Apex Controller Discussion

[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

[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. 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

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.

[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 - 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?