Reefkeeper or Aquacontroller?

[Captain Quirk]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8129649#post8129649 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RobbyG
Before you spend your money I suggest you do a Paper comparison between the AC jr the ReefKeeper and the Aquatronica. If money is tight then I guess the Aquatronica is out, but if your looking for features and expandability and you have $600+ to spend then the Aquatronica offers a lot more.

In a high level look at the AT, it would appear that the base unit w/power strip, PH probe, temp sensor and float indicator is about $700.00. The PC interface is another 100.

Am I missing something? Is there something included that I've missed out on?

 

[IsaaX]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8131297#post8131297 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by stockham2121
AC jr. It took me a while to figure out the programing but once I did, WOW.

I would also argue that if you compare the after tax and shiping rate you will find www.marinedepot.com to be cheaper than ReefGeek.com

ReefGeek is $269 shipped, even though it shows more when you check out, they adjust it before they charge your card. Also ReefGeek sells the Serial Port version which is needed to do the custom programming. MD sells the older non serial port version. I've called them and confirmed this.

 

[Charles99]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8109851#post8109851 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ®eefer
The AC Jr uses serial as well but the key is datalogging capability combined with the AquaNotes software which allows a webserver interface. You solder a DB9 connection into a linksys router, plug it into the AC Jr, then tunnel rs232 over telnet. Anyone can do this mod by following the info in this thread.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=799900&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

Here's another list of pros/cons regarding AC Jr vs. RK2

- Expandable to 12 devices. RK2 limited to 8 max.
- Datalogging on Jr. Not present on RK2
- Seasonal lighting schedule on Jr. Not present on RK2.
- Seasonal temperature variation on Jr. Not present on RK2.
- Lunar cycle simulation.
- Computer port and free windows Software for datalogging on Jr. Not present/implemented on RK2.
- Switch input on serial port version of Jr. Not present on RK2.
- More flexible configuration on Jr.

The RK2 advantages are:
- LCD display dimming. Not present on Jr.

I think reading the above thread made me change my mind.
Time to save those pennies...lol
:dance:

 

[ppht]

I picked the AC3 over the Jr Myself but both are great. I took the AC3 For much of the same reasons as Reefer. The email alarms and built in webserver to connect to it from any PC was worth the piece of mind... As far as the Aquacontroller in general other than just controller things I like the seasonal time table to then control my heater and lights to simulate the correct season. Also if the temp goes to high or PH I can have items shut and turn of then go back on.... Float switches I am using the the I/O control port to control my RO/DI water and another in my skimmer so it doesnt overflow..... I can go on for days.... lol

 

[Captain Quirk]

I'm looking at the ACIII, too. The web and SMTP is something that also appeals to me.

And there's another controller that appears to have quite a bit of promise:

http://www.rc-squared.com/products.htm

Looks to be competitively priced and has features up the ying-yang.

The only thing about this one that hit me right off the top was the lack of ETHERNET (!!! What IS IT with manufacturers not wanting to use ETHERNET?!!).

Anyone else have an opinion on this thing? Looks capable as anything...

???

 

[Captain Quirk]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8133756#post8133756 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kernelangus
I'm looking at the ACIII, too. The web and SMTP is something that also appeals to me.

And there's another controller that appears to have quite a bit of promise:

http://www.rc-squared.com/products.htm

Looks to be competitively priced and has features up the ying-yang.

The only thing about this one that hit me right off the top was the lack of ETHERNET (!!! What IS IT with manufacturers not wanting to use ETHERNET?!!).

Anyone else have an opinion on this thing? Looks capable as anything...

???

Just found what appears to be a manual:

http://www.rc-squared.com/manual

Just thought I'd add this for consideration.

 

[RobbyG]

No your not missing anything, the basic setup is like $600+ but you can go past $1000 if you buy more accessories and with Aquatronica it becomes like an obsession to own every accessory as it comes out and man do these guys pump out new stuff.

Answering your other question about Ethernet, I think it is a good thing for people who work at a desk but has a lot less value if your out on the road a lot, that's were SMS comes in Handy, the only two controllers with that are ELOS and AQUATRONICA.
Personally I prefer SMS because it allows the Tank to find me no matter were I am (So long as I have my Cell phone!) With Ethernet I have to check my email or log onto the web page. Down side of SMS is that you most likely cant fix a problem via SMS but you can with Ethernet.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8131547#post8131547 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kernelangus
In a high level look at the AT, it would appear that the base unit w/power strip, PH probe, temp sensor and float indicator is about $700.00. The PC interface is another 100.

Am I missing something? Is there something included that I've missed out on?

 

[ppht]

I use the Aqua 3 with my cellphone and I get Emails alerts. No Desk here!

 

[Captain Quirk]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8139553#post8139553 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RobbyG
No your not missing anything, the basic setup is like $600+ but you can go past $1000 if you buy more accessories and with Aquatronica it becomes like an obsession to own every accessory as it comes out and man do these guys pump out new stuff.

Answering your other question about Ethernet, I think it is a good thing for people who work at a desk but has a lot less value if your out on the road a lot, that's were SMS comes in Handy, the only two controllers with that are ELOS and AQUATRONICA.
Personally I prefer SMS because it allows the Tank to find me no matter were I am (So long as I have my Cell phone!) With Ethernet I have to check my email or log onto the web page. Down side of SMS is that you most likely cant fix a problem via SMS but you can with Ethernet.

But doesn't the SMS module require a SIM? Which means you'd have to pay for cell service FOR that sim?

I hope to be able to use good old SMTP 2 or 3 times a day to let me know what's going on with my tank. I forgot - does the base aquatronica support that? I think it does via the windows software, right?

 

[chaffey]

someone step up and start another group buy...I need 2 of the JR model.

 

[RobbyG]

Yes it does require a Sim chip but you can get prepaid ones and just use those. The USA is a little backassed compared to Europe and the rest of the world when it comes to Sim. Eg. I can go into any phone store and buy just a Sim chip for $12 US and then add as much credit to it as I want, then plug that sim into any unlocked phone or SMS module and make calls. If the credit on the SIM runs out then all you got to do is pull it out and plug it into a phone and add more credit.

Yes I think the Aquatronic Ethernet will alert you at Intervals.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8175884#post8175884 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kernelangus
But doesn't the SMS module require a SIM? Which means you'd have to pay for cell service FOR that sim?

I hope to be able to use good old SMTP 2 or 3 times a day to let me know what's going on with my tank. I forgot - does the base aquatronica support that? I think it does via the windows software, right?