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Neptune Systems better up their game...

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by JB, May 28, 2011.

  1. May 28, 2011 #1
    JB Marion

    JB Veteran Reefkeeper

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    Looks like there are several new contenders getting ready to enter the controller market.  Hopefully this will force Neptune to solidify/improve the Apex a bit more.
     
  2. May 28, 2011 #2
    Andy The Reef Guy

    Andy The Reef Guy Inactive User

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    What are the new contenders, what other/new features that you'd like to see in the APEX?

    Personally I'd like to see 2xpH channels + ORP channel standard on the APEX controller.
     
  3. May 28, 2011 #3
    ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    I wish I could find probes. I've also been thinking about just grabbing the Reef Angel. $200 and I'm done but I like to build my own controllers for stuff like this that way if it screws up I can only blame myself.
     
  4. May 28, 2011 #4
    JB Marion

    JB Veteran Reefkeeper

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    Andy: I can't remember the exact details of the new controllers, but there has been several articles in the last few days on ReefBuilders.com about them. The biggest improvement I would like to see in the Apex is stability and compatibility. The Apex is really good, but it occasionally does really disturbing stuff (like randomly losing settings). I also can't get it to work reliably with my old AquaSurf module. It was working for a while, and now it stopped working, I have no idea what's wrong with it, but I know it's not the pump because they work fine when I hook them up to the Apex variable speed ports.

    ThyRaven: What probes are you having trouble finding? Bulkreefsupply.com has good deals on both ORP and PH probes.
     
  5. May 28, 2011 #5
    ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    I've looked at them JB but I wasnt sure on the price being a deal so thanks for clearing that up. I see you are in Marion, any idea where around the CR area I can find BNC jacks (the ones the probes would plug into)? I need at least 2 of them so I can start working on my circuits. Also any thoughts on relays? Looking for something that'll drive pumps for ATO and water change, also looking at dimmer controls for my lights and also something that'll help with my dosing. O cant forget heater control also. At first I just want to does Purple to help get the rock growing but then I'll move into calcium for corals.
     
  6. May 29, 2011 #6
    JB Marion

    JB Veteran Reefkeeper

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    Radio Shack should have the BNC connectors. If they don't then Iowa Radio Supply on Blairs Ferry Road might.

    Just a word of warning, if you're going to build your own controller, do it because it's something you enjoy doing. My guess is that by the time you buy all of the component parts you need, you will end up paying nearly as much as you would for Apex, if not more.

    -JB
     
  7. May 29, 2011 #7
    ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    hmm... I love playing with electronics so that's not going to be an issue. So far I have my temp sensors and got them from Maxim for free. I know I want to monitor temp and pH but not sure what else I really need to monitor. I do want controls for turning pumps on including an ATO. Also want to control when the heater comes on/shuts off. Might program in a feeding mode to shut down some of the pumps so the food isnt sucked straight into the sump. Not sure if I'll do lighting controls right off the bat but I will once I get my LEDs done. Once I get all of that done I want to take and make a web based interface for monitoring and controlling it. May even figure out a way to water proof a couple webcams and throw them in the tank too lol
     

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