Questions Re Apex Features

[Aquafred]

-Will there be a 220V 50 Hz version of the Apex?
-Will it be released at same time as the regular 110V version?
-Will X10 still be needed to run 220V or will you finally have some DC or other type of power bar that runs on 220V?
-Any difference in price for Apex 220V or DC 220V and hteir 110V counterparts? Can we already preorder a 220V version?


I know many people interested a lot in Neptune AC and not getting them only because of the price of those 220v X10s and the fact that X10s are not really reliable.

 

[maroun.c]

+1 on above questions.
Will preorder/order the second the 220V with 220V Dc or other is confirmed. Hopefully this will be soon?

 

[GreshamH]

Re: Variable Speed Fan and Apex

Re: Variable Speed Fan and Apex

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15103825#post15103825 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jeffreylesser
Actually the fan is a fantech wall mounted fan, and can be 100% speed controlled by a "dimmer" style switch, similar to a 100% controllable ceiling fan I imagine (I don't own any ceiling fans because I am tall, and nervous of spinning blades near my head).

Here is the link:
http://www.fantech.net/rvf.htm


So I am not electrical engineer, but I am guessing these "dimmer" style knobs are varying the electricity to the fan to control the speed. I thought maybe the plug could actually vary the electricity to the fan instead of the dimmer. I could always use a dimmer on one low speed setting, but my thought was I could have several settings based on need to get just enough flow but also be as quiet as possible.

Since the APEX only supplies a 0-10vdc variable output you will need something that can take that output and translate it into AC line voltage and supply the range of control you need.

 

[brentj]

<edit; duplicate/wrong, sorry>

 

[brentj]

Looks cool. Too bad I just got the pro.

My biggest wish would be conductivity monitoring (the reason I jumped up to the pro from the ACIII) Just as a fail-safe; alarm if gets out of range, signaling ATO system error and/or leak...

I love the increased range. My px1000 in the basement with the sump isn't the most dependable connection with 100 foot cable....

looks nice

 

[brentj]

"Active electrical current monitoring and logging"

Does anyone know if this is accessible from the programming language? For instance, could you say "if device is drawing a certain amount of current, turn outlet off"

 

[tamu]

Is there a plan to redesign modules such as the Lunar Sim to connect via the Aquabus?

The Aquabus is the only way modules can be upgraded via Ethernet correct? Those on the control section are excluded, correct?

 

[Aquafred]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15113717#post15113717 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by maroun.c
+1 on above questions.
Will preorder/order the second the 220V with 220V Dc or other is confirmed. Hopefully this will be soon?

Got an email reply from Curt on my those questions.
Not sure if its ethical to post the email reply here however it seems the Apex will be available in 220V but after they manage the initial wave of orders in the USA. It will initially use X10s but around the end of the year a complete 220V set will be available not using X10s. I've checked a link to X10s you mentioned in a different thread and it seems those will cost more than the controller itself so for me I guess I'll just wait to order the final 220V package.

 

[maroun.c]

Thanks for your help Aquafred,
Will be waiting for the full package too unless there is a way to special order one sooner...

 

[laverda]

Re: Variable Speed Fan and Apex

Re: Variable Speed Fan and Apex

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15103825#post15103825 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jeffreylesser
Actually the fan is a fantech wall mounted fan, and can be 100% speed controlled by a "dimmer" style switch, similar to a 100% controllable ceiling fan I imagine (I don't own any ceiling fans because I am tall, and nervous of spinning blades near my head).

Here is the link:
http://www.fantech.net/rvf.htm


So I am not electrical engineer, but I am guessing these "dimmer" style knobs are varying the electricity to the fan to control the speed. I thought maybe the plug could actually vary the electricity to the fan instead of the dimmer. I could always use a dimmer on one low speed setting, but my thought was I could have several settings based on need to get just enough flow but also be as quiet as possible.

I think you can do it with port 8 on the existing DC8s, as they will vary incondesent bulbs for moon lighting.

 

[laverda]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15119217#post15119217 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tamu
Is there a plan to redesign modules such as the Lunar Sim to connect via the Aquabus?

The Aquabus is the only way modules can be upgraded via Ethernet correct? Those on the control section are excluded, correct?

I don't think there is anything to upgrade in the Lunar Sim, as it is controlled by the controller itself.

 

[Deleted member 143833]

The Aquabus is the only way modules can be upgraded via Ethernet correct?

Maybe I don't understand the question but the AC3 and pro update via Ethernet and I suspect the Apex will do something simular. AquaBus is not Ethernet, you still Ethernet into the controller.

wrt modules; I haven't seen any mention of the list of modules coming (or when) but since X10 will continue to work I expect all existing modules would still be available to the program (e.g., DCx, AquaSurf (though Apex has one built-in), LunarSim, etc) and PX1000 (for additional probes and switches).

 

[Bryan]

Curt:

Think there is a error on your web site in terms of describing the dimensions of the APEX.

Compact Size
7.5" x 2.6" x 1.10"

Doesn't look 7.5" tall to me.

 

[Big_D]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15131196#post15131196 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bryan
Curt:

Think there is a error on your web site in terms of describing the dimensions of the APEX.

Compact Size
7.5" x 2.6" x 1.10"

Doesn't look 7.5" tall to me.

I noticed that too.. just under that in the AquaDisplay features it shows this:


"Compact size 3.40" x 4.05" x 0.65"





D

 

[RussM]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15131196#post15131196 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bryan
Curt:

Think there is a error on your web site in terms of describing the dimensions of the APEX.

Compact Size
7.5" x 2.6" x 1.10"

Doesn't look 7.5" tall to me.

Those are the dims for the base unit... the actual controller brains are in there as I understand it. The head unit is just a display and control interface.

 

[Bryan]

Aaah... that makes sense then.

 

[brentj]

Does anyone know if the aquabus uses standard USB cables?

Or I guess not "standard" since I guess they'd both be the "rectangular" male end. But maybe something that can be ordered somewhere? Or a "USB extension cable"?

I have pre-ordered and would like to have the cable run. I need a 100' one.

 

[purebullet417]

im having way to many problems with my aquatronica and im looking into this to replace it. can the apex do all of the things my aquatronica does.

i need it to do-
at least 3 power bars
2x ph probes(1 tank 1 control ca reactor)
1x redox prob
1x salinity prob
ability to turn lights on and off by timer
ability to email me in case of power outage or prob sensing something wrong
delayed start after a power outage
ability to make changes and turn things on and off and configure from the computer
I think thats it for now but i hate that my aquatronica can be flaky and sometimes not connect sometimes turn things on and off and other things. also how does the webserver work? thanks alot.

 

[brentj]

That's a lot of questions.

I think it can do all that except not salinity yet, but supposedly a salinity module in development.

Their existing products can do all that, so I'd hope the new ones could do that and more.... I'm upgrading for sure.

I like that the power bars can have default states set for each outlet in case they lose connection. I've had my ACIII lock up only a couple times, but I'd be scared that it would lock something vital in the wrong position.... like a dosing pump "on" or something.

Has been a very reliable, great system otherwise, with the only problems maybe because I had a non-regulation 100 foot extension cable to my basement sump.

 

[Deleted member 143833]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15134691#post15134691 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by brentj
Does anyone know if the aquabus uses standard USB cables?

Or I guess not "standard" since I guess they'd both be the "rectangular" male end. But maybe something that can be ordered somewhere? Or a "USB extension cable"?

I have pre-ordered and would like to have the cable run. I need a 100' one.

Someone mentioned that Neptune has longer cables (I think someone mentioned ordering 100 ft cable with their pr-order).