RK2 Logging Tools

[serpentman]

I was holding off on upgrading the RK2 firmware to run the logging option until I was sure there were no bugs. I finally had a chance to play around with it and it is really cool. Another RC member wrote custom logging software, Reeftool, to compliment it. The Reeftool application will send email updates and alarms and as well allow you to remote monitor it via a webserver which is pretty cool. To me, this makes the RK2 a much better tool and now is pretty comparable to some of the Neptune units. Here are some of the first graphs it produced:

pH: You can see where things dropped off as soon as the lights kicked off.

Temp: I didn't expect to find anything interesting here. However, it was pretty neat to see how long it takes for the fan and heater to bring temps back in line.

 

[itZme]

Nice, can you control anything through the web interface or just monitor for now?

 

[stevestank]

That's pretty cool. That would be nice to hook up to a reef aquarium for a week just to learn how everything swings so one can get into a pattern of reef husbandry. Is it cumbersome to hook up?

 

[serpentman]

For now it will only monitor. I believe that left a lot open for computer savy folks to write their own programming. Not sure if the RK2 will accept data in though.

It is pretty easy to set up. You need a $9 splitter to connect the line into the temp port and the serial adapter that comes with the RK2. Other than that it uses 6-line phone wire to the computer.

 

[Tbohinc]

Nice just in time I bought a aquacontroller 3 and will be selling my RK2 because I could not monitor it from out of town

 

[serpentman]

Sorry to hear that Tom. Isn't that how it always works? At least you have a new selling point on the RK2

 

[Cove Beach]

When you did the upgrade in software, did you use a serial cable or adapt to USB? And did you have very far to run your cables? My tank and puter are 50ft apart, so i got the 6 cond. data cable for logging but i hate to spend a ton on a cable i will use once in a great while. Makes me wish i had a laptop!!

 

[serpentman]

I upgraded yesterday. I am using a 6-Line phone cord that runs about 100' from the controller box to my computer. I did end up buying a USB to Serial Adapter ($29).

Total Costs:

100' 6-line phone cord: $20
Phone cord coupler: $3
USB to 9-Pin Serial Adapter: $29
Serial to phone adapter: Free (included with RK2)

 

[Cove Beach]

Where did you get your USB to 9 pin Serial Adapter?

 

[itZme]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9606649#post9606649 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tbohinc
Nice just in time I bought a aquacontroller 3 and will be selling my RK2 because I could not monitor it from out of town

Tom, you also have control of all your options from out of town over the internet with the Neptune unit. You can turn anything that is on the AC3 on or off remotely. That may come in handy someday

 

[serpentman]

I bought the adapter at a small computer store down the road from me. I know CompUSA and MicroCenter carry them as well.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9608963#post9608963 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by itZme
Tom, you also have control of all your options from out of town over the internet with the Neptune unit. You can turn anything that is on the AC3 on or off remotely. That may come in handy someday

That is a nice feature. I definitely could see the need to turn off a pump or heater remotely should something malfunction.