[Timezone Detection]
Create Account - Join in Seconds!

User Name: Email Address:
Human Verification

Please enter the six letters or digits that appear in the image opposite.

Dimming LEDs with an Apex


Bookmark and Share
Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 ... Last
Results 1 to 10 of 32
  1. #1
    jimsflies - Reefkeeper
    Admin/Founder

    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    11,467
    First Name
    Jim

    Default Dimming LEDs with an Apex

    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.

  2. #2
    Tom@HaslettMI - Reefkeeper
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    East Lansing, MI
    Posts
    2,144
    First Name
    Tom
    Awards Yugo Award - For helping with the CR Booth at MCES Monthly Giveaway Winner Monthly Giveaway Winner Photo of the Month Tank of the Month

    Default

    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

  3. #3
    jimsflies - Reefkeeper
    Admin/Founder

    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    11,467
    First Name
    Jim

    Default

    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)

  4. #4
    binford4000 - Reefkeeper
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    farmington hills mi
    Posts
    2,214
    First Name
    Old man
    Awards Tank of the Month - May 2012 Tank of the Month

    Default

    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

  5. #5
    jimsflies - Reefkeeper
    Admin/Founder

    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    11,467
    First Name
    Jim

    Default

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

    I found this link here: Neptun Apex Setup & Programing

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

  6. #6
    binford4000 - Reefkeeper
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    farmington hills mi
    Posts
    2,214
    First Name
    Old man
    Awards Tank of the Month - May 2012 Tank of the Month

    Default

    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

  7. #7
    jimsflies - Reefkeeper
    Admin/Founder

    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    11,467
    First Name
    Jim

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by binford4000 View Post
    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.

    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....
    [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Lzz8KER520&feature=related]‪Discover Card - Peggy Customer Service #2‬‏ - YouTube[/ame]

  8. #8
    binford4000 - Reefkeeper
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    farmington hills mi
    Posts
    2,214
    First Name
    Old man
    Awards Tank of the Month - May 2012 Tank of the Month

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by jimsflies View Post
    I am used to self inflicted aggravation...I started a reef forum after all.

    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....
    &#x202aDiscover Card - Peggy Customer Service #2&#x202c‏ - YouTube

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

  9. #9
    jimsflies - Reefkeeper
    Admin/Founder

    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    11,467
    First Name
    Jim

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by binford4000 View Post
    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)?

  10. #10
    binford4000 - Reefkeeper
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    farmington hills mi
    Posts
    2,214
    First Name
    Old man
    Awards Tank of the Month - May 2012 Tank of the Month

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by jimsflies View Post
    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.

Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 ... Last

Similar Topics

  1. FS: APEX Advanced LED dimming cable
    By Tom@HaslettMI in forum Equipment Sales & Trades
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 12-19-2013, 03:54 PM
  2. Automation Apex app is now available ! ,
    By binford4000 in forum Hardware
    Replies: 21
    Last Post: 01-05-2013, 08:52 PM
  3. Automation Mimicking Nature - Apex LED dimming
    By jimsflies in forum Hardware
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 09-02-2011, 08:35 PM
  4. Lighting/ LED dimming
    By Corvette Reefer in forum Hardware
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 06-03-2011, 05:31 PM
  5. Lighting/ LED Adding dimming wires to 60/48
    By Mike in forum Hardware
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 06-29-2010, 03:20 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

About CaptiveReefs

    If you are interested in learning about reefkeeping or have a problem with your reef, our reefkeeping community is here to help. Feel free to ask a question or search our site. We have lots of experienced reefkeepers that are willing to provide free reefkeeping advice!

    Besides being a great resource for all levels of reef aquarium hobbyists, CaptiveReefs is a social experience that will enhance your enjoyment of reefkeeping. CaptiveReefs is committed to connecting reefkeepers with the support and information they need to grow beautiful coral reef aquariums.

Information

Connect with Us