DC8 vs. EB8

[Jfannin]

What the big differance between the two?

I know the DC8 is all mechanical switches and the EB8 is 6 electronic and 2 are mechanical. But what differance does that really make?

I also notice that only 5 DC 8 can be daisy chained together unlike the EB that can do a crap load more.

[RussM]

A DC8 is not all relays... it's the same as the EB8: 1-3 & 5-7 are TRIAC-controlled (electronic switches), 4 & 8 are relay-switched (mechanical switches). The DC4HD has all relays (as does the EB4) Some really old DC8s have TRIACs on all 8 outlets though.

One major difference is that the DC8 cannot measure current draw like the EB8. Another is that you can put a EB8 much further away from the controller than you can a DC8.

EB8 TRIAC outlets are rated for 5A, the relay outlets are 10A. On the DC8, all 8 outlets are rated for 6A.

[Jfannin]

So what do you think? I have the one EB 8 that came with my system an I need to control:

Return pump
Skimmer
GFO Pump
Dosing pump for Alk
Dosing pump for Ca

Blue t5's
White T5's
Moon lights
Refugi light

Fans for lighting
Fans for sump area

Just noticed that you suggested also putting my vortechs (mp40wes and mp10) on the apex as well.

I also have my ATO unit and powerhead that I guess I could connect as well just because.

Figure the EB 8 is $135 and I can get the DC 8 for $99
You would you use?

[aquamanic]

EB8. Don't mess around with the DC8 - it's fine if you already had one but why cripple the Apex with the DC8? It's one-way communications vs. the EB8 that can talk back to the controller, report amp usage, has a fallback mode, etc. You're probably into this for over $500 already - what's another $40?

[RussM]

you're probably into this for over $500 already - what's another $40?+1

[pyton]

I upgraded all my DC8's to the EB8's so I could see my Amps.
In the long run I am glad I spent the extra $40.00 to do so.

[Jfannin]

Yah good point. I am already in it for alot so why skimp know.

Guess Ill order he EB 8 soon as I get home.


Thx for the advice.

[Jfannin]

Well need to round out my order to get free shipping.

What's the best addon for the apex? The one you love the most?

Pm1 pm2 pm3 or something as simple as just a ORP probe?

Thanks

Btw Im using dosing pumps so no Ca reactor or anything like that.

[aquamanic]

Depends on how much you need to spend - here's what I would do in order:

Orp probe
Breakout box
WXM module if you have Vortech pumps - just the Tunze cables if you have Tunze

Non-Neptune products:
Battery backup
Wireless game adapter
GFO and or carbon reactors

Just some ideas.

[RussM]

A decent supply of pH calibration solutions is always a good way to pad an order.