Pacific Sun Kore 5th dosing Fan Club

[Przemek_PacSun]

There is no important difference between gen.1 and gen.2
Main board is different but all capabilities (possibility to work with additional modules/extensions for Kore) are the same.

 

[andrek787]

Prezemek, what ever happened with the Breeze accesory? I had to add fans to my tank to deal with out of control New Mexico temperatures, but they are way too loud. I just put my Kore 5 back into service yesterday and saw that the latest software shows options for Breeze, but I do not see any mention of it on your website.

 

[mcd_83]

i am also still interessted in the feature breeze control. waiting for it now since more than a year.
can someone give an update on this.

no email reply and also no information via facebook when asking about the breeze function

thx.

 

[thaireef]

I received my Kore 5th doser a week ago and here are my thoughts so far:

1) The doser looks nice and well built. But that is also the ONLY good thing so far...

2) I am using a Mac and the software is the worst I have ever seen or used. You have to constantly click on "Read" and "Save" to see the doser settings (may places on the same screen). I would recommend anyone with Mac to stay far away from this doser, until they get the software sorted out. (Have not tested on Windows, so can not speak for that)

3) Bluetooth connection makes no sense and is a pain to connect with. You can not help but wonder why in 2016 there is no wifi connection available.

4) I purchased the Ultimate Pack, because I wanted to use it for AWC. First of all, the length of the cords from the DC pumps are way to short. You basically have to setup two containers right beside your tank and doser, if you want them to work. With no manuals, I spent a lot of time trying to figure it out. Could not get the DC pumps to work and then switch to AWC using the doser pumps. Saved settings to the doser, but still no water changes are done... The pumps do simply not run.

5) When you receive the package there are absolutely no manuals attached. You have to guess everything yourself or search the internet for help. The fact that just a couple of hours was not spent to make a hardware setup manual, seems crazy to me.

After spending 2 full days on this doser, I now am the proud owner of the worlds most expensive ATO (which is working good) and Temperature reader. I have written to support today and hope they will respond and help me get the AWC to work. But honestly, it should not have to be that hard to figure it out. I can setup the Apex Controller and program several modules to work as I need, but this doser I just can not get to work. Its amazing!

I currently so much regret ever buying this doser. Have the Apex and several modules for that. Compared to working with the Apex Controller, the Kore 5th is a pure nightmare. I guess 99% of it is due to the software and that stupid bluetooth connection. If they could manage to fix that, I guess it would be a great product (if they also made the wires for the DC pumps at least 5 meters longer). But until they do, I would for sure not recommend this doser at all... The fact that your have to press "Read" on several places of the SAME screen, just to get simple data from the doser is totally crazy.

BTW: Anyone interested in a very cheap doser? I am ready to throw the thing out soon, if I do not get the AWC to work. Boy do I wish I just had spent the money on an extra Apex DOS instead.

 

[andrek787]

PM'd you.

 

[Przemek_PacSun]

I received my Kore 5th doser a week ago and here are my thoughts so far:

1) The doser looks nice and well built. But that is also the ONLY good thing so far...

2) I am using a Mac and the software is the worst I have ever seen or used. You have to constantly click on "Read" and "Save" to see the doser settings (may places on the same screen). I would recommend anyone with Mac to stay far away from this doser, until they get the software sorted out. (Have not tested on Windows, so can not speak for that)

3) Bluetooth connection makes no sense and is a pain to connect with. You can not help but wonder why in 2016 there is no wifi connection available.

4) I purchased the Ultimate Pack, because I wanted to use it for AWC. First of all, the length of the cords from the DC pumps are way to short. You basically have to setup two containers right beside your tank and doser, if you want them to work. With no manuals, I spent a lot of time trying to figure it out. Could not get the DC pumps to work and then switch to AWC using the doser pumps. Saved settings to the doser, but still no water changes are done... The pumps do simply not run.

5) When you receive the package there are absolutely no manuals attached. You have to guess everything yourself or search the internet for help. The fact that just a couple of hours was not spent to make a hardware setup manual, seems crazy to me.

After spending 2 full days on this doser, I now am the proud owner of the worlds most expensive ATO (which is working good) and Temperature reader. I have written to support today and hope they will respond and help me get the AWC to work. But honestly, it should not have to be that hard to figure it out. I can setup the Apex Controller and program several modules to work as I need, but this doser I just can not get to work. Its amazing!

