A little set up help please

[AJT]

I have an apex, have it installed. Display was bad & a new one has been sent, but still in the mail.

I know enough about computers to be dangerous.

I remember "basic" language programing & this reminds me of that. (IF, then). pretty straight forward.

I have a wireless gaming adapter which I will get going after the apex is working.

I emailed icecap for the amps used on their ballast, but had no response that i saw. Does anyone know the pull on the following?

1. I have (2) iCECAP 660s.
(1) icecap 330 I think, the smaller one for 2 bulbs
(3) icecap 250 Watt MH electronic ballast

Which outlets in the DC8 should I hook them up to?

How do I get into the programming from laptop instead of display?

I am stretching my computer skills here.

Thanks
Andyhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/ATE-A-V-8/Apexsetup.jpg

[kenargo]

(2) icecap 660s.
(1) icecap 330 I think, the smaller one for 2 bulbs
(3) icecap 250 Watt MH electronic ballast

Which outlets in the DC8 should I hook them up to?

Do you mean DC8 or EB8? Actually the answer is the same; the 660; if you have sufficient outlets available 1 device per outlet is always the best and in the case of these devices I'd say 1 outlet per device is best because if initial current draw. Outlets 1-3 and 5-7 are best and I would leave 4 and 8 for things like pumps and such.


How do I get into the programming from laptop instead of display?

Have you connected the Game Adapter? Once you have the network connection going open a browser and type "http://Apex" and it should connect. After connecting the Outlet page is your friend and you can use the manual as a program reference. There are many wizards for standard types if devices (e.g., lights, pumps, etc) and those might work well for you or use Advanced mode and write your own code.

I have my program posted on my webpage that you can also use as a reference.

Lastly, ask question; lots of great people here willing to help; you are never alone!

[AJT]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15627971#post15627971 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kenargo
Do you mean DC8 or EB8? Actually the answer is the same; the 660; if you have sufficient outlets available 1 device per outlet is always the best and in the case of these devices I'd say 1 outlet per device is best because if initial current draw. Outlets 1-3 and 5-7 are best and I would leave 4 and 8 for things like pumps and such.




Have you connected the Game Adapter?

Lets leave the adapter out of the equation for now, I have my laptop connected straight to the apex.


How do I get into the programming from my laptop??



I have my program posted on my webpage that you can also use as a reference.

Lastly, ask question; lots of great people here willing to help; you are never alone!

[AJT]

2) icecap 660s.
(1) icecap 330 I think, the smaller one for 2 bulbs
(3) icecap 250 Watt MH electronic ballast

I just do not want to go over the amp rating for th EB8
Not sure what the draw is on each of these so I do not go over suggested amp draw

[kenargo]

What lights are you using with the 660s (that will affect draw)?

You can get a quick value by summing the wattage of all lights and divide by 120 to get amps. Add about 15% for ballasts. If you're over 15 then you can use a second EB8 or an AC Expansion Interface ($40) and plug that into the EB8 to offload some current demand.

[kenargo]

The 660s 4.4 A each, the 250MH is 2.28 and the 330 is 3.3 amps.

[MarineMarty]

Kenargo, Can you explain why outlets 4 & 8 are best used for pumps? Thanks,

[kenargo]

I'm going to need to write a FAQ I get this quesiton so often ;)

Ports 4 and 8 are relay ports and large devices like lights and things can cause, over time the relay contacts to arc and weld the contact together. In addition there are some devices (e.g., AquaLuft, CO2 and small pumps) that so not turn off property only triac ports.

For the above 2 reasons I prefer to use the relay ports for smaller devices.

But, this is just me and you can run them if you wish...

[RussM]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15633170#post15633170 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MarineMarty
Kenargo, Can you explain why outlets 4 & 8 are best used for pumps? Thanks,
Outlets 1-3 & 5-7 are controlled by a solid state switch device called a TRIAC. TRIACS do not always operate reliably when the connected device draws only a small amount of current.

Outlets 4 & 8 utilize a relay instead, which uses mechanical contacts. Many people reserve these outlets for use with low-power devices such as small powerheads (i.e. Maxijets & Koralia 1 or 2), dosing pumps, etc.

[AJT]

I got everything up & running, sort of.

The display shows amp_3 6.7
I had it going to 20, so I figure that is the draw on the sockets. I noticed lights turning off so I unplugged a few & it seems to be working.

I was begining to think "what did I get myself into"

I have not got the wireless gaming adapter going yet, just happy I don't have to manually unplug lights anymore (octapus controller stopped working b/c of line interference)

I have to say the manual leaves a lot to be desired.

If your not a computer guy this stuff takes 10 times as long..

Luckily the menu is similar to the aquadyne octapus.

Still have not figured out all the arrows & figures on the display. I set the lights to sun figure, but do not see that one. I am getting pretty burned out screwing with this thing.

I have 3 more 8 outlet units on order, guess when they arrive I will dive back into it.

Thanks for your help Ken, I was about to offer to put you on payroll & buy you a plane ticket to houston.

Andy

PS Is there anyone else here that is not a computer guy that is as lost as I am??

[kenargo]

The display shows amp_3 6.7

Fixed with latest firmware.

The icons on the display can be set using the display setup.

I like Houston ;)

If you get it connected to the network and still have troubles I can connect up and help you. Take a scan at my program (on my website); it might give some direction.

Lastly; you can do nearly everything using the wizard mode rather than advanced.

[AJT]

My screen says amps_3 7.8

This has 2 660's only pluged in.
When I plug in my 430 or 330 which ever the correct icacap ballast it is that runs 3 5' vhos the amp reading goes to 14.5 & the ballast turns off??
Is it pulling too many amps?

[AJT]

Put 3 ice cap fans on outlet 4. Runs for a while then turns off.
13.5 amps.

What is the advanced program for fans on at 7:00am & off at 11:00PM?

I give up for today. If your not computer savy, this thing is not easy.

Time for a margarita, or 2.

[kenargo]

The EB8 will not turn off when the amps ar too high (I ran with an EB8 reading 22 for some time while Curt chased down a fix). Be sure you are running the new firmware and, from the modules screen be sure the EB8 is up to date (you may not have updated the module to the new firmware which is needed to get more accurate amp reading.

Enjoy the margaritas...

:beer: