aquacontroller jr.

[Ron Popeil]

i was wondering who is running of these locally, and what you think?

[Nyles]

I am, and Impur is. Love it, worth every penny.

[Ron Popeil]

any good tips to help me set it up? ill have the adapter to hook it up to a computer...and i run a macintosh, either of you doing the same?

[Nyles]

Nope, not really needed, just figure out what you want it to do and set it up.

Mine controls on the DC8 as follows

1-main lights (timed and programmed to shut off on an overheat)
2-Actinics (timed)
3-Kalk stir (programmed to ph and timed for stir)
4-refugium (timed)
5-return pump and heaters (this is set so I hit the quick fed and it shuts them down for 12 minutes)
6-Cooling fans (single large fan programmed to a temp setting and timed to cool t-5 lights)
7-Overheat fans (two larger fans programmed to a temp setting)
8-co2 (ph controlled)

Basically I use it to monitor temp but not control temp because I love my ranco temp controller, and I use it to control timers and control ph with kalk. This unit eliminated my temp control (I need to take it off) and it removed my coralife dual timer. this has added some redundancy and reduced risk of a tank fault. I would not run a tank without one again due to the programmability to do what you would do in case of an emergency, as with the cooling timers and such as specified above. I need to get in there and redo some things but overall a great piece. It has enabled me to rest easier and my wife does not call my office every other day wanting to know what to do, the controller does it and tells on screen whats happening. Once you figure out the programing its simple, a little confusing at first but a breeze after you get familiar.

[Ron Popeil]

wonderful. im very excited. from everything ive been reading, i dont know why i didnt get one of these earlier.

[Nyles]

Just make sure you calibrate your probe every month, or like me bi-monthly. Let me know how your http service works if you decide to use it, I was thinking about it but the PC at my place is way to far away. Plus I really don't need access. If you have programming questions after your read the manual don't be afraid to ask.

[H20cooled]

I've got one on my lagoon tank and I have the AC3 on my reef, they are both great units and either work great the AC3 just allows me web access and also to have a 2nd pH probe that I use for me CA reactor.

Rich

[impur]

Love my AC Jr. I think the pH probe is more accurate than my Pinpoint pH monitor. Right now i'm just using it to keep an eye on the tank since kalk is keeping up with my alk/calcium needs.

For the temp controller alone i'd buy this controller. It automates everything. Its the best piece of equipment i've bought for my tank.

Just let me know if I can be of any help setting it up Jordan.

[Nyles]

I agree, its my tank babysitter when I'm not home, and it gives me confidence to actually go on vacation.

[lquidglass]

I just got the Ac 3 with the DC-8 and getting it set up. they are a lot moe simple to program from your computer ( do not have to scroll through everything. Worth every penny!

[siskiou]

I don't have the Neptune brand, but have to agree that a controller was the best piece of equipment for the tank I ever bought.
It automates lighting (incl. moonlight and sunrise cycles), heating/cooling, my Tunze pump settings (offers more possibilities than the Tunze multi controller), ATO, pH control and could do a lot more if I had the money to add another power bar and expand the unit for more probes etc.

[Ron Popeil]

just a couple more days till i get to play with one. cant wait!

[Nyles]

Congratulations Ron.... More toys.... well, in this case, a very very useful toy.

[Ron Popeil]

so controller is up and checking my pH and temperature. i have a box full of X10 things i need to hook up today. first thing i want to do:

- drill hole in the top of my reactor and insert probe inside. and use this to check my effluent pH, and control it.
run this concurrently with a regular pH monitor to check tank pH.

then ill plug in the X10 modules to everything i want to be turned on and off by the ACjr.

- has anyone used LED moonlights hooked up to the ACjr and then run with the moonlight program stuff?
- is it as simple as it looks to hook up the x10 stuff, and then use the controller to recognize them?
- anyone here have theirs hooked up to their macintosh?

more questions will come. thanks for your help!

[Ron Popeil]

what happens if you plug one of those multiplug adapters into a single x10 module? say, i need to have two heaters turn on and off at the same time, but only want to use one x10 module...does that still work?

