Neptune Systems Aquacontroller Jr

[gsxunv04]

Hello, I am looking into getting a control unit for my 75g reef tank. I like the AC Jr but am not sure if I should get the module alone or if I should get the DC8 module with it. I want temp. and pH probes, any recomendations?

[kretzkiller]

There is no point of having it without the DC8. Aquacave has good package deals for the AC Jr. Make sure you get calibration fluid because none comes with it. Buy extra because you need to calibrate it about once a month.

[gsxunv04]

Ok thanks. Do you like your AC jr.? What do you control/monitor with yours? Can I run my lights off of the DC8 along with both of my heaters?

[chris4869]

It'll work. You should definately get the DC8 with the controller.

Mine controls my T5 light, moon light, heater, fans, kalk mixing pump, return pump, etc...

There are things you can do with the controller that other moduler timers can't such as turning off the light when the temp is too hot or stop stirring the kalk when the pH is too high.

[gsxunv04]

Awesome, I will definately get the dc8. Do you need the software(for pc) or can you program it through the unit? thanks for the help, btw!

[chris4869]

You can program it through the unit. It's really easy.

[kretzkiller]

+1 on it being easy to program.

I control my lights, skimmer, fans, and heater.

[d0ughb0y]

I highly recommend getting the serial cable as well.
You can download AquaNotes lite and use it to program the controller (easier to sort lines, rename devices, etc on AquaNotes rather than directly on the controller).

You can then download my free program to web enable the AC jr, email alerts, google gadget, vista gadget, and real time status signature like the one below.

click on image for more info.
http://home.syfamily.org:8888/signature.jpg (http://sites.google.com/site/acserial2web)

[gsxunv04]

AWESOME!!! I have got to get one of these units now! Whats the serial cable enable, use of the Aquanotes lite program?

[Logzor]

Is there a way to hook this up wireless to the internet?

[flamron]

Doughboy - I know that you have some pretty extensive info on the ac jr.

I am wanting to get one of these, but the 220 for the dc8 package, plus the serial cable and the bluetooth adapters, gets me pretty close to the AC3.

Why should I, or shouldn't I, get the Jr. versus the AC3?

The jr. would do everything I want - Lights, fan, CL, moonlights, light fans, etc - I'm just not sure I can justify that amount of money for it.

One thing that could knock the cost down considerably would be if it is viable to use a USB to serial adapter and then plug it into a laptop I have lying around (wireless capable) running XP.

What would the pros/cons be to either the bluetooth or the usb hookups?

Hope this is on track with your thread GSX! I don't want to derail it.

Thanks,
Ron

[sjm817]

If web access is important, I would go with the AC3. It has an Ethernet port.

[d0ughb0y]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14962358#post14962358 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Logzor
Is there a way to hook this up wireless to the internet?

I use a serial to bluetooth adapter. It's not cheap though at $65, and you will still need a serial cable, but you can skip the overpriced serial isolator.


<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14962286#post14962286 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gsxunv04
AWESOME!!! I have got to get one of these units now! Whats the serial cable enable, use of the Aquanotes lite program?

that is correct, you will need the serial cable to use AquaNotes lite and the ACSerial2Web program.

[d0ughb0y]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14962360#post14962360 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by flamron
Doughboy - I know that you have some pretty extensive info on the ac jr.

I am wanting to get one of these, but the 220 for the dc8 package, plus the serial cable and the bluetooth adapters, gets me pretty close to the AC3.

Why should I, or shouldn't I, get the Jr. versus the AC3?

The jr. would do everything I want - Lights, fan, CL, moonlights, light fans, etc - I'm just not sure I can justify that amount of money for it.

One thing that could knock the cost down considerably would be if it is viable to use a USB to serial adapter and then plug it into a laptop I have lying around (wireless capable) running XP.

What would the pros/cons be to either the bluetooth or the usb hookups?

Hope this is on track with your thread GSX! I don't want to derail it.

Thanks,
Ron

If you can get the AC3 used, then that is a good option. But if you can get the ACjr used, that will be an even better option. (assuming you do not need more than 12 devices, actually just 11 physical devices since you need to assign one as the alarm device).

you don't have to get the bluetooth if you can setup a laptop near the controller.
I think I read somewhere you can get the ACjr+DC8 and ph probe new for $240 shipped. used ones go from $150 to $200 (with DC8 and ph probe, make sure you get the one with serial option).

[jennmac415]

where did you see the AC Jr with all of thst for $240??

[d0ughb0y]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15134826#post15134826 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jennmac415
where did you see the AC Jr with all of thst for $240??

I can't remember where I read it, but you can get the AC jr with DC8 for $220 at saltycritter, and their ph probe is $40 and shipping is free for order above $250.

you can get ph probes from ebay for under $20, but will all the extra shipping cost, I think the salty critter price is decent. maybe others can chime in on who sells at a better price.

[gsxunv04]

this is all great information, I had never thought about hooking my tank up to the internet!!

[d0ughb0y]

make sure to get the serial cable also.

[DaveMorris]

Don't forget that with the pending release of the Neptune Apex controller, there will probably be a good number of AC3 units showing up in the for sale forums. You may be able to find one for a good price.