Pacific Sun Kore 5th dosing Fan Club

[erik2302]

Thank you for the responses. The doser itself does seem to be working as set up. It was more an issue with manual doses. I know I need to calibrate the pumps that I'm using.



Based on my dosing set up my parameters are doing what I'm asking of the doser. I'm trying to drop alk slowly while raising calc and maintaining magnesium for now.



My alk dropped .1dkh. My calc raised 50ppm(this is including the mishap and dosing schedule over 24 hours). And I didn't test mag but I only have it scheduled to dose 10ml/day and I'll check it in a week's time.



Today will be the real tell since I didn't try any manual dosing.



So, aside from sitting closer to the doser and pressing the button slowly, this is really the only behavior that needs to be corrected and it's user influenced. Correct?



The disconnect when you're done is important also double check all your settings before you walk away, inexplicable changes do happen to your other settings from time to time and I've been lucky to avoid several disastrous mishaps with the unit. If they get the software cleaned up this would be an AMAZING unit, however as it is its at best unpredictable until you're used to all the quirks. Just because it seems to be working great now doesn't mean a week from now after adjusting the dosage on calcium it won't also adjust the dosage on alk to 8000ml per day. Just check every setting before disconnecting to be safe. Maybe it's just my unit, but based on others experiences I doubt it.


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[itz frank]

The disconnect when you're done is important also double check all your settings before you walk away, inexplicable changes do happen to your other settings from time to time and I've been lucky to avoid several disastrous mishaps with the unit. If they get the software cleaned up this would be an AMAZING unit, however as it is its at best unpredictable until you're used to all the quirks. Just because it seems to be working great now doesn't mean a week from now after adjusting the dosage on calcium it won't also adjust the dosage on alk to 8000ml per day. Just check every setting before disconnecting to be safe. Maybe it's just my unit, but based on others experiences I doubt it.


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Well, I already saw it set 50ml per day to "INF ml" once. Lol


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[Przemek_PacSun]

Hi
Based on own experience most "typical" issues reported by Customers are sourced by:
a) weak signal(due not attached/not properly connected antenna, small output power Bluetooth module in computer etc)
b) in Mac - common "issue" is getting "strange" numbers due refreshing is caused by too fast clicking buttons without waiting for finishing data stream.
That why we added in newest app on Mac (Kore 1.6) to all buttons special prompt window which inform Customer about finished data reading/sending.
For example - when on schedule tab Customer will click Read button for pump #1 - after 2-3 seconds prompt window will appear. It's like confirmation that transmission is finished and Customer can set/read another data.

PS. For manual dose maximum single amount is set to 40ml(that limit is due safety reason).

[misties]

Fine adjustment is actually 10th of a mil not 100th, but I am not allowed to adjust the post.http://onlinemarketingou.com/apple/images/34.gif
http://onlinemarketingou.com/apple/images/37.gif
http://onlinemarketingou.com/apple/images/43.gif http://onlinemarketingou.com/apple/images/68.gif

[itz frank]

I just walked in on my doser dosing calc and alk at the same time.

I manually told the doser to dose about 30 minutes prior with no response.


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[vhuang168]

Welcome to the wonderful world of the Kore 5th doser. Don't worry, you'll be told it's your BT. Or you programmed it wrong and that the doser can never be faulty.

I got tired of futzing with it so I pulled it and bought a CA reactor. No more sudden large doses of Alk or Ca. Watch your dosing containers and note how much it drops. Take notice if it looks lower than it should be. There is no logging so you don't know if it dosed more often than it is supposed to.


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[wcharon]

I will like to know if any of you are using the Optic as main ATO instead of the floats and how is it working for you. Also in which version you at??

In my experience I have been using the floats and it works great but now I started using Kalk thru my ATO and I needed something more steady with less fluctuations. Configured the Optic as main and had problems with it. I am in version 1.4g and tried the new 1.6b but same issue with both versions.

Thanks in advance...

[itz frank]

Welcome to the wonderful world of the Kore 5th doser. Don't worry, you'll be told it's your BT. Or you programmed it wrong and that the doser can never be faulty.

I got tired of futzing with it so I pulled it and bought a CA reactor. No more sudden large doses of Alk or Ca. Watch your dosing containers and note how much it drops. Take notice if it looks lower than it should be. There is no logging so you don't know if it dosed more often than it is supposed to.


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Yea. No thank you. I unplugged it and it won't be set back up.

This thing is a nightmare. I've caught it doing this twice. This time, it was a gallon of alk and calc combined at the same time.

Luckily, tank precipitated and I didn't lose anything.

But this thing is an unstable pos.


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[Przemek_PacSun]

I just walked in on my doser dosing calc and alk at the same time.

I manually told the doser to dose about 30 minutes prior with no response.


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Which version of firmware and software are you using? If PC - can you send us your .mbf file?
Can you post screenshot from refreshed tab showing daily doses and schedule?
Doser log dosed liquids in daily activities window(first tab).

[itz frank]

It's 1.4g I believe on the firmware. I can't update the firmware because the software doesn't have an update firmware button anywhere. Not even in service tab like I've seen.

I'm on a mac. I set the mac right next to the doser when I connect.


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[Przemek_PacSun]

I will like to know if any of you are using the Optic as main ATO instead of the floats and how is it working for you. Also in which version you at??

In my experience I have been using the floats and it works great but now I started using Kalk thru my ATO and I needed something more steady with less fluctuations. Configured the Optic as main and had problems with it. I am in version 1.4g and tried the new 1.6b but same issue with both versions.

Thanks in advance...

Hi William,
Optical sensor use the same algorithm like floating - you need adjust cycle time(have you tried 4-5 seconds?) Please remember that optical sensor react "faster" than floating (which need to activate internal "switch" in floating barrels) - so level difference (between its activated and again "full") is bigger.
Have you got mail from Tomasz?

Regards

[Przemek_PacSun]

It's 1.4g I believe on the firmware. I can't update the firmware because the software doesn't have an update firmware button anywhere. Not even in service tab like I've seen.

I'm on a mac. I set the mac right next to the doser when I connect.


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There is special app for update firmware on Mac or Android - please contact with service@pacific-sun.eu - they will send it to you by mail.

When you are finishing doser settings - pls remember about disconnecting from doser(using disconnect button).
You will see on LCD rolling info - which will confirm that doser left configuration mode(what you can see after connecting to doser).

[wcharon]

Hi William,
Optical sensor use the same algorithm like floating - you need adjust cycle time(have you tried 4-5 seconds?) Please remember that optical sensor react "faster" than floating (which need to activate internal "switch" in floating barrels) - so level difference (between its activated and again "full") is bigger.
Have you got mail from Tomasz?

Regards

Hi Przemek...

I haven't try to change the 4 - 5 seconds. I will give it a try...

Thanks and I will keep you updated....

[Przemek_PacSun]

So thats a reason - probably you left old settings which were working properly for floating sensor but not for optical.
The source of "over filling" is too long refill time. Hysteresis on floating sensor is much bigger than on optical. With optical it will work shorter but much often.
You will see that will solve your "issue" ;-)

[wcharon]

So thats a reason - probably you left old settings which were working properly for floating sensor but not for optical.
The source of "over filling" is too long refill time. Hysteresis on floating sensor is much bigger than on optical. With optical it will work shorter but much often.
You will see that will solve your "issue" ;-)

Thanks Przemek....

That's a good point.... Will let you know tomorrow....

[cali9dub]

It's 1.4g I believe on the firmware. I can't update the firmware because the software doesn't have an update firmware button anywhere. Not even in service tab like I've seen.

I'm on a mac. I set the mac right next to the doser when I connect.


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They have an update and recovery app for Mac if you contact service. I was pulling my hair out before I got it and now it updates fine. I do always set my MacBook right on top of the Kore unit when doing any updates or dosing changes. So far so good. It's been up and going for around 8 months now. I had major problems trying to update the firmware and unit locking up before getting the Mac app.

[itz frank]

Yea but you can imagine how much faith I have in the doser now that twice I've asked it to manually dose and it dumps unlimited amounts of X into my tank.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160927/be08073017dfebc7e02a16bb8a268ec1.jpg

Here's my tank last night at 11pm.


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[cali9dub]

Don't know what to tell you about that. I've never had an issue with dosage. I set the amount then save each one individually, log out then log back in then hit the read button to make sure all the changes took place, then log back out. If it reads your settings correctly there should be no issue. But if you hit save too quickly one after another it might be causing your problem. I do each one individually. Besides from an earlier post it looks like the software now tells you when it was saved to the unit. It never did that before. I always had to do the double checking, which I will continue to do just because it is now part of my routine. Just try saving (slowly. WIt for the cursor to blink) then log out, back in and read each pump and you should be golden. Oh also before you log off the software update your time. I always do that "just in case" as well.

[itz frank]

Don't know what to tell you about that. I've never had an issue with dosage. I set the amount then save each one individually, log out then log back in then hit the read button to make sure all the changes took place, then log back out. If it reads your settings correctly there should be no issue. But if you hit save too quickly one after another it might be causing your problem. I do each one individually. Besides from an earlier post it looks like the software now tells you when it was saved to the unit. It never did that before. I always had to do the double checking, which I will continue to do just because it is now part of my routine. Just try saving (slowly. WIt for the cursor to blink) then log out, back in and read each pump and you should be golden. Oh also before you log off the software update your time. I always do that "just in case" as well.



Both nights I turned on manual dose for small amounts. No response from doser. 5 minutes go by. Nothing. Come back and tank is dosing unlimited. It's not the daily doses. It's the random manual ones.


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[19simon79]

Welcome to the wonderful world of the Kore 5th doser. Don't worry, you'll be told it's your BT. Or you programmed it wrong and that the doser can never be faulty.

I got tired of futzing with it so I pulled it and bought a CA reactor. No more sudden large doses of Alk or Ca. Watch your dosing containers and note how much it drops. Take notice if it looks lower than it should be. There is no logging so you don't know if it dosed more often than it is supposed to.


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Don't forget "it's Apples fault" :lolspin:

[Przemek_PacSun]

@itz_frank
The reason is simply - I explained it above.
When you are connecting to dozer on LCD screen you can see information about configuration mode active(it mean that dozer is waiting for incoming requests/send data).
If you want to do manual dose - you need to switch dozer to manual mode - using button like on picture in attachment.
Without that - dozer will not dose anything in manual dose mode.. Thats why you dozer not dosed anything manually(you can check dozer status looking on LCD if you are not sure)
If you need mode help - please contact with our service, they will be happy assist you in every your question..

Regards

[itz frank]

Yea. That was switched on along with manual dose/calibration. Manual liquid set to 30ml. Pump selected. Start dose.

I followed the steps. No reaction. Turned manual mode off. Hit disconnect. Waited for disconnect. 30 minutes later I walk in on the doser after it dumped 1/3 gallon of Alk AND calc even though calc was never selected.

I understand user error. But if you do the math of 45ml/min which is what the doser says it will dose based on average flow.
You can see how long it had been pumping after I walked in 30 minutes later.

Again, this is after waiting for 5minutes with no response from the doser. Disconnecting fully. And shutting off the computer.


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[Fcsteve777]

I went to a diy setup because i set up a PLC on my tank. Have the unit, awc pumps and drop dose as well as including a bt dongle if anyone is interested. Never had any issues with it

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[Przemek_PacSun]

@itz_frank
Please contact with our service - they will check(using remote desktop) your doser settings and computer configuration.
If that issue with not working manual mode would be a bug included in firmware/software it shouldn't work for anybody(I don't remember now, but that kind of issue - like not working manual mode - is reported first time by any Customer till now.
We need to investigate it.

Regards

Przemek

[MadAboutMarine]

I havent been able to get my ATO to work correctly on my doser.
I am able to manually turn the pump on and off, but it just doesnt seem to receive any readings from the float switch itself. It wont turn on when needed, and constantly alarms that it was unsuccessful at refilling, or it does not shut off, and empties my entire RODI container (around 80 litres) into the sump at once (no, the feed tube is not lower than the water level, so its not a syphon issue). Ive tried several times to adjust, change settings, scream, kick stand, firmware upgrades, etc with no luck. Could it be a faulty float?
When i bought the doser the float valve was preassembled so that the black cord was at the bottom, yet the pictures available show it should be at the top?
Can someone please assist me in getting this to work correctly as im going on vacation shortly and need this to be working before I go away.

[mrtint]

Mine doesn't really work the way it was designed but I got it to work well enough. Here is what I did to make it work somewhat.
-Connect to doser
-Under system tab set optical sensor to High water alarm (I don't even have optical plugged in because I don't want to drill my sump and I never got a bracket to mount it)
-under ATO/Temp config tab... check short beep after.....check upper sensor....check sound alarm..... check ATO

I currently have my refill time at 60sec because I have a 100gal sump and it takes 2-3 cycles to fill (yours will very)

NOTE. In this set up only the top float works and will turn ATO on if low. Alarm will sound if the water isn't high enough to turn float off after 4 attempts. If that happens.... just increase the time the ATO runs.

This may or may not work for you..... it happens to work for me!


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[mrtint]

Anybody know if the max ML per day is 650? I need to dose 6800ml of MAG over the next 3 days to get my 225gal from 960 to 1300ppm. Even if I use 2 pumps it will take 5.2 days to get there


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[mrtint]

Has anyone experienced back flow? I currently am not using a check valve (never have had to on any of my dosers) I watched my #4 head slowly siphon back into the bottle but none of the others do?


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[MadAboutMarine]

Mine doesn't really work the way it was designed but I got it to work well enough. Here is what I did to make it work somewhat.
-Connect to doser
-Under system tab set optical sensor to High water alarm (I don't even have optical plugged in because I don't want to drill my sump and I never got a bracket to mount it)
-under ATO/Temp config tab... check short beep after.....check upper sensor....check sound alarm..... check ATO

I currently have my refill time at 60sec because I have a 100gal sump and it takes 2-3 cycles to fill (yours will very)

NOTE. In this set up only the top float works and will turn ATO on if low. Alarm will sound if the water isn't high enough to turn float off after 4 attempts. If that happens.... just increase the time the ATO runs.

This may or may not work for you..... it happens to work for me!


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Is your black lead on your float sensor coming from the top or the bottom?

[MadAboutMarine]

http://i67.*******.com/2vdfps9.jpg
http://i67.*******.com/aep46g.jpg
This is the only 2 pictures i could find online while trying to fix it. Both show black lead at top of floats... But when I purchased the doser it was assembled with the black lead down as below.
http://i64.*******.com/34rj7g6.jpg
For me having the lead up isnt working. Ive just re-assembled back how it came in the box, and its ignoring the bottom float... Waiting to see if it stops pumping water once it reaches the top float, which is still set too high for my sump set up.
Why oh why cant there be better instructions for this product? Im about to switch back to my cheapie china made crap ato....

[MadAboutMarine]

Grrr, i give up when i cant even post a picture haha

[mrtint]

Is your black lead on your float sensor coming from the top or the bottom?



Top


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[mrtint]

Did you get it working MAD? My bottom float doesn't work either the way mine is set up. It just the only way I could get it to somewhat work


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[Alfrareef]

Hi guys,
One of my pumps has started to do a strange and loud noise just like if it was crashing something.
Does this ring a bell for anyone?
TIA.
AR


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[Przemek_PacSun]

Anybody know if the max ML per day is 650? I need to dose 6800ml of MAG over the next 3 days to get my 225gal from 960 to 1300ppm. Even if I use 2 pumps it will take 5.2 days to get there


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Pumps with resolution 0.01ml (channel #2, #3, #4, #5 have maximum dosage amount 650ml. Pump #1 with resolution 0.1ml - have 6500ml/day.
0.01ml channels allow for dose single drops - which is almost not possible for pumps/devices which offer 0.1ml resolution. Average water drop capacity is about 0.03 - 0.04ml - so if pump work with minimum resolution 0.1ml it's not possible to dose 1 drop(for example)


Has anyone experienced back flow? I currently am not using a check valve (never have had to on any of my dosers) I watched my #4 head slowly siphon back into the bottle but none of the others do?


