars in livestock, I should take a calculated risk using the software simply because they stamp the word BETA on it? Did I miss the warning on it that indicated it was only a BETA and should be used at my own risk? Just because ESL works for some, they assume it should work for all. That is a very narrow viewpoint. The fact is that ESL does have connection problems for many people and really is not ready for prime time. Just because it works for you, doesn't mean others are doing something wrong or should just accept it since its a BETA.

Since this is an Ecotech forum, it should be easy to find out. I'd like to know from Jon or Shaun when the Ecosmart Live will no longer be BETA, and therefore safe for people to use over their delicate and expensive reefs. Should be simple

 

[EcoTech Service]

Please understand that we're working day in and day out and making constant updates to EcoSmart Live in an effort to improve reliability and functionality. Though we opened the registration for it publicly last month, the software is in fact still in BETA status, and we can't give you an exact date of when it will be finished. Like most software, it is an ever-evolving project.

Please keep in mind that myself, Shaun and many others at EcoTech are Mac users and we certainly have a lot of exciting things planned in the near future. While we continue to develop, we ask for your patience and understanding.

Like others have mentioned, there are several routes to pursue if you'd like to run the desktop utility software on your Mac. Additionally, we encourage you to try EcoSmart Live and in the rare event that you have an issue we'll be here to help.

What an ridiculous statement. So Ecotech expects people to pay a premium price for their light, and expect their customers to take a "calculated risk" using their bug filled software? If I had 4 radions and spent $3000 in lights over thousands of dollars in livestock, I should take a calculated risk using the software simply because they stamp the word BETA on it? Did I miss the warning on it that indicated it was only a BETA and should be used at my own risk? Just because ESL works for some, they assume it should work for all. That is a very narrow viewpoint. The fact is that ESL does have connection problems for many people and really is not ready for prime time. Just because it works for you, doesn't mean others are doing something wrong or should just accept it since its a BETA.

Since this is an Ecotech forum, it should be easy to find out. I'd like to know from Jon or Shaun when the Ecosmart Live will no longer be BETA, and therefore safe for people to use over their delicate and expensive reefs. Should be simple

 

[lowscooby76]

What an ridiculous statement. So Ecotech expects people to pay a premium price for their light, and expect their customers to take a "calculated risk" using their bug filled software? If I had 4 radions and spent $3000 in lights over thousands of dollars in livestock, I should take a calculated risk using the software simply because they stamp the word BETA on it? Did I miss the warning on it that indicated it was only a BETA and should be used at my own risk? Just because ESL works for some, they assume it should work for all. That is a very narrow viewpoint. The fact is that ESL does have connection problems for many people and really is not ready for prime time. Just because it works for you, doesn't mean others are doing something wrong or should just accept it since its a BETA.

Since this is an Ecotech forum, it should be easy to find out. I'd like to know from Jon or Shaun when the Ecosmart Live will no longer be BETA, and therefore safe for people to use over their delicate and expensive reefs. Should be simple

+1:thumbsup: I agree with you we paid to much money to get a good light Fixture. to have it not work right and fall short in the software part of the light.i know Ecotech is working on fixing the bugs in the new software but if you try to go back to EcoSmart Config Utility after you let the firmware update it has a lot of bugs.i don't use Mac never have and never will.i don't really know what make EcoSmart live better then EcoSmart Config Utility.it not really wireless from what i understand you will have to have a computer hooked to a Radion all the time to use it as a wireless light.i don't have a computer in my living room and the usb cable you get with the light is not long enough to run in to my computer room.for me i don't see what make this a must have thing.i think the EcoSmart live will not be up and running by Christmas so they can make money off of it with the Radion XR30w Pro.everyone i know is starting to sell there lights beuase they don't want to kill there corals and don't have time to spend trying to get there light to work right. just my two cents

 

[d2mini]

What an ridiculous statement. So Ecotech expects people to pay a premium price for their light, and expect their customers to take a "calculated risk" using their bug filled software? If I had 4 radions and spent $3000 in lights over thousands of dollars in livestock, I should take a calculated risk using the software simply because they stamp the word BETA on it? Did I miss the warning on it that indicated it was only a BETA and should be used at my own risk? Just because ESL works for some, they assume it should work for all. That is a very narrow viewpoint. The fact is that ESL does have connection problems for many people and really is not ready for prime time. Just because it works for you, doesn't mean others are doing something wrong or should just accept it since its a BETA.

I have to humbly disagree with you.

I only have macs in my house and have been using the desktop software with parallels since day one, when the lights themselves were still beta and you didn't even know they existed. If you are on a mac, no one is preventing you from using the desktop software. ESL was developed as a way to offer a single cross platform based solution, rather than having to develop software for every platform, and also allow control via mobile devices (maybe wirelessly in the future?). You say you missed the warning that says it's beta, yet every time you log in there is a big BETA stamp across the screen. It's beta, and if you decide to use it, you do so at your own risk, and all the data you provide (good or bad) helps get the Ecotech team one step closer to a solid retail version. So thank you for your contributions. FWIW, I've had more than my share of issues with ESL as well, but I understand what's going on and when I need to I can always default back to the desktop software.

I'd also like to add that the Ecotech team spent nearly an hour on the phone with me just yesterday. If you are having a problem, pick up the phone and call. They ALWAYS step up to the plate.

 

[xenon]

I have EcoSmartLive another try today.

