Neptune AC Jr. huh?

[BigAl07]

I just got mine and apparently I am not very electronically savvy...

I just got it hooked up and was trying to figure out the DC8.. the instructions for the DC8 says to refer to AC Jr. instructions and the AC Jr. instructions say to refer to DC8 guide. What am I doing wrong?

The kicker is my laptop doesn't have a serial port on it. I need to try and find a USB to serial adapter or something. Any idea?

Allen

[Woodstock]

BUMMER! You can program the outlets using the control pad but the computer is MUCH easier. http://www.neptunesys.com/AquaContro...Serial_web.pdf

[BigAl07]

I've got it mostly programmed now. I have one outlet that's NOT cooperating but other than that it's working splendidly. I just wish I could hook it up to My laptop.

Allen

[KMP]

good to see you figured it out. i'll ramble about what i figured out though in case someone else has the same question:

________________

the instructions can be confusing, but make sense once you figure this is set up to "daisy chain" dc8s or dc4s together. also, of the 4 switches you have on the side of the dc8 only the first 3 have any impact. forget the 4th.

that said (and looking at the sticker) use the first two switches to set the "letter" you desire. i would suggest having the first to switches in the up position which designates the outlets as "A". then flip the 3rd switch up also which numerically assigns 1 - 8 (from top - left to right) as plug 1, plug 2, etc.

now when you go to program, you will see where you assign a cetain device a plug designation. example, you would designate your actinics as "A1" which would be plugged into the top left plug. then your mh's would be "A2" top second socket, etc. once you've assigned a device a plug outlet you can then progam to come on/off at certain times, come on/off at certan temps (if you choose), etc.

now say you had a second dc8. there would be like a telephone cord connecting the two and you would set the second up a "B" (follow diagram on side of dc8) 1 - 8 or you could set them up as "A" 9 - 16. your choice.

hope that makes sense.

[BigAl07]

Kenny that's right on buddy. Made perfect sense and it's all working EXACTLY like that!! Thank you so MUCH!!

Allen

[BigAl07]

ANy idea if there is a USB to Serial type of connecter so I can connect my AC Jr to my new laptop?

[mps9506]

I think this might work:
Newegg.com - PPA 3312 USB to Serial Converter - Retail

[BigAl07]

Originally Posted by mps9506

I think this might work:
Newegg.com - PPA 3312 USB to Serial Converter - Retail

AWesome! I may have to Fed-EX that one to ME tomorrow *S*


Thanks buddy!!

Allen

[BigAl07]

I'm going to head to a local electronics supply and see if they have one locally.. if they don't it's time to ORDER it ASAP!!

Surely I'm not the first person to buy an AC Jr and have a laptop that does NOT have a serial port. I mean that's not like "cutting edge technology" or anything.

Allen

[mps9506]

I would check with the local computer places also, especially if they have the geeky people into programming and building gadgets because I think serial ports are still used by a lot of devices that require programming input.
I hadn't used a serial port since I was a teenager and questioned why more expensive motherboards still had serial ports on them, a tech guy educated me about how much stuff still uses them

[BigAl07]

I'm thinking about attempting to figure out how to do this bad boy wirelessly instead of the wired method. I have read SEVERAL posts around on some other forums where some very talented computer guys have bought off the shelf equipment and made it work. Wouldn't that be SWEET?

Allen

[prow]

i found this doing a search on some form about using a wireless hookup on the aqua Jr.

Yes. You would need the serial port option on your AC Jr. Then uses the serial cable to connect to the wireless serial server. The serial server would then connect to any 802.11b WAP or router. I emailed Neptune to see if the AC Jr. would be able to communicate with this device. They also make them serial/bluetooth as well.

i would not take this as the hook up you need. shot neptunes a email, before you buy or do anything, about how you want to hook it up so they can guide you and list the things you may need.

[BigAl07]

Radio Shack here in town says they have this cable in stock day in and day out! I'm headed that way after work

Once I get everything working "Wired" I'll start experimenting with making it Wireless!!

Allen

Allen

[mps9506]

I think the serial bluetooth adapters run around $50-$75 bucks. I don't know jack about using a serial server though.

[BigAl07]

That would be SWEETNESS! Running bluetooth would be the TICKET!!

Allen