Lighthouse pro xls users

[youngreef180]

Is any one using this controller yet? I have my money now and are seriously considering it over the rke . Is there any info out there to share from the users of this product?

http://www.finsreef.com/product.php?productid=16569&cat=0&page=1&featured

 

[Saldarya]

For that price point I would take a serious look at the Profilux. I have used it for almost a year now and I am regularly amazed at its performance, flexibility, and support.

Have fun shopping!!

 

[youngreef180]

How is the computer based part of the profilux as far as setting it up and controlling things from your home pc? Does it have a place to do your own logs for your maintinence records and such? I just liked how simple the lighthouse controller looked to operate using the pc software if you go to their website http://www.mcuresearch.com/ and play the video download you will see what I mean. How does this compare to your profilux and what extras on top of the starter kit they offer do you need to controll the settings from the computer or internet.

 

[Saldarya]

Looking briefly at the video, it does look nice. Being more familiar with the Profilux, I feel that the interface is more user friendly. That being said, the Profilux can certainly do all that the lighthouse can and more. One nice additional feature is that it can control Tunze Streams straight out of the box with the features that a multicontroller can do.

profilux also has a ton of bells and whistles that make it fun. For example, its ability to control LED lightsticks and spots to recreate lightening storms and things liek that.

As far as extras, you can add a LAN or WLAN connection in addition to its normal connection to the PC.

Again, check it out in detail, I also think they are having a special right now.

Profilux is a sponser here on RC, so, I would check them out (under GHL).

 

[youngreef180]

Ok how about the rke users. If I understand the website correctly there is no software for it yet as well as no connection to the internet. Although I did download the myreef that was available (rk2 I assume) and i did like it and the unit itself is very nice looking. So I guess an important question for me is when the rke shows up is there software for it to help in setting it up and montoring things with graphs and such or is this another feature I would be waiting on?

 

[clownnrnd]

I am using the lighthouse pro and I think it is a great controller. Everything seems very well made. Power bars are nice. Controller is nice in that it does'nt have any buttons on the front for say like...your brother in laws kids to come over and play with . Been there/done that.

Set up is simple through the remote. Pretty much a Q/A deal where you hit a program button on the remote. It will ask what power bar/ what outlet/refference letter for the front display....say like "L" for light/ ask what type of program..ie. lighting,heat,and so on/ ask if you would like it to be affected by the maintenance or feed mode.

If say you designate the outlet as a heater outlet it will go through a screen to allow you to put in set points. Will also ask if you would like to have it shut down something like say lights in the case of the tank over heating and what temp you would like it to do that.

Many of the other controllers do this but this one has been so simple to program it is unbelievable.

I'm not using the computer/web page side of anything yet. My computer does'nt have a wireless router. I would have to go wireless becouse my controller is not located in a place where I could hard wire it.

They are coming out w/ some add on stuff too. I believe it will have the Tunze ccontrol. I'm using the 7095 Tunze controller becouse I believe if you use any other controller on Tunze gear besides their own you void the warranty on the tunze product.

Not sure what they have available but I know they had some stuff coming out before the end of the year. Things like conductivity module/probe, leak sensors. Can't remember what else.

Chad

 

[youngreef180]

Yea I really liked how easy the lighthouse looked to work and program. The power bars sure are expensive if you ever need another. I wish you were using your pc to program it as I am really curious as to how people like the software that comes with it.

 

[clownnrnd]

check out the fins reef forum here on RC. There is a couple threads in there where you could maybe get in contact w/ some of the other users who may be using the PC stuff. Plus Joe is in there answering any questions.

Chad

 

[Runfrumu]

I really like it. Joe is very quick in responding to any questions you may have about it. Also he is always upgrading the software on it and adding more features to it. It can be programed from the PC or using the remote for the controller. There really isnt any software that comes with it, you basically log into like you would a router, but the interface it has is very easy to navigate and downloading the updates are very easy to install, it basically does it for you. It's nice in the fact that you could control 2 tank's with it, or have up to 16 outlets on one.

I'm about to get an extra 4 outlet powerbar and some float switches so it can do my auto-top off for me.

Also Eric at Finsreef is in my hometown and will always give you good advice and prices and Joe is about 45 minutes west of me so I like to support the local businesses.

 

[clownnrnd]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13797095#post13797095 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Runfrumu
I really like it. Joe is very quick in responding to any questions you may have about it. Also he is always upgrading the software on it and adding more features to it. It can be programed from the PC or using the remote for the controller. There really isnt any software that comes with it, you basically log into like you would a router, but the interface it has is very easy to navigate and downloading the updates are very easy to install, it basically does it for you. It's nice in the fact that you could control 2 tank's with it, or have up to 16 outlets on one.

I'm about to get an extra 4 outlet powerbar and some float switches so it can do my auto-top off for me.

Also Eric at Finsreef is in my hometown and will always give you good advice and prices and Joe is about 45 minutes west of me so I like to support the local businesses.

Could'nt agree more, Eric and Brian have been great support for me in whatever I have bought from them. In fact Brian was the one who figured out I could'nt get into it through my current PC set up. I'd probably still be trying to figure it out if it was'nt for him

One other thing I forgot to mention is the power bars are very high quality....powder coated aluminum. I will add another power bar when times are better just becouse I like to have as much stuff go through my controller as I can. Then I can control them w/o having to unplug stuff. Plus you can shut more stuff down during main./feed mode. Some I think have got the included power bars and then add on the high output power bars for something like $90.

Chad

 

[Saldarya]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13796450#post13796450 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by clownnrnd
I am using the lighthouse pro and I think it is a great controller. Everything seems very well made. Power bars are nice. Controller is nice in that it does'nt have any buttons on the front for say like...your brother in laws kids to come over and play with . Been there/done that.

Set up is simple through the remote. Pretty much a Q/A deal where you hit a program button on the remote. It will ask what power bar/ what outlet/refference letter for the front display....say like "L" for light/ ask what type of program..ie. lighting,heat,and so on/ ask if you would like it to be affected by the maintenance or feed mode.

If say you designate the outlet as a heater outlet it will go through a screen to allow you to put in set points. Will also ask if you would like to have it shut down something like say lights in the case of the tank over heating and what temp you would like it to do that.

Many of the other controllers do this but this one has been so simple to program it is unbelievable.

I'm not using the computer/web page side of anything yet. My computer does'nt have a wireless router. I would have to go wireless becouse my controller is not located in a place where I could hard wire it.

They are coming out w/ some add on stuff too. I believe it will have the Tunze ccontrol. I'm using the 7095 Tunze controller becouse I believe if you use any other controller on Tunze gear besides their own you void the warranty on the tunze product.

Not sure what they have available but I know they had some stuff coming out before the end of the year. Things like conductivity module/probe, leak sensors. Can't remember what else.

Chad

Glad you have had a good experience with it.

Again, the Profilux can do everything you mentioned and everything else that 'is coming' is currently available.

Concering the Tunzes, the profilux controls them out of the box in the same manner the 7095 does. In other words, it is not a on/off kinda thing, you can do the same settings you can do with the multicontroller.

I know I must sound like I am selling this thing, but the fact is, it has been a great piece of gear.

Just being a happy customer!!