help talk me into an AC Jr

[bored4long]

I'm trying to justify purchasing an AC Jr and have some questions for those that own one:

1. Is the AC Jr an effective stream controller / wave timer? I plan on using this or a simple wave timer with either 4 Koralias or 4 modded Tunze 6025s.
2. Is the temperature probe reliable enough on the AC Jr to replace a Ranco Temp Controller ?

If both of the above are true, an AC Jr can replace:
a. American DJ Power Strip ($30)
b. Ranco Temp Controller ($95)
c. Wave Timer ($40)
d. Lighting Timers ($30) - replaces moonlight, dawn/dusk and day timers
e. ???? - anything else ??

Am I correct in assuming purchasing an AC Jr replaces the need to purchase the above equipment? That's $195 saved to go towards an AC Jr. So actually, I'm only paying about $80 for the convenience of owning an AC Jr. Please point out any errors in my logic.

Additional question: Do I need the DC-4HD to control my lighting or will the DC-8 work ( I will have 6x54w T5s running on IceCaps)?

 

[maxdout]

ac jr made a world of difference for me. wish i had went to it sooner... i currently use mine for dusk/dawn, ph turn on/off, ato, temp control and ph monitor. hopefully will get the feed cycle to work soon.

 

[P.Kelly]

Re: help talk me into an AC Jr

It's worth every penny. I'm a new convert.

1. It can do this, but there is a new module designed to control tunzes.

2. I've found the temp controller (in my tank) to be within .1-.2 degrees of the temp controller on my JBJ Arctica, which is on my return, so the difference is to be expected.

Yes, it will replace a,b,d + pinpoint ph for sure.

The big limitation on the Jr is that it will only control 12 unique plugs (8 out of the box) and 4 more if you expand by adding a DC4, DC4HD, or another DC8 (of which only 4 can be controlled).

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10667719#post10667719 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bored4long
I'm trying to justify purchasing an AC Jr and have some questions for those that own one:

1. Is the AC Jr an effective stream controller / wave timer? I plan on using this or a simple wave timer with either 4 Koralias or 4 modded Tunze 6025s.
2. Is the temperature probe reliable enough on the AC Jr to replace a Ranco Temp Controller ?

If both of the above are true, an AC Jr can replace:
a. American DJ Power Strip ($30)
b. Ranco Temp Controller ($95)
c. Wave Timer ($40)
d. Lighting Timers ($30) - replaces moonlight, dawn/dusk and day timers
e. ???? - anything else ??

Am I correct in assuming purchasing an AC Jr replaces the need to purchase the above equipment? That's $195 saved to go towards an AC Jr. So actually, I'm only paying about $80 for the convenience of owning an AC Jr. Please point out any errors in my logic.

Additional question: Do I need the DC-4HD to control my lighting or will the DC-8 work ( I will have 6x54w T5s running on IceCaps)?

 

[boviac]

AC j/r and my ACII aren't too much different - some additional bells & whistles with mine.

I've used my ACII to control my temp via an X10 module on the heater and one on the chiller. Nevery had a problem. Works like a charm. With the Aquanotes it is easy to calibrate the thermometer by 0.1F increments if you find its accuracy off.

I had rash of problems with my mechanical timers and wanted to go this way too. It's nice to have my two light sets come on and off at different times and vary with the sun throughout the year. Plus, with the program I can shut the lights off if the water gets too warm. The standar moon feature works only with incandecent lights and an X10 lamp module. However, Neptune Sys has made an LED version that works with the unit. I believe there are other LED controllers that can vary the moon cycle cheaper however.

The power strip you mentioned will have individual on/off switches. ACjr you'd have to go into the interface and cycle through menu items to manual control to on/off devices. Or just pull the plug.

Wave timer - if you are thinking of comparing cheap wave timers (<$100) then you're fine. However, if you're cycling quickly every few minutes, then you're going to probably plan on ordering extra X10 modules as they may not handle A LOT of cycling. Also everytime they switch there is a significantly loud 'SNAP' letting you know something happend. I'm using mine to control two smaller powerheads on my 29 that are pointed opposite each other and they cycle every 30 minutes. For the record, I don't have a DC4 or DC8 so I'm not sure how those work. I'm speaking about X10 modules from either x10.com or smarthome.com

Sometimes PowerHeads are known to have loud clicking noises when cycled on/off upon restart. This is avoided by the costlier controllers as they simply lower the voltage or something so the PH never really shuts down completely; just ramp it up and down.

Plus, I believe it comes with a pH probe and if so, you now have pH readout and maybe can even tracking if it can store memory. I have the software and can plot out temp, pH and ORP as I have it recorded every 10 minutes and d/l it to my laptop every other day or so. Very cool to see if you're alk is up by watching how pH changes. I can see how often my chiller or heater is running by watching the rapid changes in temp over time. ORP gives an indication of tank conditions. If steady state and I stick my hand in to move something around. I notice ORP goes down a few points. I think that's it is a good indicator if something starts go wrong with your WQ - not the specific number but the trend.

It hit me pretty hard $$$ when I bought my controller but it has been by far the best single item I have bought for my tank.

I think you can't go wrong with this controller or any of it's bigger brothers.

 

[bored4long]

Re: Re: help talk me into an AC Jr

Re: Re: help talk me into an AC Jr

Thanks for the replies, guys. I just found ReefGeek offers the AC Jr with Ph probe for $299, so I can add the added savings of a pinpoint ph probe to the list (another $90). The AC Jr just paid for itself! OK, I'm convinced. ( I'm easy. )

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10667908#post10667908 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by petes97
1. It can do this, but there is a new module designed to control tunzes.

Neptune or Tunze has a new module for this? Do you have a link? I'd like to look into this.

 

[P.Kelly]

If you don't want the serial port, Dr F&S has it for 249 I think, plus pH probe, minus the discount.

PM if you don't have the code

 

[bored4long]

I was looking at that. Does it not have the physical RS232 connector on the module or just not the cable? If it doesn't have the RS232 connector, does that mean that AquaNotes cannot be used with the controller?

Pete, were you talking about the AquaSurf controller to control the powerheads?

 

[P.Kelly]

no connector, no aquanotes

yes, AquaSurf

 

[Elite]

Get the one with the serial port. It helps alot when you program the box, update firmware or monitor your tank.

 

[wpnorton]

Serial ports are getting harder to come by on computers these days. If you can wait for the next gen AC jr, I'd bet they'll have USB ports on them.

 

[KMP]

ac jr and american dj (16 plugs - 8 controlable - 8 on/off w/flip of the switch). that will take care of virtually all your electrical needs.

 

[bored4long]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10672273#post10672273 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wpnorton
Serial ports are getting harder to come by on computers these days. If you can wait for the next gen AC jr, I'd bet they'll have USB ports on them.

All 3 of my laptops have serial connections. Has Neptune given a release date for a new AC Jr? Or confirmed it will have USB? Also, keep in mind that RS232 to USB adapters exist. Unless a new version is expected to be released in the next 3 months, I doubt it is worth the wait. I'll post the question on the Neptune forum. Thanks for the suggestion.

I agree, its probably still worth while to get the American DJ.