Upgrading to APEX and Radions!! :)

oshanickreef

oshanickreef

New member
Howdy,

I have been doing a lot of reading about the radions and I am thinking of upgrading to them. I am also thinking of getting the Apex controller as well. I am assuming the apex unit I want is the Apex controller with standard PH Probe? Basically I dont want to buy a bunch of add-ons if I dont have to for the Apex... I feel like something this expensive should have everything already(leak detection module, ATO sensors, salinity module) ... but this hobby seems to be getting more addictive along with more expensive! :deadhorse:

Also, do I need to buy the Vortech Wireless Module to run my 2 mp10es(wireless) and eventually run my radions when they come out with the upgrade?
 
The Apex controller does have a few a la carte items that you may need to buy to satisfy all your needs. I know they are pricey, but it wouldn't make sense to include every controller if people aren't going to use them. I like my Apex, and don't know how I ran a reef tank without one!!!
You will need the WXM controller to operate your vortech pumps via the Apex. I'm not sure when the radions will be Apex conbtrolled. Or you may want to wait a bit, and try the Ecotech Reeflink that supposedly operates the radions and vortechs independently. Lots of options.
 
Ya I heard about the Reeflink.. I think it is just a way for Ecotech to take profits because they are not providing the full service... which i am assuming they will do in the next few years which would me the Apex obsolete...
 
I have decided to go with the Apex and the WXM controller... is there a wireless module that hooks the Apex up to WIFI? or does it come with that already?
 
nickstl said:
I have decided to go with the Apex and the WXM controller... is there a wireless module that hooks the Apex up to WIFI? or does it come with that already?
Click to expand...

It's not wifi. I have mine connected to an apple airport. You just need a wireless bridge or hard wire it to you router.
 
No it's not a computer. You connect the apex to it and it then connects it to router via wireless. Personally if you can I would just wire directly to your router save you and energy and time. In order to update the firmware you have to connect it directly to the router, this can not be done via wireless. Google TRENDnet wireless bridge and you will need something like that.
 
Checkout the Neptune systems sub forum on this site. The people in there can answer any question you have about the apex.
 
sorry for the negligence... what is a breakout box? i have two float switches for my current ATO now... would those work for the Apex?
 
The float switches will work with the Apex, but they need to be connected to the Breakout Box (BOB). The BOB then connects to the Apex which reads the switch position (Open or Closed).

The WXM only allows wireless control of the pumps and lighting and isn't actually wireless in the way that most people think, i.e. connecting to your home Wifi. That's why you need a wireless bridge or a wired connection. That takes your wifi signal and turns it into a wired signal that is then plugged into the Apex.

If you don't want the hassle of a wireless bridge, which I find flaky sometimes, you might want to look at power line adapters. You plug one end into the wall outlet at your router and hook up an Ethernet cable to the router. Then you plug the other end into the wall at your Apex and plug in the Ethernet cable into the Apex. Then the two powerline adapters communicate using the existing wiring in your house.

If you aren't tech savvy, this is definitely the way to go. I use the TPL-308E2K from Trendnet that you can pick up for $37. I test products for different companies and got it for free. :D
 
I figure i will just connect the apex to my router using an eternet cable.. my router is less than 6 feet from my tank so that will work fine for me. would this require getting that TPL-308E2k?
 
Nope. If you are that close, just run an Ethernet cable right from the router to the Apex. I guess I just assumed that it was further away or in another room where you couldn't run a wire.
 
ya i guess i should consider myself lucky ... because normally this would be something where everything is way more complicated than it should be. :)
 
Just wait until you start programming and trying to set it up for access outside your house. :D

But don't worry, we are all here to help you.
 
Make sure you check out the other Neptune forum at neptunesystems.com
Hit the support tab there and select forum. There is a ton of info on setting it up and programming there and it's all laid out in the various sub forums there which makes it easy to find what you are seeking as far as information.
 
Correct me if I'm wrong but can't you contact Neptune and they will remote access your computer and set it up for you? I thought I heard of someone doing that before.
 
You would need your apex setup on your network for them to access it. They will remote in to fiX issues but not configure your network settings. What they won't do is set your router up for port forwarding. That is router specific and something you will need to setup.

That said, they are implementing a cloud feature which will be a great workaround for most web related access issues and that feature would eliminate the need for port forwarding and DynDns which monitors and updates your DSLs gateway address as they can change if your router is power cycled.
 
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