Lightning Parameters . . .

[BigAl2007]

Running a PII+ (non-EX) with a single Simu-Stick.

I can't figure out what the Thunderstorm "variables" really mean or do.

Process:

Intensity 1 - 10 ( I can't tell any different between 1 & 10)
Darkening 0% - 100% again I can't tell any difference​

Random Thunderstorm:

Duration 1 - 20 minutes (pretty straight forward I think . . )
Waiting time min. 1-? maximum 1-? (hrs)​

Manually started thunderstorm

Duration 1 - 20 minutes​

​

I can't really tell any difference from one setting to another. What am I missing ?

 

[GDominy]

For the Simu Stick it uses two Illumination Channels for the lights, the first one will be used for the White and Blue LED's, the second for the red.

In order to see the variable effects and dimming you need to have "Thunderstorm" and "Clouds" selected in the illumination channels defined for your lights (I use Illumination 1 and 2).

Once those are selected you can start playing with the thunderstorm settings.

Process:

Intensity: 10 is the strongest and most intense storm effect, this is what my demo was using (this is more obvious during a longer storm)
Darkening: The higher the darkening the darker the tank will get during the peak of the storm (again most obvious during a longer storm)

The storm Durations are pretty straightforward. For testing a storm I find a duration of 6-8 minutes works best for seeing the different transitions.

What version of the firmware are you running? I found the storm worked a lot better with the simus under version 5.x.

You will see the most benefit from the storm effects if you have all of your non-dimamble lights turned off during the storm too. Read through my thunderstorm thread and you can see how to do that if your stumped.

 

[BigAl2007]

Thank you!! I needed that information BADLY!

I'm running 5.01 or something like that. My Reef Status is simply showing (5) but whatever the latest BETA was Monday night is what I'm running.


@Non-dimmable lights - I have NonDim T5's and NonDm MH's. I have a Programmable Logic built in to cut them off when "Thunderstorm" is started. I didn't get to test it fully last night but at least initially it works. I'm going to your "Thunderstorm" thread to review it again.

THANK YOU!!

 

[BigAl2007]

Ok I've come across a "flaw" in my logic (Pun intended LOL)

In my "Thunderstorm" simulation I wanted to turn my T5's(Illumination3) and MH's(Illumination4).... (both NON-dimmable) off to enhance the experience. I used some ProgLog to turn them off when Thunderstorm was started.

• G1 - Equal - Illumination3 Thunderstorm(Inverted)
  
• G2 - Equal - Illumination4 Thunderstorm(Inverted)

The above works GREAT during normal "On" times of the day. The problem is that after lights OUT the INVERSION turns the lights ON for a Thunderstorm function.

What have I done wrong?

 

[GDominy]

Change "EQUAL" to "AND" and your all set!

When you are using "AND" the lights will only be on when Illumination X is on, and "Thunderstorm" is off (because its inverted). When the thunderstorm is "on" it breaks the AND condition and the lights turn off.

 

[BigAl2007]

Excellent! I'm off to give it a try

thank you!!

 

[BigAl2007]

That works PERFECTLY!

Thank you!!