Questions Re Apex Features

K

Kengar

Active member
I am starting this as a new thread since the current Details thread has a lot of questions regarding release date, pre-ordering, etc. Please limit questions here to specific questions re product features. Also, you may wish to review the other thread and information on the Neptune Systems website first to see if the answer to your question is already there. (I did, and I did not see the answer or, alternatively, recognize the information begin presented as the answer to my question; hence this post.)

Here is my question: how is the remote module connected to the base unit? Is it by wire (e.g., ethernet cable), or does it communicate with the base module wirelessly? If the former, I will probably stay with my ACIII for a while; if the latter, I think that would be worth the price of admission!

Thanks.
 
Both the display and the EnergyBar use AquaBus for communcation. For system critical control wireless is not a good choice.
Yes, you can both EB8s and DC8s on the same Apex system. The Apex base unit has a cntl port (for DC8/DC4HD/LunarSim/AquaSurf), and 2 AquaBus ports.

Curt
 
Guess I should have posted my question here instead of the other thread. Here it is again with another couple:

How can we tell if it will dim our T5's? I have a Maristar pendant with (4) 3' bulbs. They are on a separate plug and on/off switch. What hardware would be required?

If I currently have an Aquasurf can I just plug that directly into the new unit and have it work? My cables are okay or do I need new? Same with the breakout box and PX1000. Can I just unplug from current ACP3 and plug into new unit and have all connected devices and switches work?

Thanks,
Ken
 
The ballast will need a 0-10V dimming port for it to work with dimming/variable speed port on Apex. I doubt that ballast has that feature.
Yes, you can use AquaSurf on Apex. Or you could just plug the AquaSurf to Stream cable directly into the Apex variable speed port. Both the breakout box and PX 1000 work on Apex - just plug them in.

Curt
 
Is the Ethernet port 10Base-T or 100Base-TX? I'd like the finally retire the 10/100mb hub I have running just to support me AC III pro.
 
Wouldn't any hub worth its weight in sh&*t be able to handle one slower device without slowing down entire net? I find it hard to believe you need to hold your whole net back just because of one device.
Click to expand...



The AC III pro only supports 10 base T. I'm running gigabit on everything else. I have to use an old 10/100 hub to connect into my 100/1000 switch. I never stated that my whole network was being held back.
 
Please, guys, limit to specific questions so that we can get answers to those specific questions without having to wade through all the back and forth that takes things off topic. That is why I started this separate thread.

Ken
 
How will firmware updates be handled on the APEX? Similarly to the AC3? Or possibly via a http upload?
 
They are handled over Ethernet using a custom Windows update application. Very easy to do, and doesn't require any network configuration settings to change.

Curt
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15091796#post15091796 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by clp
They are handled over Ethernet using a custom Windows update application. Very easy to do, and doesn't require any network configuration settings to change.

Curt
Click to expand...

Thanks, Curt. Any options for Mac / *nix users?
 
OK, I just pulled the trigger and pre-ordered.

This product, based upon Neptune's history, Curt's support, and the features listed looks like a real winner. My ACIII will be for sale soon :)

Question:
Please give us a little more information on what is described as:
"In advanced mode an enhanced AquaController programming language is available"

I know that it will have some type of easy setup capability so people won't have to write code to do the basic stuff.

I'm interested in the Advanced mode enhanced AquaController programming language.

Now that the product is near shipment what can you tell us about the programming language in comparison to the current ACIII language?

Somethings at mentioned in the specs include day of the week programming capability and sub-minute control of power bar outlets (I assume this means that the DC-8's will still have a one minute control granularity).

Will there be enhanced logic operations such as AND and OR functions?
IF, THEN, ELSE?
Output names longer than 3 characters?
Programming remarks?

Is there any possibility that you might post a link to a pdf of the draft operator's manual?


Thanks!
Paul
 
Glad to hear that you decided on the Apex system.

Here is a taste of the new features in the programming language:

- 3 parameter osc statement with second resolution.

OSC XX:XX/YY:YY/ZZ:ZZ Then On

Where XX:XX is the initial off time in MM:SS
YY:YY is the on time in MM:SS.
ZZ:ZZ is the second off time in MM:SS

The OSC commands starts with the XX:XX off time -> then YY:YY on time -> then ZZ:ZZ off time and then back to XX:XX. With this format any phase relationship between devices can be created.

