Apex Controller Discussion

[pinhigh1886]

I recently purchased a APEX Controller System and I have been going through the pains of setting it up. I first hardwired it to the router and computer to update firmware but only the firmware on the contoller updated. The Dashboard did not update. I tried IE8-9 and Google Chrome and I wipe browsing history to no luck! Finally I gave up and set it up on my tank. I am now controlling heaters, BRS 2 part Dosers, PH, and Temp. All are working great although I lose wireless connection daily to the controller and have to reset everything to get it back and sometimes have to wait hours before it will work again. FYI I am using Netgear WNCE2001 Gaming adapter with a Net Gear Router that is WPS capable. I tried last night to set-up Port Forwarding which seemed easy enough but ended up losing all internet cababilities and spent the next (3) Hours on the phone with Comcast and Netgear. I now have it back to running wirelessly but this morning I tried to log into http://Apex and it would not work. I also tried logging into the IP address? I will try again tonight. I purchased the controller so that when I am away I can monitor my system so I need to get the external port forwarding set-up or it would not be worth it to me. I have read hundreds of posts and have read the entire 140 Page Comprehensive Guide. Please any advise would be greatly appreciated on any of the following topics:

Dashboard Firmware Update 4.20
Port Forwarding for use on IPAD & Android Phone
Wireless Stability with Controller

[jimsflies]

Try logging into the controller using the direct IP address that you setup in the controller from inside of your network. You shouldn't need the port forwarding to access it in your network...lets see if that works first.

If that doesn't work, can you plug in your controller into the router with an Ethernet cable and then try to access using the IP you setup in your controller.

The IP might look something like: 192.188.1.X

[pinhigh1886]

I have tried both. Right now I can log in wireless no problem. It comes and goes but seems to be connecting fine wireless right now. But how do I get my dashboard updated to the new version? My Controller is probably 100 yrds away from the router? Have you set up port forwarding so you can log in from outside the network?

[petercar]

I have my apex to read from my ipad when im on he road.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[pinhigh1886]

OK my Apex is now working wirelessly. Seems pretty steady. I have also now figured out the IPAD app. Still need to do the Android but it is in Beta so probably just wait. Now I just need to figure out the new Dashboard? When I log in it is still the old one? I also have a DLINK 942 camera on my tank and want to connect that to the new Dashboard. The other thing I still need help with is the Port Forwarding so I can log in when I am outside the network? I have Netgear Adapter and Router. Anyone know the exact settings?

[jimsflies]

So you are connecting wirelessly inside of your network? When you connect, are you typing in the ip address of the controller or just using "Apex" for the url?

I haven't used a netgear router, but there should be a tab or setting in your router's control panel to set up port forwarding. In that settings box, you will want to enter a port number for the public TCP & UDP ports. This can be any four digit number. You will then see boxes to complete the private port number. The private port number is the port number in your apex network configuration settings. The default is 80. You'll also need to include the ip number of the controller that you have setup in network settings.

This brings me to another potential issue. In your network settings is your controller set to use DHCP or did you specify an IP address. You should specify an IP address on your controller settings because this will need to remain the same in order for port forwarding to work. I would select an IP outside of your routers DHCP range so that the router won't try to assign the same number to another device that is connecting using DHCP...this is unlikely since your controller will probably always be connected to the router. But it is a good practice to go with a number outside of the DHCP range.

Once this is setup and working properly, you will be able to type in your ip address assigned by your ISP and then a colon and the public port number you selected. The controller should respond and ask for a user and password (the ones you setup in the controller network settings.)

I know you were asking about updating your firmware, but lets try to get it connected first. The firmware update wasn't that big of deal. But you will need to physically connected it to the router along with your computer to assure nothing goes wrong during the update.

[jimsflies]

Also, I'm not sure if you have seen this guide:
http://www.neptunesystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Comprehensive-Reference-Manual-v1_0.pdf

It is the bible for the Apex controller.

[pinhigh1886]

HaHa Yes!!!!!! It's all working. Thanks Jim! Yes I did read that entire bible. OK I am actually starting to like this thing now.

OK so I did update to 4.20 Firmware on the controller but the Dashboard is still the old one? I did update the web pages but it didn't work. Did you update to 4.20 yet? Did the Dashboard update? I know it needs to be hardwired but can it just be the controller or do I have to take the E8 also? Probably both right so it has power, duh! What a pain to unhook everything, unscrew it from the tank, and have to set it all back up? Anyone find a way around this?

I also got he email thing set-up but it is emailing me every hour? How do you adjust those settings?

[pinhigh1886]

OK so I now have everything working including email, IPAD App, and Droid App for my Galaxy Note II. If anyone else is struggling with Apex I would be happy to guide them.

Thanks to those who helped me! Only thing I have left to do is unplug everything so I can take the Apex to my computer, hard wire, and figure out updating the the web pages firmware so my dashboard is up to date.