I currently so much regret ever buying this doser. Have the Apex and several modules for that. Compared to working with the Apex Controller, the Kore 5th is a pure nightmare. I guess 99% of it is due to the software and that stupid bluetooth connection. If they could manage to fix that, I guess it would be a great product (if they also made the wires for the DC pumps at least 5 meters longer). But until they do, I would for sure not recommend this doser at all... The fact that your have to press "Read" on several places of the SAME screen, just to get simple data from the doser is totally crazy.

BTW: Anyone interested in a very cheap doser? I am ready to throw the thing out soon, if I do not get the AWC to work. Boy do I wish I just had spent the money on an extra Apex DOS instead.

Hi
We are not sponsor here so please let me reply all your questions(detailed) by mail - please catch me at info@pacific-sun.eu

But general/short replies.
1. Thank you.
2. It's special solution - after connecting to dozer you don't need to load all datas, only this one which you are interested for. For example - if you want to check liquid level in bottle 1 - you need to click only on this bottle (after very quick connection procedure) and read what you need.
Reading/saving all data every time when you need to change something(even one small setting) will take about 40-50 seconds(there is about 300 different things to read/save) and it will be more frustrating than simply changing tab to proper one and use read button. If you need to adjust dosing amounts - why you should wait for dozer refreshing ATO/AWC settings? However - thank you for your opinion.
3. Bluetooth connection is newer than Wifi protocol ;-) We used BT because it's very easy to manage/connect devices. You need only three steps:
1. Discover device
2. Pair device(using code 1234)
3. Connect
Thats all. With Wifi settings sometimes you need to manage your IP address(if you have static address you need to change it to dynamic), DNS, network address, gate address etc.
From Customer point of view it much easier to connect using BT than wifi. We are not only one company which use BT - other top class manufacturers like Giesmann also use BT modules in their lamps/devices.
4. This pumps have cables about 1.8m long. There are two pumps, one is used for pumping out water(waste water) from sump(which is usually placed under aquarium) - the second one - for pumping fresh water from tank to sump.
This AWC modules start their work on each xx:50 hour - as it's written on manual.
5. There is manual on CD/USB memory stick included in package. We don't use printed manuals(due regular software/firmware improvements ) so only what you need is open manual saved on this drive. All newest manuals are also on our website. The same is with all our other devices - like LED/hybrid lamps and others. We save our environment - we don't want to print something which probably will be not actual after some weeks/months.

I'm sure that our service will reply to all your questions and will help you sorting out everything - and from initial disappointment you will switch on to satisfied Customers side/group.

thank you for your understanding.

Regards

 

[thaireef]

Thanks for the offer, but will send this doser back. Just after writing my previous post, the AWC program suddenly started to pull water out of my tank. Thought "Wow, it might actually be working"... only to find out that 2,5 hours later it was still taking water out although the software said it would only remove a small amount. The daily water displace volume was set to 2,68 litre. In my waste water bucket outside is 10 times that amount.

I finally had to pull the power plug, because my tank was half empty and it just keep on pulling water out. Had I not been nearby, I would have lost all my fish. I will never be able to sleep with this powered on.

PS... there was no USB or CD in my package and also I have done all of the above and connected via Bluetooth. And "Yes" I did find the manuals on the Internet... However, it says nothing about the hardware setup parts and what is included in the package.

PPS... Now just for fun (and before XX.50), I reconnected the doser and wanted to see if it turned on at XX.50 as it says in the application. Its been on for nearly 25 min now and gone past XX.50 and nothing has happened. So it is back to where it was before and then I expect that it will suddenly turn on the AWC and start pulling water out for hours again. The fact that I have to power it off, because it just acts on itself, is what scares me the most. If I was sleeping or not at home, it would empty my tank completely as it is working now.

... and I have sent 2 mails to you with screenshots and also description. I do not know what is wrong, but the doser is for sure not working as it should and I have spent a long time trying and testing it.

 

[Przemek_PacSun]

Thanks for the offer, but will send this doser back. Just after writing my previous post, the AWC program suddenly started to pull water out of my tank. Thought "Wow, it might actually be working"... only to find out that 2,5 hours later it was still taking water out although the software said it would only remove a small amount.

I finally had to pull the power plug, because my tank was half empty. Had I not been nearby, I would have lost all my fish. Most crazy equipment I have ever seen!!! And I will never be able to sleep with this on.