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Siphon effect can happen with every kind of pump - and it depend mostly from difference between liquids level.
That's why we suggest keeping output from tubings above the water level(to protect against evaporating you can you DropDose holder)

Is your black lead on your float sensor coming from the top or the bottom?

http://i67.*******.com/2vdfps9.jpg
http://i67.*******.com/aep46g.jpg
This is the only 2 pictures i could find online while trying to fix it. Both show black lead at top of floats... But when I purchased the doser it was assembled with the black lead down as below.
http://i64.*******.com/34rj7g6.jpg
For me having the lead up isnt working. Ive just re-assembled back how it came in the box, and its ignoring the bottom float... Waiting to see if it stops pumping water once it reaches the top float, which is still set too high for my sump set up.
Why oh why cant there be better instructions for this product? Im about to switch back to my cheapie china made crap ato....

I dont know which version of doser you are using - gen.1 or gen.2 - the same with float sensors. There were differences between them(and floating switch mounts) so if you want to get proper support and help - you should simply contact with Pacific Sun Customer Support . There is no better idea than direct contact, trying to find a solution on forum without giving any additional data is not best idea..

Hi guys,
One of my pumps has started to do a strange and loud noise just like if it was crashing something.
Does this ring a bell for anyone?
TIA.
AR


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Have you tried dismount it and clean everything? Which version of tubings are you using ? I suggest also contacting with service@pacific-sun.eu
Im sure that they will do their work as best as is possible.

Regards

Przemek

[Alfrareef]

Thanks Przemek.
The pump are new (been working for 2 months) and the tubbing it's standard and the same type for all pumps. Only one pump does that strange noise.
I'll try to clean it and then get in touch with support.

[thaireef]

Just an update from here.

Now 7 months and counting since I paid for the doser. Still have not had the chance to use it.

Currently stuck in Customs here in Thailand, waiting for Pacific Sun to provide an English Copy of the invoice to Fedex, so the doser can go through customs here. No idea if this will be provided from Pacific Sun or not, so the whole situation is kind of a joke.

Never would believe that I would waste so much time and money on a doser, that I would not even have running 7 months after buying it.

Anyway, will update again IF I ever get what I paid for... (because a simple refund was of course impossible)

Thanks so much for the great service!

[Przemek_PacSun]

@ThaiReef
Please let me again reply to your post because I not feel comfortable reading informations which are not completely objective and showing our company in not proper light.
It's surprising that you still post the same informations even after our service explained you everything and you get replies to all your mails.

1. When you placed order you choosed cheapest possible way for shipping order to you.
That shipping cost was about 30 euro and thats a reason why you waited almost two months. It was your choose, you were informed about that and you agreed for that slowest shipping method.
2. You reported problems to our service with not properly working doser. Our service asked you for sending it back to us(after they tried to solve your problem without sending to us, but you still informed them that it's not working for you). There wasn't other way than shipping it to us.
This doser was delivered to our service 29th August morning(to our office on Friday 26th August). We have paid 237,00 euro taxes and duties because there werent any information included to parcel that it's send for repair service(even ordinary information on sticker/shipping label that product is shipped for repair).
3. Our service checked you doser, they discovered not proper settings in doser memory. After firmware upgrade, default settings and 2 days of full tests(which confirmed that everything is working properly) doser was prepared for shipping. We not charged you for any service work, time spent for checking etc. Additionally - we have paid for shipping cost to you by Fedex(as I see now it was 140 euro).
So In my honest opinion our company did everything what you could expect from us - we paid a lot of money for proceed your shipment/service parcels and it costed us much more that we could earn on this sale. Service procedure was finished as soon as possible and on 7th September parcel was sent to you.
Information why it took so long is explained below.
4. Unfortunately it's not true that you are waiting for providing an English copy of invoice to Fedex. Our office contacted today with Fedex and they try to contact with you since 15th September. In that time they sent you three emails and all informations which they need can be delivered only by you.
It can be very easy checked on Fedex website:
https://www.fedex.com/apps/fedextrack/?trknbr=777165532981&trkqual=2457639000~777165532981~FX&locale=en_PL&cntry_code=pl_english
As you can see - reason of that delay is fact that they can't get from you important informations which are needed for Custom clearance.
Fedex info on tracking website:
Shipment requires importer's registration/identification number for clearance. (Examples include EIN, SSN, VAT, GST, RFC, etc.)
Recommended action:
Importer must provide the required registration/ identification number.

For everything above you can find confirmation on Fedex local office - they will confirm you that tried to contact with you several time.

From other side I understand your disappointment however I can't agree for leaving that thread with similar like that post without any reply showing how it was looking on real.
I think that our service and overall stand our company in your case(paying money for duties, taxes etc) and sending it by Fedex(on our cost also - not by regular mail which was much, much cheaper but we wanted to deliver that doser to you as fast as possible) wasn't something wrong what you could expect from Technical support/Service of any company - not only our.

Sincerely,

Przemysław Cybulski

PS. If I can ask you for leaving that thread for discussion about doser settings/configs and others - if you need any other informations regarding anything please contact with our office directly - they are responding to your mails without any delay.
That thread was cleared from off topic posts by OP few weeks ago. Let this stay clean, focused on discussion regarding product.
I hope that when you will get your doser back you will be active user here and we will can talk about device at all.

[thaireef]

@ThaiReef
Please let me again reply to your post because I not feel comfortable reading informations which are not completely objective and showing our company in not proper light.
It's surprising that you still post the same informations even after our service explained you everything and you get replies to all your mails.

1. When you placed order you choosed cheapest possible way for shipping order to you.
That shipping cost was about 30 euro and thats a reason why you waited almost two months. It was your choose, you were informed about that and you agreed for that slowest shipping method.
2. You reported problems to our service with not properly working doser. Our service asked you for sending it back to us(after they tried to solve your problem without sending to us, but you still informed them that it's not working for you). There wasn't other way than shipping it to us.
This doser was delivered to our service 29th August morning(to our office on Friday 26th August). We have paid 237,00 euro taxes and duties because there werent any information included to parcel that it's send for repair service(even ordinary information on sticker/shipping label that product is shipped for repair).
3. Our service checked you doser, they discovered not proper settings in doser memory. After firmware upgrade, default settings and 2 days of full tests(which confirmed that everything is working properly) doser was prepared for shipping. We not charged you for any service work, time spent for checking etc. Additionally - we have paid for shipping cost to you by Fedex(as I see now it was 140 euro).
So In my honest opinion our company did everything what you could expect from us - we paid a lot of money for proceed your shipment/service parcels and it costed us much more that we could earn on this sale. Service procedure was finished as soon as possible and on 7th September parcel was sent to you.
Information why it took so long is explained below.
4. Unfortunately it's not true that you are waiting for providing an English copy of invoice to Fedex. Our office contacted today with Fedex and they try to contact with you since 15th September. In that time they sent you three emails and all informations which they need can be delivered only by you.
It can be very easy checked on Fedex website:
https://www.fedex.com/apps/fedextrack/?trknbr=777165532981&trkqual=2457639000~777165532981~FX&locale=en_PL&cntry_code=pl_english
As you can see - reason of that delay is fact that they can't get from you important informations which are needed for Custom clearance.
Fedex info on tracking website:
Shipment requires importer's registration/identification number for clearance. (Examples include EIN, SSN, VAT, GST, RFC, etc.)
Recommended action:
Importer must provide the required registration/ identification number.

For everything above you can find confirmation on Fedex local office - they will confirm you that tried to contact with you several time.

From other side I understand your disappointment however I can't agree for leaving that thread with similar like that post without any reply showing how it was looking on real.
I think that our service and overall stand our company in your case(paying money for duties, taxes etc) and sending it by Fedex(on our cost also - not by regular mail which was much, much cheaper but we wanted to deliver that doser to you as fast as possible) wasn't something wrong what you could expect from Technical support/Service of any company - not only our.

Sincerely,

Przemysław Cybulski

PS. If I can ask you for leaving that thread for discussion about doser settings/configs and others - if you need any other informations regarding anything please contact with our office directly - they are responding to your mails without any delay.
That thread was cleared from off topic posts by OP few weeks ago. Let this stay clean, focused on discussion regarding product.
I hope that when you will get your doser back you will be active user here and we will can talk about device at all.


Well as a matter of FACT, I have sendt ALL the info needed a long time ago to Fedex, when it was requested by them. I have even spent time on driving to the customs office with requested information.

As you can see from attached screenshots, Fedex is telling me that they are waiting for an English version of the Invoice from YOU. That is the current status and has been so for a long time now.

But again, the customer is just a liar and the one with all the mistakes... right?

(At least I could accept an acceptance that there might a mistake or something like that... and assurance that things would be fixed. But No... The customer is always wrong and to blame.

You claim everybody is waiting for me and all is my fault. Well, just look at the e-mail screenshots of my communication with Fedex. I dont know who screwed up now, but I just know I have paid for a doser and have still to receive it after 7 months. I also know that, no matter how much I try to solve things, I am being blamed by Pacific Sun for all wrong-doings, mistakes or what ever.

I would be happy to review your doser... also give a positive review, BUT it kind of requires that I receive the product that I paid for months ago in working condition.

So, could you maybe provide Fedex with what they need from you?

[thaireef]

And also I am really sorry that my case has cost your company money. Lets not take into the consideration the time, money and frustrations all this has cost me. At least you could cover your costs, with my money.

However, if you had actually tested the doser and corrected/installed the proper firmware version before receiving payment and sending it to me, then maybe the problem would not have existed at all.

You could also have just accepted my request for a refund the first time, but you refused to give me my money back. Or, you could just have sent me a new working doser as fast replacement, when you had confirmation from me that the defect doser had been returned to you.

Lots of options to avoid an unsatisfied customer and a delivery period of over 7 months (and counting...)

[Przemek_PacSun]

Dear Thaireef,
I never said that any Customer is liar - I simply want to say that for every case we should look from both sides.
We get first Fedex mail in last week(regarding that case). They not contacted with our office any time before and they not waited for any documents from us. In the same day when you informed our office about that fact(that they are waiting for invoice - but why they not asked us for that previously? the same invoice was attached to parcel in external transparent bag...) - our office sent to Fedex electronic version of invoice(to your local Fedex office) and since that time they not asked for anything more.
However, when we asked our local office why that parcel is delayed so long - they confirmed that tried to contact with you several times and that issue can be fixed only by importer(they need some data for Custom clearance - more precise data about person which is recipient). Thats all.
The same status you can see on their website(when you track shipment). Why that informations are not consistent and they tell you something other than official report - I dont know.
Nobody want to blame you, really. Nobody is interested about that, however if you wrote that you are waiting 7 months for your paid doser and still not received it - we need to reply, because its not true.
2 months from this date is almost shipping time to you. Next almost month - shipping from you to us. And last two months (since 9th September) - shipping by Fedex to you(because they couldn't deliver parcel to you - we talked about that previously).
I hope that you see that difference between your sentence and this more detailed description.
About doser.
It was sent brand new to you, and doser didn't had any hidden defect. Service not replaced any part(you can compare serial numbers/bluetooth) and your doser was working very strange - due some strange data in his memory.
We don't know what was responsible for that - virus on your computer, problem with bluetooth or maybe something other.
After uploading firmware and setting default config - doser was carefully checked by our Main Chief in service - and everything working properly.

You said that we could send you new working doser as fast as replacement when we got information from you that your doser has been sent.
Our internal policy not allow for that. We did it few times before and we trusted Customers which informed us "it's not working" or "I can't do anything, it was working and stopped - please send replacement asap"
In some of that situations when we agreed for that(sending replacement without seeing original product) - we received flooded or completely damaged devices(damages not covered by warranty) and when we tried to contact with Customers - many of them never replied. Some lamps was dropped to water because Customer not mounted it properly to the ceiling - and after few days/weeks they landed in water.
It was very expensive lesson for us - and since that time we always wait for sending back product which Customer say - "is faulty".
We always stay behind our products, but we saw many Customers which never stayed behind their words - and something presented as "hidden defect" was simply damage not covered by warranty.
I never say that you would be the same like others - but we simply don't want to think about that every time or do special investigation.
But as you can see - product checking took us only few days - and we shipped it immediately to you using Fedex option - not regular mail(which could be used by us a specially that you have choosen it previously as shipment method to you).
Reasuming, since one week Fedex have documents which you asked us for sending to them.
If there is anything what we can do for you - please let us know directly, by mail.
Thank you.

Przemek

[homer1475]

All I'm going to say......

Mine is working perfectly the way it was designed.I will admit I only use it as a dosing unit and not for AWC or ATO.

My only issue was it started to beep for low fluid levels when my dosing containers were still half full and the doser said they were half full. I simply don't use that method anymore and rely on float switches hooked up to a BOB.

With that in mind, it would be hella easier to have an android app on my mobile instead of having to lug out my laptop every time I want to check on it.

[PeteStewardson]

I wish mine always worked perfectly. I have had a number of issues. Latest one seems to be that If I go and change the dosing amounts, then one of the container dosing levels ( Liquid 3 ) gets set to less than a days dose and so the alarms go off. Happens every single time.

That and if I change the dosing amount, and I'm talking changing by 0.5ml a day, then I end up with the dose per day not ending up reading correctly. Its like it skips doses every time you change the amount.

I really wish the software issues were fixed, because it's a great doser when it works.

[Przemek_PacSun]

Please check that you are using latest available software - some bugs reported by Customers was fixed(like not possibility to dose large liquid amount in single or two doses).
We also improved communication (Mac OS/Windows) and many Customers informed us that after upgrading to latest available version it's working already very well.
@Pete
Please contact with our service, they can do remote session with your dozer and check everything - also perform firmware upgrade if you need.

[PeteStewardson]

I don't let anyone remote into my machine so that won't help sadly. I am going to borrow a windows machine to do the SW update and see how it goes.

[Przemek_PacSun]

@Pete
We have dedicated software for doing firmware update on Mac OS X.
Please write to service, they will send it to you.

[Chrisrush]

Quick question, in the doser section where you input the amount to be dosed per day, is the doser on when the "On" is white or black?

[mrtint]

Couldn't find a pacific sun calcium reactor fan club but have a question that somewhat falls under here.

1) I have a kore 5th and would like to try one of the new pacific sun calcium reactors. Do I need the pro version of calcium reactor or can I use the kore 5th as the doser for the calcium reactor? I did notice the pro version has a stepper motor in its doser

2) any one have one? (Calcium reactor)Would you recommend it? I'm looking at the AC-2



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Przemek_PacSun]

@Chrisrush
On Windows or Mac app?

@No, Kore 5th is not designed for 24h duty work and be a feeder for Calcium reactor.
You need good quality motor pump with larger tubings.

[Chrisrush]

@Chrisrush
On Windows or Mac app?

@No, Kore 5th is not designed for 24h duty work and be a feeder for Calcium reactor.
You need good quality motor pump with larger tubings.



Sorry about that. On Mac app


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[erik2302]

Any word on the next software update? I'm still waiting for less frequent water changes so I can use the ATO function at the same time as the AWC Function.

Also on Mac I can't seem to disable the AWC. I have to unplug it to make it stop.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[erik2302]

Any word on the next software update? I'm still waiting for less frequent water changes so I can use the ATO function at the same time as the AWC Function.