[jimsflies]

What do you think was the key to getting it to work? You are now able to access from inside and outside the network, correct?

Regarding updating your firmware, you just need to plug into the router's ethernet port (aka hardwire connection). You should also plug your computer into the router when you update the firmware. Once you do that and start the process it is pretty straight forward. The update program will look for the controller on the network and walks you through the steps. It was less than a 5 minute install.

Just read your earlier post.... you need to clear your cookies and cache. You are probably seeing the cached version.

[jduck]

Isn't 4.2 still the beta version?
Looks like I need to update also.

[jimsflies]

Isn't 4.2 still the beta version?
Looks like I need to update also.

No, it finally went into production:
Firmware Update Version 4.20 | Neptune Systems (http://www.neptunesystems.com/firmware-update-version-4-20/)

[pinhigh1886]

Jim - The key was first getting it to work inside by using the Net Gear WNCE2001 Adapter instead of the other Extension I was using. That made it steady inside my house. This also in turn made the port forwarding for port 80 possible because before that it would not work. This allowed me to get into the APEX from my work computer with my public IP address that I got from whatsmyip.com (http://www.whatsmyip.com). So now I can access the Apex from inside my house, at my work computer, my IPAD, and my Samsung Galaxy Note II. Very cool!

I set up a GMX email account and I have my phone number through Verizon as a secondary contact through text. This allows me really to ignore the GMX email account but all emails that come from the Apex are forwarded to my phone by text.

My basement is finished and that is where my tank is located. My router and desktop are up one level but probably 50 yards away. It will be sucha pain to unscrew the Apex Contoller and EB8, unplug everything, and then replug everything to get the firmware update. The update for the controller went through it is the web page update that did not. I have a wireless camera by D-Link installed on my tank so the new dashboard would be cool with the live video in the middle. It is almost worth building a 150 Ft ethernet cable:)

[jimsflies]

How about move the router to the controller?

[jduck]

No, it finally went into production:
Firmware Update Version 4.20 | Neptune Systems (http://www.neptunesystems.com/firmware-update-version-4-20/)

Thanks! Been playing with it for the last few hours. Even got the forscam for live video.

Next step is external access.

I had it running before the move with uverse.
Now it's been stubborn. It wasn't the same uverse system. Modem is located outside now and access point inside. Was able to get it working for external access but then internal didn't work, so I just went back to internal. Have a trip coming up in a few months and need to get bugs worked out.

[pinhigh1886]

Jim - I would still have to hardwire the router back to the Comcast modem.

jduck - Same for me. Trip coming up and want to make sure all is well before I go. Can I ask you what all you are running through the APEX. So far I have:

BRS Dosers
(2) Heaters
Skimmer
PH
TEMP
I have AI Vega lights and they are not compatible with the Apex yet.
Still need to get my main return pump tied in and decide what to do with ATO. I have a tunze osm now that works wonderfully and I keep it clean to prevent failure. I am thinking though of putting some type of sensor into the Apex as a final back up?

[jimsflies]

Jim - I would still have to hardwire the router back to the Comcast modem.


Not for the upgrade...once you download the firmware to your computer, you shouldn't need an internet connection to perform the upgrade.:typing:

[pinhigh1886]

Jim can you explain this? Maybe I am missing something but how would it get from the computer to the Apex if the router was no longer attached to the computer. Also remember I am updated to 4.20 as far as the controller is concerned I just need to update what they call the web updates so that I can see the new dashboard. Do I even need the controller hardwired to get the web page upgrade?

[jduck]

Jim - I would still have to hardwire the router back to the Comcast modem.

jduck - Same for me. Trip coming up and want to make sure all is well before I go. Can I ask you what all you are running through the APEX. So far I have:

BRS Dosers
(2) Heaters
Skimmer
PH
TEMP
I have AI Vega lights and they are not compatible with the Apex yet.
Still need to get my main return pump tied in and decide what to do with ATO. I have a tunze osm now that works wonderfully and I keep it clean to prevent failure. I am thinking though of putting some type of sensor into the Apex as a final back up?


Only way to ensure that the updates go correctly is hard line.
1. from modem to controller. may require an extra long cable
2. If your able to take apex to computer, may require unpluging everything if you only have 1 EB8
3 If you have/can borrow laptop/extra computer and just plug that into your adapter so they are on same network.
As Jim said the computer does not need internet if you have already downloaded the update. Just a hardwire connection, Especially for the Web pages update

I started with an extra computer/router that I used to reprogram everything after the move. Was plugged into same wireless router as Apex. Since then I've ran a hard line. Was lucky enough that office is over laundry room with drop ceiling and next to fish room. Now Neptune has the nice app out that allows you to edit the programs from Ipad.