A Set command to give the outlet static on or off state (no more 'If Time > 00:00').

Set On or
Set Off

Default outlet state. Used to set an EB8 outlet to a default state in the event of a Apex failure or bus communication fault. For example you can set all pumps to a Default On, and lights, heater, chiller to a Default Off state to keep the tank in the safest state if there is a equipment failure.

Default Off


New range format for the time command. Like

If Time 08:00 to 18:00 Then On

New Power state command to check the power status on each Energy bar.

If Power EB8_1 Off 005 Then OFF

will be true when the power to module EB8_1 is off, and for 5 minutes after power is restored.

If Power EB8_1 On 005 Then Off

Will be true when power to module EB8_1 is On and for 5 minutes after power has failed.


Of course you can name all outlets (12 characters) and modules (12 characters) to make the program readable/understandable. Comments are allowed in the program as well.

A day of week function has been added.

If DoW SMTWT-- Then On

Would set the outlet to the on state on Sunday through Thursday.


Virtual outlets (variables) so that complex conditional statements can be created.

Curt
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15073012#post15073012 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by clp
The ballast will need a 0-10V dimming port for it to work with dimming/variable speed port on Apex. I doubt that ballast has that feature.
Yes, you can use AquaSurf on Apex. Or you could just plug the AquaSurf to Stream cable directly into the Apex variable speed port. Both the breakout box and PX 1000 work on Apex - just plug them in.

Curt
Click to expand...

Question on the dimming feature. I pre-ordered and am doing a tank build right now. We are putting in an exhaust fan in the attic that has variable speed fan. would the apex be able to control the speed of the fan? Say have one setting for lights only and another setting for lights and chiller, etc..
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15098230#post15098230 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jeffreylesser
Question on the dimming feature. I pre-ordered and am doing a tank build right now. We are putting in an exhaust fan in the attic that has variable speed fan. would the apex be able to control the speed of the fan? Say have one setting for lights only and another setting for lights and chiller, etc..
Click to expand...

It is my understanding that the dimming capability comes from four variable 0-10 volt dc outputs. Anything you wanted to control would have to be controllable by that means.

I am aware of industrial methods of doing this that require expensive interfaces and fans but they don't scale well to what it sounds like you are trying to do.
http://www.dwyer-inst.com.au/htdocs/pdffiles/iom/Test/FC-1000_iom.pdf
http://www.controlres.com/cirrus.php

I'm guessing that your attic fan has a Off/Low/Med/High switch. If that is the case then the Apex will not control it. But, there are controllable dampners and fans in more sophisticated HVAC systems.

It may be possible to find a fan controller that will take the analog signal from the Apex and output 12VDC with pulse width modulation but I, personally, don't know a cost effective way to do it.


My suggestion:
It sounds like you are trying to design your hood ventilation.
Put in several fans and then use the Apex to vary the quantity of fans receiving power rather than controlling the speed of all of the fans.

Use very quiet fans. Three easy and relatively in expensive ways of doing this:
1) Use 12cm computer case fans that are relatively quiet to start with and power them using the wall warts that have a switch that you can use to set the output voltage to several settings between 3 and 12 volts. They will move less air at the lower voltages but it is amazing how quiet they will run at 6 or 9 volts.

2) Buy 12cm computer case fans that have a three position fan speed switch and a separate power supply for each stage of ventilation you want to control.

3) Use several 6-12 inch AC fans that have a high/low/medium switch and run them at the low setting and use the Apex to control the number of fans.

Paul
 
Last edited:
Variable Speed Fan and Apex

Variable Speed Fan and Apex

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.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

H
Apex Classic - Aquabus Module Assignment
Replies
0
Views
165
hilde123
H
E
Neptune DDR diy question for AWC
Replies
3
Views
373
Reefing102
Reefing102
E
Refractometer woes….what would you do?
Replies
12
Views
370
jrill
J
E
Wave maker recommendations?
Replies
12
Views
674
ExitTrauma
E
R
Cyano and nutrients
2
Replies
27
Views
759
Uncle99
Uncle99
Back
Top