Also on Mac I can't seem to disable the AWC. I have to unplug it to make it stop.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mrtint]

Anyone using the Pacific Sun Kore 5th Digital Magnetic Valve for Osmosis Unit? It's the magnetic solenoid that replaces the DC pump in your top off tank. Looks like you connect directly to RO

If you do use it..... how well does it work? Do you have some kind of back up in case it sticks and floods tank with fresh RO?

Also...... I'm currently using the float for top off but would like to switch to optical sensor. How do you set up the water height you want in the sump? Or does it fill to bottom of optical sensor and shut off?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Przemek_PacSun]

@erik
We expect big software update soon, also after your request it should work for very small aquariums(where automatic water change module work very short and change 30-50ml of water in cycle)
@mrtint
if you need nay technical advise please contact with our service@pacific-sun.eu directly.
Thank you.

[Alfrareef]

Hi Przemek,
What are the update/new features?

[Chrisrush]

Sorry about that. On Mac app


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Any updates on this?

[Przemek_PacSun]

Any updates on this?
When you click ON - it turn to black. Again clicking ON dont change that state to another color - so ON should be black(enabled channel)
Hi Przemek,
What are the update/new features?
I dont have list of updates yet but we expect firmware changes which will allow release mobile apps also(actual not allow for that due different transmission protocols)

Regards

[matmatoo]

I purchased a Kore doser several years back and shortly after purchasing it, the ATO pump failed, and I stopped using it. After approaching the retailer here in New Zealand, they wouldn't do anything about it, so in essence I wasted $700 NZD on a doser that didn't really work, or meet my expectations.

With this being said, I'm now going to use it as the ATO and AWC system - but have to buy a new pump for it.

I'm worried about the reliability of these pumps going forward - does anyone have any experience with them failing?

Also, Pacific Sun, given I purchased your product only to find it doesn't work, would you consider giving me any discount on a new pump/AWC DC combo?



Thank you
Matt

[sahin]

I purchased a Kore doser several years back and shortly after purchasing it, the ATO pump failed, and I stopped using it. After approaching the retailer here in New Zealand, they wouldn't do anything about it, so in essence I wasted $700 NZD on a doser that didn't really work, or meet my expectations.

With this being said, I'm now going to use it as the ATO and AWC system - but have to buy a new pump for it.

I'm worried about the reliability of these pumps going forward - does anyone have any experience with them failing?

Also, Pacific Sun, given I purchased your product only to find it doesn't work, would you consider giving me any discount on a new pump/AWC DC combo?



Thank you
Matt

If the retailer doesnt help I would always contact the manufacturer for assistance. Not sure how often Przemek visits the thread, but do email them for support if you wont get a reply within a week or so.

[erik2302]

I purchased a Kore doser several years back and shortly after purchasing it, the ATO pump failed, and I stopped using it. After approaching the retailer here in New Zealand, they wouldn't do anything about it, so in essence I wasted $700 NZD on a doser that didn't really work, or meet my expectations.



With this being said, I'm now going to use it as the ATO and AWC system - but have to buy a new pump for it.



I'm worried about the reliability of these pumps going forward - does anyone have any experience with them failing?



Also, Pacific Sun, given I purchased your product only to find it doesn't work, would you consider giving me any discount on a new pump/AWC DC combo?







Thank you

Matt



They're the 10 dollar dc pond pumps on Amazon. I've had mine "fail" a few times but usually I'm able to take it apart clean it out and put it back together to make it work again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Przemek_PacSun]

I purchased a Kore doser several years back and shortly after purchasing it, the ATO pump failed, and I stopped using it. After approaching the retailer here in New Zealand, they wouldn't do anything about it, so in essence I wasted $700 NZD on a doser that didn't really work, or meet my expectations.

With this being said, I'm now going to use it as the ATO and AWC system - but have to buy a new pump for it.

I'm worried about the reliability of these pumps going forward - does anyone have any experience with them failing?

Also, Pacific Sun, given I purchased your product only to find it doesn't work, would you consider giving me any discount on a new pump/AWC DC combo?



Thank you
Matt


Hi Matt,
Sorry to hear that - I regret that you not contacted with us immediately after that failure.
Please catch us directly by service@pacific-sun.eu, I'm sure that they will reply you asap and offer win-win solution.

Regards

Przemek

[Onurs]

What is pasific sun kore dosing pump's global warranty time.for doser and accosorise.

..mobile

[Przemek_PacSun]

Every product manufactured and sold in EU have 2 years warranty.

[Alfrareef]

Hi Przemek
Do you a release date for the update?
Thks

[Przemek_PacSun]

No I haven't that info yet.

[matmatoo]

Hi Matt,
Sorry to hear that - I regret that you not contacted with us immediately after that failure.
Please catch us directly by service@pacific-sun.eu, I'm sure that they will reply you asap and offer win-win solution.

Regards

Przemek

Well, unfortunately this response was the best that I got. Although my Doser is out of the official warranty period (even though this was not told to me by Pacific Sun or the retailer I purchased it from) by only 5 months, Pacific Sun won't do anything about the failed ATO pump (that failed only 1 month after purchasing the Doser).

Pacific Sun, I've had nothing but issues with your company. The connectivity of the doser to my mac is average to say the least, the doser itself is above average in terms of build quality, and components such as the ATO pump are nothing more than cheap Chinese parts, which aren't built to withstand much use.

What's more is your after sales support is incredibly disappointing. I had a issue with Pacific Sun a year ago after the Kore just froze on me - after calling them they hung up on me because no one could understand English, and then after writing on their Facebook wall asking for help they blocked me from the page.

If you want to consider yourself a "premium" company than you MUST have premium pre and after sales support. EcoTech marine for example, are expensive, but their support IS worth it. I would never hesitate to buy another product from them, but will never, ever buy another Pacific Sun product because your after sales support, and attitude to issues that are 'too difficult' is beyond disappointing.

This thread is littered with people having difficulties and all your company does is blame the customer - never the product, which is a pretty poor stance to take.

Experiences like these will be the downfall of your business, and it's sad that you couldn't see it, and put things right, even where the warranty has expired - which leaves me only one choice but to share my experience with Pacific Sun wherever possible.


Matt

[nore]

Matt , i can feel your frustration =)
And belive me , i know .
I´m a owner of a PS pandora S lamp , and the pastic cover infront of the led pads melted - the result was major burn damage to led pads.
Lamp is 3years old and out of warranty and 311 euro per cluster is simply not worth it.
After some reading on forums i found out the the plastic melting was a known problem on the early lamps , but of course - according to PS it was my own fault , using their spidermount the lamp was to close to water and salt build up generated the heat =)

Their spare parts are among the most expensive i´ve seen .

Kore 5th dosing pump use kamoer motors and pump heads , and they will charge you 24euro plus shipping for a spare head , or you can order 10 kamoer spare heads from aliexpress including pharmed tubing for under 100euros shipping included :spin1:

So Matt i know how u feel

[truepercs]

I received my doser back from repairs earlier this year. I was to set up a larger tank and was hoping to use it. After getting the doser dialed in I pulled out the unused items for the automatic top off. After making sure it worked using a small tank I set it up in my sump. It appeared as all was going to go well so I figured I would also try to use the optical sensor.

Unfortunately the software locked up and I had to exit out. I could not make a connection again, I happen to look at the display and it is blinking on and off and I can not find the bluetooth device anymore.

Originally I sent the doser back to Poland ($100.00 SHIPPING) because the doser would not show up as a bluetooth device anymore. It appears the same thing has happened once again.

I have an email to support I hope that this is not the case and it can be fixed easily I can't afford to send it back again.

I will let you guys know what happens...

-Ed

[Przemek_PacSun]

Hello
I would like to not comment every post here detailed but some things should be explained.
1. We not offer technical support thru RC/Facebook - many times we informed that best source for getting help/support is direct contact with our company. Our service stuff don't have time to read every forum/posts and help Customers.
2. Warranty for products is two years. If any product will fail after that time(and it will be even 3 days later) we can't simply proceed repair/fix under warranty conditions. If we will do that - why we shouldn't do the same with Customer who have product one week or one month after warranty also? It's not our "bad will' but rule which is used by all companies(not only in aquatic industry).
If your pump failed one month after purchase you should contact with seller/our service immediately. I dont understand why you waited so long and I'm little surprised now that you are disappointed that service not want to replace that product under warranty condition.
3. We try to manufacture products the best as possible but we know that every product can fail. We stay behind them and we are not in market since last year. We are selling products offering best possible after sale service since 2009 year. I'm sorry to read information that you are not satisfied from our service - it's hard for me to comment now why you weren't able to talk in english with our company, usually there are always persons who can talk in english without any troubles.
4. About "cheap china parts".
We are choosing products looking at their long life and quality firstly - not highest price at all.
We sold almost 10.000 DC pumps for ATO/AWC - below 0.4% had failures. I don't think thats bad numbers but of course - probably we can always find better products/parts but I'm not sure how many Customers will want to pay higher price if that number will decrease to 0.2% for example.
All other parts - like main boards, controllers etc are designed, manufactured and assembled by our company - not any China.
Relating connectivity - like I said it many times, most important is using good quality bluetooth module. Many Customers which reported any troubles with connectivity informed us that problems gone after they used Class 1(100m/300 feet range) bluetooth modules. This reports can be found in many threads, also here.
That problem is offen nowe because computer manufacturers started using energy saving modules(for showing higher numbers of working on battery) and they usually are Class 3/Class4 - which mean that output power is 1mW(100 times less).
If any problems occur(with connectivity, app setting etc) firstly there should be checked bluetooth module in computer - it can be done on module manufacturer website or simply laptop manufacturer data sheet and if module don't have proper output power - any external USB Bluetooth dongle should be purchased(it cost up to 10 euro).
Additionally, asking for troubles is trying to make a firmware update using that "weak" modules. In almost 80% of situations lamp/doser stay without any firmware inside and need to be uploaded again(it can be done by Customer without sending device to service but again - Customer need to have proper power/type of bluetooth module).
So before ANY will send products/part to service in Poland - firstly contact with us directly, because if device is not damaged physically (flooded by water etc) Customer can very easy upload firmware /fix it - having instructions from our support team.
We are not publishing it on any pages because many Customers first what they do after purchase - is uploading newest firmware (without checking what's changed, which version it is etc) but also without checking what kind of bluetooth module they are using - a specially if it's quite new laptop(because many "older" versions/models have used Class 1/Class 2 modules and that problem wasn't reported so offen in previous years.)
So reasuming - if anybody have any problems/questions regarding Pacific Sun products - we ask for direct contact with our service because any technical questions/issue reports will not be commented here(or any other forum) like also Facebook(reasons I gave above)
Thank you for understating.

Regards

Przemek


Przemek

[homer1475]

So like previously stated, nearly every problem is the customers problem because they don't have the right BT module in their PC.

Kind of funny as nothing else in the BT industry has issues with lower powered BT modules.

I often have issues getting connected via BT(yes I have a class 2 module), but literally within 2 feet of the doser shouldn't be an issues with a lower class BT module.

While I own a kore 5th and it works well for me(bought second hand so I already know the warranty is SOL), after reading this thread I cannot for the life of me give my support to this company and I will not suggest this doser to anyone. Your lack of CS and seemingly to always blaming the customer(not just the doser but your lights as well, read a few of those threads in plant forums as well) as the problem is the reason this company will never be a leader in the industry.

[Przemek_PacSun]

So like previously stated, nearly every problem is the customers problem because they don't have the right BT module in their PC.

Dear Homer,
Please excuse but I can't find any place/word above where I blaming ANY customer. I simply tried to explain WHAT can cause similar problems(not blaming Customer). Should I tell something other that what was said if the real problems with connections are sourced by internal bluetooth modules?
We are really very interested having it fixed but almost every Customer have different computer hardware - for many users it's working from first day, for some others - not.
If it would be "bug" or hardware related problem(in our kore 5th unit) it shouldn't work for anybody. We discuss about that many times - also here.
Almost all reports with similar issues were gone after Customer start using good quality Class 1 module. So if it helped and it's fact - we shouldn't inform Customers about that?
Our company stay behind our products. We offer support in free from work days, many times during the night our local time etc. We do what we can to satisfy every one person who need support from us.
I regret that usually only not satisfied Customers take a voice and complain about some things. We did it many hundred times and we get many very good feedbacks/reviews about that.
We regret reading about any not satisfied Customers and please let me focus on important facts on this thread:
Kind of funny as nothing else in the BT industry has issues with lower powered BT modules.
I often have issues getting connected via BT(yes I have a class 2 module), but literally within 2 feet of the doser shouldn't be an issues with a lower class BT module.
Please read carefully what I tried to say. You say "shouldn't" but I can say(having much netter knowledge about that than you - it IS issue sourced by BT module power/communications profile support.
We not blame Customers. I told that few years ago many laptops had good quality(higher power output) modules. They work very well with all kind of our products.
But since last few years many laptop manufacturers started using low power=energy saving=longer work on battery modules which NOT WORK properly(due lack in support som communication protocols, too small power etc).
This small power bluetooth modules will work fine with your mouse or headphones - but not with professional communication module which need good quality signal for proper data transmission.
It's not true that if you will place lamp/doser one feet from computer it will "fix" power problem.
Class 2 module have 2.5 times less power output than Class 1. If you have read that threads (as you said above) you should also find many confirmation/posts written by Customers after they started using Class 1 modules. We are not only one company which use BT modules for lamp configure - second is Giesemann which use the same kind of Bluetooth modules - and if you will try to setup their lamps using small power modules you will experience the same kind of issues.(however I'm not sure that they have or not native apps for Windows/Mac OS X).
If you are interested getting more technical informations regarding bluetooth module, signal transmissions, etc - please feel free to contact with our technical support department they will give you all needed informations.
Thank you again for your feedback and understanding.

Regards

Przemek

[matmatoo]

Hi team,

Can anyone please be kind enough to post pictures of how the DC AWC Pump Set connects to the Kore Doser? Is it one single cord/port controlling two pumps etc?


Thank you
Matt

[erik2302]

Yeah one single cord with two pumps attached. The pumps are non removable so when one fails unless you know how to solder, you have to replace both.

The Chinese pumps used can be sourced on Amazon for about 10 dollars each.

It plugs into that multi-pin socket on the back. I'm sure przemek can give you the correct answer but I'm guessing they give you 6feet of wire for each pump.

DISCLAIMER
If you have a large return chamber and are doing less than a 15% weekly change, it probably won't remove enough water to trip the float sensor or optical sensor for the clean water to pump back in and the ATO will replace the SW with FW between water changes.

I've addressed this by mixing my replacement SW to about 1.015 and not using the ATO function. Not exact but...it's the best I can do without buying something else.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Phil1410]

I agree with erik2302, i have the same problem and have implemented the same solution using a weaker SW solution. In an earlier version of the firmware you would calibrate the in & out pumps and it would pump out 300ml (that is equal to a 10% change for me) and pump in exactly the same amount, not using the optical sensor at all, this seems to me to be a much better way to do it.

Why can we not go back to this solution, perhaps Pacific Sun can comment?

I have been running my kore 5th for about 18 months now and I love it, there have been a few problems along the way but these have always been resolved but PS customer services quickly.

Re the comments above regarding Bluetooth connectivity I have never had this issue, I can connect to my doser from the room next door with the cabinet door under my tank closed. I'm running windows 8.1 on a Surface Pro tablet.

[erik2302]

@Phil1410 the only reason wouldn't want to use the method you mentioned (300ml out then 300ml in), is I feel with the unreliable Bluetooth communication issues it could be a recipe for a flood. For example saving 300ml out and then 300,000 ml in when you disconnect from configuration mode.

