fishboys Posted April 2, 2016 Share Posted April 2, 2016 So can any of you tell me how you guys are making your apex wireless? I am looking at using a wireless extender? Any and all insight would be great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paratore Posted April 2, 2016 Share Posted April 2, 2016 I use a wireless extender! The frag "shed" is about 40 feet from my house Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xmas_one Posted April 3, 2016 Share Posted April 3, 2016 I used a Better WN3000RP from Walmart, it works great, $40. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PDX_Reefer Posted April 3, 2016 Share Posted April 3, 2016 Just set mine up last week. The Apex itself does not have wireless. You'll need to place a wireless extender near the controller. Your main wireless will communicate to the extender. Then run an Ethernet cable from the extended to the controller. The Apex instructions describe the setup process, though they're not super clear. Feel free to shoot me a message. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xmas_one Posted April 3, 2016 Share Posted April 3, 2016 I used a Better WN3000RP from Walmart, it works great, $40. Netgear, not "Better" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjmdh Posted April 3, 2016 Share Posted April 3, 2016 (edited) I use these TP-Link mini-routers. http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-WR702N-Wireless-Repeater-150Mbps/dp/B007PTCFFW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459661584&sr=8-1&keywords=TP-LINK-TL-WR702N-Wireless-Repeater-150Mbps Follow the instructions on setting it up as a client and there you go. I have one on my security system and it works great. Also one running on my WIP DIY aquarium controller. Edited April 3, 2016 by cjmdh 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wmcbane200 Posted April 4, 2016 Share Posted April 4, 2016 If you have it on the same circuit breaker as your house you might be able to use a home plug for it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wmcbane200 Posted April 4, 2016 Share Posted April 4, 2016 TP-LINK TL-PA4010KIT AV500 Nano Powerline Adapter Starter Kit, up to 500Mbps https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AWRUICG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_AtBaxbV2BREAB Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timfountain Posted April 4, 2016 Share Posted April 4, 2016 (edited) I'm using the Netgear WNCE2001. It works great and was simple to setup as it has WPS and my router also has WPS. I got the Netgear on ebay for $20 including shipping. My router is the Camcast supplied Arris TG862G/CT (DOCSIS 3.0, 802.11AC and VOIP). Next job is to try and figure out a compatible webcam that integrates with Apex Fusion. Edited April 4, 2016 by timfountain 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timfountain Posted April 4, 2016 Share Posted April 4, 2016 BTW the Netgear WNCE2001 is operating in bridged mode, meaning that the fact I am using it is transparent to the Apex. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bevo5 Posted April 4, 2016 Share Posted April 4, 2016 Man, I wish Apex would make a wireless bridge. There are plenty of good options, but nothing like spending $200 on an APEX module you don't need. I use the Netgear bridges. They work OK. One is rock solid but I have another that loses connection like 15 times a day. It always pops back on after a few seconds, but there is an absolute guarantee it won't be connected when I want to turn pumps on/off for a water change or something. But always comes back. I tried the electric socket ones and they worked great. My house is just on too many circuits - so the tank and router can't be connected that way. Anyway - Netgear is the way to go. Everyone uses 'em. Order off Amazon and you can get a refurbed one pretty cheap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milesmiles902 Posted April 4, 2016 Share Posted April 4, 2016 What type of bandwidth does an Apex require? I know nothing about the Apex, but I do know that any router can be used in bridged mode. Most people that have had internet for a few years, probably have a router lying around. Probably would save you a little bit of money. All routers can be extenders, but not all extenders can be routers. :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timfountain Posted April 4, 2016 Share Posted April 4, 2016 Very little. The Netgear WNCE2001 is an N router so capable of ~300Mb/s but so far I have seen it using on busty packets for <1% channel occupancy (using wireshark). so it is very low in terms of required b/w. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milesmiles902 Posted April 4, 2016 Share Posted April 4, 2016 Very little. The Netgear WNCE2001 is an N router so capable of ~300Mb/s but so far I have seen it using on busty packets for <1% channel occupancy (using wireshark). so it is very low in terms of required b/w. Yeah. I couldn't imagine that it would take a lot of data, unless you were streaming high quality video of your tank. The problem with some of the old routers is their coverage might not reach the newer routers coverage. Otherwise, sounds like they are a possibility as an extender. Just need to mess with settings or install DD-WRT firmware. Just another option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timfountain Posted May 5, 2016 Share Posted May 5, 2016 So an update. I believe one of the main points of the Apex is bullet proof reliability and the WNCE2001 was just not up to the job. It only dropped out a couple of times but when it did, I had to completely reset it and associate it with the main router through WPS. It just refused to reconnect without a complete factory reset. Very frustrating.. So I spent 2 hours on Saturday dropping Cat 6 from the main 24 port Gbe switch in the networking cupbord to a point behind the aquarium. I also added a secondary WIFI 802.11AC extender to give me better WIFI coverage to other wireless devices on the backside of the house and hardwired the Apex to a Netgear 5 port GbE switch. So far so good. I've never had WIFI that was 100% consistent, and this is just another datapoint. You can beat hardwired connections. Now if I can just fiigure out how to get my webcam integrated in the my Apex Fusion page then I would be really happy. I have a lot of experience with computers and networking and getting the webcam integrated is the hardest thing I have ever attempted. It is pretty darn complex. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exodus Posted May 5, 2016 Share Posted May 5, 2016 Yeah Consumer branded wireless routers are crap in general, Most Linksys & Netgear models you buy from your local retailer will need to be reset occasionally might want to consider something like this -> http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-PA4010KIT-Powerline-Adapter-Starter/dp/B00AWRUICG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1462492325&sr=8-2&keywords=ethernet+powerline+adapter While my various wireless devices refuse to connect occasionally requiring a quick reset, my Apex has no issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timfountain Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 Powerline adapters are intriguing, but every time I've tried to use them, I got terrible bandwidth. I believe surge protectors cause big issues, and my house is full of them.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wmcbane200 Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 I'm using a power line adapter atm and it's working great. I'm using a netgear one. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.