Interesting. I am still new at this and need to dig into that side now so will take a look at it. Clouds don't do much for me at the moment but maybe a way to use this for different scenes even that might be kinda cool.
Kessil A360WE
- Thread starter bif24701
- Start date
Interesting. I am still new at this and need to dig into that side now so will take a look at it. Clouds don't do much for me at the moment but maybe a way to use this for different scenes even that might be kinda cool.
ASpec
New member
Clouds do work, lightning does not. The Kessil A360W is such a great light -- it's even better when controlled by the Apex.
Believe it or not, while cloud cover seems silly, I have a couple virtual outlets programmed on my Apex and use it when acclimating new corals. Works really well.
A good starting point/example Apex VDM outlet config is below -- keep in mind you MUST setup the profiles associated before the outlets will work properly. If you plug in to the V1/V2 port your V1 outlet is the color channel and V2 is the intensity channel. This is not my exact code but what I used to get started.
Profile Name: Int_Sunr (sunrise)
Control Type: Ramp
Ramp time (minutes): 60
Start intensity: 0
End intensity: 55
Profile Name: Int_Dayl (mid-day)
Control Type: Ramp
Ramp time (minutes): 1
Start intensity: 55
End intensity: 55
Profile Name: Int_Nigh (sunset)
Control Type: Ramp
Ramp time (minutes): 60
Start intensity: 55
End intensity: 0
Profile Name: ColorDay (DayTime)
Control Type: Ramp
Ramp time (minutes): 1
Start intensity: 40
End intensity: 40
Profile Name: ColorRise (sunrise)
Control Type: Ramp
Ramp time (minutes): 60
Start intensity: 60
End intensity: 40
Profile Name: ColorSet (sunset)
Control Type: Ramp
Ramp time (minutes): 60
Start intensity: 40
End intensity: 20
V1 outlet:
Set OFF
If Time 14:00 to 15:00 Then ColorRise
If Time 15:01 to 22:00 Then ColorDay
If Time 22:01 to 23:00 Then ColorSet
V2 outlet:
Set OFF
If Time 14:00 to 15:00 Then Int_Sunr
If Time 15:01 to 22:00 Then Int_Dayl
If Time 22:01 to 23:00 Then Int_Nigh
Believe it or not, while cloud cover seems silly, I have a couple virtual outlets programmed on my Apex and use it when acclimating new corals. Works really well.
A good starting point/example Apex VDM outlet config is below -- keep in mind you MUST setup the profiles associated before the outlets will work properly. If you plug in to the V1/V2 port your V1 outlet is the color channel and V2 is the intensity channel. This is not my exact code but what I used to get started.
Profile Name: Int_Sunr (sunrise)
Control Type: Ramp
Ramp time (minutes): 60
Start intensity: 0
End intensity: 55
Profile Name: Int_Dayl (mid-day)
Control Type: Ramp
Ramp time (minutes): 1
Start intensity: 55
End intensity: 55
Profile Name: Int_Nigh (sunset)
Control Type: Ramp
Ramp time (minutes): 60
Start intensity: 55
End intensity: 0
Profile Name: ColorDay (DayTime)
Control Type: Ramp
Ramp time (minutes): 1
Start intensity: 40
End intensity: 40
Profile Name: ColorRise (sunrise)
Control Type: Ramp
Ramp time (minutes): 60
Start intensity: 60
End intensity: 40
Profile Name: ColorSet (sunset)
Control Type: Ramp
Ramp time (minutes): 60
Start intensity: 40
End intensity: 20
V1 outlet:
Set OFF
If Time 14:00 to 15:00 Then ColorRise
If Time 15:01 to 22:00 Then ColorDay
If Time 22:01 to 23:00 Then ColorSet
V2 outlet:
Set OFF
If Time 14:00 to 15:00 Then Int_Sunr
If Time 15:01 to 22:00 Then Int_Dayl
If Time 22:01 to 23:00 Then Int_Nigh
bif24701
New member
LittleBurger
Member
hi, so the apex can ramp the intensity and spectrum both at the same time, just need to add in a program sentence?
Thanks.
