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Researching which Controller to Get

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Post by matt_longview Thu 14 Apr 2011, 11:48 am

I'm trying to decide which controller to get. Here's my list of must haves and hopefuls.

Must have: Temp, pH, 4 Controllable Outlets, 2 Float Switch Inputs

Hopeful: Ethernet Connectivity, Email Alarms, Salinity, More Water Quality Tests, Upgradable to LED Dimming Control

The new Apex Jr looks very hopeful. Already having ethernet connectivity (with email alarms), temp monitoring and 4 controllable outlets on the main unit. Then I can add some things.
Here's the PM1 I could add: PM1

Here's the PM2: PM2

The total on the Apex Jr system ($150) and 1 addon would be less than $250.

Problem seems that there's not 1 add on that will monitor both pH and Salinity. Either will give me the float switches, but do you guys know if there is one that will monitor all the rest? Salinity testing isn't on my "must have" list, but it sure would be nice. I'm just working with a hydrometer right now and I don't want to buy a refractothingy if I'm going to have a controller.

So the other option would be this reef keeper lite system here.

It would cover the temp, pH, 4 outlets and 2 float switches. Would not have ethernet (without buying expansion) or email alarms (since no interent) but also comes with the pH probe (which I'm not sure the apex jr expansion comes with, so it would likely save some money up front but at a loss of ethernet up front).

Thoughts!?!?! :-)
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Post by Yuma Thu 14 Apr 2011, 12:38 pm

Either way, you have to buy a 2nd expansion to monitor both. If it matters....there are some really cool things you can do with the Apex, directly from your Iphone.

I've looked at all of these as well, and have actually considered building a DIY controller. I think I could do DIY for about $150-$200 for EVERYTHING, depending on how crazy I wanted to get. Be run on the arduino language so would also run most LED drivers as well, but wouldn't be monitorable/controllable from the iphone.

2 cents.


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Post by Bryan Thu 14 Apr 2011, 4:23 pm

I am very happy with my Reef Keeper Elite, havent broke down and bought the NET module yet but plan to. So far it has been awsome, and now it can be controlled from the web if you have the net module.
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Post by J.Davis Thu 14 Apr 2011, 10:09 pm

IPhone does have an app. for the RKE I belive. Dan has the net. mod. with his and can check it through his Iphone (when he has it hooked up). Acro on DFWMAS also runs a RKE that he intends to use the Lunar mod. to control all his LEDs. Not sure how he'll do it, he told me... just lost me LOL. I'm a fan of mine .
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Post by Yuma Fri 15 Apr 2011, 12:28 am

I think as far as functionality is concerned, you're gonna have about the same...maybe a little different way of going about it between one or the other, but it's essentially the same.

Differences are gonna be price and ultimate expandability....I'm not sure who could use the up to 240 expansions or whatever it is on the Apex though to be honest....

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