**Neptune AquaController**

[BigAl07]

Great Mark!! Did you buy Aquanotes or just using the "Lite" version? I'll have to admit I held off on BUYING one and now that I did am THRILLED I did. Makes it so much easier and more User Friendly.

I'll try to get my "stuff" in order tonight bro!!

[tbittner]

I can't believe that you got a new tool like the AcJr and you're placing food as a higher priority then playing with the AcJr!!!

[BigAl07]

Tell him Terry! Misplaced priorities!! You ate yesterday didn't you?

[tbittner]

[Octoman]

- If I hadn't been cooking dinner for two of us, I would have survived off of adrenaline and old coffee while I played with my new toy!

I got it set-up last night. I redid all of the default programming, but the interface is pretty easy to use. It took me about an hour, and because the memory is non-volatile, you can sit in a chair with it plugged in to program it, then unplug it and put it on the tank and it keeps all of the settings. Even without the computer interface it was easy to set-up, and it's easy to switch over to manual mode if you want to turn pumps or lights on and off.

I have downloaded Aquanotes Lite for now, I'll give it a try once I get my cable.

First, I really wanted to use the Sun setting that changes Sunrise/set with the time of year, but I also wanted an offset. The timer program only allows you to offset up to 2 hours before or after sunset/rise, so I just set the clock in the ACjr with a three hour offset. (ACjr says 7:00 when it's 10:00)

Here's my setup (for now)...
1 - Actinics - on with sunrise/off with sunset
2 - 10/14K - on 1 hr after/off 1 hr before
3 - 6700K - on 10-2 (for some afternoon sun)
4 - Moonlights - on moon schedule
5 - Heater 77.0-77.5
6 - Fan - 78.0-77.5 (I may raise the temp a bit)
7 - Night (Fuge light and skimmer) - on 7p-7a
8 - Main pump - Hooked up for feed setting

I haven't hooked up the pH probe yet, I'll do that this weekend.

So far, I am very pleased with the operation, appearance, and setup of the ACjr. It is well put together and I think it was money well spent.

Some pictures are coming in a couple minutes...

[althea2you]

ok... drum roll pleeeez!!! my ACjr will be here on MONdaaay! LOL.. yay!!! im excited and nervous! i don't think i am going to be able to figure this thing out! :P..... but i got the ACjr with serial port, DC8, Temp probe and PH probe. just curious. the AC comes with the port... but what about the cable? what kind of cable hooks it up to the computer? just a regular USB? thanks guys!!!!

[tbittner]

I would give the fan and heater at least a 1/10th of a degree lee-way. Otherwise, they'll end up fighting each other.

Has it been a couple minutes yet???

[Octoman]

Terry, the way I understood the manual, the heater won't come on until it hits 77.0 and the fan won't come on until it hits 78.0. They both adjust to 77.5 and then shut off again. I may be wrong though...


I mounted it on the side mostly out of sight. I didn't want it completely out of sight so I could keep an eye on everything when I walk by. I may drill a hole for the wires so they don't have to trail around the side.

The temp probe wire (and pH when I install it) is routed where it doesn't go too close to any power cords.

[Octoman]

Sarah, make sure you get the serial cable for the ACjr. You either need a serial port on your computer or a serial/usb adapter, but either way, you need to get that serial cable because it adapts from one type of serial connection (mini-din 8) to another (the more standard DB9 that would be found on a computer or serial/usb adapter).

[tbittner]

Sounds like you've thought of everything. Interesting about the temps. So you don't set a low and high point for these devices? You just set one temp?

[Octoman]

There is a low and high point, but they both adjust to a midpoint. They recommend that you set each one at least 0.3 degrees away from the desired midpoint.

[Octoman]

And here's my favorite picture, the pile of junk that I took out of my stand now that I have the controller. Man, I hated all of those timers!!

[althea2you]

Originally Posted by Octoman

Sarah, make sure you get the serial cable for the ACjr. You either need a serial port on your computer or a serial/usb adapter, but either way, you need to get that serial cable because it adapts from one type of serial connection (mini-din 8) to another (the more standard DB9 that would be found on a computer or serial/usb adapter).

do i have to order that specific to Neptune? if so no problem. also...i like your stand.. very nice looking wood! now you put you controller outside your tank.. is that recommended or personal preference... like.. did you put it poutside of the cabinet so you could see it ..just cause? or because its recommended you keep it clear of everything else... i was kinda thinking i would put it in my stand...but if thats not good for it to be near the sump i wont... where does everyone else have theres? has this been talked about yet?

[Octoman]

Yes, I would say get the cable from neptune. I looked around and couldn't find one locally or on ebay. It's not a common cable by any means and you probably won't find it for less than the $15 neptune charges.

I put it outside because I wanted to see it. Neptune says "it is a sensitive piece of electronic equipment and not waterproof and ideally should be located several feet from the aquarium" They included velcro with mine for attaching it.

[althea2you]

is it this?

Serial Interface Cable For PC (for Neptune AquaController ) (Saltwater Aquarium Supplies > Testing Equipment > Monitor Equipment > Accessories )

also.. do i need calibration fluid for it?