Dimming LEDs with an Apex

[jimsflies]

Anyone using an Apex to control (dim) their LEDs? What do I need...is there a certain cable? The drivers are MeanWell ELN-60-48D if it makes any difference. Any example programs or tips for getting it setup would be appreciated.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

I don't have either but I believe you will use the 0-10V outputs to control the drivers. Sorry I can't be more help.

Tom

[jimsflies]

I thought I could do it with the Apex right out of the box.

However, I see that Apex has a VDM Module for controlling LEDs. Not sure if I need that or not? I don't think I care about lightning storms and cloud cover. However, I would like to be able to simulate sunrise/sunset and lunar cycles though.

Neptune Systems - AquaControllers - Variable Speed/Dimming Module (VDM) (http://www.neptunesys.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=57&Itemid=40)

[binford4000]

Jim,I'm useing my apex with a vdm to control and dim the AI SOL LED's. Personally it s@#ks and you need a phd to figure it out.Lots of virtual programs.Hate to say it but R/C has a bunch of examples on how to program it and set it up.You do need their cable also.If it will help I can send you my web link and you can look at what I did

[jimsflies]

I may take you up on being able to see your program.

I found this link here: Neptun Apex Setup & Programing (http://reefledlights.com/neptun-apex-setup-programing/)

It looks like I may need to make my own cable using an RJ45 connector.

[binford4000]

Good luck!! If you need one aqua cave has good prices.LMK if you need a peak.Personaly I'd see if AI's would work.Very easy to change and to set up unless you enjoy day's of frustration and the ocasional ranting,It's really that big of a PITA.I wouldn't recomend talking to apex either unless you enjoy yelling at people on the phone and screaming WTH or worst--customer service is not their strong point. lol

Just looked at the link you posted,hence that is where my hatred of the apex began

[jimsflies]

unless you enjoy day's of frustration and the occasional ranting,It's really that big of a PITA.I wouldn't recommend talking to apex either unless

I am used to self inflicted aggravation...I started a reef forum after all. :roll:

I haven't had too bad of luck with Neptune's customer service. At least you get to talk to someone and I seem to get resolution when I have had problems. They are a little short on personality but I don't blame them...for the most part they probably have to walk non-technical people through the same problems (e.g., how to connect the controller to a router) all day long.

It could be worse....
‪Discover Card - Peggy Customer Service #2‬‏ - YouTube

[binford4000]

I am used to self inflicted aggravation...I started a reef forum after all. :roll:

I haven't had too bad of luck with Neptune's customer service. At least you get to talk to someone and I seem to get resolution when I have had problems. They are a little short on personality but I don't blame them...for the most part they probably have to walk non-technical people through the same problems (e.g., how to connect the controller to a router) all day long.

It could be worse....
&#x202a (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Lzz8KER520&feature=related)Discover Card - Peggy Customer Service #2&#x202c (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/misc.php?do=dbtech_usertag_hash&hash=2%26%23x202c)‏ - YouTube


Oh man Peggy left neptune lol Know what are we going to do.

[jimsflies]

Jim,I'm useing my apex with a vdm to control and dim the AI SOL LED's. Personally it s@#ks and you need a phd to figure it out.Lots of virtual programs.Hate to say it but R/C has a bunch of examples on how to program it and set it up.You do need their cable also.If it will help I can send you my web link and you can look at what I did

Are you able to also manually control the LEDs using the controller (e.g., aquanotes or via web)?

[binford4000]

Are you able to also manually control the LEDs using the controller (e.g., aquanotes or via web)?
yes you can adjust the light levels useing the laptop or my phone.You'll have to program virtual programs for sunrise,sunset, blue control,white control,and storm if you want it then program ramps and intesity levels too.It is these ramp times and intensity levels that you use to adjust the percentage of the light power.Make sense?? Like I said,get into mine and copy what you need.

