APEX owners

[Rabidgoose]

I'm looking for some input from owners about not only what you like but what you don't like about this controller. I am looking hard at the apex when I add another tank (maybe a couple more tanks). Is anyone using the "text alert" feature instead of e-mail alert? More questions to follow....

thanks......chuck

[jimsflies]

I like mine so far...haven't played around with it much. If I have one complaint it is that they changed quite a bit of the programming interface between this and the AC3. I was pretty good with the AC3 and haven't had time to learn the nuances between the two.

I would also like a graph or chart telling me the state of a timer through out the day so I can retroactively see what the controller is doing. This is possible via website as I had it working for a while on my AC3. Just seems like something they should have built in to it by now.

I really like the iphone app and the neptune controllers. It is like having a remote control for the tank. I can turn equipment on or off to do a water change or other maintenance without even pushing any buttons or touching cords.

To use the text alert, do you just set up an email to text based on the cellular service.... is phone_number@txt.att.net would be at&t's? or is there another way to do that?

[Rabidgoose]

Not sure on the text alert but that sounds right. Yeah Curt was doing a lot with an iphone at their booth but I'm not planning on getting one. I browsed through the manual but I am pretty ignorant of such things. That's when I went for a toddy. :)

So they don't program like they have in the past (I have a Jr. now)? I might have to call the geek squad....

[jimsflies]

It's a simplier interface for programming. Many new to the neptune will find it easier I am sure. Some of the stuff is the same code, but you have to get into a menu for each timer type. It's just different....I can send you the ip address and pw to my controller if you want to log in and have a look...

One issue I have is at times the power usage isn't registering on my apex. The return pump operates continuously and it seems like I should see a baseline usage from that on the graph (and unit). But sometimes it is reading 0 amps. I'm not sure what those little peaks are about either?

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/apex-amps.jpg


I might be missing something obvious. Or maybe I have a problem with the unit.

[jimsflies]

Oh BTW, I set up the email to text alert on the controller after you mentioned it. It worked like a charm. Now I almost wished there was a spot to enter a third email to send alerts to. Then I would be pretty sure to get any alert fairly quickly. But I like the text alert so I'm keeping it and dumping one of my other emails. Thanks for the idea. :)

[Rabidgoose]

I guess it's just you and me Jim with the Apex. I have it up and running and so far I am quite impressed. I did have to turn off the DCHP and input my numbers to find it but other than that it is quite intuitive and fairly straight forward. Haven't hooked up the tunze yet or any alarms but that is on the to-do list....

[CalmSeasQuest]

I've been running an Apex since 10/2009 - Love it. Currently access it via my Palm Pre using Kenargos web interface. I use 2 X EB8s, WXM for managing 2 X MP40s, and am waiting on the new VDM module to ship for integrating control of my AI LEDS. I looked closely at RK and Profilux, for my needs - the Apex is a perfect fit.

I had a chance to spend a few minutes with Curt at MACNA, grabbed a few screen shots of improvements in upcoming firmware - good stuff coming...

http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy141/tconwell/DSC_0864.jpg
A screen shot of the new graphing coming in the next update. You select which probes and they superimposed on a single graph. (Sorry for the horrible cell cam photo.)


http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy141/tconwell/DSC_0859.jpg
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy141/tconwell/MACNA%202010/CIMG03102.jpg
The Apex VDM module interfaces with the AquaIllumination LEDS. In addition to supporting all the basic AI functionality (i.e. sunrise/sunsets, moon cycles) it also has weather features including cloud cover and lightning. Available in about a month for $100. Curt is also showing off a new EB4 with all relay circuits.

http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy141/tconwell/DSC_0857.jpg

EB4 - All relay circuits
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy141/tconwell/DSC_0868.jpg
A new probe calibration page, including renaming.