[Nyles]

yes I have a few setup that way, just don't exceed the amd draw for the outlet. Also for my cooling fans I had to do an interesting program.
I wanted them to run all the time if the heat got to high and I needed them to just run for 1 min per 15 minutes to cool the lamps. To do that I needed to program two functions (like lt1, ht1, ph1, klk) to a single dc outlet. if you need to do anything like that let me know and I can be specific.

[Ron Popeil]

ok. so i finished my electrical organizing.

i have a single power strip dedicated to things i want to use with the controller. these have their respective X10 plugs in and are ready to be activated. but id be lying if i said using the controller to try to program all this wasnt very intimidating.

this is what i want my controller to operate, and how.

- halides 1 and 2: turn on at 5pm off at 12am
- fans 1 and 2: come on when the temperature reaches 81 F, stay on til temperature drops
- heater: turn on when temperature drops below 78, turn off when temperature reaches 81
- solenoid: i dont really know what i want it to do with my calcium reactor yet, suggestions?
- moonlights: moon cycle, this is possible, right?

as for the X10 stuff, theres one module with what looks like a phone jack. i plug this into an outlet, and then into my controller...correct?

i use a mac, which has turned out to be not compatible with my controller. however, my roommate has a PC laptop. could i load aquanotes onto that, set up my programming, and then...use the controller?

[Nyles]

Did you read the manual yet? After I read it all this was simple... you need to attach names to your devices first then associate function to the name. you should go through the manual first, even the calcium reactor setup should be in there. Also heaters are in there.

mine for heat are:

IF TEMP > 78
THEN HOT = ON

IF TEMP < 78.5
THEN HOT = OFF

IF TEMP < 82
THEN LT1 = OFF (this shuts off lights on overheat)

IF TEMP < 80
THEN FAN = ON

IF TEMP > 79.5
THEN FAN = OFF


For calcium reactor:


IF PH < 6.90
THEN C02 = ON

IF PH > 6.70
THEN CO2 = OFF


for lights

IF TIME < 13:00
THEN LT1 = ON

IF TIME < 22:00
THEN LT1 = OFF


IF TIME < 13:30
THEN LT2 = ON

IF TIME < 21:30
THE LT2 = OFF

to kick on refugium:
IF LT2 OFF
THEN REF ON

[Nyles]

to associate names to function go to timer names and associate to x10 devices. if your not sure of the names you need to look them up in book, my dc-8 are A-(1-8)

[Nyles]

keep in mind you can also have more than one "name" associated to a device/plug. So if you need the device to multiple things and they conflict you can use more than one name for an outlet. I do this for my cooling fans, so they only run during lights on and the run one minute per 15 minute intervals to save electricity.

[Ron Popeil]

i just loaded the aquanotes lite program onto my roommates pc laptop. and it freezes and closes after every button click. not impressed. looks like ill be going manual on this one.

[Ron Popeil]

ok, you were right. not that challenging. here are my programs.

LIGHTS
if time > 1700 LT 1 ON
if time > 0000 LT 1 OFF
(LT2 has the same command)
if temp > 84.5 LT1 OFF
if temp > 85.0 LT2 OFF

FANS
if temp > 80 FAN ON
if temp < 80 FAN OFF

HEATER
if temp < 79 HEATER ON
if temp > 80 HEATER OFF

how does that look? i dont have my CO2 stuff figured out yet, so i dont have that set up.

[Ron Popeil]

im going to try to run a moonlight LED on the controller. when i go to the moonlight program it states:

if Mon 020/030 then MON ON

what does that mean? do i do an off program? what do the 020/030 numbers mean?

[Ronjunior]

im going to try to run a moonlight LED on the controller. when i go to the moonlight program it states:

if Mon 020/030 then MON ON

what does that mean? do i do an off program? what do the 020/030 numbers mean?

Moonlight time, you know, the 30 lunar times zones specified.....no, I'm full of horse puky, haven't a clue but couldn't resist.

[Nyles]

you need a gap between these for fluctuation:
FANS
if temp > 80 FAN ON
if temp < 80 FAN OFF

Keep in mind the first one triggers the on setting and the second TRIGGERS the off setting. I would allow at least .5 degree offset.


