**Neptune AquaController**

[KMP]

on the x10s - i have them on my work tank. initially the day lights would go out and w/in a minute come back on. went to the website to trouble shoot - there is directions on there telling you how to dismantle the x10 module and cut a connection inside. that worked.

aside from that i have a question: everything is working as it should. lights come on and off at scheduled times. and the lights/alternate pump goes off at the scheduled high temp. however, tonight was the first time i was in the office when the actinics went off. i noticed that every 30 seconds there was a quick flash from the actinics - have no idea why (perhaps i have to cut the connector in the x10 box that's hooked too). has anyone had this problem; if so, what did you do to fix it? thanks.

[Woodstock]

I'm no help since I use the direct connect plug ins. Let us know if you figure out the problem.

[KMP]

from another thread it looks like i may have to cut another connection w/in the x10 box. will let you know when i do - if that works.

[Woodstock]

Interesting, thanks Kenny!

[Almondsaz]

I just purchased the new Aquacontroller Jr and really like it. As a newbie it was simple to program and I like the fact that I have constant monitoring of the temp and ph. Also, I now can individually control the actinics and daylights as well as moon lights and tank heater. The support from Neptune Systems has been great so far. I have a fault with my output 8 but they have issued an RMA and will check it out. Will probably buy another DC8; can't believe all the electrical to run your tank. Bottom line is that I am really well pleased with what it does for me. Not sure being so new I would have used all the features of the more advanced systems...maybe next purchase. When you check online there are some great package deals which makes it worth the time to check in to.

[Almondsaz]

I was thinking about getting the serial controller, but my PC is not within 10 feet of the controller. Has anyone found a creative solution short of buying another pc?

[Woodstock]

I have a total of 20 outlets being controlled by my AC III. I have not had any issues with them. I hope they iron out your problem quickly!
I have my unit plugged right into the wall (ethernet) and has it's own IP address in our home work group. Did I explain that right? LOL~ I can use any computer in the house to sign into the controller when needed.

[Almondsaz]

Neptune systems has been incredible responsive and helpful. They are on holiday til the 12th but Curt still responds daily to help me out. I really feel I made the right choice in controllers. I was purchasing the ReefController but read on and changed my mind.

[BigAl07]

I am seriously looking at getting one of these goodies! I have timers all over, power strips here, this there and I think that the Jr can probably control EVERYTHING!!

I do have a question, how MANY items can the Jr turn off and on at time intervals? I want to be able to run my Fuge light on reverse from My main tank but I have Actinic seperate from the main lights. Including a moon light I would need 4 different timed lights channels/circuits. Is this possible?

Is all of this realistic for a 10g tank?

Can I access the Jr from OVER the internet say for instance from work?

Allen

[KMP]

i'll be right back with another "electrical wonder" - stay tuned.

[KMP]

BigAl07,

I would need 4 different timed lights channels/circuits. Is this possible? Yes, I have a pump, 10K, actinics, and fuge light all on seperate circuits. You can do more (forget max number off the top of my head).

Is all of this realistic for a 10g tank? I have an aquacontroller on my 8g BioCube at work. The timers manage the devices I mentioned above which are programed to come on at certain times as well as go off at certain temperatures.

Can I access the Jr from OVER the internet say for instance from work? Don't know - not that gifted to figure that stuff out :-)

[KMP]

OK,

Woodstock, I did cut the other connection w/in the X10 and it solved the problem I described above.

Others,

If you want an additional DC8 (as I did, but they cost $158) I would encourage you to consider an American DJ PC100/A (cost $30) as an additional electrical option. The DC8 will give you 8 programable sockets, and the American DJ will give you another 8 non-programable, but controlled by rocker switches.

Items you want to control (timer settings, turn off at certain temps, etc) plug into the DC8. For other items you want to turn off manually (say powerheads, skimmer, etc at feeding time) plug into the American DJ. With the flip of a rocker switch - it's off. Now I know some will say the AC Jr can shut off those devices at feeding - yes, but I haven't quite figured that out yet and the way I see it I have to hit the buttons on the controller a few times to do that. With the American DJ I can simply flip some rocker switches, feed, and flip them back on. Easy.

Just something to ponder. Between the AC Jr w/DC8 and an American DJ power strip my electrical needs are met.






Google Image Result for http://ssl3.adhost.com/americanmusic/prodimg/pc100a-m.jpg

[Woodstock]

Al, I think you will need to go with the ACIII or Pro; both have the ETHERNET port. Here is a very good comparison chart between the AC Jr, ACIII, and the AC pro. It should help you to decide which controller you need;

Controller Comparison

I have 2 DC8's and one DC2 (from my RK2 controller) that are hooked up and working on my AC III. That is 18 outlets I can control any way I need to! So far, my ACIII is working flawlessly

[DaveK]

Originally Posted by Almondsaz

I was thinking about getting the serial controller, but my PC is not within 10 feet of the controller. Has anyone found a creative solution short of buying another pc?

The serial interface on an Aquacontroller is a standard RS-232 interface. You can purchase a serial extension cable on the net or at your friendly local computer store. They are very inexpensive.

If you are going to do that, you should also purchase a Ground Isolated Serial Connector (Neptune Systems Item Number SERIPC9). If you don't the "ground loop" created be connecting the controller to your computer will throw off the pH ORP and other readings.

[BigAl07]

Thanks for the comparison chart Woodstock. I got one a while back on here (thought it was from you) that was an Exel Spreadsheet that listed most ALL controllers not just this brand. If anyone wants this just let me know through PM and I'll email it to you ASAP.

I have been looking at my system and what I plan to do in the next couple of years here in this house. The really ONLY benefit for my current set up and the next one (75 - 120g) of the III or Pro would be the Ethernet/Server component. But let's get real.... I only live about 90 seconds from home and can't really justify the additional cost right now. Right now I have :

1 heater
1 Fuge light (wish to be reverse timed to main display)
1 65w Daytime 10k (to be timed other than the appliance timer it has now)
1 65w Actinic (to be timed other than the appliance timer it has now)
1 Fuge pump (would LOVE a feed timer)
1 PowerHead in tank (would LOVE it to be on FEED timer)

The way I see it I need 6 power sources right now and will need another one once I get my moonlights replaced.

Allen