I think they are planning to allow fewer, and larger water changes to allow the float/optical sensor to trip. If I did 12 changes a day instead of 24 that would solve my issue.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Przemek_PacSun]

Hello
In latest firmware revision it's improved and working in tow modes:
a) if during AWC when ate water pump finish work and optical sensor show "low water level" - clear water will be pumped in up to previous water level(before AWC started)
b) if water change was too small to change optical sensor state - AWC fresh water pump will work the same time like waste water pump.

But it's important - that is implemented only in working mode using optical sensor(not floating sensors)

Regards

Przemek

[Phil1410]

Hi Przemek, thanks for the speedy response, i have found F/W 1.6c on your website is this the latest version with the improved AWC / ATO solution?

Thanks

[erik2302]

So there's still no way to do fewer water changes in the next version??

I don't trust the option B...sounds like a recipe for a flood. Also my fresh water pump works from a greater distance then my waste pump so pumping the same times won't work.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[truepercs]

I hope they are going to help me get the doser working. I have bought a brand new class 1 dongle as to avoid using weak bluetooth as the issue. Waiting on instructions from support...

[Przemek_PacSun]

Yes, in latest firmware (1.6c) it's already included.

@erik
About fewer water changes - actually it's not possible to manually set how many changes during the day will be performed.
We tested solution B in many tanks - in typical connection where tubings have almost similar length (even if one have 2m and second 3m) in that pump flow there is almost no difference in water level
Of course, it can affect salinity in long time but it's very easy to correct - the same like you need to remember about preparing water in smaller salinity because before it will be used for AWC can evaporate - and will increase salinity level slowly.

@truepercula
If you need technical assistance please write directly to service@pacific-sun.eu

Regards

Przemek

[truepercs]

Truepercula
If you need technical assistance please write directly to service@pacific-sun.eu

Regards

Przemek[/QUOTE]




Yes support has my info, waiting on next steps...

[andrek787]

I am about to attempt setting up AWC using the peristaltic pumps and would like some input. Here are some details:

1. Waste will be pumped through a 1/4" RO line running from the tank to the drain via the attic and the ceiling is about 9ft.

2. Fresh SW will be in a container next to the tank. I may endup using 2x-4x SW concentrate in that container and have it ATO dilute it.

3. ATO is controlled by a Vertex Cerebra and is supplied directly from a central RO/DI unit.

4. The return pump chamber in my sump is very small so there should be a change in the water level. I installed Kore 5th float switch in level with cerebra.

5. Plan is to use it for monthly water changed rather then continuously.

Is there a flaw in my plan?

[Przemek_PacSun]

Yes, there is a small gap ;-)
If you will use another controller to keep watch your water level(using ATO) during water change thinking that water evaporated.
I think that the best idea is using the same controller for ATO and AWC - because Kore "know" that this lower level of water is sourced by working AWC module in the same time.
During AWC work ATO is disabled and run after proper refill sump with "fresh" saltwater.
That's my thoughts about that.

Regards

Przemek

[andrek787]

Thanks for the input.

My idea has been centered around using concentrated SW, as I am limited to 15 gallon container (stainless steel trashcan with plastic insert) next to the tank.

In this, DI water fill would be delayed by the same time as it takes for waste water to be pumped out and started at the same time as "fresh" concentrated SW as supplied. They would mix together and enter tank.

If I understand this correctly,in the next kore 5th software, AWC would remove waste water, add fresh sw and then top off with ATO until the proper water level is reached? If so, this would work for a concentrate as well, if the pump calibration is adjusted to 4x of waste pump flow rate.

Also, is 10ft pumping height an issue for the kore 5th?

What is the best way to connect 1/4" DI line to the peristaltic pumps? I planned on using 3/16" barb 1/4 npt fitting connected to a 1/4" fnpt to 1/4" quick connect.

[CFC_Surge]

I have a Kore 5th and just did a firmware update with my Dell Lap Top with internal BT.
I have been having issues connecting with Windows 10 and hope the 1.4g12 will help.

Can someone post a link to a newer firmware.

[andrek787]

Latest firmware and software is version 1.6. You can get it here: http://www.pacific-sun.eu/download-kore-5th

[CFC_Surge]

Thanks.

[andrek787]

I came home today to disaster. ATO solenoid valve stuck open, dumping 20+ gallons of DI into my sump. Not an controller fault, just changed out the DI resin and it got into the valve.

I am going to have to do a pair of valves in a series, one hooked up to the Kore 5th and one to Cerebra. Both devices have to agree before DI is added to the tank. I am wondering about the strengh of the coil on the OE Kore 5th solenoid valve, can you tell me the wattage on it?

[Przemek_PacSun]

Sorry to hear that :( Yeah, that small balls can stuck solenoid valve because they are too hard and it will not close completely.
As I remember valve take 4W.

[andrek787]

Thanks. Oh well, its a lesson learned. Salinity only dropped at 1.021 so hopefully there wont be too many loses.
In hindsight, I should have used a strainer between the DI and the solenoid. Mechanical float would have prevented that as well.

I am presuming that the higher the wattage of the coil the stronger the spring, the harder it will try to shut closed.

[erik2302]

Why can't you implement fewer changes?

I've been holding onto this thing in the hopes that the next firmware update would allow me to use all the functions. @andrek787 I'm sorry about that disaster...I've had multiple potential disasters with this unit, luckily I've been here to mostly stop them. Looks like I'll be selling mine.

Anyone planning to use their new "fix" DO NOT USE option B without a backup mechanical float. Taking the float/optical sensor out of the equation is a bad idea. Especially when the waste pump fails (and it does), a day of clean SW being pumped in and you're flooded. Or with the numbers getting screwed up by the BT Connection and suddenly it thinks you want to replace infinite ml of water.


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[vhuang168]

I came home today to disaster. ATO solenoid valve stuck open, dumping 20+ gallons of DI into my sump. Not an controller fault, just changed out the DI resin and it got into the valve.

I am going to have to do a pair of valves in a series, one hooked up to the Kore 5th and one to Cerebra. Both devices have to agree before DI is added to the tank. I am wondering about the strengh of the coil on the OE Kore 5th solenoid valve, can you tell me the wattage on it?



Are you using the ro/di directly from the unit and not from a reservoir?

If your ro/do is constantly cycling on and off doing ATO duty, your membranes andwill not last as long which will eat up your DI as well. Membranes should also be flushed before each use and after as well as after an period during a long run. TDS can creep up in the membrane.


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[andrek787]

Are you using the ro/di directly from the unit and not from a reservoir?

If your ro/do is constantly cycling on and off doing ATO duty, your membranes andwill not last as long which will eat up your DI as well. Membranes should also be flushed before each use and after as well as after an period during a long run. TDS can creep up in the membrane.


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Yes, I am supplying DI water directly from a remote RO\DI unit. I know those as legitimate concerns but I have taken steps to address them.

1. There is a 1 hour delay between when float is triggered and ATO actually runs to reduce the cycling

2. There is a 10 gallon pressure tank that is periodically refilled by the RO unit based on system pressure.

3. The RO\DI is electronically controlled and is automatically flushed prior to start up.

[truepercs]

If only I could connect to doser... :(
I really want to try to use it..

[vhuang168]

If only I could connect to doser... :(
I really want to try to use it..



Has tech support been in contact yet?


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[truepercs]

Has tech support been in contact yet?


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Yes... Same instructions that I have attempted. I just sent off an email mentioning that I am OK with a remote session.. If that will help.

Its refusing to connect. I have gone through this last time with com ports deleting/renewing. Last time it was a windows bug, which has been resolved a while ago. I would rather let them see whats going on now. It may be a firmware update, but just did that and all was working well I set up dosing, ventured on with using the floats (first time) that seemed to work and then I tried to use the optical sensor.(never used) Once I plugged that in everything went down hill. I have everything removed and been sitting at the table with laptop and doser with new bluetooth dongle and am getting connection errors.

[vhuang168]

Well, good luck. Mine has been shelved for a while now. Connectivity and firmware issues finally made me start my CaRx. Couldn't be happier. Corals are doing much better from the consistency.


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[truepercs]

Well, good luck. Mine has been shelved for a while now. Connectivity and firmware issues finally made me start my CaRx. Couldn't be happier. Corals are doing much better from the consistency.


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I was thinking something was different because the first time they mentioned using the reset button. That was news to me, but after sending them photos they mentioned that I have the older model and need to use the switch. I have done this before and have been successful with firmware updates also. Bluetooth would not connect so I sent the device to Poland. After receiving the doser back from Poland, it was mentioned nothing was wrong with the doser they just had to reset it. So... Here I am needing to re-set.


Just a lot of cash to set aside.... Might have to dismantle to see if I could somehow use the parts before just setting aside.

I am working with them in hope that it can be worked out.

[Przemek_PacSun]

I would like to say it again:
All connection issues are sourced by weak signal/bluetooth modules which not support needed communication protocols(RFCOMM/SPP).
We sold thousands of that dosers - and based on our experience almost all issues reported to our service were sourced by computer side(bluetooth).
That was confirmed by several Customers in that thread which HAD issues and problems with communication but after using Class 1 modules they got.
It's not rocket science. The same situation you will notice when you will use bluetooth headphones and you will be too far away from your transmitter - you will hear some breaks in sound transmissions (what mean that digital data wasn't received from transmitter).
Please forgive me - but it's not blaming anybody. It simply a fact and of course anybody can have his own opinion - but that what I said base on our technical knowledge and 6 years experience of using Bluetooth modules(we are using THE SAME modules in our lamps since 2009 year). We used more than 10.000 of them and that manufacturer is one of the best on this field (Rayson).

@Truepercs
If you have gen.1 dozer you have switch instead of reset button.
Thats only one difference in dosers gen.1 and gen.2. They have the same ports, possibilities etc.
If our service checked your dozer and confirmed that everything is working properly - it mean that test report is in our base and can be very easy checked by me tomorrow.
I will check your mails history with our service.
PS. I saw that you have BT dongle - can you give me information which module it is exactly?

[andrek787]

If only I could connect to doser... :(
I really want to try to use it..

I really dont get why people are having these issues. My Kore 5th is magnetically mounted to a 1/4" steel plate inside of my stand and even with the antenna removed I am not having any issues, with a desktop PC few feet away using a 15 buck dongle.

It might even be shitty BT drivers on the PC side.

The only thing I can think of is that sense electronics are mounted inside a sealed steel housing and external antenna is not quiet connected to the BT module.

Good luck. If you can stay up late or be up really early morning, you should be able to reach the EU tech support tech support and get a realtime assitance.

I have been wondering when Przemek has time to sleep, lol.

[Przemek_PacSun]

I never sleep :P
We have one rule here(in PL): "Go big or go home" ;-)

[erik2302]

Just to confirm...there will be no ability to do 12 water changes per day instead of 24?

I held onto this doser for several months after being told that this would be implemented in the next firmware update.

I'm not going to rely on the same time method based on the overall reliability of the unit as a whole and the simple fact that the method will not work with pumps at different distances/head heights etc.


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[truepercs]

@Truepercs
If you have gen.1 dozer you have switch instead of reset button.
Thats only one difference in dosers gen.1 and gen.2. They have the same ports, possibilities etc.
If our service checked your dozer and confirmed that everything is working properly - it mean that test report is in our base and can be very easy checked by me tomorrow.
I will check your mails history with our service.
PS. I saw that you have BT dongle - can you give me information which module it is exactly?[/QUOTE]

Sent you BT Dongle info

[andrek787]

Just to confirm...there will be no ability to do 12 water changes per day instead of 24?

I held onto this doser for several months after being told that this would be implemented in the next firmware update.

I'm not going to rely on the same time method based on the overall reliability of the unit as a whole and the simple fact that the method will not work with pumps at different distances/head heights etc.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Any particular reason you have to have 12 changes per 24 hours?

The AWC software function is there to simplify programming. You can technicaly "dose" water out of the tank and "dose" new water into the tank on any schedule you desire. Simply disable the ATO function when the change is scheduled to take place. As long as the pumps 4 and 5 are calibrated, just set the dose amount to be the same.

Sent from my STV100-1 using Tapatalk

[truepercs]

I really dont get why people are having these issues. My Kore 5th is magnetically mounted to a 1/4" steel plate inside of my stand and even with the antenna removed I am not having any issues, with a desktop PC few feet away using a 15 buck dongle.

It might even be shitty BT drivers on the PC side.

The only thing I can think of is that sense electronics are mounted inside a sealed steel housing and external antenna is not quiet connected to the BT module.

Good luck. If you can stay up late or be up really early morning, you should be able to reach the EU tech support tech support and get a realtime assitance.

I have been wondering when Przemek has time to sleep, lol.




I had the doser working before... That's why I don't want to give up on it.

I had it set up even with the crappy laptop bluetooth. I even updated firmware with the crappy laptop bluetooth. It took me a while to get it set up the first time but I found out there was a windows bug that was not deleting unused com ports. It made the initial set up experience painful, but I realize it was not the fault of the doser.

Something happened...

I just want to resolve, I did not spend the money to shelf it...

If there are thousands of folks that are successfully using this doser I want to be one of them.

[erik2302]

Any particular reason you have to have 12 changes per 24 hours?

The AWC software function is there to simplify programming. You can technicaly "dose" water out of the tank and "dose" new water into the tank on any schedule you desire. Simply disable the ATO function when the change is scheduled to take place. As long as the pumps 4 and 5 are calibrated, just set the dose amount to be the same.

Sent from my STV100-1 using Tapatalk



Yeah when you're using the DC pumps it doesn't work like that... the clean water pump isn't calibrated it relies on the level sensor to know when to stop.

My issue, is with 24 changes it doesn't change out a large enough volume to trip the float switch...so the fw ATO ends up replacing the missing water between changes and my salinity progressively gets lower and lower. I'm currently changing 8% a week and don't want to do more than that. Honestly I'd prefer 7%.

I've band-aid fixed this issue by adjusting my new SW salinity to about 1.014 and not using the ATO at all. My system isn't perfect due to fluctuations in evaporation etc and I would like to use the ATO and the AWC.

More than likely I'll end up scrapping the kore 5th and using the controller to automate water changes..just involves more money :(


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[andrek787]

Yeah when you're using the DC pumps it doesn't work like that... the clean water pump isn't calibrated it relies on the level sensor to know when to stop.

My issue, is with 24 changes it doesn't change out a large enough volume to trip the float switch...so the fw ATO ends up replacing the missing water between changes and my salinity progressively gets lower and lower. I'm currently changing 8% a week and don't want to do more than that. Honestly I'd prefer 7%.

I've band-aid fixed this issue by adjusting my new SW salinity to about 1.014 and not using the ATO at all. My system isn't perfect due to fluctuations in evaporation etc and I would like to use the ATO and the AWC.

More than likely I'll end up scrapping the kore 5th and using the controller to automate water changes..just involves more money :(


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I see. There might be a cheap trick to do this, but you would need a separate ATO controller, aka sentry. If you take a HOB filter or fuge and put it on your sump with a timer to run for 5-10 min at the end of an hour. Place the Kore 5th's level sensor as well as the waste DC pump inside. Run the fresh SW line into it. Kore 5th will replace the water volume inside the filter during its AWC cycle with a large change in water level. Then when the filter pump runs, the fresh water inside the filter will be replaced with water from your tank. Does that sort of make sense?

[truepercs]

I never sleep :P
We have one rule here(in PL): "Go big or go home" ;-)


Przemek,


Sent another email on Dongle requirements...

[truepercs]

Guys,

Apparently the class1 USB adapter i purchased is not an actual class one adapter. In doing a little research the true class 1 adapters are not widely used here in the US. It appears it is more of an industrial use here. At least that is my opinion so far. (I seen a couple on Amazon, but need to verify specifications... I am not knowledgeable in this area)

I am going to get the a dongle that meets the Kore5th requirements... I will let you know if it makes the process easier. I recently downloaded the remote application their support group recommended in the event I will need a remote session.

