Biotope All the Way!
Biotope All the Way!
I just wanted to post my experience with the Biotope controller and let anyone that is looking for an aquarium controller to definitely consider the Biotope from Ronc98. There are so many features this high quality controller provides for a price that is unbelievably low compared to other controllers.
I've personally been using it now since last January (2006) and have nothing but great things to say about it. I have been using it pretty much from the beginning when he first started offering it online. He actually had it available in kit form when I purchased it, so I was able to literally solder it together (along with a lot of help from Ron himself).
I have contacted Ron on numerous occasions with questions and he has always responded very quickly. That right there was the customer support that I wanted from a company providing an aquarium controller.
What I like best about the controller is the flexibility of it. I can hook up any number of BNC probes (up to 4) and select the type of probe through software. I'm not limited by the hardware in anyway. If I need to add another probe I install it, if I want/need more controlled outlets I purchase another custom outlet strip, which are way better than just a little modified outlet strip you would by at the store - these are heavy duty!
The software is also extremely easy to use. Any function being setup is really straight forward and can be setup either on the controller itself or on a connected PC. If someone is looking for remote web function, it isn't available built in yet, so for now I just use Remote Desktop and login from anywhere. I actually prefer doing it this way too, because I have a web cam setup in addition so I can get a live picture of everything. Ron is always in the process of adding new features, working on hardware additions, writing/updating code, etc.
Again, I would definitely consider looking at the Biotope*. If you have any questions about my experience with the controller, I will gladly answer them. I'm sure Ron would be more than happy to answer any questions too!
*I'm not in any way getting paid for posting this, I'm just very pleased with the product and the support I receive from Ron!