Reefkeeper 2 ph question

[Evolley1]

I just set up a slightly used Reefkeeper 2 over the weekend. My initial opinion was...fantastic and very easy to program. I enabled the ph probe and calibrated it the other day...as of last night the ph reading was way off. I tried to recalibrate it and the calibration numbers for the 7.0 and 10.0 did not move, thus giving me a wrong ph value. What gives? Has anyone had this problem? I'm just curious if I need to update the firmware in the event that there is a glitch. In order to do that do I need to use a special splitter for the temp probe so that I can hook it up to a computer and download new firmware? I tried using a common splitter last night and the display claimed that the temp probe was not working. My next problem was that my newer Sony Viao did not have a serial port to connect the Reefkeeper to. The trials and tribulations of setting up new equipment. Anyone have any of these problems?

 

[canar]

I think after a period of time the PH probes go bad. I know my main probe on my AC3 is reading lower now then what it really is. It used to be real accurate. Then it got me thinking I was having a low PH problem. For sanitys sake I checked the PH with a test kit and found my probe was a good deal off. I am going to clean it again tonight and recalibrate it. If it keeps doing that I will probably replace the probe.

 

[Evolley1]

It's a brand new probe. I have sent the same question to the DA forum. Seems like this is a fairly common problem. I need to update the firmware but before I do that I have to figure out how to connect the RK2 to a computer. I just started reading in that forum about connectivity problems as well. Looks like I have an uphill battle on my hands.

 

[Racenrich]

eric,
easy to do....all you need is the serial cable that came with the controller...did you get that with your purchase? if not, you were cheated...JK.

If you need one i have one you can borrow? V2.5 is the most recent.

ALSO, YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT ONE OUTLET IS ON AT ALL TIMES or you will have issues with one or more of the outlets staying in the "on or off" mode when it shouldnt be! Trust me on this!

Do the update and recheck the PH....should resolve you're issue.

RJK

 

[Evolley1]

I did get the serial cable, problem is...my Sony Viao does not have a serial cable port. I'm considering just finding an old computer here at work that is stripped and just dedicate it to the My Reef

 

[ppurcell]

Do you have your PC connected when the problem is happening? There is a reported problem with a ground loop occurring which I think affects either the pH probe or the serial connection when the PC and the RK2 are on different AC circuits.

The splitter is a pretty basic. Pins 1&2 are for the temp probe and 3-6 are for serial communications. They need to be wired staight through and you can use the RJ12/45 to DB9 adaptor that comes with the controller.

Or you could bring it to my house and I can update it for you.

I went and poked through the last 90 days of pH related threads on the DA forum and most of the responses say to email customer service. Not promising..

 

[Racenrich]

Eric,
they have the USB port that'll do the same trick. I think its $11 on DA's site.

good luck!

 

[Evolley1]

Phil,

I may take you up on that offer to just get my controller updated. I could work on getting the computer set up and MyReef done later.

Rich,
Thanks for the info. Computers are not necessarily my thing but I am going to try my darndest to get this thing setup properly in order to use it to it's fullest potential.