It has not been easy to talk directly to a company that can talk specifically about their adapter. I want to make sure before I purchase, I do not want to buy the wrong one again. I was also hoping for a recommendation as to what dongle Pacific-sun has found to work well with their product.

It appears that communication is a little more difficult when the doser is in the failed firmware mode. I can not get it to connect in reset mode. I connected once once but failed to finish. Perhaps the correct dongle will remedy. I have been getting responses from their support but this process is slow. It would be nice if they had support (phone) during a US time zone. (possibly through a distributor?)

If anyone of you have purchased a class one dongle(class 1 in terms of power also) let me know if you are having good results I will purchase.

[Przemek_PacSun]

Hi
It shouldn't be a problem with finding 100m range Bluetooth Class 1:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2374313.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.X100m.TRS0&_nkw=100m&_sacat=44999
If BT have 100m range - it have to be Class1.

Regards

Przemek

[Griff500]

Still not supplying it with a dongle then? Lucky it came with a plug! ;)

As an aside, I'm using the Mac software and it connects far more reliably through Bluetooth than the Windows software on the same Mac laptop. That makes me think it's not entirely the Bluetooth radio in the laptop that's the issue.

[PeteStewardson]

The Bluetooth connection is an excuse. I've said it before, and will say it again. All you need to do is add error checking onto every message sent over Bluetooth, a simple checksum would do it. Then all these problems would go away. I've even offered to help ( I'm an embedded SW engineer with 20 years experience so have seen this with wireless comms many times. ) , hell I'd make the SW changes for them for free if they'd let me and then they'd have the nicest dose out there because that's all that is wrong with this thing.

[Griff500]

The Bluetooth connection is an excuse. I've said it before, and will say it again. All you need to do is add error checking onto every message sent over Bluetooth, a simple checksum would do it. Then all these problems would go away. I've even offered to help ( I'm an embedded SW engineer with 20 years experience so have seen this with wireless comms many times. ) , hell I'd make the SW changes for them for free if they'd let me and then they'd have the nicest dose out there because that's all that is wrong with this thing.

Sorry, but I think you'll find it's user error combined with crappy laptops. :wildone:

[PeteStewardson]

Sorry, but I think you'll find it's user error combined with crappy laptops. :wildone:

Hey if PS send me an NDA and let me fix it for them, crappy Bluetooth modules will just make it a bit slower. But it's work.

Some of what is said is true. The BT comms doesn't always work. But then neither does any comms over wireless. Wifi is pretty crap too. But you know what, error checking and retries solves the problem. Actually we've been doing some Bluetooth products at work recently, and we needed to check the data as it wasn't great over distance. But the product always works now :)

[Griff500]

I've said for ages that Bluetooth and local software is an odd way to go these days, although I'm sure it can be made to work more reliably. They were going to produce their 'cube', if I recall correctly, to get the device onto the network, but it never happened. As they say that laptops don't have strong enough radios you would think that including a decent dongle with the kit wouldn't hurt - apparently they cost next to nothing.

Having said that, and mostly with tongue-in-cheek, I have found that the Mac software on my old but horribly expensive Macbook Pro works absolutely reliably, even from across the room. The same doesn't happen on the same laptop using their Windows software, although perhaps newer versions are improved. The whole thing is currently working well and reliably, so there is absolutely zero chance of me updating anything! ;)

[PeteStewardson]

There's nothing wrong with using Bluetooth. If you do it properly :)

[Griff500]

Possibly not, although my point was that and local software being used. Browser/cloud-based apps with the devices on the network for these sorts of things get around needing local software and having to create it and keep it updated for various operating systems. Far better, in my opinion, with local software feeling rather dated. Ecosmart Live works nicely, Apex is great, etc. It's not rocket surgery.

[truepercs]

Sorry, but I think you'll find it's user error combined with crappy laptops. :wildone:

If its user error they should be taking notes to figure out how to make it easier for the user. However I also believe there should be some type of hard connection for firmware updates in case of communication errors. Possibly a USB port?

[truepercs]

I've said for ages that Bluetooth and local software is an odd way to go these days, although I'm sure it can be made to work more reliably. They were going to produce their 'cube', if I recall correctly, to get the device onto the network, but it never happened. As they say that laptops don't have strong enough radios you would think that including a decent dongle with the kit wouldn't hurt - apparently they cost next to nothing.

Having said that, and mostly with tongue-in-cheek, I have found that the Mac software on my old but horribly expensive Macbook Pro works absolutely reliably, even from across the room. The same doesn't happen on the same laptop using their Windows software, although perhaps newer versions are improved. The whole thing is currently working well and reliably, so there is absolutely zero chance of me updating anything! ;)



I would love to see that... MAC version is what I started off on... The reason I switched to a windows laptop is because I did not find the software to have all the functionality that was in the windows version. It also had its fair share of quirks. Perhaps later releases may have fixed some of the issues I came across.

With that said If I can be pointed where to get a hold of the software that is needed to use the MAC for firmware updates I will give that a try while another dongle is in the mail. I'll set the doser next to the MAC desktop. Due to your comments I am going to take another look at the MAC version also.

Thanks,

-Ed

[truepercs]

Hi
It shouldn't be a problem with finding 100m range Bluetooth Class 1:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2374313.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.X100m.TRS0&_nkw=100m&_sacat=44999
If BT have 100m range - it have to be Class1.

Regards

Przemek


OK Thanks I purchased the dongle that said class one the first time and it was actually class 2 so I did not want to assume just because it was 100m that it was 100% what was needed. Good to hear!


-Ed

[vhuang168]

Ed, which dongle did you purchase?


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[truepercs]

I've said for ages that Bluetooth and local software is an odd way to go these days, although I'm sure it can be made to work more reliably. They were going to produce their 'cube', if I recall correctly, to get the device onto the network, but it never happened. As they say that laptops don't have strong enough radios you would think that including a decent dongle with the kit wouldn't hurt - apparently they cost next to nothing.
)




For the price Yes I totally agree with you on them supplying a dongle. Why not when you hear folks are having trouble connecting? Unless of course as in the other fellows comment "its an excuse". I am hoping with the correct dongle the reset will communicate easier I can get the firmware in and use my equipment.

[vhuang168]

I asked this before and their answer was that they used to do this in the past but users complained about paying for something they don't need.

Funny thing is it seems like everyone who uses the doser needs 1.


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[Griff500]

I asked this before and their answer was that they used to do this in the past but users complained about paying for something they don't need.

Funny thing is it seems like everyone who uses the doser needs 1.


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I've often seen them say that a suitable dongle only costs $10 retail. No need to charge the customer. ;)

[truepercs]

Hmmm

Happy customer with an extra part that would consider other products offered and provide word of mouth advertising

or...
A customer that is riddled with issues causing them to shelf, sell never looking at any other product from the company + adverse word of mouth advertising?

If a dongle takes care of the issues I'll never understand.

[truepercs]

Ed, which dongle did you purchase?


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First one was Startech model USBBT1EDR4 It says "Class 1" but... its only 50m so its not correct. With his latest response it should be easy to pick out one, as long as it has a 100m range he said it is correct.

Sending this one back, says "class 1" all over the box:

[truepercs]

ordered this one...

StarTech 100m / 328.08' Class 1 Mini USB Bluetooth 2.1 Adapter #USBBT1EDR2


There are cheaper ones available...

[mrtint]

Problem with supplying a BT adapter...... it then becomes something else they need to supply support for. They are in the business of making equipment...... not computer tech support. Personally a USB connection would take care of 90% or more of the problems

I use a ASUS BT-400. No problems


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[Griff500]

Technical support for a Bluetooth dongle? I'm going to guess that would take up less time than they have already spent over the years (it's not a new issue) on people not being able to reliably connect. They are in the business of making hardware and the software to run it and it's their job to make sure that it is as easy to use as possible.

If the Company line is that pretty much all laptops use under-powered Bluetooth radios to make them energy efficient and that the standard radios aren't sufficiently powered but their hardware will work perfectly with a Class 1 dongle then just include it and make sure it works out of the box. Easy.

Anyway, it's a pointless discussion. ;)

[truepercs]

Problem with supplying a BT adapter...... it then becomes something else they need to supply support for. They are in the business of making equipment...... not computer tech support. Personally a USB connection would take care of 90% or more of the problems

I use a ASUS BT-400. No problems


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If you had an issue it would be suggested that it was your adapter...(as it does not meet their requirements)

I suspect it is more than a bluetooth issue, as I mentioned before it was working with my cheesy laptop bluetooth. I don't want bluetooth issue to be in the equation therefore I am meeting their requirements.

BUT... I want it only to be a bluetooth issue now.

[CFC_Surge]

I just did a firmware update with my Dell Laptop again with the built in Bluetooth. I got an Error at first, so I restarted the update, and then it took fine.
I'm now on 1.6C on both the laptop and Doser. I noticed that the Doser pumps much faster now than before on all three speed settings. Is this normal? I recalibrated 2-5 on the "Precise" flow rate and 1 on Fast Flow because it seemed to struggle on the Precise flow rate. Could the motor be going out? Are replacement motors available?
I have a friend that is looking for a doser to dose .5ML per day per solution, and I have recommended him this doser. Please confirm that he's ok for use with that low a volume.
Thanks, Surge

[andrek787]

I just did a firmware update with my Dell Laptop again with the built in Bluetooth. I got an Error at first, so I restarted the update, and then it took fine.
I'm now on 1.6C on both the laptop and Doser. I noticed that the Doser pumps much faster now than before on all three speed settings. Is this normal? I recalibrated 2-5 on the "Precise" flow rate and 1 on Fast Flow because it seemed to struggle on the Precise flow rate. Could the motor be going out? Are replacement motors available?
I have a friend that is looking for a doser to dose .5ML per day per solution, and I have recommended him this doser. Please confirm that he's ok for use with that low a volume.
Thanks, Surge

I have updated recently to 1.6C and noticed that at precise speed the pump has really slowed down. If anything it is better for low dosages like that, makes it easier to nail down calibration.

[andrek787]

I wonder if anyone ever tried putting an BT adapter on a USB extension cord and zip-tying it to the doser's antenna.

[vhuang168]

I wonder if anyone ever tried putting an BT adapter on a USB extension cord and zip-tying it to the doser's antenna.



Doesn't matter. My doser was sitting out in the open above the tank. Computer was less than 3 ft away and I still would get issues. This is with a Class 1 (100m) bt dongle.


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[Przemek_PacSun]

I wonder if anyone ever tried putting an BT adapter on a USB extension cord and zip-tying it to the doser's antenna.

If you will use proper BT module - connection even thru wall will not be any problem.
It's confirmed by many Customers.

@CFC_surge
yes, 0.5ml can be dosed without any troubles.
Important information:
If there is installed Pharmed tubing it CAN'T work on precise flow mode(it's written in manual).
You should set doser for Fast flow but even in this mode doser can dose single drops - mean about 0.03-0.04ml in single dose.

[CFC_Surge]

If you will use proper BT module - connection even thru wall will not be any problem.
It's confirmed by many Customers.

@CFC_surge
yes, 0.5ml can be dosed without any troubles.
Important information:
If there is installed Pharmed tubing it CAN'T work on precise flow mode(it's written in manual).
You should set doser for Fast flow but even in this mode doser can dose single drops - mean about 0.03-0.04ml in single dose.

Why did the software update make it pump so much faster? Is that normal?
I don't want to shorten motor life by over clocking them, and I prefer a slower more controlled drip rate.

Is there accuracy issues with the moderate and precise settings?

If one of my motors is struggling on the precise setting does that mean the motor needs replacing or an issue with the drive circuit? What is more likely?

I'm using silicone airline for the tubbing.

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii238/Expert_Marine/Mobile%20Uploads/46F144B9-8D95-439C-86D4-498A2FEABE9E_zps7nqrpsn9.jpg

[Przemek_PacSun]

Yes,on precise flow motor speed is increased due some reports from Customers about problems with properly(with constant speed) head rotation.
You dont have to worry about that - it not decrease your pump/head lifetime.
If your motor it struggling on precise flow - be sure that it isn't working with Pharmed(beige color) tubings. This mode is designed only for silicone(white/transparent) tubings.

[Griff500]

What is the reason that precise flow won't work with Pharmed?

[Przemek_PacSun]

Because that kind of tubing is too hard and give too high resistance for motor on low speed mode = flow is not constant and very hard to determine/calibrate.

[Griff500]

Cheers. Could you confirm the best clear tubing and size to use with your pumps? I'm probably overdue changing them, although it still appears to be dosing accurately on the one pump I use at present.

[andrek787]

Because that kind of tubing is too hard and give too high resistance for motor on low speed mode = flow is not constant and very hard to determine/calibrate.

Sorry for the misinformation. I did replace the tubing with "Pharmed" at the same time as doing the firmware update. The pumps ran very quiet. Flow rates were about 15 ml/min, so I had to manually calibrate using precise flow adjustment.

[Przemek_PacSun]

If you are using Pharmed tubings I strongly suggest switching to fast flow.
On that kind of tubing even on fast flow you can dose single drop of liquid daily..
Regards

Przemek

[Przemek_PacSun]

Cheers. Could you confirm the best clear tubing and size to use with your pumps? I'm probably overdue changing them, although it still appears to be dosing accurately on the one pump I use at present.

Hi
Almost all tunings with wall thickness 1mm should work - so you can use(ID/OD):
1mm/3mm
2mm/4mm
3mm/5mm

Regards

Przemek

[serenity]

Does anyone have a link to maybe amazon or any place for the best tubing to run?

I just picked up a unit on here, and would like to order correct tubing. I just ordered the Kore 5th Magnetic Stirrer too. I will be dosing only ZEOvit products with this.

reading about the Bluetooth issues, so if I have a new MBP2016 touchbar I won't need to buy a dongle correct?

Thanks

[vhuang168]

You probably will.


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[serenity]

You probably will.


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Would it be better to buy the dongle?


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[Przemek_PacSun]

@serenity
You don't need to buy any external BT module for that computer.
Macbook PRO use very strong and compatible with all protocols BT radios and they are working very good.

[PeteStewardson]

Oh so every time you tell me it's a BT issue it's not true since I use a MBP?

[Przemek_PacSun]

Dear PeteStewardson,
I never said that Macbook Pro/Air need external bluetooth - if you will check my posts you will can read that every time I told that this computers don't need.
Only iMacs need additional BT dongle because mouse/keyboards use builtin BT for communication.
I checked it - because Im using in home iMac 5K and Macbook PRO.
If you wish we can prepare movie with screen capture from working app under both computers.


Regards

Przemek

[NilsRenstrom]

Dear PeteStewardson,
I never said that Macbook Pro/Air need external bluetooth - if you will check my posts you will can read that every time I told that this computers don't need.
Only iMacs need additional BT dongle because mouse/keyboards use builtin BT for communication.
I checked it - because Im using in home iMac 5K and Macbook PRO.
If you wish we can prepare movie with screen capture from working app under both computers.


Regards

Przemek

I can confirm the above statement, both 2012 MBP and 2011 MBA works both with the Metis Hyperion 2 ramp and the Kore 5th doser, no problem. Even when boot camping into windows..

//N

[PeteStewardson]

Dear PeteStewardson,
I never said that Macbook Pro/Air need external bluetooth - if you will check my posts you will can read that every time I told that this computers don't need.
Only iMacs need additional BT dongle because mouse/keyboards use builtin BT for communication.
I checked it - because Im using in home iMac 5K and Macbook PRO.
If you wish we can prepare movie with screen capture from working app under both computers.