Zacktosterone
Active member
I wouldn't buy it for supplementation. Go buy a reefbrite if you need blue or add more t5s via retro kit f you have a canopy then add actinics. If you replace the metal halide it will look good with kessils. And you'll have more room to put t5s. Or like it was said before, just buy a couple deep ocean blue if you want to go that route still
Awesome, thanks! Man this seems so complex setting up the profiles! I have a lot of study to do but I'm so excited I can't wait to get started!
RedStangGA
New member
If they'd hurry up and get around to releasing Fusion supposedly it will get much easier!
ASpec
New member
That is correct. Both intensity and color are independently controllable. The A360 has a 2 channel connection with the Apex.
It's really quite easy. Setting up the 6 profiles I mentioned above takes about 5 minutes. Just select an empty profile, rename it, add your ramp time/start/end parameters and save it.
I have the beta of Fusion running, but the VDM portion is not done/available yet so you still have to manually enter profiles. It's suppose to be coming down the pipe soon... Once it's available it should be as easy as sliding your mouse to set/adjust the channels. The profiles above are really quite simple once you start playing with it. I had the same thoughts when I did it... man this looks complex/confusing but it's really not.
RedStangGA
New member
I'm used to the profiles already lol! And no, they aren't that difficult once you understand the dependencies.
don_chuwish
Member
I have a 120W R420R over my 36G bow which works well due to the center brace (2 clusters of LEDs straddle it). But for a future larger tank I'd love the Kessils. Aside from all the qualities of the light it makes, I love how SMALL they are. Much less in the way over the top of the tank. And only having the ability to control blue vs white intensity now, I have to admit I don't really want any more color control. Just too much to fiddle with. Dawn/Dusk effect is great - and enough.
bif24701
New member
There small size also afford room for additional lights. I plan to add 2X t5 that's just laying around. I'll order the 48" ATI bulbs actinic and blue plus, this will give me the dusk and dawn effect. I think I'll also get more florescence and cut some of the shadows. Not necessary, I already have the light laying around and can mount it in a way that should t effect the overall look of the top of the tank.
If anyone has some input on bulb selection that would be great.
jerrcarlson
New member
I bought 2 Kessils less than a year ago and have had to replace 4 of them! I also have a couple friends that have had similar experiences. Has anyone else had the same problem?
RedStangGA
New member
Curious, do you run them in a hood or open air?
jerrcarlson
New member
I do run them in a hood but the top of the hood is open so there is plenty of ventilation. I also have 2 fans in the back to circulate air. I follow kessils directions by takeing them down about every other week to clean the lenses and blow out the dust. I would love it if they could fix this problem but until I can get a fixture that can last 4-5 months I cannot justify getting any more.
RedStangGA
New member
Understand. Any chance that they're not getting clean power? I have heard of Kessil's having some occasional issues but not to your scale.
jerrcarlson
New member
That is certainly a possibility. The other people I know who have had problems are in the same city with the same power. Maybe I will grab a UPS and give it a try.
bif24701
New member
I am a Avionics tech on F-16s. I can not tell you how many things can be affected from dirty power. Cause us so many headaches.
jerrcarlson
New member
That is good to know. Because the kessils are absolutely beautiful! If they would last I would buy them again in a second. I well definitely try a UPS and see if it helps. The only problem is I won't know for another 6 months
!LittleBurger
Member
Hi everyone. Need some help here on the a360we.
I need your help to check if your a360we led clusters on how it looks like.
Pic A
Pic B
The reason for this is I felt either light unit got a problem on the led cluster but kessil representative says there's nothing wrong which visually on these 2 units, the arrangement of the led are different. It doesn't convince me. From pic A & pic B, they both have their white & yellow chips arranged in same pattern BUT with the main difference of 2 silver chips.
I still dun know if there should be 2 silver chips or the unit without the silver chips is defective.
Thanks for all your help.
I need your help to check if your a360we led clusters on how it looks like.
Pic A
Pic B
The reason for this is I felt either light unit got a problem on the led cluster but kessil representative says there's nothing wrong which visually on these 2 units, the arrangement of the led are different. It doesn't convince me. From pic A & pic B, they both have their white & yellow chips arranged in same pattern BUT with the main difference of 2 silver chips.
I still dun know if there should be 2 silver chips or the unit without the silver chips is defective.
Thanks for all your help.
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