Have you calibrated AWC pump during configuration setup?(dozer have to "know" how long it will take for him pumping out 1 liter of water. Fresh water is refilled to previous level - known/measured by optical level sensor).
I believe that all your problems are sourced by not proper dozer configuration - we sold almost 1800 dosing stations since last 2.5 year and if this whats happened to you would be a rule - you should read a thousand of similar posts/reviews like yours.
Please let our service help you solving this issue.

PS. All dosers sent from our factory have CD or USB sticks(for USA market) included in package. If you didn't get it in the parcel you should contact with your supplier and additionally with our service giving them your dozer serial number(on silver stick on backside of dozer - the same like MAC address).
We will check this on our CCTV system from packing stage however as said - it's not possible that will be shipped not completely - it's checked by two persons and third on packing stage. Maybe your supplier/shop tested dozer previously and simply forgot to put CD inside.

Regards

Przemek Cybulski

 

[thaireef]

Hi,

Yes, I have calibrated the pumps multiple times and they are calibrated correctly.

I am sure this doser is defect, because it is simply not working as it should and there must be limits to how "stupid" I can be. If I can build a computer and program advanced websites I would think, that setting up a doser should be pretty simple. But I guarantee you that it is far from easy to get this thing to work.

As you can see on the attachment, the pumps are calibrated and therefore should not run for 2.5 hours (Pump no. 4) until I at last need to cut the power for making it stop. The daily water change volume is set to 2.68 litre and it would have ended up completely emptying my tank (75 litres), had I not shut it off. Water Out Rate is calibrated to 105.63 ml/min. How can that then explain it for running for 2.5 hours (Pump 4). Based on that setting can you please explain to me the logic in the doser pump 4 just running nonstop for hours?

Regarding the USB/CD, it was ordered directly from you in Poland and I swear on my mothers grave and to God Almighty that there was no USD/CD in the box! May I be hit by lightning and may all people I love die a terrible death, if I am lying about that or the doser nearly emptying my tank tonight!

I do not doubt that you have a good QA and many happy customers, but could there maybe be a chance that this is not my fault, but the doser that is actually defect? As mentioned before, the only thing I can get to work properly is the ATO and the Temperature. The AWC (doser pumps and DC pumps) are simply impossible for me to get to work as it should.

Look, if this doser was working as it should, I would not be whining about it and being as frustrated as I am (I have better things to do). But the fact is, that it does simply not work and it does things it should not do... Like nearly empty my entire tank tonight.

Anyway, I am not going to spend more time on it and will simply wait for your support personel to write back to me. But please take into consideration, that you doser actually could be at fault. Because I really have spent a lot of time by now trying to get this to work.

I am now at the stage (especially after the doser trying to empty my tank), that I do not trust it to work as it should. If I do a setting and the doser just does its own stuff, then I do not need that. Had I gone to bed early tonight, all my fish would have died because of the doser. I dont need risks like that. So I guess I am left with the worlds most expensive ATO and Temperature Reader. Because as you say... Your product can not be at fault... Right?

If you believe I did the configuration wrong, then please show me a Step By Step Guide of how to do it. You are e.g. now saying the freshwater is filled up until last know level (measure by optical sensor). Please show me where in any manual it says the optical sensor is related to the AWC? I am using the sensor for ATO. Where are the manuals of how to set this thing up correctly? A step by step guide? (in MAC). In the "manual" which is just a short description in the Application itself it says absolutely nothing about using the Optical Sensor for AWC. It says calibrate the pumps and then make the settings (which I have done). Where on the screenshot attached here, does it e.g. mention the Optical Sensor in relation to AWC????

Absolutely nothing is mentioned about the Optical Sensor in relation to AWC under the Instructions ?? Can you please enlighten me about the AWC and Optical Sensor... and their relation to each other? I was sure that the sensor was only related to ATO, but now I am totally confused.

 

[kouma]

@Przemek_PacSun: Can you please suggest the best/most stable firmware for Kore 5th doser and Pandora S for Windows?

 

[Przemek_PacSun]

Hi,

Yes, I have calibrated the pumps multiple times and they are calibrated correctly.

I am sure this doser is defect, because it is simply not working as it should and there must be limits to how "stupid" I can be. If I can build a computer and program advanced websites I would think, that setting up a doser should be pretty simple. But I guarantee you that it is far from easy to get this thing to work.

As you can see on the attachment, the pumps are calibrated and therefore should not run for 2.5 hours (Pump no. 4) until I at last need to cut the power for making it stop. The daily water change volume is set to 2.68 litre and it would have ended up completely emptying my tank (75 litres), had I not shut it off. Water Out Rate is calibrated to 105.63 ml/min. How can that then explain it for running for 2.5 hours (Pump 4). Based on that setting can you please explain to me the logic in the doser pump 4 just running nonstop for hours?

