View Full Version : dummy timer on Apex?
805reef
02/21/2010, 12:36 PM
Is there a way to add a dummy timer in the Apex? On my AC3 I had a dummy timer 'MNT' that when I would set to ON it would turn off skimmer/pumps/etc for water changes/maintenance. Was quick and easy to do, would like to do this with the Apex. Also, along with this could i delay the start of certain items (ie skimmer) when this is turned off for a few minutes?
aquamanic
02/21/2010, 12:41 PM
Use the Feed capability on the Apex
805reef
02/21/2010, 12:48 PM
I'd rather not use the feed capability, for the same reason I didnt use it on the AC3, unless there is a way to make it for unlimited time. In case I get started doing maintenance and then something important comes up and I have to leave, I dont want everything to start back up after the feeding timer is done... I'd rather have to manually turn it back on
kenargo
02/21/2010, 02:01 PM
You can add a dummy timer using the modules screen and add a module (e.g., Lunar Sim) that has 1 address. Assign a bogus address and program the outlet; works the same as in the AC3.
There is more information here:
http://reeftech.webs.com/
In the "Unofficial New User Handbook for the Neptune Systems Apex Controller"
805reef
02/21/2010, 02:21 PM
thanks Ken, that is perfect!
I made a virtual outlet named Maintenance, and in the code for certain pumps i put:
'If Outlet Maintenance = ON Then OFF'
Now is there any way to make it so when i set Maintenance back to OFF, the skimmer waits a couple minutes before starting back up? like a delayed start
aquamanic
02/21/2010, 03:10 PM
The Defer statement is what you want to use (I haven't tested the following but it should work)
Create another virtual outlet called Skim_delay
Set OFF
If Outlet maintenance OFF then ON
Defer 005:00 Then ON
Then in your skimmer outlet:
Fallback ON
Set ON
If Outlet maintenance ON then OFF
If Outlet Skim_delay ON then ON
kenargo
02/21/2010, 03:12 PM
Depending on what else you have in the skimmer program you could use Defer but if that isn't practical (because of the skimmer program) then you can add a second virtual outlet and have that use Defer and trigger the skimmer off the second rather than the 1st.
805reef
02/21/2010, 03:56 PM
this is my skimmer program:
Fallback OFF
Set ON
If Outlet Maintenance = ON Then OFF
kenargo
02/21/2010, 04:16 PM
Just add a Defer 005:00 Then OFF
This will keep the skimmer off for 5 minutes after Maintenance turns back off
aquamanic
02/21/2010, 05:01 PM
Ken - are you sure about that?
In the following, when the outlet 'maintenance' is turned OFF (maintenance is done), the outlet register is going to be ON prior to the Defer. I don't think the Defer will apply - the skimmer will start immediately. In fact, I think the following will delay turning the skimmer OFF for 5 minutes when maintenance starts.
Fallback OFF
Set ON
If Outlet Maintenance = ON Then OFF
Defer 005:00 Then OFF
I think the following would work:
Fallback OFF
Set ON
If Outlet Maintenance = ON Then OFF
If Outlet Maintenance = OFF Then ON
Defer 005:00 Then ON
What do you think?
kenargo
02/21/2010, 06:17 PM
You don't need Set ON and yes, if you want to defer turning the skimmer On then you want the Defer On (sorry, I was thinking backwards this morning).
aquamanic
02/21/2010, 06:27 PM
Don't feel bad - I spent 30 minutes testing combinations with a table lamp to be sure! :D
805reef
02/21/2010, 06:45 PM
so this is what i need then, correct?
Fallback OFF
Set ON
If Outlet Maintenance = ON Then OFF
If Outlet Maintenance = OFF Then ON
Defer 005:00 Then ON
thanks a lot Alan and Ken, I appreciate the help very very much!
kenargo
02/21/2010, 06:58 PM
remove the SET On (since you have both ON and OFF conditions based on the timer and you should be set.
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