GHL and Ecotech THE announcement

[AQD_ottawa]

Look slike its time to get that Plus II upgraded

If it is the case that PII users are unable to have access to this, Gareth and I will work closely together in bringing a PII-Ecotech upgrade kit out for those that wish to have access to this and still have a PII.

But first lets see what development brings us.

In regards to if the Profilux device can control multiple Ecosmart drivers, the answer is yes it can, just one device required.

 

[MSHUR]

Matthias,

1 and 3 would work better i think. many folks use RS module for diferent things like SMS and View .
I would vote for #1 so i can instal this card in my exp box


mike

 

[Ken Good]

I vote internal expansion card. I only use the RS232 for firmware upgrades, but I keep thinking about adding the viewer and that would take up the RS232 too. Also, I think the internal expansion card gives the most flexability. Finally, I would add that if the upgrade involves unplugging and sending in my controller, then that is not going to happen and that would cause my answer to change. I rely on this controller too much to not have it for 1 day let alone the time it would take to send it to Canada and back.

Ken

 

[AQD_ottawa]

the expansion module would be client install not return to base. just the same as adding another pH expansion etc.

The only reason P3 kits are return to base is becuase the keys switches get snapped off in transit.

So YES you will be able to fit the Ecotech module yourself if it is indeed an internal expansion

 

[Ken Good]

Then I vote one more time for expansion card. So I guess I have voted twice!

Ken

 

[Gobie74]

Please dont use the RS232 port, I don't want to have to choose between the AquaIllumination control and Vortech control. If I had to choose, the AI control would win hands down

If using anything but RS232 ( PAB please ) I'm in. I have 2 pumps I'd like to control.

 

[mcrist]

I definitely want one. I would order it today if you let me.

 

[neoreef]

I want one.

 

[GDominy]

Please dont use the RS232 port, I don't want to have to choose between the AquaIllumination control and Vortech control. If I had to choose, the AI control would win hands down

If using anything but RS232 ( PAB please ) I'm in. I have 2 pumps I'd like to control.

You can always add a second Rs232 port now that they have that module available. You wont have to choose between one or the other!

 

[jdrabek]

If that is the expected price range then count me in for one. I like option 1 or 3 also.

 

[macaw1us]

My P3 showed up today...I have the EcoTech's already
Sounds like I need one of these too.
Internal

 

[jjk_reef00]

Please dont use the RS232 port, I don't want to have to choose between the AquaIllumination control and Vortech control. If I had to choose, the AI control would win hands down

If using anything but RS232 ( PAB please ) I'm in. I have 2 pumps I'd like to control.

+1 please don't use RS232!
And I don't see the harm in using PAB. Backwards compatibility is a great feature but at some point people must move forward and upgrade.

Plus the term is 'backwards compatibility' means that new units can use old equipment. I would discourage spending company money to create forward compatibility. No successful business I know of used "forward compatibility" which means new features are compatible for old units.

If you want new features you should upgrade. Creating forward compatibility for units which raise the cost is unfair to those who have committed to profilux and have upgraded. If you can make it compatible with P2 for no additional cost go for it but I don't want to pay more for a product because others are not willing to pay to upgrade to the latest product line.

 

[Gobie74]

You can always add a second Rs232 port now that they have that module available. You wont have to choose between one or the other!

I'm already out of expansion ports, I've added another ph card and a cond/redox card. Still voting for PAB

 

[BigAl2007]

...No successful business I know of used "forward compatibility" which means new features are compatible for old units.

With all due respect "forward compatibility" is a strong point for many of us to even purchase the Profilux. That's one heck of a strong point for GHL and their way of doing business. It's also something that they get a LOT of credit and complements for across the globe. It would be MUCH easier to just design and build components that only work for "Today's" model but they take the time and effort to go above and beyond that "simple" concept and try to make products that will work "across the board". It may not always be feasible from a design stand-point but I give them very high remarks for attempting to maintain that trend.

If you want new features you should upgrade. Creating forward compatibility for units which raise the cost is unfair to those who have committed to profilux and have upgraded. If you can make it compatible with P2 for no additional cost go for it but I don't want to pay more for a product because others are not willing to pay to upgrade to the latest product line.

What a bold statement to make. You do realize that BRAND NEW Profilux Plus-II are still available from retailers?
GHL Profilux II Beginner Pack

It's not an old unit laying around in a closet that we're asking to be compatible with. So you think someone should purchase a new unit and then upgrade it too? Maybe not everyone has the means to go "all in" all at once.

Again forward compatibility is one thing that puts GHL/Profilux ahead of other controller companies.

Hopefully they can work out a solution so that everyone will benefit and not leave anyone behind or paying more out of pocket than is "fair".

 

[AQD_ottawa]

JJK - GHL's ethos is accessability to all, this means if you only can stretch to the basic unit you are not left out in the cold with accesory advancements where possible (but not always possible) IF possible GHL will release products to work across the whole range.