[jimsflies]

As an update to this thread, here is a link to the DIY connector cable I made:
http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/diy-projects-plans/diy-apex-meanwell-cable-17899/

My initial settings on the Apex look like this:

Profile Setup:

Profile Name: RampUP
Control Type: Ramp
Ramp Profile Setup:
Ramp Time (minutes): 120
Initial Intensity: 0
End Intensity: 20

Profile Name: RampDWN
Control Type: Ramp
Ramp Profile Setup:
Ramp Time (minutes): 120
Initial Intensity: 20
End Intensity: 0

Profile Name: RampUP-2
Control Type: Ramp
Ramp Profile Setup:
Ramp Time (minutes): 60
Initial Intensity: 0
End Intensity: 10

Profile Name: RampUP-3
Control Type: Ramp
Ramp Profile Setup:
Ramp Time (minutes): 120
Initial Intensity: 10
End Intensity: 20

Virtual Outlet Setup-

Outlet Name: Whites_Dim
Control Type: Advanced
Icon: Light A
Advanced Setup:
Set OFF
If Time 09:00 to 11:00 Then RampUP-2
If Time 11:00 to 19:00 Then RampUP-3
If Time 19:00 to 22:00 Then RampDWN


Outlet Name: Blues_Dim
Control Type: Advanced
Icon: Light B
Advanced Setup:
Set OFF
If Time 06:00 to 22:00 Then RampUP
If Time 22:00 to 23:59 Then RampDWN

So this program turns on the blues at 6 am, ramps them to 20% by 8 am. Then the whites come on at 9 am and ramp to 10% by 10 am. Then at 11 am, the whites ramp from 10 to 20% by 1 pm. From 1pm to 7pm, blues and whites are both at 20%. At 7pm whites dim from 20% to 0% by 9 pm. Then at 10 pm, blues dim from 20% to 0% at midnight.

I will increase the intensity slowly over the next few weeks to acclimate my corals. They are used to an old halide so I think they will require a bit longer acclimation period. Corals are already responding well to the increased light. Polyp extension yesterday was the best it has been in awhile.

[binford4000]

Program looks pretty slick Jim,are you going to use the lunar calendar that apex has?? It works pretty slick.Did you have to write virtual outles under the profiles also? I had to advance my ramp and ramp down times signifintly to use the lunar calendar like 300 min. Glad you got it and sorry about the stumbling walls

[jimsflies]

I haven't set it up with the built in sunrise/sunset and lunar times yet. I might though. Maybe you can post some of your program like I did above since we had issues with me accessing it.

[binford4000]

I haven't set it up with the built in sunrise/sunset and lunar times yet. I might though. Maybe you can post some of your program like I did above since we had issues with me accessing it.

I will do that when I get enough time to hunt and pek it together,lol I have it wrote for the the AI's which control all three bulbs.Just might be helpful to others.Good idea I'll get to as soon as I get a day off,when there's not a swap sorry got get the tank restocked.Is it possable to copy it to a thread from a thumb drive??? How about I save all the programs to a thumb drive and give to you in flint and you can do a apex program's example fourm from several reefers so people can get idea's right here on CR?? Food for thought :jester:

[jimsflies]

Thought you might appreciate the difference in power consumption from my tank since connecting the LEDs...can you see when the last day I ran the single 150-watt halide was?

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/led-power-graph.jpg

[binford4000]

Now that's a BEAUTIFUL thing Jim.I know I loved my Apex chart when I no longer saw the 16 amps I elminated.Enjoy the new look of your electric bill :thumbsup:

[Rabidgoose]

As an update to this thread, here is a link to the DIY connector cable I made:
http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/diy-projects-plans/diy-apex-meanwell-cable-17899/

My initial settings on the Apex look like this:

Profile Setup:

Profile Name: RampUP
Control Type: Ramp
Ramp Profile Setup:
Ramp Time (minutes): 120
Initial Intensity: 0
End Intensity: 20

Profile Name: RampDWN
Control Type: Ramp
Ramp Profile Setup:
Ramp Time (minutes): 120
Initial Intensity: 20
End Intensity: 0

Profile Name: RampUP-2
Control Type: Ramp
Ramp Profile Setup:
Ramp Time (minutes): 60
Initial Intensity: 0
End Intensity: 10

Profile Name: RampUP-3
Control Type: Ramp
Ramp Profile Setup:
Ramp Time (minutes): 120
Initial Intensity: 10
End Intensity: 20

Virtual Outlet Setup-

Outlet Name: Whites_Dim
Control Type: Advanced
Icon: Light A
Advanced Setup:
Set OFF
If Time 09:00 to 11:00 Then RampUP-2
If Time 11:00 to 19:00 Then RampUP-3
If Time 19:00 to 22:00 Then RampDWN