Regards

Przemek

So there we go. It's not the bt that is the issue when I get corruption of confit during programming. Thanks, now I know it's software bugs :)

[serenity]

@serenity
You don't need to buy any external BT module for that computer.
Macbook PRO use very strong and compatible with all protocols BT radios and they are working very good.



Thank you!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Przemek_PacSun]

So there we go. It's not the bt that is the issue when I get corruption of confit during programming. Thanks, now I know it's software bugs :)

I'm not sure that I'm clear enough or not.
This Mac OS X software is working properly and there is no any communication errors reported by Customers(like not discovering device, problem with connections etc) until everything is properly set and there is a proper distance between doser/computer.
If there would be a software bug it shouldn't work on all Mac OS X computers - not only on yours.
It's hard to say whats wrong with your computer(like settings of your OS X, AirDrop settings for example etc.). Maybe you also hit some buttons not waiting for previous operation finished. It's really hard to say not knowing more details.
There can be a few reasons why it's not working(if) - but it's little surprising for me that you have enough time to write next and next posts here instead of trying get proper help from our technical support which I asked you few times(also in that thread).
So if you want to get advanced troubleshoonintg (also with TeamViewer option) - simply please contact with our service directly, because we are not offering technical support here.
Thank you for understanding.

@serenity
No problem, if you will have any technical questions regarding configuration/setup - please catch Tomasz from service@pacific-sun.eu directly, he will be happy to assist in you explain everything about Kore 5th :-)

Regards

Przemek

[serenity]

Przemek - many thanks! I am excited to get everything setup. The magnetic stirrer is going to be amazing!!

[truepercs]

Przemek,

New Bluetooth adapter is being used...
I am getting same messages. I still have not been able to connect by toggling switch for emergency firmware update.

I will continue to experiment.

[Alfrareef]

Dear PeteStewardson,
I never said that Macbook Pro/Air need external bluetooth - if you will check my posts you will can read that every time I told that this computers don't need.
Only iMacs need additional BT dongle because mouse/keyboards use builtin BT for communication.
I checked it - because Im using in home iMac 5K and Macbook PRO.
If you wish we can prepare movie with screen capture from working app under both computers.


Regards

Przemek



I also can confirm that!
I'm using a MacBook Pro and never had issues to connect and control the doser.

[erik2302]

Hey if PS send me an NDA and let me fix it for them, crappy Bluetooth modules will just make it a bit slower. But it's work.



Some of what is said is true. The BT comms doesn't always work. But then neither does any comms over wireless. Wifi is pretty crap too. But you know what, error checking and retries solves the problem. Actually we've been doing some Bluetooth products at work recently, and we needed to check the data as it wasn't great over distance. But the product always works now :)



I've made the same offer to fix the software, and develop an app for phone use but was refused as well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[erik2302]

On another note, everything seems to be working okay for the time being (aside from the water change issue I've brought up over and over), however on the ato/water change page...when I hit read settings the page constantly scrambles numbers and checks and unchecks boxes until I disconnect...this makes making a change impossible. Do I need to reload the fw or something?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[truepercs]

No luck...

Keeps timing out? Anyone have any suggestions?
I deleted bluetooth, reinstalled deleted comports, software created new.

It seems as though it will connect through emergency connection but that is it...

This is with anti virus and firewall turned off.

[PacSun Service]

Hello.

Please contact with our service. We will connect to Your PC via Teamviewer app and try to remotely upload firmware to Your Doser again.

Best regards
Pacific Sun Service.

[doktorfisch]

I just returned from the Xmas holidays and found the doser with a continuous beep, the KH container full and the Ca and mineral salt containers almost empty. It had an alarm about the KH container empty.

I was always thinking what would the doser do if the containers are refilled but the capacity settings in the software are not refilled. Nevertheless I refilled both physically the containers and also connected to the unit to refill the capacity of all 3 containers in the software, but for some reason apparently the kh setting was not refilled. The first day it was ok before I left for holidays.

I checked all 3 capacities and they were full but the doser failed for the KH. In addition it makes no sense that the dosing stops because it believes that one container is empty. It should try to dose.

I did not investigate much but do not see a way to disable the containers capacity. And trying to set a big capacity is not possible, the maximum is 5 liters.

I got many acroporas and now the kh is 3 after 2 weeks without dosing kh. Ca and mineral salt were ok. I will try to raise it slowly.

The question is:

-Is it possible to avoid to have to refill the containers in the software when they are refilled in reality? Or when the doser believes the containers are empty it will stop dosing. That would help to avoid this problem/bug/mistake or whatever it is.

[Przemek_PacSun]

@doktorfish
Doser not stopped dosing when container is empty - it still try a dose.Kore 5th "don't know" if you refilled in reality your dosing containers or not - you need to refill them in app also, so doser can calculate everything and inform about real usage(and when level reach alarm values)
If doser wasn't dosing liquid - probably your tubing is blocked(kh solution when dry can block tubings and liquid will not be dosed)
It's most possibly reason why kH solution wasn't added to sump - you can verify it quite easy, because if few days ago you refilled bottles - actually from that "not dosed kH solution bottle" level should change to lower(than originally refilled).
I know that our support is in contact with you - please send them your .MBF file for checking.

Regards

Przemek

[doktorfisch]

Hi,

Thanks for the answer

The KH tube was not blocked because it worked fine when I connected with bluetooth and made a manual dosing.

The Kore had a permanent alarm (bleeping I assume for many days that I was not at home) complaining about the empty container. It was dosing two containers but not the KH one (the container was full since it was not dosing and the KH in the tank has dropped to 3)

With the noisy alarm yesterday I modified the settings to stop dosing of KH and do it slowly by hand.

Is there a way to avoid the doser to use the containers capacity? If I leave it to 0 there is a permanent noisy alarm. I cannot set a huge capacity that would be a workaround, maximum is less than 10 liters. I do not want to periodically connect to refill the tanks, that has been the source of this problem

[Przemek_PacSun]

It's working as I said(and like it was designed by programmers in similar to your situation). Please let me explain how it's working. Do simply experiment:
1. Set channel #5 (for example) for dosing 100ml daily in 4 doses. First dose at 02:00am.
2. Refill bottle #5 with 30ml od liquid. Bottle capacity will be set also for 30ml.
3. Now - go to last tab, check "User time" checkbox and set doser time to 01:59:50.
4. Doser will start dosing 25ml(single dose value).
5. After it will finish dose - you can go to Liquid setup tab - and clicking bottle you will see how much liquid left. There should be 5ml.
6. Now - set doser time again to 01:59:50 - doser will start next dose. It will dose FULL 25ml amount.
After that again go to Liquid Setup tab - check level status - you will see that amount of liquid level will back to about 6500ml - however bottle capacity will left on 30ml level - but it not affect overall doser working mode.
So there is no needed refilling every time when bottle will "end".
Additionally, you can set level alarm to 1% and turn off "sound alarm" for low level liquid settings.
All above will solve your any problems.

Regards

Przemek

[doktorfisch]

It should work that way but for me it stopped dosing for the KH bottle and the other two were dosing normally. The KH was not clogged because I tested it in manual mode.

In addition I have the alarms off in the main panel but however there was a continuous alarm all the time when I arrived. Is this normal?

I have set now all the containers to 0. I will check what it does but I have lost confidence in this device, there are very expensive corals in the tank.

[Przemek_PacSun]

Before I posted it we checked it again in our company - and it's working like it was described above.
It's not about trust - it simply a fact and we can guarantee that's correct information.
Of course - if you are using latest software and firmware.
About alarm - I don't know what cause that alarm(what you see on LCD) - if you refilled bottles and liquid level alarm was set to low %(like 1-2%) it can't be sourced by that kind of alarm.

Regards

Przemek

[doktorfisch]

I arrived yesterday late and my main concern was to stop the annoying continuous beep. And when I saw the full container my priority was to check the KH in the tank, did not care much about the kore. I only remember the display rotating messages, and the continuous beep was cleared only when I reset the container capacity to 5 liters in the software

After I set now the containers to 0 liters there are many non sense messages like 26 days left that probably are derived from the assumption that the container has 6500ml. It reminds me to the 99 celsius that my Pacific sun lamp is reporting everytime I connect. I find this way of operation very cumbersome and confusing, by default you see what is left in your container. This is what the rest of dosing pumps do. No need for this complication in my opinion, or at least do not display the misleading messages about the days left. It could be an option, but to set this way of operation as default makes you to connect via bt to the kore every time you refill and this causes extra problems, like probably it happened in this case.

Do you keep internally a log of errors if I send you the binary? What can cause that kind of alarm? Two of the containers were downloaded normally but not the KH (murphy's attack apparently)

I have firmware 1.6b that I uploaded when I bought it a couple of months ago and I see 1.6c in your web. What are the differences?

Regards

[truepercs]

All just wanted to give you guys an update...

I was working to schedule a remote session that was during working times for the support folks. Immediately after sending the log in information Tomasz sent me an email on taking a look at the issue (NOW). So this was not during normal business hours for him.

After investigation of the bluetooth and a short video of the doser it was determined that the plug in power supply has failed. The doser is technically out of warranty, I will purchase a power source and will report back to Tomasz. I want to thank both Przemek and Tomasz for looking into this. Hopefully this will get me going again.



-Ed

[PacSun Service]

@doktorfisch - please make memory backup and send .mbf file at service@pacific-sun.eu. We will check Your settings on our doser.

Best regards
Pacific Sun Service.

[doktorfisch]

Thanks for the offer. I have however modified the settings since the problem. I plan to leave the containers at 0 untouched. Do you think does it stil make sense to send you the binary?

I am very often away and with this doser it is difficult to ask my neighbor to modify the settings in case I see with the webcam that the container level remains constant. It has been very bad luck because I was 3 weeks away before Xmas and I monitored the container level with the webcam. During Xmas I stopped monitoring it. It seems that the corals are recovering OK, but it will take a few days till I raise it slowly to 7

May be I will temporarily install an individual doser in parallel for the KH

[andrek787]

You technically can change settings on your doser remotely, as long as you have a PC that can connect to Kore 5th while you are away. You can use a service like logmein.com to remotely log in to that computer, and use Kore 5th software to change the settings, just as if you were at home.


Przemek, I have a technical question. I have the DC AWC kit, but the standard DC pumps cant deliver water far enough. Is it possible to wire up a low power diaphram pump in place of the dc pump? What is the max voltage and current the Kore 5th can supply to those AWC pumps?

[doktorfisch]

I can change remotely, but that is risky. In my opinion all these new lamps, dosing pumps and other gadgets relying on external computers, bluetooth connections, internet links, etc are very vulnerable.

I bought this dosing pumps trying to get something better than the chinese ones, but I find they are not so reliable due to the software. The hardware is OK but the software is complicated and relies on an external computer, bt connection and so on.

I have detected that there was a time with multiple dosing of channel 2 and 3 at 7:00. Channel 2 dosed for a few seconds but did not complete the 62 expected ml, then channel 3 took over and it was OK. I tried with channel 1 and 2 and it worked fine. The dosing that failed was for times that the doser derives from the initial time and the number of intervals. It is something I do not like, I cannot choose when to dose multiple times a channel that is a basic thing. If I want to dose a channel only over day or night or to make a test it is not possible.

Anyway I have swapped the containers of channel 2 and 3 for the case that there is an issue with channel 2 that had the KH. I have also changed the dosing times to avoid common dosing times of various channels. But it is difficult to debug if it is a sw or hw problem. In the chinese doser it would be clearly a hw issue and I would return it. In this case it is not clear.

Anyway I appreciate the work and support of the Pacific Sun guys, but IMHO there is nothing more reliable than a built in display and keys.

[serenity]

Just so I understand correctly. Once I set the settings up via laptop and disconnect I'm good right. I don't need to keep it connect to my laptop right? All of my settings will be programmed?

[Spliffen]

Just so I understand correctly. Once I set the settings up via laptop and disconnect I'm good right. I don't need to keep it connect to my laptop right? All of my settings will be programmed?


Set the settings , save , then disconnect.
If you want to be sure connect again and press read setting (for whatever you changed) and control .

[serenity]

Set the settings , save , then disconnect.
If you want to be sure connect again and press read setting (for whatever you changed) and control .

Have many people had issues with it dosing correctly? I am reading story after story about people are upset with software. If I have no issues connecting it to my mac, which I did not, connected right away. I was able to setup the dosing, etc. without any issues at all, should I be concerned with the unit itself or are people overall happy with it. It seems like GHL and others have issues of their own, and if the major issue is connection (which I have ZERO issue with), then maybe I am lucky and just need to go with it?


Thanks

[andrek787]

I can change remotely, but that is risky. In my opinion all these new lamps, dosing pumps and other gadgets relying on external computers, bluetooth connections, internet links, etc are very vulnerable.

I bought this dosing pumps trying to get something better than the chinese ones, but I find they are not so reliable due to the software. The hardware is OK but the software is complicated and relies on an external computer, bt connection and so on.

I have detected that there was a time with multiple dosing of channel 2 and 3 at 7:00. Channel 2 dosed for a few seconds but did not complete the 62 expected ml, then channel 3 took over and it was OK. I tried with channel 1 and 2 and it worked fine. The dosing that failed was for times that the doser derives from the initial time and the number of intervals. It is something I do not like, I cannot choose when to dose multiple times a channel that is a basic thing. If I want to dose a channel only over day or night or to make a test it is not possible.

Anyway I have swapped the containers of channel 2 and 3 for the case that there is an issue with channel 2 that had the KH. I have also changed the dosing times to avoid common dosing times of various channels. But it is difficult to debug if it is a sw or hw problem. In the chinese doser it would be clearly a hw issue and I would return it. In this case it is not clear.

Anyway I appreciate the work and support of the Pacific Sun guys, but IMHO there is nothing more reliable than a built in display and keys.

You should definitely not schedule two pumps to dose simultaneously. If you really want to make sure that the pump doses what it is suppose to over the course of the day or week, get a set of larger plastic graduated cylinders. Fill them with supplements to max mark and dose from them. JOg the values down at the end of each day. You will be able to see exactly how much liquid was dosed by each pump and if the pump flow rate drifts.

[andrek787]

Have many people had issues with it dosing correctly? I am reading story after story about people are upset with software. If I have no issues connecting it to my mac, which I did not, connected right away. I was able to setup the dosing, etc. without any issues at all, should I be concerned with the unit itself or are people overall happy with it. It seems like GHL and others have issues of their own, and if the major issue is connection (which I have ZERO issue with), then maybe I am lucky and just need to go with it?


Thanks

I have had my Kore 5th for 2 years. The dosing functionality has been flawless from the beginning. As long as you keep up with maintenance and regularly check/adjust calibration, you should not have any issues.

[serenity]

I have had my Kore 5th for 2 years. The dosing functionality has been flawless from the beginning. As long as you keep up with maintenance and regularly check/adjust calibration, you should not have any issues.

That is exactly what I wanted to hear!! Thank you sir!


A little side note/story from today.

A huge thank you to Salty Supply out of Florida. I wanted to order a couple spare Kore 5th pump heads, 2 Kore 5th magnetic stirrers, and some extra magnets for stirring.

I got on chat with him this morning, he let me know he was out of stock on the pump heads and they have some coming. I mentioned I was having issues with 1 of them, and he said you know what, I am going to send you 2 from my demo unit (used them for only a few minutes, so basically brand new) FREE of charge.. WOW is all I can say. I have been in this hobby for far longer than I care to admit, and when companies go out of their way like this, sure makes you feel good. And know that I will be shopping with them again soon! I wanted Pacific Sun to know they have an amazing partner here in the USA!

[andrek787]

Question, why do you need 2 stirrers unless you have two Kore 5ths?

