New Controller

I reveiwed it from all the data and video released at MAX. I decided on the RKE and think although the APEX is a fine unit, ultimately I think the RKE is a more extensible unit and will have greater features and updates.
 
It looks quite capable, but was put off a bit. I thought the video was a bit unprofessional/choppy. Like the presentation, look at the power unit. The outlets are a little askew. Reminds me of the American DJ power strip in terms of quality. It seems like it could have all I would need, I just would be concerned about the quality. I think for a little more, the RKE is a more refined package... or at least seems like it is. That being said, I'd be happy to have one offered to me for cheap. :)
 
I run the Neptune AC Jr. At the time of purchase the reefkeeper 2 could not compare to the neptune products in terms of what it could do or the build quality of the unit itself. The only gripe I have with my current unit is the temp probe has had to be replaced every year. They have redesigned the temp probe so maybe it will last longer this go round. That being said I still love it.

I would jump on this in a heartbeat. It looks like a prototype unit to me that they will probably refine. The web interface for setting it up looks nicely done.

The video played just fine for me and looked to be something shot by a third party and not produced by neptune so I have no issues with it. I wouldn't judge a product based on a web video myself.
 
you getPH and Temp. 80 bucks doen't mean that much to me when your talking about the usage. Smart marketing to entice with pricing on the base platform, but I look at the overall picture, including expansion capabilities. Within 6 weeks I can add salinity, and I can expand a few sockets for 45 bucks if I need without buying a whole strip of 8 for almost 200. I can also manage my connections better with a hub. Expandability and new features at affordable pricing is what I am stating makes it more worthwhile for me.
 
looks as though they have taken out my biggest gripe about the neptune controllers....the fact that the probes plugged into the display unit making it almost impossible to mount the display in some locations (like the front of the canopy)

but since i am in no position to buy a controller anytime soon..... LOL
 
That is the unit I am waiting on to be released. I like to see what issues there are before being the beta tester, :lol: I used to use a Aquacontroller 3 when they were first released and loved it. One thing I like to is that out of the box it has 2 PH probe inputs (Cal RX), ORP input can either be an ORP input, or a second pH probe - Galvanic isolation on probes (no probe interference issues like the competition) and Net interface. No need to buy another module for those. Also the software will be programmable via web interface via XML and iphone app (for those of us using iphones). Also has aquasurf built in so full control of Tunze powerheads (and vortech's via hack :D, but the vortech controller is already awesome). Don't get me wrong I really like the RKE also, but you really cannot compare them yet, because no one has actually used the Apex yet. Just IMO for my needs, dollar for dollar this will be cheaper for me.

Here is the link to the main thread. Curt (clp)from Neptune has been keeping everyone posted on features and release ETA.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1612322

Some details from that thread:

AquaDisplay Features
----------- --------
- sleek and stylish case.
- compact size 3.40" x 4.05" x 0.65".
- mounting holes for easy attachment to wall/stand
- 7 mechanical buttons for speedy access user interface
- 128 x 64 Backlight display
blue background with white characters.
high contrast, excellent display quality
- Displays datalog graphs
- 4 Highly customizable status displays
placement of probe names and icons can be selected by user
can scroll manually scroll between different status screens
or automatically scroll through them.
- user adjustable contrast and backlight settings.
- backlight can be dimmed at night.
- Audible alarms
User selectable tones/songs for different warning/error types
- multiple displays can used on one systems.
all remote displays have the same functionality as the primary display
(i.e. can configure, graph, initiate feed cycles, etc. from all displays)


AquaBus
-------
- High reliability
Robust Error Correction
Industrial quality bus which uses a differential drivers
(unlike competing products which use an unreliable I2C or TTL bus)
- Either daisy chain or star wiring topologies are support
- Supports up to 240 different modules.
The most expandable Aquarium Controller.
- Bus cabling may be as long as several hundred feet.
- protocol allows all modules to be upgraded from the base unit.
no unplugging units and connecting them to a PC (extremely simple)
- Plug & Play
system will automatically recognize new devices and configure them.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14988287#post14988287 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by andywe
you getPH and Temp. 80 bucks doen't mean that much to me when your talking about the usage. Smart marketing to entice with pricing on the base platform, but I look at the overall picture, including expansion capabilities. Within 6 weeks I can add salinity, and I can expand a few sockets for 45 bucks if I need without buying a whole strip of 8 for almost 200. I can also manage my connections better with a hub. Expandability and new features at affordable pricing is what I am stating makes it more worthwhile for me.

neptune makes 4 outlet setups as well. They also make a heavy duty 4 outlet that allows you to run halides off of it with no worries. Now whether they work with this unit or not I don't know.

The bottom line is that Neptune is not a piece of crap. It shouldn't even be in the same sentence as American DJ power strips. I guarantee Neptune has more controllers in use than any other brand out there. Until the RKE nothing could compare at the price point.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14988339#post14988339 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CeeGee
neptune makes 4 outlet setups as well. They also make a heavy duty 4 outlet that allows you to run halides off of it with no worries. Now whether they work with this unit or not I don't know.


Yes they will, it is fully backward compatiable, also can use X10.
 
Now I did not compare it to American DJ or say it was a peice of crap. I would be happy with one I am sure....jsut conversing about what drove my choices. Web interface programming is a plus, but not unreachable nor unplanned by the other product...at the same time I can put anything I want on a switch..big plus for me.
 
I didn't say that you said that Andy but it was mentioned in the thread ;)

What do you mean by putting something on a switch?
 
The switch module for the RKE can be used for any low voltage switched device ( 2 switch ports come with the package, and you cna expand). Like my ATO setup (as an example), or photo cell, even DIY things I haven't thought of yet LOL. I could even set up an LED light bar indicator with the switch kit (Just thought of it so maybe James will build it) to show me at a glance from a panel what is on or off, temp zone and warnings, ect....hmmm..you got my mind going with possibilities.
 
The SW5 is going to be freaking amazing.

How would you do an LED light bar setup? Can't do that with the SW5.

Personally, I will be setting up my RKE with the SW5 to where I have a small section of toggle switches. Each one will be programmed for a specific function so that whenever its thrown, it acts just like a hard-wired switch. I plan on using it for things such as turning off my lights to take them off the tank for maintenance, turning off the skimmer and its feedpump for cleaning, etc. Awesome stuff!

The Apex is certainly an appealing offer, but I'm with Andy in that I think the RKE will serve me better in the long run. Plus, I've never been very impressed with Neptune's customer service. It seems to have always been mediocre at best.

I do have to say that before the RKE, I hated the RKIIs. Just like CeeGee said, they are night and day from the AC Jr. But I thankfully (because I sold it used for the same price as a new RKE) ended up with an Aquatronica when I was at that cross-road anyway. :D

Brandon
 
Brandon,

I have an idea I am going to run through Brian at DA, but it may be possible depending on the function and hysteria if my thinking is correct. And I am not talking about an LED Light for the tank light..I am talking about a red, green, yellow status bar, not tank lighting. You may be able to..like I said I had an idea..and I will leave it at that. That way instead of having to go look at the display, I can just at a glance across the room see if I have an error or a change that warrants attention. I like the toggle switch idea too. I had just been turning off the skimmer via the GC1, but that is kinda a pain.
 
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