Outlet Name: Blues_Dim
Control Type: Advanced
Icon: Light B
Advanced Setup:
Set OFF
If Time 06:00 to 22:00 Then RampUP
If Time 22:00 to 23:59 Then RampDWN

So this program turns on the blues at 6 am, ramps them to 20% by 8 am. Then the whites come on at 9 am and ramp to 10% by 10 am. Then at 11 am, the whites ramp from 10 to 20% by 1 pm. From 1pm to 7pm, blues and whites are both at 20%. At 7pm whites dim from 20% to 0% by 9 pm. Then at 10 pm, blues dim from 20% to 0% at midnight.

I will increase the intensity slowly over the next few weeks to acclimate my corals. They are used to an old halide so I think they will require a bit longer acclimation period. Corals are already responding well to the increased light. Polyp extension yesterday was the best it has been in awhile.

HELP (greek)

I have 5 drivers on 4 varispd (blues and royal blues together) Do I need a rampUP and rampDWN for each varispd? I have all drivers plugged into a ext. strip using 1 outlet on my EB8. So how do I get the outlet (power) to recognize the profiles? Do I just start the statement with the PF# ? Or better yet.....lights on 1500 and ramp up for 60 to 60% and ramp down at 2200 for 60 and off at 2300.

thanks.......chuck

[jimsflies]

Do you have the dimming control connect to the Apex's variable ports?
Here is a link to my DIY (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/diy-projects-plans/diy-apex-meanwell-cable-17899/).

Or here is the ready-made from ReefLEDLights:

http://reefledlights.com/shop/6-rj45-cable/

http://reefledlights.com/shop/dimbox/

[Rabidgoose]

Do you have the dimming control connect to the Apex's variable ports?
Here is a link to my DIY (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/diy-projects-plans/diy-apex-meanwell-cable-17899/).

Or here is the ready-made from ReefLEDLights:

6" RJ45 Cable | Reef LED LightsReef LED Lights (http://reefledlights.com/shop/6-rj45-cable/)

DimBox | Reef LED LightsReef LED Lights (http://reefledlights.com/shop/dimbox/)

Yes....it's all hooked up I just don't know how to code it. The lights are on at 100% (I think)

[jimsflies]

Yes....it's all hooked up I just don't know how to code it. The lights are on at 100% (I think)

I thought I had this somewhere...but here is my program (as I think an example is easier for me to usually follow...although I will say that my program uses the seasonal table so it looks more complicated). After posting this I realize it isn't for the faint of heart...

Here are the outlets I have setup...one for white and one for blues (these are plugged into the variable ports on the apex using the RJ45 cable):

[ Whites-Dim ] ( base_Var1 )
Program Type: Advanced
Display Icon: Light A
Program:
Set OFF
If Outlet Sunrise = ON Then White++
If Outlet Midday = ON Then WhiteOn
If Outlet Sunset = ON Then White--

[ Blues-Dim ] ( base_Var2 )
Program Type: Advanced
Display Icon: Light B
Program:
Set OFF
If Outlet Nite = ON Then MoonInt
If Outlet Sunrise = ON Then Blue++
If Outlet Midday = ON Then BlueOn
If Outlet Sunset = ON Then Blue--

These outlets are actually not needed for dimming control...they just turn the white/blues on/off. They correspond to the Energy Bar location you have the drivers plugged into:

[ WhiteLEDs ] ( 3_1 )
Program Type: Advanced
Display Icon: Light A
Program:
Set OFF
Fallback OFF
If Outlet Sunrise = ON Then ON
If Outlet Midday = ON Then ON
If Outlet Sunset = ON Then ON
If Temp > 82.0 Then OFF
Min Time 030:00 Then OFF

[ BlueLEDs ] ( 3_2 )
Program Type: Advanced
Display Icon: Light B
Program:
Fallback OFF
Set OFF
If Outlet Sunrise = ON Then ON
If Outlet Midday = ON Then ON
If Outlet Sunset = ON Then ON
If Outlet Nite = ON Then ON
If Temp > 85.0 Then OFF
Min Time 030:00 Then OFF