[serenity]

Question, why do you need 2 stirrers unless you have two Kore 5ths?

2 Kore 5th's. I am using it solely for ZEOvit products. I will not be using the ATO as I use my APEX for that.

[serenity]

I assume you can only upgrade the firmware via a PC?

[Griff500]

2 Kore 5th's. I am using it solely for ZEOvit products. I will not be using the ATO as I use my APEX for that.

Which products are you dosing automatically?

[serenity]

Which products are you dosing automatically?

1. ZEOstart 3
2. Coral Snow
3. Abalance
4. Bbalance
5. AAHC
6. CV
7. Xtra
8. SPG
9. Sponge
10. bio-mate

I will manual dose on Bak, and only b/c it needs to be cold. I am going to put a small fridge in my fish room, so it will be right there. I would almost buy a lower end stirrer and plug it in, run the wires out of the fridge and use a channel to dose there, but I think that would just be lazy of me lol. and too much work. Plus it gives me an excuse to give the wife, to let me go "dose" in the fish room :dance:

I will use a max of 150ml in containers should it error and dump in extra, it won't nuke my system.

[Griff500]

1. ZEOstart 3
2. Coral Snow
3. Abalance
4. Bbalance
5. AAHC
6. CV
7. Xtra
8. SPG
9. Sponge
10. bio-mate

I will manual dose on Bak, and only b/c it needs to be cold. I am going to put a small fridge in my fish room, so it will be right there. I would almost buy a lower end stirrer and plug it in, run the wires out of the fridge and use a channel to dose there, but I think that would just be lazy of me lol. and too much work. Plus it gives me an excuse to give the wife, to let me go "dose" in the fish room :dance:

I will use a max of 150ml in containers should it error and dump in extra, it won't nuke my system.

For Coral Snow, which is supposed to be shaken prior to dosing, are you using a stirrer?

Are you dosing Sponge Power, Biomate and Coral Vitaliser straight from the bottles?

[serenity]

For Coral Snow, which is supposed to be shaken prior to dosing, are you using a stirrer?

Are you dosing Sponge Power, Biomate and Coral Vitaliser straight from the bottles?



Correct, I have 2 stirrer's, everything will be stirred prior to dosing for 1 minute.

I am not 100% sure if I will leave those 3 in their bottles or order some vessels from a company. I like to keep those in glass but most likely will not. I have some food grade plastic bottles I may try.

Are you dosing those now with the Kore?

[serenity]

Right now I am trying to calibrate these pumps to pump the right amount, right now I am about 1ml off.

[Griff500]

Correct, I have 2 stirrer's, everything will be stirred prior to dosing for 1 minute.

I am not 100% sure if I will leave those 3 in their bottles or order some vessels from a company. I like to keep those in glass but most likely will not. I have some food grade plastic bottles I may try.

Are you dosing those now with the Kore?

At the moment I'm only dosing Start with the Kore, diluted 1:9 (100ml Start with 900ml boiled RODI). No stirring. I suppose stirring could be beneficial and couldn't hurt but I'm not sure if it is necessary.

I'm using the other products mentioned but dosing manually.

Are you using the PS stirrer?

[Griff500]

Right now I am trying to calibrate these pumps to pump the right amount, right now I am about 1ml off.

Not quite as big an issue with those that can be diluted. It probably wouldn't matter with things such as Coral Snow but others could create issues with an additional ml, although probably not.

[serenity]

At the moment I'm only dosing Start with the Kore, diluted 1:9 (100ml Start with 900ml boiled RODI). No stirring. I suppose stirring could be beneficial and couldn't hurt but I'm not sure if it is necessary.

I'm using the other products mentioned but dosing manually.

Are you using the PS stirrer?

I just ordered 2 PS stirrers today, with holiday, they won't be here until Tuesday, but I am ok with that.

I was going to dilute but figured just as easy to dose directly...

have any photos of your setup?

[Griff500]

I just ordered 2 PS stirrers today, with holiday, they won't be here until Tuesday, but I am ok with that.

I was going to dilute but figured just as easy to dose directly...

have any photos of your setup?

No pictures that I want to share. :lolspin: Currently going through a horrible transition from the aftermath of Triton. It's getting there but in hindsight it would have been better to pull all the rock and sand and pretty much start afresh.

I think it's worth diluting Start as it gives a greater margin for error - 1ml dosed only contains 0.1ml of Start. I could also dilute further, such as 1:19, and only be dosing 0.05ml of Start for every 1ml dose, which would give an even greater margin for error and improve the accuracy of each dose.

I'm not sure that others could be diluted and I haven't read anything saying they can.

Automating Sponge Power would be nice for a start - a slight overdose shouldn't cause issues and I don't think it needs to be refrigerated. I'm not sure about Biomate.

Food for thought!

[serenity]

I was meaning your setup for the doser :P.

I just watched this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJ0qNlJpymk

and just ordered this

https://www.amazon.com/Avanti-SHP1701B-Superconductor-Refrigerator-Cubic/dp/B00DOARBIW/ref=sr_1_1?s=appliances&ie=UTF8&qid=1484363998&sr=1-1&keywords=Avanti+Avanti+SHP1701B

And this - Hopefully it will fit 2 bottles on it, if not it is cheap enough ill pickup a 2nd. I will store them in the fridge.

https://www.amazon.com/BIPEE-SH-II-3-Magnetic-0-2000RPM-110-240V/dp/B01H1AA6X2/ref=sr_1_1?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1484364387&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=magnetic+stirrer&psc=1

I will drill 4 holes in the top and will run CV and Bak in there, along with a Stirrer to mix the 2 before dosing. I will either run these off the Kore 5th or pickup a 2 channel pump to dose with. I won't store the doser in the fridge, just a couple small holes in the top of the fridge.

I think I just got extremely lazy lol.. but with travel and such for work.. I don't want to ask my wife to have to monitor anything. I will setup a couple cameras in the fish room to help monitor. Sorry to get this thread off topic, just excited to use the Kore 5th to make my life a lot easier!

[Griff500]

Ah, ok. Well the doser is just hanging from the top of the cabinet at the front left using the acrylic bit that PS sell so that the tubing to the sump is as short as possible. I use the thick tubing you get for RODI units for the feed to the reactor and John Guest fittings to route it because that stuff just really doesn't want to bend much. ;)

Despite my comments about software, connection, etc, over the years, I have found it to be quite reliable.

I had read your comments incorrectly and thought you were already dosing Zeovit products with it.

[truepercs]

Received the new power supply... Although the doser is acting slightly different I have not been able to connect yet. I am going to see if i can schedule another session with support. At this point I will not put any more money into the doser. My hope is that the support folks will know what is going on. Despite the limited amount of corals in my tank I have found that they are in need of supplements, I have started dosing manually. This is very frustrating,especially hearing that there are some people are out there using the product successfully.

[Griff500]

Received the new power supply... Although the doser is acting slightly different I have not been able to connect yet. I am going to see if i can schedule another session with support. At this point I will not put any more money into the doser. My hope is that the support folks will know what is going on. Despite the limited amount of corals in my tank I have found that they are in need of supplements, I have started dosing manually. This is very frustrating,especially hearing that there are some people are out there using the product successfully.

I had a lot of issues getting it to connect reliably and understanding the quirks of it's software. I had to do a full reset a number of times.

I haven't read all the issues you've had, but have you tried a full reset and update to the latest firmware and software? Apologies if you've been through everything already - I'm not going to read the entire thread to figure out exactly where you are with it... ;)

Once mine was working well I left it alone - no more firmware updates for me! ;)

[truepercs]

I have been through the range of items with this doser... Started with Mac noted the differences between the interfaces, switched to the PC. Discovered some of the nuances.
Made sure firmware updates were done with laptop close by. Then had a connection issue, after working with support upon their "advice" I sent the unit back. After receiving it they tell me it was only a firmware update. Although I question that because I have updated the firmware and gone through it several times until I learned of the how it needed to be done. Surely they could have also walked me through it remotely.

After getting it back (which took some time due to international shipping) I did not set it up because I was in the process of upgrading to a larger tank so.... When I did set it up, I had no issue. UNTIL I wanted to try to use the additional functionality. Prior I only used it for dosing a nano tank. Now I wanted to use autotop off, floats worked fine but when I attempted to use optical sensor something went south.

Here I am today with similar issue that I sent back for. Shipping was 100, I bought the additional dongle and now the power supply.

To put it in perspective, the wife and I bought a washing machine that was a bit cheaper than this doser, recently they have had issues so they recalled the washers. We were able to get a brand new washer with the rebate they provided. We stayed with the same brand and bought another due to the company's action. Yes my warranty is over with this doser but I can say It has been idle longer than it has been in use.

I am trying not to bad mouth but for the price this is not acceptable to me. I am not going to be like others and just shelve the product. I am figuring out my next steps should this turn sour. I have a few things in mind not the experience i had for this unit. Really I just want it to work so I can rave about the performance and dependability.

[serenity]

I'm not going to update anything after reading what I just read. It works perfect now, why mess with it??

[truepercs]

You should probably get familiar with updates before fully depending on it. Eventually you will need to update. I think I would rather learn now and are confident when you finally need to update. In reality updates are a good thing, they are improving the product. My hope is that I will get beyond these issues and all will be fine. My main issues have been on connecting, if yours is connecting fine you are off to a good start.

[serenity]

My BT dongle will be here Sunday. They need to allow updates from a Mac!

[vhuang168]

They do! You need to download an app for it.


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[serenity]

Well heck. Why am I not able to find this stuff online.

And 1 more item came today.

[vhuang168]

Send them an email.


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[serenity]

Send them an email.


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Sending now!! Thank you in advance!

[nore]

It seems that people has way more problems and reliability issues with the kore 5th than lets say Jebao DP series , even though i think Jebao/Jecod sells at least 10units for every kore 5th .
And Jebao is just a fraction of the cost of a kore doser.

But the kore has more precise dosing.

So that not very well working BT connection and ATO is kind of expensive if you ask me ;)

[Przemek_PacSun]

I appreciate all voices in this thread but I feel that it going on not proper way.
Please let me focus on some facts.
1. There is app for firmware update on Mac. We are sharing it on request for Customers which KNOW what they are doing.
I see trend that very person who buy any equipment firstly want to try firmware update not thinking for what it's needed. We ship dosers ALWAYS with latest, stable firmware. We didn't had any major/critical errors in firmware which would require from Customers update within last year or more.
Mostly they are refinements and adjusting some graphics/translations - sometimes small improvements in newest system compatibility (like for Mac OS Sierra).
It's true that there is needed GOOD QUALITY BT module for proper firmware update .
We wrote about that and inform every time when similar thread is on.
Every time firmware updating have a risk that something can go wrong(like power failure etc).
If any Customer is not sure how it should be done - our service can support him and even do it remotely without any additional cost.
2. We don't know how many pumps sell Jebao or orthers - we know how many we sold.
Comparing Kore 5th to Jebao(please excuse me) - is like comparing oranges to apples.
We are talking about completely two different products - one(Jebao) is simply dozer with few buttons on housing - second one is like "simply" computer which can do many things - work as ATO, AWC, do precise doses, stirring liquids etc.
There is easy rule - more complicated product - more possibilities to fail.However...
We sold abut 10.000 units since February 2014.
Of course, some Customers reported issues with compatibility, communication with their computers etc- but overall issues were below 4%. Mostly 90% of any reported issues were sourced during initial setup - mean , that dozer "didn't want" to work with Customer computer.
Due Windows incompatibility, windows version , bluetooth modules etc.
I think that 1 for every 10 users satisfied from product will write about that - but almost every one not satisfied will post his opinion without any thoughts.
Thats how its working - and we really work very hard too keep all of Customers satisfied.
Our main market is Europe - I think that we sold here more than 90% of our devices. Every one can try to find bad reviews about them, if all that problems reported here would be a rule - there should be hundreds of them posted worldwide.
So - I will tell it again.
Please let us focus on problems/helping Customers.
Every one person which will contact with us and will report ANY troubles will not be left without help - also after warranty.
We never refused help / support for Customer who's warranty is over.
We offer 2 years, in USA typical warranty time is 1 year - so as it's easy to see - it's more than other offers in standard.(not comparing to Jebao/Jecod).
But even if warrant y is over for one or two days - we cant simply replace any device if Customer inform us about troubles.
If we will do that - why we shouldn't do that for Customers which warranty expired one week or one month ago?
Please understand us correctly, all of us(Pacific Sun stuff) is strongly focused on helping Customers. We know how much important is after sale support, and we work really hard.
Similar like in Ed(truepercs) case - our service try to figure it out - a specially that dozer was bought few years ago, from previous reseller and after checking it in our company everything was working ok - we have detailed reports confirmed by three persons(one service chief finally).
We paid also for shipping it back to USA on our own cost.
We just want to be fairly judged in this thread.
Thank you for understanding.

Regards

Przemek

[serenity]

I appreciate all voices in this thread but I feel that it going on not proper way.
Please let me focus on some facts.
1. There is app for firmware update on Mac. We are sharing it on request for Customers which KNOW what they are doing.
I see trend that very person who buy any equipment firstly want to try firmware update not thinking for what it's needed. We ship dosers ALWAYS with latest, stable firmware. We didn't had any major/critical errors in firmware which would require from Customers update within last year or more.
Mostly they are refinements and adjusting some graphics/translations - sometimes small improvements in newest system compatibility (like for Mac OS Sierra).
It's true that there is needed GOOD QUALITY BT module for proper firmware update .
We wrote about that and inform every time when similar thread is on.
Every time firmware updating have a risk that something can go wrong(like power failure etc).
If any Customer is not sure how it should be done - our service can support him and even do it remotely without any additional cost.
2. We don't know how many pumps sell Jebao or orthers - we know how many we sold.
Comparing Kore 5th to Jebao(please excuse me) - is like comparing oranges to apples.
We are talking about completely two different products - one(Jebao) is simply dozer with few buttons on housing - second one is like "simply" computer which can do many things - work as ATO, AWC, do precise doses, stirring liquids etc.
There is easy rule - more complicated product - more possibilities to fail.However...
We sold abut 10.000 units since February 2014.
Of course, some Customers reported issues with compatibility, communication with their computers etc- but overall issues were below 4%. Mostly 90% of any reported issues were sourced during initial setup - mean , that dozer "didn't want" to work with Customer computer.
Due Windows incompatibility, windows version , bluetooth modules etc.
I think that 1 for every 10 users satisfied from product will write about that - but almost every one not satisfied will post his opinion without any thoughts.
Thats how its working - and we really work very hard too keep all of Customers satisfied.
Our main market is Europe - I think that we sold here more than 90% of our devices. Every one can try to find bad reviews about them, if all that problems reported here would be a rule - there should be hundreds of them posted worldwide.
So - I will tell it again.
Please let us focus on problems/helping Customers.
Every one person which will contact with us and will report ANY troubles will not be left without help - also after warranty.
We never refused help / support for Customer who's warranty is over.
We offer 2 years, in USA typical warranty time is 1 year - so as it's easy to see - it's more than other offers in standard.(not comparing to Jebao/Jecod).
But even if warrant y is over for one or two days - we cant simply replace any device if Customer inform us about troubles.
If we will do that - why we shouldn't do that for Customers which warranty expired one week or one month ago?
Please understand us correctly, all of us(Pacific Sun stuff) is strongly focused on helping Customers. We know how much important is after sale support, and we work really hard.
Similar like in Ed(truepercs) case - our service try to figure it out - a specially that dozer was bought few years ago, from previous reseller and after checking it in our company everything was working ok - we have detailed reports confirmed by three persons(one service chief finally).
We paid also for shipping it back to USA on our own cost.
We just want to be fairly judged in this thread.
Thank you for understanding.