Regarding the USB/CD, it was ordered directly from you in Poland and I swear on my mothers grave and to God Almighty that there was no USD/CD in the box! May I be hit by lightning and may all people I love die a terrible death, if I am lying about that or the doser nearly emptying my tank tonight!

I do not doubt that you have a good QA and many happy customers, but could there maybe be a chance that this is not my fault, but the doser that is actually defect? As mentioned before, the only thing I can get to work properly is the ATO and the Temperature. The AWC (doser pumps and DC pumps) are simply impossible for me to get to work as it should.

Look, if this doser was working as it should, I would not be whining about it and being as frustrated as I am (I have better things to do). But the fact is, that it does simply not work and it does things it should not do... Like nearly empty my entire tank tonight.

Anyway, I am not going to spend more time on it and will simply wait for your support personel to write back to me. But please take into consideration, that you doser actually could be at fault. Because I really have spent a lot of time by now trying to get this to work.

I am now at the stage (especially after the doser trying to empty my tank), that I do not trust it to work as it should. If I do a setting and the doser just does its own stuff, then I do not need that. Had I gone to bed early tonight, all my fish would have died because of the doser. I dont need risks like that. So I guess I am left with the worlds most expensive ATO and Temperature Reader. Because as you say... Your product can not be at fault... Right?

If you believe I did the configuration wrong, then please show me a Step By Step Guide of how to do it. You are e.g. now saying the freshwater is filled up until last know level (measure by optical sensor). Please show me where in any manual it says the optical sensor is related to the AWC? I am using the sensor for ATO. Where are the manuals of how to set this thing up correctly? A step by step guide? (in MAC). In the "manual" which is just a short description in the Application itself it says absolutely nothing about using the Optical Sensor for AWC. It says calibrate the pumps and then make the settings (which I have done). Where on the screenshot attached here, does it e.g. mention the Optical Sensor in relation to AWC????

Absolutely nothing is mentioned about the Optical Sensor in relation to AWC under the Instructions ?? Can you please enlighten me about the AWC and Optical Sensor... and their relation to each other? I was sure that the sensor was only related to ATO, but now I am totally confused.

Due Reefcentral rules(I got PM) - please contact with us directly.

@kuoma
The same - please write to service@pacific-sun.eu

Thank you for understanding!

Regards

Przemek

 

[vhuang168]

You calibrate the 1st DC pump only. (I don't see the calibration data on the screen capture. The DC pumps are not selected for awc).

The doser uses the calibration to determine how long the pump should run to draw the requested awc water amount. The fill pump doesn't need calibration since it fills till it hits the optical sensor which tells it when to stop. ATO function is suspended when AWC is on going.

It is explained in the manual. I'm pretty sure I found it on the website somewhere.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[NATCAP_Reefer]

Tagging along. Just picked up a Kore 5th Pro G2 cheap. Connected everything and works well . I am currently limited to Mac connection therefore I am awainting the arrival of the recommended BT adapter . Then I can update to the latest firmware. Wish me luck.

 

[thaireef]

You calibrate the 1st DC pump only. (I don't see the calibration data on the screen capture. The DC pumps are not selected for awc).

The doser uses the calibration to determine how long the pump should run to draw the requested awc water amount. The fill pump doesn't need calibration since it fills till it hits the optical sensor which tells it when to stop. ATO function is suspended when AWC is on going.

It is explained in the manual. I'm pretty sure I found it on the website somewhere.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

There are 2 options as I have understood it and as you can also see on the screenshot. You can either use the DC Pumps for AWC or the Doser Pumps 4 or 5. (4 is water out and 5 is water in)

The first thing I did, was to setup the DC pumps and calibrate the Pump 1 and stated in the instructions. Then did the rest of the settings and waited for 2 days for the AWC to start according to my software settings.......which it never did.

Because the above did not work, I then changed to AWC by the dosing pumps and then got the problem with the pump 4 running for 2,5 hours straight after hours where nothing was happening (same as with DC Pumps).

This weekend I will do more testing to get this to work. i will even setup a Window PC and try that out, because until now only tried on Mac with no success.