I was able to connect but when I attempted to program the EcoSmart participation under the advanced tab, it gets stuck on "programming advanced settings".

 

[BCT182]

everyone i know is starting to sell there lights beuase they don't want to kill there corals

How are they killing corals?

 

[lowscooby76]

How are they killing corals?

it can be easy when you get the orange light of death or a bug from a update and your lights turn just the white lights on at 100% and with how deep your tank is you don't go over 60% to 70% or your acclimating new coral to your tank and your software for the lights stop working and will not do anything not even a factory reset for 3 -4 hours of trying everything you can think of.then a factory reset work but half way setting up your schedule or
calibrating you lights again you have to start all over because you get the orange light of death or everything just stop working.then you get luck and you can get everything working and it is now 1:00am you know your corals have been baking under the light it not use to but you can work on fixing the light without the lights on.the next day if everything turn on right you see some of your sps turning white and some of your soft corals have bubbles on them from the lights and your Anemone on the move after not moving for years.

 

[ghostman]

D2mini-your points are well taken and articulated. My response wasn't indicating that I was unaware it was Beta, but more directed to the point that a Beta version is a use-at-your-own-risk device. I have followed your challenges in getting ESL up and running. You are more patient than I am. The radion light is a nice piece of hardware, but IMO, the software brings it well below par. I also agree with you that the concept of ESL is fantastic, but the execution of it is poorly done. I hope Ecotech addresses the problems rather than provide generic advice such as reboot, redownload firmware, etc. Being a Mac user like yourself, I am used to things working as expected.

 

[ghostman]

How are they killing corals?

White LEDs came on at night at 100% when they weren't supposed to be. Happened a few nights in a row. Goodbye to some of my collection: My Miami, Flamethrower, and SSC colony. That's over a grand in losses.

 

[Eastamherstbias]

The latest live software is not as glitchy and they appear to be making progress.

 

[Eastamherstbias]

Any device that has a cpu has the potential for bugs. My macbook and dell sometimes wont go into sleep mode. I factory reset and fixed the issue.

After the first night of white lights on why didnt you erase the program and reapply?

 

[dcforester1]

I have to humbly disagree with you.

I only have macs in my house and have been using the desktop software with parallels since day one, when the lights themselves were still beta and you didn't even know they existed. If you are on a mac, no one is preventing you from using the desktop software. ESL was developed as a way to offer a single cross platform based solution, rather than having to develop software for every platform, and also allow control via mobile devices (maybe wirelessly in the future?). You say you missed the warning that says it's beta, yet every time you log in there is a big BETA stamp across the screen. It's beta, and if you decide to use it, you do so at your own risk, and all the data you provide (good or bad) helps get the Ecotech team one step closer to a solid retail version. So thank you for your contributions. FWIW, I've had more than my share of issues with ESL as well, but I understand what's going on and when I need to I can always default back to the desktop software.

I'd also like to add that the Ecotech team spent nearly an hour on the phone with me just yesterday. If you are having a problem, pick up the phone and call. They ALWAYS step up to the plate.

I feel the same way you do about this. I have been having non stop issues, but they have gone above and beyond. I was on the phone the other night and it was after 5. I drove my son to soccer, and Brett stayed on the phone with me, and helped me thru it, never making me feel rushed off the phone because he had to go home. My lights were running, but unfortunately the next time I tried I had to go thru the whole set up again. I feel they released it early because we demanded it. Like everyone else said it is a BETA version. keep up the good work Ecotech.

 

[d2mini]

D2mini-your points are well taken and articulated. My response wasn't indicating that I was unaware it was Beta, but more directed to the point that a Beta version is a use-at-your-own-risk device. I have followed your challenges in getting ESL up and running. You are more patient than I am. The radion light is a nice piece of hardware, but IMO, the software brings it well below par. I also agree with you that the concept of ESL is fantastic, but the execution of it is poorly done. I hope Ecotech addresses the problems rather than provide generic advice such as reboot, redownload firmware, etc. Being a Mac user like yourself, I am used to things working as expected.

I fully understand you frustration. Believe me, I do.
I would seriously consider picking up a copy of Parallels. It's like 79 bucks. I know... why should you have to spend more money? Well, at least you don't have to by a PC! Seriously though, it comes in handy for any time you might need to run a pc program, and there is no need to reboot your mac. You just go to the parallels window just like switching over to any other application. And this way you should at least be able to get up and running without much issue. I got Parallels when I got my radions originally. I used to keep an old outdated pc laptop around for the odd times I needed to run VAG-COM on my cars or something like that. Now I'm glad I have parallels on my mac and don't have to deal with that. Ends up my Profilux software needed a PC too. :facepalm: So I was already set! FWIW, the desktop version had always been very stable for me, even when IT was beta. I can't even tell you how many times I updated firmware on my original 3 lights, without issue. And again, the one or two times I got into a bit of trouble, a call to Ecotech sorted it out quickly.

Meanwhile, let Ecotech work through the little niggles. It's getting better and better with every release and it's their top priority.

 

[ghostman]

D2mini- I do have parallels, and used it exclusively for the radion software. I never had a problem with it. I do hope that Ecotech is working hard to fix the issues, but I am probably a bit more pessimistic than you As previously stated, I lost significant livestock due to the lights coming on when they weren't supposed to. Since my tank is in the basement, this wasn't obvious until I got up at 2:00am to get a drink of water. I verified the lights were on for a few nights by checking my apex logs. It wasn't something that I expected from such high end equipment.