Then these are virtual outlets

[ Sunrise ] ( Cntl_F3 )
Program Type: Advanced
Display Icon: Sun
Program:
Set OFF
If Sun -030/-090 Then ON
If Outlet Midday = ON Then OFF

[ Midday ] ( Cntl_F4 )
Program Type: Advanced
Display Icon: Sun
Program:
Set OFF
If Sun 180/-090 Then ON

[ Sunset ] ( Cntl_F5 )
Program Type: Advanced
Display Icon: Sun
Program:
Set OFF
If Sun 180/210 Then ON
If Outlet Midday = ON Then OFF

Here are the dimming profiles:

[ White++ ] ( PF1 )
Type: Ramp
Ramp Time: 210
Start Intensity: 0
End Intensity: 12

[ White-- ] ( PF2 )
Type: Ramp
Ramp Time: 45
Start Intensity: 12
End Intensity: 0

[ Blue++ ] ( PF3 )
Type: Ramp
Ramp Time: 180
Start Intensity: 8
End Intensity: 85

[ Blue-- ] ( PF4 )
Type: Ramp
Ramp Time: 255
Start Intensity: 85
End Intensity: 8

[ BlueOn ] ( PF5 )
Type: Ramp
Ramp Time: 0
Start Intensity: 85
End Intensity: 85

[ WhiteOn ] ( PF6 )
Type: Weather
Light Maximum Intensity: 12
Cloudy Light Intensity: 12
Cloud Duration: 15
Cloudy Time: 20
Probability of Lightning: 0
Lightning Intensity: 0


So basically, my independently LEDs ramp up in the morning (++), are constant mid-day (On), and ramp down in the evening (--). I have an extended blue period of ramping up and down because I like glowing corals.

The Comprehensive Reference Manual (http://www.neptunesystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Comprehensive-Reference-Manual.pdf) is your friend.

If this doesn't help and you don't use the seasonal table (those IF SUN statements can be very confusing...I have to review them each time I want to change something), let me know what you want and I will post a program with what you will want...or even better, if you get totally stumped shoot me a pm and will login and program it for you.

[Rabidgoose]

I can't get anything to take....

This is the "Blue/ RoyalBlue driver...I want it on varispd 1 Starting at 15:00 I want it to ramp up for one hour to 60%....run from 16:00 - 22:00 at 60% and then ramp down from 22:00 to 23:00

Fallback off
Set on
If Time 15:00 to 16:00 = ON Then B/RB++
If Time 16:00 to 22:00 = ON Then B/RBON
If Time 22:00 to 23:00 = ON Then B/RB--

EDIT

How about this?

Fallback OFF
Set OFF
If Time 15:00 to 16:00 Then B/RB++
If Time 16:00 to 22:00 Then ON
If Time 22:00 to 22:59 Then B/RB--

[jimsflies]

I'm not sure what you mean by "can't get anything to take"...do you mean it won't save?

Do you have profiles setup then for each of those conditions (B/RB++,BRB/ON, & B/RB-)? You'd have to have to have a profile or the outlet program won't save when you try to save it due to an unrecognized condition.

Your profiles would look something like this

[ B/RB++ ]
Type: Ramp
Ramp Time: 60
Start Intensity: 0
End Intensity: 60

[ B/RB-- ]
Type: Ramp
Ramp Time: 60
Start Intensity: 60
End Intensity: 0

[ B/RBOn ]
Type: Ramp
Ramp Time: 0
Start Intensity: 60
End Intensity: 60

Then your variable port program that has the blue led control would look like this:

[ Blues-Dim ]
Set off
If Time 15:00 to 16:00 Then B/RB++
If Time 16:00 to 22:00 Then B/RBON
If Time 22:00 to 23:00 Then B/RB--

[Rabidgoose]

I have the "+" "-" profiles. Do I even need the "on" profile? I wasn't sure, will the lights stay on between ramp times without that statement? My outlet is programmed for 15:00-23:00

thanks....chuck

[jimsflies]

Note that I changed your outlet program by removing "=On"

Here it is again:

[ Blues-Dim ]
Set off
If Time 15:00 to 16:00 Then B/RB++
If Time 16:00 to 22:00 Then B/RBON
If Time 22:00 to 23:00 Then B/RB--


I would personally stay away from naming a profile "ON" ...but yeah you need a profile that tells it you want lights at 60%.

