Reefkeeper ALC vs StevesLEDs Typhon

[primo21]

Anyone have experience with these that can offer a comparison? Looking to mod my black box LEDs to be controlled and was hoping to get pros/cons for these 2 options. The black boxes are 2 channels and dimmable and I am looking to get sunrise/set and storm capabilities. Welcome all opinions.

thanks.

 

[oreo57]

Anyone have experience with these that can offer a comparison? Looking to mod my black box LEDs to be controlled and was hoping to get pros/cons for these 2 options. The black boxes are 2 channels and dimmable and I am looking to get sunrise/set and storm capabilities. Welcome all opinions.

thanks.

ALC is 0-10V dimming, Typhon is 5 or 10V PWM dimming..
The drivers in your black box dim ????

Each of the 2 dimmers can be "swapped" as to type of dimming but not without another layer of complexity.. i.e "parts"..

It is a bit more complicated than you probably think..though not difficult.
Start here but note SOME are 0-10v some are PWM.. depends on the box config.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2467091&highlight=evergrow+dimming

 

[primo21]

Reefkeeper ALC OR Typhon/Storm controller

Reefkeeper ALC OR Typhon/Storm controller

I get the complexity and am ok with the work involved. Looking for which the "better" option is, knowing better is a relative term. The drivers are dimmable, just trying to get feedback on the features of each to make an informed decision on which route to go.

Since people probably don't have experience with both, if you have or had either please provide any feedback as to the features and ease of use.

Thanks

 

[n2585722]

Which Reefkeeper are you going to use? The ALC can be used on the RKL, RKE or Archon. The Archon has 4 0-10v outputs and 2 PWM outputs on the head unit. There is no need for the ALC. None have sunrise to sunset at this time. The ALC has a storm mode but it is only on the output for the AI fixtures. The 0-10v outputs only dim down no special effects. The Archon doesn't have a storm mode implemented yet.

 

[primo21]

Using the RKL. I thought the ALC did at least ramp dimming?? What is it used for if not?

 

[n2585722]

Using the RKL. I thought the ALC did at least ramp dimming?? What is it used for if not?

Yes it does. Up to 90min on the RKL. I thought you were referring following the sunrise sunset times for the current date. They do ramp up and ramp down. The RKE has a longer ramp time. I think it is up to 240 min.

 

[oreo57]

The drivers are dimmable, just trying to get feedback on the features of each to make an informed decision on which route to go.

I realized I "generalized" this a bit but if you haven't identified the driverS DIMER "protocol" you can't proceed to step 2.

might as well go w/ a "one size fits all" controller like this:
http://www.buildmyled.com/solunar-controller/

Features:
24 hour digital clock
Three dimming channels (0-100% output)
Select between two dimming protocols: 0-10V analog and PWM
Preprogrammed Sunrise/Sunset Schedule
Manual dimming function for on-demand intensity adjustments

sorry, just a bit of food for thought.

 

[primo21]

Solunar is a nice controller, bit pricey for me at this point. Even the Storm/Storm-X from coralux are more cost effective. I could have gone with the black box version with the built in controller for about the same price difference. I can get a used ALC or Typhon for about the same $40ish. The drivers are PWM, if I decide on the ALC I will need a converter ($15). Not concerned about the physical wiring, really just interested in which option will work better once the wiring is completed.

Any other opinions?

thanks.