Apex Controls everything

Return Pump - Reeflow Gold Hybrid - currently Hammerhead impeller
ATO - Level Loc (http://www.marinedepot.com/Gap_Products_Level_Loc_Automatic_Top_Off_%28ATO%29 _Unit_Electric_Powered_Dosing_Pumps_Top_Off-Gap_Products-GA1111-FIDPET-vi.html) - which is no longer made Which is a combination of Mechanical float valve, along with 2x floats and solenoid. Hooked up to RO/DI with a pressure switch/solenoid and Autoshutoff valve. In future I will use a BRS Top off doser to pump from the DI side of mixing station, through the Level loc ATO. Then I'll program RODI to only run every few 1-2 weeks to fill up the 75 gallon DI tank.

Biopellet reactor
Ca Reactor - Just brought online last week. Not many corals in tanks at the moment, getting ready for all the frags I bought pre purchased for this weeks swap.
Skimmer - SRO XP5000 EXT
Heat Pump - Using closed loop from hot water heater
Refugium LEDs/ HD cf light
Frag tank Lights 2x AJM 120w LED fixtures
MP60 battery backup
Superfeeder

Although not necessary, plugged into the EB8's I have my 7 AI Sol's, 4 MP40wWs, 2 MP60W's. I just like being able to shut off individual outlet to work on it or when not in use.

I got mine up and working. Even have external access now with the embeded web cam. Kind of nice. Will be able to watch as I feed remotely.
Previously I had used DMZplus mode. Which caused issues with static IP addresses. Had to assign the apex external IP address, so issues with accessing internal. Now doing it the right way with allowed application and opening Port 80. I can access both.

[pinhigh1886]

OK so I can take my laptop, hook it hardwired to the modem or router, download the web pages update, take the laptop to the tank, plug the adapter into the laptop, then wire to the controller and perform the update?

Then I would go to my desktop or remote computer and the new dashboard will show up?

[jimsflies]

You need a router in the mix there....as far as I know.

So you would download the update to your laptop. Unhook your router. Connect the controller to the router via ethernet. Connect the laptop to the router via ethernet. Start the update program...the program should find the controller. Then just follow the prompts. It is a two part installation...you will update the firmware on the controller, then update the webpages on the controller. At that point, you clear your cache on your browser and you should see the new dashboard.

Once your updated, reconnect your router to the internet at its original physical location, and reconnect your wireless adapter to the controller.

[jimsflies]

Only way to ensure that the updates go correctly is hard line.
1. from modem to controller. may require an extra long cable
2. If your able to take apex to computer, may require unpluging everything if you only have 1 EB8
3 If you have/can borrow laptop/extra computer and just plug that into your adapter so they are on same network.
As Jim said the computer does not need internet if you have already downloaded the update. Just a hardwire connection, Especially for the Web pages update

I started with an extra computer/router that I used to reprogram everything after the move. Was plugged into same wireless router as Apex. Since then I've ran a hard line. Was lucky enough that office is over laundry room with drop ceiling and next to fish room. Now Neptune has the nice app out that allows you to edit the programs from Ipad.


Apex Controls everything

Return Pump - Reeflow Gold Hybrid - currently Hammerhead impeller
ATO - Level Loc (http://www.marinedepot.com/Gap_Products_Level_Loc_Automatic_Top_Off_%28ATO%29 _Unit_Electric_Powered_Dosing_Pumps_Top_Off-Gap_Products-GA1111-FIDPET-vi.html) - which is no longer made Which is a combination of Mechanical float valve, along with 2x floats and solenoid. Hooked up to RO/DI with a pressure switch/solenoid and Autoshutoff valve. In future I will use a BRS Top off doser to pump from the DI side of mixing station, through the Level loc ATO. Then I'll program RODI to only run every few 1-2 weeks to fill up the 75 gallon DI tank.

Biopellet reactor
Ca Reactor - Just brought online last week. Not many corals in tanks at the moment, getting ready for all the frags I bought pre purchased for this weeks swap.
Skimmer - SRO XP5000 EXT
Heat Pump - Using closed loop from hot water heater
Refugium LEDs/ HD cf light
Frag tank Lights 2x AJM 120w LED fixtures
MP60 battery backup
Superfeeder

Although not necessary, plugged into the EB8's I have my 7 AI Sol's, 4 MP40wWs, 2 MP60W's. I just like being able to shut off individual outlet to work on it or when not in use.

I got mine up and working. Even have external access now with the embeded web cam. Kind of nice. Will be able to watch as I feed remotely.
Previously I had used DMZplus mode. Which caused issues with static IP addresses. Had to assign the apex external IP address, so issues with accessing internal. Now doing it the right way with allowed application and opening Port 80. I can access both.

Show off! :cool4: :thumbsup:




Ok...I'm jealous!

[jduck]

OK so I can take my laptop, hook it hardwired to the modem or router, download the web pages update, take the laptop to the tank, plug the adapter into the laptop, then wire to the controller and perform the update?

Then I would go to my desktop or remote computer and the new dashboard will show up?

Sorry I Didn't realize your Net Gear WNCE2001 Adapter only had 1 cat5 port. So you will need a wireless router/switch that you can plug apex and laptop into so they are on same network.