UPS/Backup: can I do this with Apex?

[gig]

OK, I think I can, but was hoping the experts can confirm?

I have an Apex with two eb8's and 2 Vortech MP40w ES's

I have each EB8 plugged into a different circuit (on opposite sides of the tank).

I want to plug one of the EB8's into a large APC UPS I have on one side of the tank. this eb8 will likely have both (or just the master) plugged into the UPS.

If the power goes out can/will it?

1) keep the main apex control unit and display alive?
2) can I control it so only the mp40's run while power is out, but other items plugged into the EB8 will be off?

Also, what if I only have the master mp40 plugged in, I assume it will run that one only (of course) but primarily keep my night mode settings.

 

[kayl]

Do you have the WXM controlling the vortechs?

 

[gig]

nope, right now the vortechs are plugged into the eb8's, just using the standard ecosmart stuff

 

[rbredding]

yes.. you can do as you describe... just set the vortechs up to a controlled outlet and make sure that the base module's aquabus line is plugged into the EB8 that is on the APC..

the apc will power the EB8 and the base module (uninterrupted)... but here's the thing... you'll not be able to distinguish which outlets will or won't be able to work on that particular EB8 (because as far as the base module will know, there won't be a power out situation..)

 

[gig]

thanks rbredding...I thought there was someway that the eb8 knew of the power failure and could tell certain outlets to remain on and other off?

 

[RussM]

Let's say you have the 2 EB8 modules, designated as EB8_3 and EB8_4. EB8_4 is the one that is on the UPS. For those outlets on EB8_4 that you don't want running if EB8_3 has no power, use this:

If Power EB8_3 OFF 000 Then OFF

I only have one EB8, so I can't test this, but I don't see why it wouldn't work.

 

[rbredding]

I thought the power on/off condition was global (base unit) not a particular EB8/4 ....

 

[RussM]

There's both... If Power Apex and If Power EBx_x.

 

[rbredding]

wow.. you REALLY CAN do just about anything with this controller.. (love mine!)

 

[aquamanic]

Russ is correct - each EB8 reports their power separately so in the OP scenario, you monitor the unprotected EB8 and turn outlets on the protected EB8 ON/OFF as needed during a power failure.

 

[gig]

thanks guys, just got done setting it up, worked like a charm!

 

[RussM]

:bounce3:

Would you post your programming for the benefit of others?

 

[gig]

Hey Russ, it's exactly like you said, I put the following statement in front of everything on the EB8 plugged into the UPS

If Power EB8_3 OFF 000 Then OFF

I have two, one is EB8_3 and the other one was renamed EB8_5 a while ago. The EB8_5 is plugged into the UPS.

so everything plugged into the EB8_5 has this statement first, except the outlet with my master MP40 plugged into it.

 

[kayl]

Is the "If Power" Statement not affected by where it is in the program?

 

[RussM]

Is the "If Power" Statement not affected by where it is in the program?

The usual statement sequential processing order applies.

 

[gig]

Russ, should I be putting it first?

 

[swearint]

Here is a technique you can use to 'power save' during an outage.

[Main Pump]
OSC 000/20:00/40:00 Then ON
If Power EB8_3 ON 000 Then ON

When EB8_3 has power, the main pump will run normally, ie constant. When power is lost on EB8_3, then the OSC will prevail and cycle the pump. This of course assumes the pump is on the EB8 that has backup power.

Todd

 

[RussM]

Russ, should I be putting it first?

Probably not. Since a power outage is an abnormal event, you'd probably want the If Power... statement last in the programming for each applicable outlet so that it takes precedence over all prior statements.

 

[RussM]

Great idea Todd!

But this concept needs to be used with caution. AC-powered pumps may not run well on many UPSs, and even with the part-time operation, could run hot and/or quickly drain a UPS. See this thread for more on this: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1961309

Here is a technique you can use to 'power save' during an outage.

[Main Pump]
OSC 000/20:00/40:00 Then ON
If Power EB8_3 ON 000 Then ON

When EB8_3 has power, the main pump will run normally, ie constant. When power is lost on EB8_3, then the OSC will prevail and cycle the pump. This of course assumes the pump is on the EB8 that has backup power.

Todd

 

[gig]

ok, thanks Russ... so here's one of my lights now

Fallback OFF
Set OFF
If Time 12:30 to 21:30 Then ON
If Temp > 80.0 Then OFF
Min Time 030:00 Then OFF
If Power EB8_3 Off 000 Then OFF


one more question, for the outlet I have my vortechs plugged into, I just have the following, is this right? (I have it on manual on, so I guess it doesn't matter, but if I switch to auto:

Fallback OFF
Set OFF

If I want this on auto, should I switch to

Fallback ON
Set ON

Then always on, no matter what? would I do the same for my skimmer bum (GenX) or main pump (dart)?