 

[vhuang168]

Iirc, it will only kick in after 00.00hrs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[19simon79]

So heres my story and point being ***DONT BUY PACIFIC SUN***

(Ill try keep it short)
Episode 1
"¢ 5/8/15 - Ordered the Kore 5th Pro Unit from USA
"¢ 8/8/15 - Advised optical sensors were out of stock till next week. Was offered credit and told, Quote "The doser will be able to perform ALL functions without the optical sensor and the dual float sensors control ATO and alarm as well."
"¢ 8/8/15 - Replied I'd wait for stock as I wanted the optical sensor
"¢ 21/8/15 - I followed up asking for an update and no information or update had been supplied
"¢ 21/8/15 - Was told sensors were delayed (Answers were short without explanations or information)
"¢ 22/8/15 - I replied voicing my concern as my system was now without a dosing pump (Old unit wad been sold and couldn't delay sale any longer) SPS System was beginning to be effected but lack of stability.
"¢ 23/8/15 - Received (I believe an abrupt and rude) reply Quote" As I mentioned in my email to you 7 August, the doser is in stock and is fully functional INCLUDING the ATO function WITHOUT the optical sensor (it is a redundant add on). We offered to ship you the doser at the time of your order. Optical sensor can be shipped to you when it arrives.". I had up till now been offered NEVER been offered separate shipping of items.
"¢ 23/8/15 - Reveived another email directly after asking for additional $$$. Quote" Also, I did not realize this was being shipped out of the country. We are Pacific Sun USA...we ship and support product in the USA. If you would like us to ship to AU, we will need to collect an additional $55 for shipping cost." NOTE, when I purchased this item on Pacificsunusa.com I purchased it using their checkout feature and selecting Australia and destination country and paying for international postage rate
"¢ 23/8/15 - I reply stating my concern as his email reads as though he's becoming defensive so I confirm that I am simply after some information regarding the status of my order. I confirm that Im making my enquiries based on what information had been supplied to me by him. I also express my concern regarding additional $$$ as I have completed my order on his website where amount are automatically calculated and now almost 3 week later he's asking for more money. I finish by asking him to, quote "I ask that you please complete my purchase as per the details entered, calculated and accepted by your system/commerce site in a timely fashion. I am very disappoint at how you request additional costs without justification or acknowledgment that all i have done is what your online store allows. "
"¢ 23/8/15 - I received a reply including an apology regarding his message sounding rude, also an explanation stating his website had not been correctly setup for international shipping. Also note to have the order completed asap he would add to the order without charge and additional float sensor, tubing replacements, drop dispenser, AWC kit and no additional. I still wanted the optical sensor but appreciated the offer and accepted as I need the unit asap for my tanks sake.
"¢ 2/9/15 - I followed up again regarding an ETA and received a reply tracking link.

When I finally received the unit, the actual dosing pump itself was twisted and didn't sit flat on a bench, acrylic drop dispenser arrived broken (Snapped acrylic) and even though it had been specified I was sent a US power supply. At this stage I also discovered as I didn't have the optical sensor, I had no redundancy for my ATO incase the float switch faulted. Then to add to it all when I found another suitable power supply, it started up with weird character on the screen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eJ9Sm8UXtI&feature=youtu.be



Episode 2.1
"¢ 22/9/15 - Contact pac sun USA as I had finally got the unit partially working for a week then suddenly the ATO pump went bananas. No connection or settings had been changed to instigate this. I then set the pump to be contactually active to show the faulty operation and recorded a video to show the issue. Email was sent to their sales email address

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXNWF7rSyhk

"¢ 27/9/15 - I resent the previous email as I had not received any contact from Pac Sun USA. This time email was sent to sales address and to the directors personal address.
"¢ 29/9/15 - Again I resent the previous email as I had still not received any contact.
"¢ 29/9/15 - Frustrated, it was at this stage I decided to go directly to Pac Sun poland for assistance and forwarded the same email to them along with a very brief summary of my dealings with Pac Sun USA. *Continues below 'Episode 2.2'
"¢ 29/9/15 - Finally received a rely 7 days later, Quote "We can provide a replacement ATO pump for you. Please provide shipping address."
"¢ 29/9/15 - I sent shipping details.
"¢ 22/10/15 - 24 days later I sent another email as I still had not received the replacement pump nor any shipping/tracking information or the pump itself.