IF TEMP < 80
THEN FAN = ON

IF TEMP > 79.5
THEN FAN = OFF

you would also want to ease up your heater too so there is some fluctuation.
you had"
HEATER
if temp < 79 HEATER ON
if temp > 80 HEATER OFF


I would do:
HEATER
if temp < 78.5 HEATER ON
if temp > 79.5 HEATER OFF

your fan kicks on at 80 so you would be in an infinite loop of heating to 80 then cooling. Leave some room for the tank to fluctuate, see my programming above I have left 1.5 degrees for the tank to fluctuate from where the heat turns OFF and the fans turn ON.

[Nyles]

as for moonlight, Im not a fan, I have moonlights but I only use them to view the tank, I have never made an attempt to simulate moonlight. It is described on page 19 of the manual.

[Ron Popeil]

thanks again nyles for your help. greatly appreciated!

after almost an hour of toiling and blood letting, i got my probe installed into my calcium reactor. ill hook the solenoid up to the controller tonight, and fix the temperature flunctuation programs.

the manual doesnt go into any detail about the moonlight programming, it read like i should already know how to do it. ill figure it out though.

thanks again! ill let you all know when the project is complete.

[Ron Popeil]

my two questions for this evening are:

when using X10 modules, the two dials are arranged so the numbers are on top, the letters below. so when programing that module into my controller, will i name it A2 or 2A?

and secondly, if my solenoid doesnt click when i plug or unplug it, i assume, its ceasing to function...correct?

[Nyles]

my two questions for this evening are:

when using X10 modules, the two dials are arranged so the numbers are on top, the letters below. so when programing that module into my controller, will i name it A2 or 2A?

I would try letter first and number second, but if it don't work try the other way, worst thing that can happen is it wont respond.




and secondly, if my solenoid doesnt click when i plug or unplug it, i assume, its ceasing to function...correct?
I would have to "guess" your correct. I can hear my solenoid click on but I cannot hear it click off typically.

[WAVES]

OK,,, lets try again...


ACT$-D01
MHL$-D02
LOP#-D03
KAL#-D04
HET%-D05
COL%-D06
OZN#-D07
CO2%-D08
ALM#-D09


If Time > 00:00 Then LOP ON
If Time > 00:00 Then ALM OFF
If Time > 13:00 Then ACT ON
If Time > 23:00 Then ACT OFF
If Time > 15:00 Then MHL ON
If Time > 22:00 Then MHL OFF
If Time > 09:00 Then KAL ON
If Time > 09:10 Then KAL OFF
If Time > 18:00 Then KAL ON
If Time > 18:10 Then KAL OFF
If Time > 12:00 Then KAL ON
If Time > 12:10 Then KAL OFF
If Time > 15:00 Then KAL ON
If Time > 15:10 Then KAL OFF
If Temp < 76.0 Then HET ON
If Temp > 76.5 Then HET OFF
If Temp > 78.0 Then COL ON
If Temp < 77.5 Then COL OFF
If Temp < 50.0 Then HET OFF
If pHA1 > 06.80 Then CO2 ON
If pHA1 < 06.70 Then CO2 OFF
If pHA1 > 07.00 Then ALM ON
If pHA1 < 06.90 Then ALM OFF
If Temp > 82.0 Then ALM ON
If Temp < 75.0 Then ALM ON
If Temp > 82.0 Then MHL OFF
If Power 000 Then ALM ON
If ORP > 400 Then OZN OFF
If ORP < 360 Then OZN ON
If ORP > 520 Then ALM ON

[Ron Popeil]

so an update. its been several days since my controller has been left on its own to operate the important functions of my tank system. the first thing i noticed was how stable the temperature in my tank became. precontroller, i used a single 300w heater. my temperature would fluctuate constantly from 75 to 84 degrees nearly every day, and i would see my heater on even when the temperature was hotter than what i had set it for. now i have three heaters, controlled by the ACJR and the only time my temperature fluctuates is when its very cold inside my house. for that stabilization alone i was thrilled with the device. how i have it set is so that when the temp gets too warm, the heaters turn off. if the temp continues to raise, the fans kick on. if it continues to get warmer, the lights turn off. this feature is incredible. it means i dont have to worry about my tank overheating in the summer while im at work or away. its absolutely wonderful.

