Should I use a AquaController

[JBarnes]

I have this large FOWLR that I'm getting ready to shut down after 10 years and replace it with a Reef tank. I've got numerous timers running the FOWLR and now I'm getting ready to add dosing etc. for the Reef tank. When I add up the $30+ for each timer I quickly realize that I could buy a controller instead.

Couple of questions:
Do these DC4 outlets really work without interference? I'm not interested in X10 controllers due to their frequent interruptions based on my own personnel expierence.
Is it possible for a controller to hang in a "on" state? I have found that when digital timers fail they leave the device on a "on" state which could be bad if you are controlling a dosing pump.
In general I'm looking for something more reliable than my digital timers while having the added benifit of a proram controlled interface. Are these controllers really industrial strength. I'm a little nervous after reading many of the posts about the JR having poor quality. Hopefully those issues are now resolved?
Appreciate all your input.

 

[clp]

I may have a biased opinion, but I'll give you my thoughts. Hopefully, someone less biased will chime in.
The DC4 and DC4HD are quite immune from RF interference. Unless you have an radio station transmitter next to the DC4, you should have very reliable operation.
The only 'stuck on' failures I'm aware of on the DC4s is when customers used the standard DC4s with Icecap 440 or 660 ballasts. These ballasts have huge inrush current (>40 Amps - suppose to be 4 or 5 amps), which results in the relay contacts be welded together - Don't use the standard DC4s with Icecap ballasts. The DC4HD have much larger relays and don't have this potential problem.
The initial ACJRs shipped with a firmware bug in them which allowed an illegal timer name to be input into the timer program. This illegal program statement would result in an immediate lockup of the controller. The bug has been fixed. Make sure that your AquaJr has at least version 3.00J 4A05 (see selftest). If you don't have that version please contact support@neptunesys.com, and we'll send you ACJR firmware update cable.

Curt

 

[kattner]

I'll chime in.

I have the DC4HDs and they have worked flawlessly. I have never had a malfunction. In addition, the aquacontroller sends the on/off command to the DC4 multiple times (that can be set) to make sure the DC4 has received the on /off command. I was also able to get all the X10 devices working without a problem but I used a line filter and X10 devices from Smarthome.

 

[mike660r]

I have a DC4HD and it works great. I haven't any issues with my X10 relays neither. The AQ2 has made my tank much more efficient in power consumption since it can be tailored in such finite matter. I did stumble for a few minutes getting the AQ2 setup on Aquanotes. I know now that it was tied to PIBCAK ( problem is between the chair and the keyboard) .

 

[JBarnes]

Thanks for the updates, I guess I can find a reliable connection via this solution. But, now I'm confused on just what I want for a controller. I'm only going to keep sofies and LPS's so I don't think I need all this geewhiz controllers. What does the JR limit me to? I realize it only has PH and Temp probes but what else am I really losing by using a JR?

 

[Aquaduck]

Here's a chart on Neptune's website that shows the differences: CONTROLLER DIFFERENCES

 

[JBarnes]

You know, you spend a night on their website and don't notice that table and then when you point it out its like how could I have missed that. Thankyou Aquaduck.

 

[Bugger]

It would be nice if I new half of what the Pro model does. Maybe you'd sell more. Like what is External modem support mean.