Episode 2.2
Continuing from when I made contact with Pac Sun Poland as I was being avoided by Pac Sun USA
"¢ 29/9/15 - Contacted Pac Sun Poland for assistance and forwarded the same email to them along with a very brief summary of my dealings with Pac Sun USA, this included the youtube vid of the fault.
"¢ 29/9/15 - Received a reply asking me to test the pump their way. Quote "Firstly please try to check pump in this way - it must be mounted complete underwater and please put pump plug in to doser socket ( take in and out pump plug during Doser work could DAMAGE Doser unit), now use lower floating sensor to contol pump work - when it's in down position pump should work." Even though I had already done this and the preformed further test and then taken a vid which I though so very clearly shows the faulty pump, i did its again and guess what. Still didn't work.
"¢ 29/9/15 - I replied stating my requested test results, RO storage container depth, Also (again) stated the the ATO pump is in constant operation regardless of the float switch position. I ruler clarified that the pump had not been miss treated in any way prior to the vid being taken (as I though these guys are going to try pin it on me for what I did in the video to show them what is happening)
"¢ 29/9/15 - Pac Sun Poland replied asking for pics of the float sensor and plugs along with more testing from my end.
"¢ 29/9/15 - I replied with pics as requested and unsuccessful results.




"¢ 29/9/15 - Received a reply, Quote "Ok, floating sensor is cousing faulty working of ATO. Manufacturer of floting sensor made an error during production.
I will give you an instruction how to solve problem with floating sensor. Also in attachment you have video with instruction. First read instruction then watch video and let me know if it helps.

INSTRUCTION:
Take out floating sensor from tank and disconnect from doser. As You can see float in the sensor has one edge rounded, and the second edge is sharp. Rounded edges are directed to outside of sensor. You must change this so that the rounded edges are directed to the inside of the sensor. In attachment You have video how to do that. Also You will have to change connection of floating sensor to doser, RED CHINCH connect to WHITE SOCKET and WHITE CHINCH connect to RED SOCKET."

At this stage Im thinking is this mob serious, conect the white to red and red to white. Manufacturing errors and I find out now after Ive spent my $$$. What happened to Product recall, public notices, etc, etc. Hopeless!!
"¢ 1/10/15 - I replied I would preform these changes and that I was apparently still awaiting a pump from Pac Sun USA so Id wait for that. I did preformed their instruction and corrections (Luck Im handy) and this solved one issue that the pump was constantly active but didn't solve the fact that the pump works when it wants to.

I don't remember how many days/weeks longer it took for the pump to arrive but when it did Hooked it up, the usual several hours of fighting with the Pas Sun software and finally got it going. THE END.....Just kidding, theres more!!:facepalm:

Since then the unit has been plagues with issues including:
- Dosing amount varying
- Software not accepting commands
- Software changing inputed date on its own
- System reverting to old settings & many others

However I decided since I was dealing with a company the leads the way in product innovation and their support was so help full :fun2: that I would just deal with what I have and make do with it. Once in a while I'd jump online for advice, read other experiences and just make do following the principle that if its (kinda) working and I don't touch it, it should work ok???? I endeavoured and sucked it up.


Episode 3
Was reading online (this thread) about someone else's experience where the dosing pumping for what ever reason decided to does extra Alk. Obviously an Alk swing in never a good thing. Pac Suns replies and advice regarding this other gents issue got me fired up. I had also experienced such an issue so I added that it had happened to me. In short reply we got was, Quote: "1. Doser cant change his setting byself. It simply not possible"

All they ever do is pass fault to another product, person or process. If not even that they don't accept fault (which they don't) but they go as far as saying their product is right, working, faults are impossible, human error, etc. How many people does it take for them to open their eyes. If it was any other industry they would have been shut down.

Back to it, I got wind of a Mac Software update in this thread and decided to take the plunge, secretly thrilled at the possibility that Pac Sun might actually have got their s&!t together and sorted a product that could finally work as intended. So I want told to email their service department for detail instruction on upgrading their firmware and software. (One would think this is easy but they found a way to complicate it also)
"¢ 13/4/16 - (Me) "Hello, I have a Kore 5th running on 1.4H Beta on Mac and unit has what I think is Firmware 1.4g7a. I understand there is an update of both of these and have been told to contact you for a detailed manual, step by step what should be done to upgrade both of these. Thank you"
"¢ 13/4/16 - (Pac Sun) "Hello. Do You have posibility to use windows PC to make firmware upgrade?"
"¢ 13/4/16 - (Me) "Hello, No I don't, I only have iMac computers"
"¢ 13/4/16 - (Pac Sun) "Hello. OS X version of application didn't allow to make firmware upgrade so You will have to use firmware uploader application. You have it in mail attachment. Firmware file is also available in attachment.
Firstly You must pair doser and Mac - use 1234 pair code.
Please run app on Your Mac and go to settings tab and choose which device You want to upgrade. After You done it please open firmware file and apply it. Press update button and wait until upgrade will be ready.
Then please open Pacific Sun application, choose doser which You want connect and apply it. Thank you"
"¢ 13/4/16 - (Me) "Do i upgrade the software before or after the firmware upgrade?"
"¢ 13/4/16 - (Pac Sun) "You could upgrade software after firmware - You will have to use additional application for firmware upgrade"
"¢ 13/4/16 - (Me) "hello, sorry I'm a little confused so to clarify please confirm:

OS X version of application didn't allow to make firmware upgrade so You will have to use firmware uploader application. You have it in mail attachment. Firmware file is also available in attachment. Thank you, files "˜PSunFlash.app' and "˜kore_5th_1.5e2'

Firstly You must pair doser and Mac - use 1234 pair code. Pair it with the previously attached firmware uploader application "˜PSunFlash.app' or with my existing Kore application "˜Kore_5th_1.4H_Beta'??
Please run app on Your Mac and go to settings tab Which settings tab? Both existing software and firmware uploader application don't have a "œSettings" Tab (See attachment) and choose which device You want to upgrade. After You done it please open firmware file and apply it. Press update button and wait until upgrade will be ready.
Then please open Pacific Sun application, choose doser which You want connect and apply it."

Note I was a little paranoid as many have wiped their dosing pump when preforming the firmware update, Some would say easier to delete the Kore 5 program as opposed to upgrading the firmware. I did eventually preform the upgrades and after an initial issues where the unit didn't want to contact to the software, many restarts finally worked and I was once again connected.

Episode 4 Sorry Ill try wrap it up
Since the upgrade the soft ware continued to cause havoc. As someone employed to work on computers all day I would have to say its the least user friendly software Ive used to date. I contiunued to press on and double, triple and quadruple check any changes I make. Again using the mind set that if I leave it alone it might just plot along and do its thing.

Having had another ALK issue where my Alk constantly drops week after week and that after I increase the amount does weekly too. I decided to once again do a test to check the amount dosed. Basically I has set in the software to dose 150ml a day. This pump was calibrated and checked. For the first two days it dosed correctly, On the third day it dosed 80ml. So I check settings and preform a calibration and all is right, so I continue on. 4 & 5 days go by and again 80ml. I check the software and amount to does is 100ml, calibration is correct Dosed amount for the last three days is 240ml - It should 450ml. But Im told this is impossible :mad2:

So I decide to sort my tank out and get thing right again. I jump back onto the computer and conect to the Kore. All is well so far. I do my calculations and decide to up my Cal and Alk to 180ml, I double and triple check and its looks good. A day later I go back to check as my Cal only dosed 25ml. I log in and all is good. I go to the dosing page and click read and it starts going bananas. I read online and decide to preform these tests/changes:
- Deactivate all bluetooth devices except for wireless keyboard and mouse
- Conect wired keyboard and mouse so no bluetooth single is active except for Kore 5
- Disconect Kore 5 from aquarium (4m away) and sit it sight beside the computer

Lastly I decide to record a video to show Pac Sun.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bALEe1ukE78

Episode 5
I email Pac Sun with this concern and here follows:
"¢ 29/6/16 - (Me) Hello, Ive been in touch several times and put up with issues for a long time but finally decided to record what it like for me to program my kore 5. I hope you can help as I am fed up with this unit. Ive tried every possibility but never works correctly. I hope you can help as it the last chance I'm giving Kore 5. Firmware revision: D, Software: Kore_5th_1.5d
"¢ 29/6/16 - (Pac Sun) Hello. This kind of issue could be caused by too week Bluetooth signal. How far You have doser from Your Mac? Also did You use some other Bluetooth device as mouse, keyboard etc? If yes You should use separate Bluetooth module on USB for Doser only - Your others Bluetooth devices could have influence on communication with doser if they are used in the same time.
"¢ 29/6/16 - (Me) Hello, no. I have tried with with wired devices so bluetooth is stand alone and no other bluetooth devices were active apart from the Kore 5. The unit sits 4 meters from the computer but I have also removed the Kore from the aquarium and sat it directly beside the computer with no change or improvement in its operation. I have experienced issues like this since purchase.