then i hooked it up to a pH probe inside my calcium reactor. it now keeps my effluent pH of my reactor even more stable than my temperature. which keeps the overall pH of my tank stable as well. again, very impressed and thrilled.

the lights are also doing well with the controllers timer. as i said earlier, having the ability to have the lights turn off if they make the water too hot is a great ability of the controller and saves me much fretting as i did last summer.

so i am extremely pleased with the controller. i would like to see them have some macintosh software soon, so i can use the expensive serial port i purchased it with, but...oh well for now.

thanks everyone for your help and i strongly recommend getting one of these!

[andy]

I'll bet the AquaNotes software would work just fine on a Mac running in Parallels (http://www.parallels.com/en/landingpage/dskd10_4/?gclid=CNq_3MXYpJECFQINPAodbWhxeQ). You 'd also need a RS-232 to USB adapter though... Might just be cheaper to sell the Junior and upgrade to a AC3, where you get all that functionality via the internal webserver. Plus, the AC3 has a bunch more switched inputs (for water-on-floor, ATO, etc sensors).

[Cobalt]

i have parallels but my AcJr does not have the serial port. web interface would be awesome.

[andy]

Yeah, without the serial port you're pretty-much stuck.

[drock59]

Does anyone else demand some photos?

[impur]

Does anyone else demand some photos?

Absolutely. Quit holding out on us!!! (laugh)

[Nyles]

Does anyone else demand some photos?
(worthless)

mwa ha ha ha ha!

[andy]

I got my ACjr installed and running a week or so ago. Money well spent.

[Ron Popeil]

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b293/ronaldpopeil/P1000728.jpg

there, next to my ikea fish food rack, lies the beast. the sleeping giant.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b293/ronaldpopeil/P1000729.jpg

beautiful. stunning. breathtaking.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b293/ronaldpopeil/P1000733.jpg

easy to use. pleasurable to operate.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b293/ronaldpopeil/P1000734.jpg

a great achievement in human history.

[Cobalt]

you pH is a little low there ;)

i have the older version, wish mine was backlit. I may have to upgrade just to get the cheap DC8 package!

[Rugbyfish]

oldie but goodie, thanks for the read

[Ron Popeil]

i have since upgraded to the Aquacontroller III....and am now far more satisfied.

the ac jr was great, but what it came down to was how much i had invested in my livestock only to have some minor problem kill everything off while i was away. i no longer have that dread of a vacation or being at work and not knowing what my tank is going through. i can see my water parameters from any computer in the world, and better yet, get a text message any time theres an emergency.

get one.

[Frank]

I just got my AC JR :D

I am lost on how to set up the DHC DOH!... Would really like some help... (scary).. Any info on how to do my lights, heater, CA reactor and fans and the rest...would be appreciated!
I really don't have a clue so any assistance would be great...help!...lol

[mrgreenthumb]

wow i didn't know frank was still alive....

[madmike]

hey frank, have you checked out their forum on RC? There are many Aqua controller experts over there that can help you write a program that will suit your needs.

[Algae]

Just got my ACJR too. There is a little learning curve to it.
I've got a program for my Firebird that can make it shift into Reverse at 130mph.

[Algae]

I am progressing pretty well on my programming. Within the next week (still need a ph probe) I think I will have it down. If by that time you need help, you can call me and we can go over it together if you are not in that big a hurry. A hint -> means that you can navigate more. And the outlet (a1, a8, etc) are not always next to each other in the program. If you mess up you can go to init and mess up again. It is a circular program and you can always get out of it. It just takes long time.
Good Luck

[Algae]

Oh yeah. I am running Home XP and the program seems buggy. It is easier for me, right now to program directly into the unit. YMMV.

[andy]

The program is exceptionally buggy. It's a good thing they offer a free "lite" version...