Questions Re Apex Features
- Thread starter Kengar
- Start date
D
Deleted member 143833
There are threads with more detail but IMO you have much more options than the Tunze controller. Depending on the AC used to drive the controller you have 4, 6 or 8 different profiles (a profile is pump percentage for on and off + on/off cycle between the 2). Profiles can be enabled to a pump based on anything that can be programmed in the controller giving near limitless options.
Question
Question
I am new to Neptune controllers, but took the risk and pre-ordered the Apex, based on its advertised capabilities and the good reputation of the manufacturer.
I have a light rack which is wired for four light sequences: moonlight, dawn/dusk, morning/afternoon and midday. Each sequence will add additional T5s - midday being when all bulbs are burning.
My question: Can I obtain a dedicated power module with four outlets just for the lights? Will the Apex tell me if these outlets are drawing current, so I can verify the lights are operating properly? Since my light rack is suspended on a movable track, I would like to mount this module on the ceiling (behind the tank). I assume I would need to run 120V and a control cable of some sort from the module to the Apex, correct?
LL
Question
I am new to Neptune controllers, but took the risk and pre-ordered the Apex, based on its advertised capabilities and the good reputation of the manufacturer.
I have a light rack which is wired for four light sequences: moonlight, dawn/dusk, morning/afternoon and midday. Each sequence will add additional T5s - midday being when all bulbs are burning.
My question: Can I obtain a dedicated power module with four outlets just for the lights? Will the Apex tell me if these outlets are drawing current, so I can verify the lights are operating properly? Since my light rack is suspended on a movable track, I would like to mount this module on the ceiling (behind the tank). I assume I would need to run 120V and a control cable of some sort from the module to the Apex, correct?
LL
D
Deleted member 143833
Initially only the EB8 (8 controllable outlet) will be available so you need to get an EB8 unless you wanted to wait for other modules later this year. With the EB8 you would have 120v + 1 control cable (similar to a USB cable) and that would be it.
Each EB8 has 1 current sensor to tell the total draw of all connected outlets that are on so you will be able to tell if things are on but not necessarily if any 1 outlet is on or not.
Does this answer your questions?
So if current monitoring is for the complete module only, that doesn't help a whole lot... I may as well get a Direct Connect 4 that is available for the current controllers... any down side to that?
Thanks.
LL
D
Deleted member 143833
Either will work but the EB does have a few additional features.
With the EB devices you can have fail-safe program. For example; if the Apex stops communicating with the EB then you can program the EB in such a way as to respond to this condition and turn outlets on or off. With the DC device the outlet remains in the last state no matter what. Similarly you can have per-outlet power fail scenarios, also not available with the DCx.
Also to consider is the connectivity of the control; with the DCx it is a daisy chain while the EB uses a hub/spoke topology meaning that the DCx you either place the lights at the end of the chain or you need an in and out from the light so the chain is not broken while the EB can have 1 wire connected to the main DC8 (or control unit) and no concern over breaking the chain or the lose of power on a device earlier in the chain causing the lights to be uncontrolled (and possible left on).
So there are benefits but you need to determine what is important to your setup and choose appropriately.
With the EB devices you can have fail-safe program. For example; if the Apex stops communicating with the EB then you can program the EB in such a way as to respond to this condition and turn outlets on or off. With the DC device the outlet remains in the last state no matter what. Similarly you can have per-outlet power fail scenarios, also not available with the DCx.
Also to consider is the connectivity of the control; with the DCx it is a daisy chain while the EB uses a hub/spoke topology meaning that the DCx you either place the lights at the end of the chain or you need an in and out from the light so the chain is not broken while the EB can have 1 wire connected to the main DC8 (or control unit) and no concern over breaking the chain or the lose of power on a device earlier in the chain causing the lights to be uncontrolled (and possible left on).
So there are benefits but you need to determine what is important to your setup and choose appropriately.
Pretty sure I won't need four more on the ceiling, though... (where the light rack plugs need to be)
Thanks for the clarification on the differences...much appreciated. Like I said, I'm a rookie when it comes to controllers... might as well start with the Ferrari, right?
LL
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15301060#post15301060 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RussM
Nice rack!
Xtra outlets for fans, perhaps?
I guess you're talking about the lights...:lol:
No extra outlets needed...fans are above the rack, built-in and will run 24/7.
Thanks for the suggestions...
LL
thebradybunch
New member
Does anybody know if the Apex package come with calibration fluids for the PH probe? If it doesn't come with the probe it is 4.0 and 7.0 that I need to order? Thanks
I don't think that it will come with calibration fluids, but I may be wrong. It should be calibrated when you receive it, but it is a good idea to have fluid around for re-calibration every month or so.
What are you using the pH probe to monitor, your tank or a calcium reactor effluent? If it is your tank, the pH should be calibrated with 7.01 and 10.01 fluid because your probe will be reading in that range (around 8-8.4)
If you are using a probe in your calcium reactor you will want to use the 4.01 and 7.01 fluid because your pH in your reactor is going to be lower than 7, thus falling in that range.
Hope that helps!
D
Deleted member 143833
The PH probe is not calibrated; you should do this before using the probe. Only the temperature probe is calibrated.
thebradybunch
New member
Thanks guys, I am hoping to order at the end of the month and want to make sure I don't miss anything.
D
Deleted member 143833
I am already planning the same; I checked with ProLine regarding wiring and this is the reply:
Hi Ken
I finaly received an answer from the Electrical engineer.
This is what he said:
The 2 pin connection of the controller is so called floating
So if you make pin 1 or pin 2 to earth does not matter at all
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support@prolineaquatics.com
GrouperGenius
Liscensed Unit
I have allready ordered the Apex and it will be the first controller I have ever had. So please bear with my goofy questions.
Is there a function to shut off 4 pumps at the same time manually?
Is there a function to shut off 4 pumps at the same time manually?
