**Neptune AquaController**

[tbittner]

Vista might be the problem. I had to upgrade Peachtree, Quickbooks, and Quicken amongst a lot of other programs because they wouldn't work on Vista. Another thing to try... Download the latest driver for the keyspan device and reinstall it.
Keyspan | Downloads | Select Your OS


The way I understand the PH probes to work, based on the controller that I'm building, the controller reads the voltage provided by the probe when it's immersed in the different calibration solutions. It figures out what the offset is so it can add or subtract it to/from the voltage provided by the probe when it's in use. That offset is stored in the controller. I would hope that the offset is stored in flash memory so it's retained when it reboots. In your case, maybe it's not.

hmmmmm.......

Does your controller take a battery? I wonder if it needs to be replaced....

[bluespotjawfish]

In theory, this program is Vista compatible (I asked that question before I installed it).

I just installed the keyspan and got the latest driver (for vista) two weeks ago.

Your pH calibration logic sounds logical to me. If the power went out and you had stuff tied to the pH level, bad things could happen to your tank if it didn't stay stored in the controller. Battery, hum... Any one know if there is a way to check if it is a dead battery other than to open it up and replace it? The data log goes away if the power goes off. I learned that earlier in this week when my daughter thought it would be fun to test my battery backup survival air pumps I have on my tanks. She plugged her heater into the same circuit as my aquarium with all my MHs running. So is that normal? If not, then I would say battery problem.

[tbittner]

Ask Neptune if the logs should clear when the power goes out. That doesn't sound right to me but I don't have a Neptune so I don't know. Sorry...

So I'm just giving you a bump...

[bluespotjawfish]

Thanks for the bump. I've got a list of questions into them and actually probably need to talk to them directly since I have so many issues that may or may not be related.

[bluespotjawfish]

Well, all I can say is this thing still ain't allowing me to retrieve data logs!

I've sent them my database and they have repaired it and sent it back.
I have uninstalled the software and reinstalled it.
I have renamed the database file.
I have reinstalled my driver for my keyspan adapter

Tomorrow I am borrowing a computer to see if I can get it to work on a different computer.

[tbittner]

Preferably one that is running XP. Vista has so much added to it for security, I don't doubt that something is blocking it from updating your database.

Ok, here is one thing to try. Run windows explorer (right click on the Start button and select Explore). Navigate to the aquanotes program, where ever it is. Right click on the program and select properties. You should have a compatibility tab, click on it. At the bottom, there should be a check box for "Run this program as an administrator". Check it and then click on Ok.

Try to run the program again...

[bluespotjawfish]

It is going to be a great day today - IT'S FIXED!

It was all related to the serial number. The serial number on the back of the controller is different than what the controller is configured to. I changed the serial number for the tank database to the one that showed in the self test of the controller and reset the data log. It now works. Kinda strange I can get the current display status from the controller with either number.

[BigAl07]

I can't believe I'm just now catching up! I had the EXACT same issue about 3 weeks ago. Same result too!! Serial # was a mis-match.

There must be something "buggy" in the new Aqua-notes causing that.

[BarbMazz]

I've been reading along because I have an ACJr sitting in its box (thanks, Jack ).

Sure hope I can puzzle through it when it's time!

I have a basic question; my system will be an upstairs/basement one like Terry's (well, not as fancy-shmancy as his), so where do I set my controller up? Upstairs I'll be wanting to control lights on the display, but most other applications will be run in the basement, I imagine. I can hook up for computer use in the basement; my big fancy cable/telephone box is right in the aquarium equipment area. Or, will I need to have my display lights on a timer because it will be remote from where everything else is being controlled?

[tbittner]

That's a 50/50 type of thing, Barb. You'll either need to run several extension cords, or run a new circuit, to the basement so you can control the lights with the controller that is in the basement. Or you need to run the wires for the float switch, extension cord(s), etc to monitor and control the devices in the basement. I'd opt for installing it in the basement because, for instance, a PH probe would most likely be sitting in the sump so it's not hanging in the tank. One of the attractive things about a sump is you can move things out of the tank to keep it clean and nice looking, like a PH probe, heater(s), etc. There is a finite length the cable can be for the PH probe.

When you run the pipes to/from the basement sump, duct tape wire or extension cords to the pipe and run that at the same time. The lights will plug into those and get power from a basement socket.

[BarbMazz]

Originally Posted by tbittner

That's a 50/50 type of thing, Barb. You'll either need to run several extension cords, or run a new circuit, to the basement so you can control the lights with the controller that is in the basement. Or you need to run the wires for the float switch, extension cord(s), etc to monitor and control the devices in the basement. I'd opt for installing it in the basement because, for instance, a PH probe would most likely be sitting in the sump so it's not hanging in the tank. One of the attractive things about a sump is you can move things out of the tank to keep it clean and nice looking, like a PH probe, heater(s), etc. There is a finite length the cable can be for the PH probe.

When you run the pipes to/from the basement sump, duct tape wire or extension cords to the pipe and run that at the same time. The lights will plug into those and get power from a basement socket.

Ah, okay! That makes perfect sense about running the light cord to the basement. That will be a snap for my electrician buddy.

That's exactly what my sump is for; equipment repository! Thanks, Terry!

[BarbMazz]

I think my friend will be putting all aquarium stuff on their own circuit(s), which will be also backed up on our generator. His work is meticulous! All I have to do is cook him a nice dinner.

I think my little area is going to be like a NASA control room! Except it will have a rocking chair in it.

[tbittner]

Oh man, the things I'VE done for a good meal....

[prow]

Originally Posted by BarbMazz

I've been reading along because I have an ACJr sitting in its box (thanks, Jack ).

Sure hope I can puzzle through it when it's time!

I have a basic question; my system will be an upstairs/basement one like Terry's (well, not as fancy-shmancy as his), so where do I set my controller up? Upstairs I'll be wanting to control lights on the display, but most other applications will be run in the basement, I imagine. I can hook up for computer use in the basement; my big fancy cable/telephone box is right in the aquarium equipment area. Or, will I need to have my display lights on a timer because it will be remote from where everything else is being controlled?

Barb, you dont need to run wire/cords everywhere. if you use the 10x setup instead of the DC8/DC4's its all wireless and each plug can be controled with out any wiring no matter where it is plugged in, in the house

[tbittner]

Good point, Prow. In that case, definitely install the controller in the basement. I'm not very famiiar with the Jr, can you control it from a PC?

And you can google for "x-10 automation" and it will take you to their site.