[Rabidgoose]

Yeah that was the original coding that wouldn't save. After some looking I found conflicts in naming of the profiles and statements. I struggle with this sort of thing. So everything is now saved Here is what I have for varispd (4 coded with 8 diff profile statements)....

Fallback OFF
Set OFF
If Time 15:00 to 16:00 Then B/RB++
If Time 16:00 to 22:00 Then ON
If Time 22:00 to 22:59 Then B/RB--


thanks Jim.......chuck

[jimsflies]

So its saved, but not working? How many drivers are you using with your LEDs? Why 8 profile statements (3 blue, 3 white, and ?).

Can you get a copy of your program and paste it here, here is a link to the program lister tool that reeftronics provides:
Apex Program & Profile Lister (http://www.reeftronics.net/apex-program-lister)

Once you get your program, copy and paste it here. Or I am still willing to log in and get it working remotely for you.

[Rabidgoose]

So its saved, but not working? How many drivers are you using with your LEDs? Why 8 profile statements (3 blue, 3 white, and ?).

I haven't tried it yet. Will know at about 3 PM if it's working. 5 drivers w/ blue and royal blue on one so "+" "-" on blue/royalblue, high noon, premium cool white and violet/ultra violet

Can you get a copy of your program and paste it here, here is a link to the program lister tool that reeftronics provides:
Apex Program & Profile Lister (http://www.reeftronics.net/apex-program-lister)

not web capable :) ??remember??? we messed with it for a week and didn't get it working and then I lost interest with it.

Once you get your program, copy and paste it here. Or I am still willing to log in and get it working remotely for you.

...............................

[jimsflies]

You could move your times a bit to see if they work...debugging this could take weeks at this pace! :crazy:

And now I'm concerned you'll lose interest before we get it working? :roll:

[Rabidgoose]

You could move your times a bit to see if they work...debugging this could take weeks at this pace! :crazy:

And now I'm concerned you'll lose interest before we get it working? :roll:

Patience young jedi....it reminds me of the old bull and the young bull on the hillside overlooking the herd......
I am losing interest already....

[jimsflies]

Is it losing interest...or just can't remember? :oldman:

[Rabidgoose]

Okay that didn't work......The light came on but it didn't ramp up. I don't believe their was any power to the varispd (their is a green light next to them on the base unit when they are on as I recall) Here is the blue/ royal blue and how it is coded/set up......

EB8 outlet

Fallback OFF
Set OFF
If Time 15:00 to 23:00 Then ON
If Temp > 83.0 Then OFF
Min Time 030:00 Then OFF

B/RB_DIM -(base_Var1

Fallback OFF
Set OFF
If Time 15:00 to 16:00 Then B/RB++
If Time 16:00 to 22:00 Then ON Does this maybe need to be the same as the outlet?
If Time 22:00 to 23:00 Then B/RB--

Profile

B/RB++(PF1)

Ramp Time 60
Start Intensity 0
End Intensity 60

B/RB--(PF2)

Ramp Time 60
Start Intensity 60
End Intensity 0

[jimsflies]

One important thing to mention...is that the lights don't appear to do anything from 0-8% and then it is hard to detect the ramp up. My lights after they get to the 8% level, drop right down to virtually off. Just wanted to throw that out there.

With that said, please look at my earlier example program. Lets NOT use ON as a profile statement, because it is confusing and could cause a conflict (if the Apex will even let you use it).

You need a profile for the ON state however.

So add this profile

[ B/RBOn ]
Type: Ramp
Ramp Time: 0
Start Intensity: 60
End Intensity: 60

And change your variable outlet program to this

B/RB_DIM -(base_Var1)

Fallback OFF
Set OFF
If Time 15:00 to 16:00 Then B/RB++
If Time 16:00 to 22:00 Then B/RBOn
If Time 22:00 to 23:00 Then B/RB--

If this doesn't work...then we better go back to basics and try to verify the dimming cable, etc are properly functioning. We can try a more simple program to test it out.

My guess is that the "ON" is causing them to go to 100%. Since the outlet was programmed to come on, and the profile time was at "ON", then they were defaulting to 100% on. There won't be a ramp up if the time of day calls for the lights to be in the on mode.