Status On Second Energy Bar Blinking Green

[cm11599ps]

I just installed a second energy bar to control my powerheads and I set up channels 1-4 to control my 4 powerheads (although I'll probably drop powerhead #4 to the 5th channel unless i keep it constantly on).

I have connected the bar to my base module as well as my first energy bar with the same results. The outlets are actually on as I can see my powerheads running but I can't control the outlets. Even the amps for the second energy bar is reading ZERO even though 4 heads are currently running. The status button is blinking green.

FWIW, I did update the firmware because it said it was old.

 

[Deleted member 143833]

What status is blinking; the EB8 or the Apex? If the EB8 is blinking then it is an indication that the EB8 isn't communicating with the base; check connections. You mentioned you updated the firmware (I assume you mean on the EB8); it is possible that you didn't wait long enough for the update to complete; that also would result in the flashing LED.

 

[cm11599ps]

Hm, I did it till the SW REV colum for the second energy bar said 007(OK). I think it said 006(Old) before. As soon as it said OK I closed that window and then nothing worked like I described above.

I then went back to try to update the firmware again and it said something like 29% done, then 40% done. I didn't stay focused on the screen but after a few minutes I looked at the second energy bar and the status button went from blinking gren to a steady green.

The problem is that I am still showing ZARO amps fot the second energy bar and can't control anything whetehr it's from my display or the webpage.

 

[cm11599ps]

I guess on a related note, my display unit as a steady tone coming out of it every so often.

 

[aquamanic]

Ken, it almost sounds like he has conflicting outlet names when the second EB8 was added, like the controller previously had a second EB8 (or at least one with that bus address) declared. That might explain why the outlets can't be controlled.

 

[cm11599ps]

FWIW, the two energy bar outlets have unique names. I renamed the first energy with things like ReturnPump,SkimmerPump,SkimmerHeater, etc.....

 

[aquamanic]

But the second EB8 has the default outlet names, correct?

 

[cm11599ps]

But the second EB8 has the default outlet names, correct?

Only 5-8 do. I'll change out 5-8 now to see if anything happens.

 

[cm11599ps]

Of course I can't even get into my software anymore! It may have something to do with my ethernet connection, who knows. I didn't have a long enough ethernet cable so I have 2 crossover cables hooked together, which in essence, make a straight cable. It works fine and I was able to program and check my tank while out shopping and at work. No problems.

When I actually go into my APEX and attempt to change things via my computer then I sometimes run into problems. I'll change some things and hit update but every so often the update freezes and then I get "problem loading page." I try to get back in using the apex ip adddress, my router ip address, just typing apex and by using my app on my iphone. Nothing works. Other times I"ver unplugged the router for a bit, plugged it back in and it came back. This time nothing.

I'm actually going to get a real ethernet cable tomorrow so I hope it solves THIS problem so I can focus on other problems.

 

[cm11599ps]

So I took an ethernet cable off a computer we weren't using and ran that straight to the APEX. I was finally able to get back in to my programming mode.

It appears I may have figured out my problem too. It looks as if my powerheads don't use enough juice (3.5W)for outlets 1-3. On #4 it works perfect and as soon as I turn the pump off from my display it goes off in my tank. I then plugged 2 powerheads into an extension cord so that one outlet, channel 1) was powering 2 powerheads. This was the only way to get channels 1-3 and 5-7 to control my powerheads and I understand the reason why it is happening.

Thanks everyone!