Aquatronica SMS Module

[euod]

Has anyone installed Aquatronica SMS Module? No need for ethernet or pc? Exactly how does it work and can it be used on the older model?

[nemo's janitor]

Yes it will work on the older controller ACQ001. You will have to upgrade it to at least fw 5.1.
It is advisable to update the entire system with the latest download. Currently ver 8.1

You will need a PC connected to the Internet and the Aquatronica PC interface to do this.

Here is the manual with the info you ask.
http://www.aquatronica.com/pdf_download/eng/ISACQ240C-1_ENG.pdf

[euod]

What are the pros and cons having this SMS that page you through the phone and the ethernet that email you. Both have the same end result, correct?

[nemo's janitor]

No, I use both for very different reasons.

1) The GSM network is far more reliable than a Ethernet/ Internet means of communication.
2) The SMS module sends our alerts when there is a power cut. the Ethernet module cannot do that.
3) The SMS module only sends out alerts when a parameter is out of it's range or upon request.
4) The SMS module does not give you the state of the UP outlet.
5) Ethernet module allows you log on and view real time monitoring.
6) From a remote computer/Smart phone you can switch a PU outlets on or off.
7) If you have the Ethernet module you can run a program called AquaStats. This program gives you an amazing amount of information and allows you to store data and do graphs. You can also log all maintenance, livestock additions,medications etc . Here is the link if you are interested.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1225746&perpage=25&pagenumber=17

[NeveSSL]

I think this has been answered at least a dozen times on here, but is the SMS available to North America? It seems like I remember someone getting one and using a pay as you go service or something like that.

Brandon

[nemo's janitor]

Most of us use Pay as you go. Except Jaypjay. In our country one can get a Sim card/service for free. Buy a data pack or air time and your connected.
This is Africa where the cell phone service providers rally for the lower income group. We take advantage of that. why not.

[nemo's janitor]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14232763#post14232763 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NeveSSL
I think this has been answered at least a dozen times on here...
Brandon

In (MY) the old days it was called brain washing and "don't you ever forget or else". The new generation call it "Oh yes now i remember, how did it go again":D

[RobbyG]

As Nemo stated, they both have different strong points.

As an overall monitoring tool the Ethernet is the best.

As a tool used to alert you of Tank problems the SMS is much better. While the Ethernet can send you SMS mgs via the Internet or it can send you straight email alerts, at best the Ethernet module will take anywhere from 1 min to 20 min to alert you via SMS (Because of the nature of SMS text via Internet. aka unreliable) and using email all depends on when you check your mail or if you notice the message coming in with all your other emails.

On the other hand the SMS module will send an alert to your cell phone almost immediately, it is much more reliable at SMS than Ethernet module is. Also the power outage alert that nemo pointed out is a key feature of the SMS module.

IMHO I would say buy the Ethernet module first, if you work at a desk with a PC and you don't travel around a lot. If you do move around a lot get the SMS module first, and if you can afford both you will have the best remote monitoring that money can buy.

[NeveSSL]

I have a BlackBerry, so email for me is instantaneous. :) I can also have texts sent as emails instantly (by sending them to my_number@verizonwireless.net I think it is).

The main reason I want the SMS module is for the power outage feature. It is very sorely missed (and should be included, IMO) on the ethernet module.

Thanks Robby!

Brandon

[euod]

So is the SMS unit avail. in the States and do I just get a duplicate Sim card as my phone or a different account # altogether?

[RobbyG]

The "mynumber@verizonwireless.net" is SMS over email. I find that it is very unreliable, I have had cases where the message did not get to my phone for 20-25 minutes after being sent. The direct email to your phone will be much faster but expect delays of about 2-5 minutes.

Now I know these delays sound like nit picking but believe me the difference between catching a Tank overflowing within 1 min versus 5 min can be 5 extra Gallons of water on the floor.

I still think that if your near a PC most of the day that the Ethernet is a better chioce. But if power outage is the concern the SMS is the weapon of choice :)


<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14257290#post14257290 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NeveSSL
I have a BlackBerry, so email for me is instantaneous. :) I can also have texts sent as emails instantly (by sending them to my_number@verizonwireless.net I think it is).

The main reason I want the SMS module is for the power outage feature. It is very sorely missed (and should be included, IMO) on the ethernet module.

Thanks Robby!

Brandon

[RobbyG]

It is available but before you buy it make sure that your getting a strong cell signal with your cell phone at the area that you will be installing the SMS. In my case a 4 bar cell phone signal showed up as one bar on the SMS module. I have been told that a newer SMS is out or coming out that has a better antenna so that may change.

As for the Sim Card, use whatever is the cheapest method you can get. Over here just like South Africa we have lots of Pre-Paid Sim services, so thats what I use but if you can get it on a Post paid plan for a resonable price that would be a better option.


<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14258763#post14258763 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by euod
So is the SMS unit avail. in the States and do I just get a duplicate Sim card as my phone or a different account # altogether?

[triggerfish2]

i am just wondering whether the Ethernet module has the wireless capability? saw from the manual that a LAN wire has to to connected, however, the distance from my tank to the router is rather long. thanks

[nemo's janitor]

Yes you can use a wireless router but it is better to run a cat5 cable.

[euod]

I am using linksys powerline, 3 floors from the router.

[NeveSSL]

What you will want is a wireless bridge. This will plug a cable into your ethernet module and then connect to your router through wireless. :)

Brandon

[triggerfish2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14497034#post14497034 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NeveSSL
What you will want is a wireless bridge. This will plug a cable into your ethernet module and then connect to your router through wireless. :)

Brandon

roger that appreciate it. thanks