Do you have a fix???? After many dealing with Pacific Sun USA (Old distributor) and yourselves I am looking for solutions and not possible third party causes. Does your product work or am I going to have to go back to my much missed and reliable Profilux dosing pump. I am so very frustrated with this product. Hope you can help so I can share my positive experiences with other online rather than negative ones.
"¢ 29/6/16 - (Pac Sun) Hello. Do You have posibility to use windows version of application to find that there is no problem with Your Mac Bluetooth connection?
I'm sure that Your Doser work properly there is only problem with connetcion. Which model of Mac You use? And which OS X system You have installed on it?
"¢ 29/6/16 - (Me) I feel that each time I contact pacsun, you always look for faults with everything but your product. I do not have PC. Mac devices work perfectly both independently and with every other third part accessory I have except Kore 5. Ideally I believe my unit is less that 1 year old and still under somewhat or a warranty. I am not happy with your product at all. I had a imac 27" 3.4GHz and have upgrade to a new model several months ago, Kore issues were consistent with both. I currently run OS X 10.10.5 however previously ran earlier versions of OS X and again problems were consistent with all. I believe some accountability should be in order???
"¢ 29/6/16 - (Pac Sun) We had few iMac users which had problem with Bluetooth connection and problem was solved by external USB bluetooth module.
In iMac devices there is standard used Bluetooth mouse and KB and this could cause problems with communication over serial port profile which is used by our devices. We recommend to use external USB Class 1 (100m range) bluetooth module.
"¢ 29/6/16 - (Me) As your product is apparently apple mac compatible will you supply this module to correct the problem to make your product work correctly???
"¢ 29/6/16 - (Pac Sun) Yes our product is Mac compatible but there is problem with iMac Bluetooth module and we didn't support external modules.
Our product work properly with Macbook computers so there is problem with iMac BT modules only.

So now I'm expect to go buy a PC or an external Bluetooth module. WHY???? You product is meant to be Mac OS compatible.

Pacific Sun should never have release this product as the item was never ready for consumer use. They advised they would have Mac support for the item shortly after initial realise but it was not for years. Now they have it and it doesn't work. Please don't think that this rant is sold about Pac Sun and Apple cause if you read through this thread you see its issues do not discriminate between Mac OS or Windows.

This is only a brief overview of my Kore 5 issues, these units are possessed. I have all correspondence should any be required and truly hope people steer clear of Pacific Sun. Happy Reefing :fish1:

 

[19simon79]

So after posting the above I was again contact by Pac Sun via email where they stated that they were sure that if i purchased an external bluetooth module that my problems would be solved. I replied that I was not willing to do so as I didn't see why I should spend more money when I purchased a device that was apparently Mac OS X compatible.

Over the course of several emails I went on to say that what they were doing was down the line of false advertising as they never specified and hardware limitations or requirements. I thought a pretty simple case of "Mac OS X" compatible and I have Mac OS X (regardless that I have the latest 27' quad 4GHz machine). They have now come back stating they will send me the so called required external bluetooth module. As skeptical as I am my finger are crossed.

 

[kouma]

The bluetooth dongle costs a mere $10-15 dollars. You spent $500+ on the doser, you couldnt justify the dongle? Its not a limitation from the PacSun receiver, i.e. doser, its a limitation from the transmitter, i.e. your laptop.

Been using PacSun products for 3 years now and everything is rock solid. Its general knowledge that you need that bluetooth dongle to communicate with their devices properly.

 

[vhuang168]

Its not a limitation from the PacSun receiver, i.e. doser, its a limitation from the transmitter, i.e. your laptop.

Really? Then why can my laptop communicate with practically every other Bluetooth device in the house and at greater distances without dropping except the doser sitting 3 feet away on a shelf above the tank?

And please don't explain away as needing bandwidth. It was already explained that the doser only reads n sends specific data that you request. Thus the need for all those read save buttons.

My doser was taken offline a while ago. Running a ca rx now instead.

I took it off because the calibration drifts. It will be accurate the 1st few days then gradually dose less n less. And yes, I'm sure I'll be told that cannot happen and it is somehow my fault though I can't see how, if it is calibrated (right or wrong) it shouldn't dose the same amount each time. And I especially can't see how that would be a BT issue.

I think the doser concept is sound. The features are great. But final execution is lacking, not throughly tested (esp here in NA since apparently everyone who buys it in EU have no issues).


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[andrek787]

+1 it is common knowledge that a class 1 Bluetooth tongue is needed to work with Kore 5th. I believe it is explicitly mentioned in some of their product descriptions. Just because the Mac costs 3-4k doesn't mean Apple didn't cheap out on the built in Bluetooth.

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