Please do not be missguided with the thought that the Plus II is an old unit, in fact far from it the Plus II remains the bed rock foundation stone to all units above it, this is why the Plus II can be upgraded to a P3EX if users so choose, giving them an affordable step up increment of expandability.

GHL are already more than talking about the next controller, how would you feel if the new controller came out and you could not have access to the features on your P3? Backward/forward compatability is highly important to GHL to protect its clients investment where possible.

If you want to pick out one reason why should you pay more for such a controller, then this is it. Future proof, single purchase single investment, not technology lifespan restricted.

I am quite sure in one year when the next controller is selling as fast as the p3 you would be very upset if you could not upgrade to it?

But back on topic and reality - The Plus II may still not have access to the Vortech, this has nothing to do with not making it compatible but wholly to do with being able to. With all backward compatibility or forward compatability there comes a time when you just cant push the product any further without some big hardware upgrade and the Plus II is right on its limits of power as it is. And this is the exact reason we will be offering Plus II users the option to upgrade to the P3 including the Vortech epansion, if indeed the Plus II does prove to be limited in resources for such a powerful feature.

No debate over this please so the thread stays on topic. thanks

 

[Ken Good]

History- I bought the Profilux 2 whatever and never used it. I upgraded it to Profilux 3 and it is now the heart and soul of my SPS coral tank. Since I bought the PII and upgraded it, I do not think I have a PAB in use. So if the PAB is the option would I have to buy other equipment first before I could even use this option?

Ken

 

[Zomaar]

if you have a P3 you have pab , its build-in.

 

[recife111]

Reply from Justin at Ecotech:
Any wirelessly equipped EcoTech pump will be able to interface with the GHL controller. However, only EcoSMART equipped pumps will be able to enter EcoSMART modes and settings.

What is the point then of having the ghl control the vortech pumps??
It appears you can't do anything extra anyway.

 

[GDominy]

What is the point then of having the ghl control the vortech pumps??
It appears you can't do anything extra anyway.

The whole point is to centralize control of your system. This is what the GHL Products are all about. The Vortech control module will allow you to simplify your maintenance and feed pause settings, tie your pumps in to a single controller (even those from other manufacturers) for more complex wave patterns, storm simus, more flexible Night modes.

This isnt a "replacement" controller for the integrated Vortech controllers, its a control interface to manage them from your profilux. your Profilux will simply become the "Master" controller for the Vortechs which will operate in slave mode. This is how any 3rd party controller will operate the Vortechs

 

[jjk_reef00]

With all due respect "forward compatibility" is a strong point for many of us to even purchase the Profilux. That's one heck of a strong point for GHL and their way of doing business. It's also something that they get a LOT of credit and complements for across the globe. It would be MUCH easier to just design and build components that only work for "Today's" model but they take the time and effort to go above and beyond that "simple" concept and try to make products that will work "across the board". It may not always be feasible from a design stand-point but I give them very high remarks for attempting to maintain that trend.



What a bold statement to make. You do realize that BRAND NEW Profilux Plus-II are still available from retailers?
GHL Profilux II Beginner Pack

It's not an old unit laying around in a closet that we're asking to be compatible with. So you think someone should purchase a new unit and then upgrade it too? Maybe not everyone has the means to go "all in" all at once.

Again forward compatibility is one thing that puts GHL/Profilux ahead of other controller companies.

Hopefully they can work out a solution so that everyone will benefit and not leave anyone behind or paying more out of pocket than is "fair".

My statement isn't bold at all, it is simple fact of simple business. You buy the entry unit and you have limited features. (I buy a toyota corolla and I don't get leather seats, I buy an avalon and I get leather). If you want leather you have to pay for it.

I never said backward compatibility was bad, it is a major reason I chose GHL.

My major concern is that GHL will design products to be forward compatible at the cost of end users. I own a P3 and don't want a diminished product design because GHL wants to sell more units to P2 users. Ultimately the design will most likely be driven by profit margin.

Anyone who has a P2 will disagree with me but I have committed to buying a P3 so I expect the best engineered solution designed to fit the latest controller (If p4 was the latest, that should be the benchmark controller new equipment and features should be designed to).

This is a perfect example. I have 2 tanks I want to use AI LEDs, so I already need 2xRs232 ports. I will be extremely unhappy if GHL decides Ecotech should also run off of the Rs232 to be P2 compliant. Especially when PAB was designed for unlimited expansion capability.

All I'm asking is to make a functional unit without compromising those who have purchased the latest technology. The latest technology is PAB, so that leads me to believe the best solution is through PAB. If they can make a product just as good with another P2 compatible interface great. I know nothing about the design of this system so it is ultimately up to the Engineers and cost analysis. I just don't want to be limited (purchasing extra Rs232 ports for example) because the unit wasn't designed with the latest technology available.