Regards

Przemek



I would like for someone to remote in. I bought this unit used and looking back through this thread he had a lot of issues. Please pm me when you can remote in and update my unit.


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[Przemek_PacSun]

Please write to service@pacific-sun.eu
It's best and only address when you can get professional support in everything about Pacific Sun products.

Regards

Przemek

[serenity]

Please write to service@pacific-sun.eu
It's best and only address when you can get professional support in everything about Pacific Sun products.

Regards

Przemek

Sent one yesterday haven't heard back.

[Przemek_PacSun]

Probably it was sent after service work hours.They will reply to your questions on Monday at least.

[serenity]

Probably it was sent after service work hours.They will reply to your questions on Monday at least.



Perfect. Well, I am fully invested into your product. Hope it works out well!!

2nd unit arrived

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170115/c4f3a9022d80894a80516676d1cbeda3.jpg

[truepercs]

"Similar like in Ed(truepercs) case - our service try to figure it out - a specially that dozer was bought few years ago, from previous reseller and after checking it in our company everything was working ok - we have detailed reports confirmed by three persons(one service chief finally).
We paid also for shipping it back to USA on our own cost.
We just want to be fairly judged in this thread."
Thank you for understanding.



Przemek,

Your right... It's not going in the right direction, now the doser is too old.
I have been trying to work with you guys for a long time. This is my last post I am just giving up on the doser. 3 months of this time it was in the mail. I sure wish this had an hours meter, to track use. My mistake upon receiving it I should have initially set it up and seen if it would work fine.

You would expect us to pay round trip shipping? 200? Take a leap. As far as "complex" give it break...you take temp and turn on and off a series of motors for a set time. I was an application support person working directly with development for 10 years for one of the biggest automotive software companies in the world. Your software is not "complex" NX is complex...

Thanks,

-Ed

All, I hope your doser works just fine, apparently mine was an unfortunate rare occurrence.

[Przemek_PacSun]

Ed,
As I told many time - we will not left you without support/help.
Simply please wait for reply from our service tomorrow(they not work during weekends) and I'm sure that it will be solved properly.
You have right - software is not complicated from technical point of view - problem is that every computer is different - different windows settings, privileges , radios, installed devices, antivirus software etc.On some unified platforms/hardware like Mac OS it's very easy to manage and imagine by programmer how it will/should work. Hardware is the same, software is much better supported by manufacturer(Apple) than on Windows.
Almost one year ago we had many issue reports made by Mac users - before Sierra was released.
All of them reported problems with connectivity, discovering etc.
In that time we also informed that it should work fine - and we see(from developer side) that problem is sourced by OS internally.
After one updated released by Apple(and fixed Airdrop/BT connectivity is started working without any changes in our software).
In fact - that kind of technology which we are using is not more complicated that heart belts (BLE) or keyboards on BT.
But for some operations(like firmware updates etc) there have to be good quality bluetooth installed in computer. Sending binary file from computer to device(like Kore 5th) is something different than sending single chars from keyboard to computer.
I dont know why it was 3 months in mail - today I cant check it - but I'm sure that in our service checking/updating firmware was done very quickly and send back to you without any delay.
But that more detailed informations can be provided by office/service directly because they can read details from our CMS and service reports in database.
So don't give up - please wait for Tomasz reply.
I wish nice Sunday.
Thank you.

Regards

Przemek

[Griff500]

Eventually you will need to update.

Why? If it ain't broke...

I don't use the ATO. When I tried it I wasn't left feeling confident about using it, not helped by the float switch being supplied upside down. I've gone back to a very simple dual float sensor ATO that works absolutely reliably and if I was going to change I would use my Apex as I have more confidence in it.

I hadn't realised the market for dosers in Europe was large enough to sell 9,000 units in two years.

The current brochure says 'wirelessly programmed' and then has the Bluetooth logo AND the WiFi logo... Really?

Using local software is a pain in the backside but PS are committed to it for some reason. It only takes one OS update and suddenly you have problems, aside from the complexity of Windows OS and hardware variations.

I found that I had to make one change, save it, wait a while (there was no confirmation that the change had been completed) and then disconnect, connect again and read the settings to be absolutely certain that the change had been made. Operation of the software was definitely somewhat clunky.

When calibrating I nearly always have to do it several times as pressing 'stop' doesn't always stop the pump - more often not. I always have the laptop perhaps 3 feet from the doser when calibrating, cabinet doors open. When saving the calibration I always reconnect and read the settings to ensure they were saved correctly. I'm using a top-end Macbook Pro - apparently an excellent Bluetooth radio. Once calibrated it seems to be reliable but it is absolutely a tedious process.

In the early days I did have to do a complete reset and put new firmware on it. If I recall correctly, this was due to connection issues probably corrupting the data when updating firmware - error checking would have prevented this? Customer service were quite helpful and reasonably responsive and it was eventually resolved.

I've no idea if the latest versions of software or firmware have been improved and I don't intend to find out. When programming my Apex I see the progress of changes being saved and get confirmation that it saved the changes successfully. It's the same with Ecosmart Live, which will make changes to multiple devices without issues and confirm that each device has been programmed.

I think the hardware appears to be well-made. I'm not sure about the quality of pumps used - that isn't a negative comment, I simply don't know. I seem to get quite consistent dosing, which is the most important aspect of a doser. The only other issue is that the clock seems to not quite keep track of time (or the date when I recently happened to notice this - perhaps a power cut is enough to completely reset the clock and date).

At present I am only using it for carbon dosing (one pump). I have used four pumps previously when using Triton (never again). It seemed to be fairly reliable and I didn't have any disasters. I have been using it for approaching two years.

If it ever stops working it will be interesting to see if I buy another or go for something else. I happen to think that PS make some decent quality products with some nice ideas (one of which isn't local software and bluetooth). Their customer service can be good but there are too many examples of the customer always being wrong.

I'm not sure I would recommend it if asked, although I also wouldn't say it should be avoided. It's a decent bit of kit and well-made but a bit of a pain in the backside to calibrate and program. I have no experience with other devices to compare it with.

[Griff500]

Started with Mac

Is it a laptop?

[vhuang168]

Why? If it ain't broke...

I don't use the ATO. When I tried it I wasn't left feeling confident about using it, not helped by the float switch being supplied upside down. I've gone back to a very simple dual float sensor ATO that works absolutely reliably and if I was going to change I would use my Apex as I have more confidence in it.

I hadn't realised the market for dosers in Europe was large enough to sell 9,000 units in two years.

The current brochure says 'wirelessly programmed' and then has the Bluetooth logo AND the WiFi logo... Really?

Using local software is a pain in the backside but PS are committed to it for some reason. It only takes one OS update and suddenly you have problems, aside from the complexity of Windows OS and hardware variations.

I found that I had to make one change, save it, wait a while (there was no confirmation that the change had been completed) and then disconnect, connect again and read the settings to be absolutely certain that the change had been made. Operation of the software was definitely somewhat clunky.

When calibrating I nearly always have to do it several times as pressing 'stop' doesn't always stop the pump - more often not. I always have the laptop perhaps 3 feet from the doser when calibrating, cabinet doors open. When saving the calibration I always reconnect and read the settings to ensure they were saved correctly. I'm using a top-end Macbook Pro - apparently an excellent Bluetooth radio. Once calibrated it seems to be reliable but it is absolutely a tedious process.

In the early days I did have to do a complete reset and put new firmware on it. If I recall correctly, this was due to connection issues probably corrupting the data when updating firmware - error checking would have prevented this? Customer service were quite helpful and reasonably responsive and it was eventually resolved.

I've no idea if the latest versions of software or firmware have been improved and I don't intend to find out. When programming my Apex I see the progress of changes being saved and get confirmation that it saved the changes successfully. It's the same with Ecosmart Live, which will make changes to multiple devices without issues and confirm that each device has been programmed.

I think the hardware appears to be well-made. I'm not sure about the quality of pumps used - that isn't a negative comment, I simply don't know. I seem to get quite consistent dosing, which is the most important aspect of a doser. The only other issue is that the clock seems to not quite keep track of time (or the date when I recently happened to notice this - perhaps a power cut is enough to completely reset the clock and date).

At present I am only using it for carbon dosing (one pump). I have used four pumps previously when using Triton (never again). It seemed to be fairly reliable and I didn't have any disasters. I have been using it for approaching two years.

If it ever stops working it will be interesting to see if I buy another or go for something else. I happen to think that PS make some decent quality products with some nice ideas (one of which isn't local software and bluetooth). Their customer service can be good but there are too many examples of the customer always being wrong.

I'm not sure I would recommend it if asked, although I also wouldn't say it should be avoided. It's a decent bit of kit and well-made but a bit of a pain in the backside to calibrate and program. I have no experience with other devices to compare it with.



THIS!! I share your concerns and frustrations. Which is why the unit was pulled and sitting on the shelf. For a few months, I was only using it as an ATO and dosed manually.

But this pushed me to start my CaRx and I have not looked back since!


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[Alfrareef]

I'm not going to update anything after reading what I just read. It works perfect now, why mess with it??



Exactly! I'm still 2 versions before and quite happy with my Kore 5th.

[Alfrareef]

I was meaning your setup for the doser :P.

I just watched this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJ0qNlJpymk

and just ordered this

https://www.amazon.com/Avanti-SHP1701B-Superconductor-Refrigerator-Cubic/dp/B00DOARBIW/ref=sr_1_1?s=appliances&ie=UTF8&qid=1484363998&sr=1-1&keywords=Avanti+Avanti+SHP1701B

And this - Hopefully it will fit 2 bottles on it, if not it is cheap enough ill pickup a 2nd. I will store them in the fridge.

https://www.amazon.com/BIPEE-SH-II-3-Magnetic-0-2000RPM-110-240V/dp/B01H1AA6X2/ref=sr_1_1?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1484364387&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=magnetic+stirrer&psc=1

I will drill 4 holes in the top and will run CV and Bak in there, along with a Stirrer to mix the 2 before dosing. I will either run these off the Kore 5th or pickup a 2 channel pump to dose with. I won't store the doser in the fridge, just a couple small holes in the top of the fridge.

I think I just got extremely lazy lol.. but with travel and such for work.. I don't want to ask my wife to have to monitor anything. I will setup a couple cameras in the fish room to help monitor. Sorry to get this thread off topic, just excited to use the Kore 5th to make my life a lot easier!



Hi,
While looking at your plans I remember that some of the liquid stays inside the tube after leaving the fridge. Aren't you afraid that that portion of liquid might get spoiled?

[nova65ss]

Man this is a huge thread trying to fish through everything and see if it is the right doser for me. A few questions maybe you can answer....

I am a basic reefer 2 part alk and calcium and ato. Had an apex but they are overkill for what I am doing.

1. Is the dosing system bugs worked out and reliable for simple 2 part dosing?

2. Is the ato and float switch reliable?

3. The temp sensor is this something that can be monitored via an app or what exactly does this do?

4. I see it has bluetooth can you plug it into the internet via cat5?

Sorry for the simple noob questions I appreciate your help!

[Griff500]

Man this is a huge thread trying to fish through everything and see if it is the right doser for me. A few questions maybe you can answer....

I am a basic reefer 2 part alk and calcium and ato. Had an apex but they are overkill for what I am doing.

1. Is the dosing system bugs worked out and reliable for simple 2 part dosing? It can and does work well for a lot of people.

2. Is the ato and float switch reliable? Probably, but I don't use it because I like to easily turn that off when working on the sump and especially during water changes - if the level drops I don't always want it to top up with RO.

3. The temp sensor is this something that can be monitored via an app or what exactly does this do? No. It just tells you the temperature in the software (maybe on the screen as well - not sure because I don't use it). I don't think it is useful for anything other than telling you the temperature.

4. I see it has bluetooth can you plug it into the internet via cat5? No.

Sorry for the simple noob questions I appreciate your help!

[andrek787]

Tech question. What's the longest pumps 4 and 5 run continuously? I got my AWC setup with remote drain disposal through 40ft of 1/4" to line, getting 80ml/min flow rate. My plan is to do only use it for a week once a month, but want to change out 40-50 gallons during that time, that roughly equals 10min run per hour? Can the pump handle that?

Sent from my STV100-1 using Tapatalk

[nova65ss]

Thank you!

[Voodoojar]

I 'm really not trying to sound like a jerk with this post, it's just my honest feel after experiencing the Kore 5th. The Kore 5th to me is supposed to represent an ultra premium doser. Something that's a clear step up from the Jebaos and Bubble Magnus dosers out there. It should be inline with GHL and Neptune DOS in terms of quality, usability and reliability.

After using the Kore 5th for the past several months I feel like PacSun hit it out of the park with the hardware. The Kore 5th and all of accessories are top-notch. The problem is the software side, and it is a complete failure. It lacks refinement, and suffers from poor design and usability. While it technically gets the job done, most of the time. It's very unpleasant to use and lacks so very obvious features.

One obvious feature is scheduling. You cannot schedule when the dose take place other than assigning the start and number of doses per day. So if you only want to dose when the lights are out you have to get creative or only do one big dose. This is just an example of functionality that is missing or poorly thought out, and there are many more. The save/read buttons are also terrible UX.

Pacfic Sun, please before it's too late, and it actually might be. You're ruining your brand by creating cheap software. The time to act is now, hire a new dev team, pay a third party do whatever you have to do to fix this. Start over, create an app that actually compliments your hardware rather than hurts it.

Hire a usability/UX expert and listen to them. This is not something that can be fixed with a patch and it's destroying your brand.

[erik2302]

Have many people had issues with it dosing correctly? I am reading story after story about people are upset with software. If I have no issues connecting it to my mac, which I did not, connected right away. I was able to setup the dosing, etc. without any issues at all, should I be concerned with the unit itself or are people overall happy with it. It seems like GHL and others have issues of their own, and if the major issue is connection (which I have ZERO issue with), then maybe I am lucky and just need to go with it?


Thanks



Just keep an eye on it, I've had times where I thought everything was working perfect and just luckily caught it doing something whacky before a disaster took place. Once you get it set how you want, don't touch it! It's a reliable unit as long as you don't adjust the settings too much. Anytime you adjust something double check every other page...I've had pages I never touched get completely screwed up when I went from 100ml daily to 110ml daily.


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[serenity]

Just keep an eye on it, I've had times where I thought everything was working perfect and just luckily caught it doing something whacky before a disaster took place. Once you get it set how you want, don't touch it! It's a reliable unit as long as you don't adjust the settings too much. Anytime you adjust something double check every other page...I've had pages I never touched get completely screwed up when I went from 100ml daily to 110ml daily.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk



Thank you!!


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[erik2302]

I 'm really not trying to sound like a jerk with this post, it's just my honest feel after experiencing the Kore 5th. The Kore 5th to me is supposed to represent an ultra premium doser. Something that's a clear step up from the Jebaos and Bubble Magnus dosers out there. It should be inline with GHL and Neptune DOS in terms of quality, usability and reliability.



After using the Kore 5th for the past several months I feel like PacSun hit it out of the park with the hardware. The Kore 5th and all of accessories are top-notch. The problem is the software side, and it is a complete failure. It lacks refinement, and suffers from poor design and usability. While it technically gets the job done, most of the time. It's very unpleasant to use and lacks so very obvious features.



One obvious feature is scheduling. You cannot schedule when the dose take place other than assigning the start and number of doses per day. So if you only want to dose when the lights are out you have to get creative or only do one big dose. This is just an example of functionality that is missing or poorly thought out, and there are many more. The save/read buttons are also terrible UX.



Pacfic Sun, please before it's too late, and it actually might be. You're ruining your brand by creating cheap software. The time to act is now, hire a new dev team, pay a third party do whatever you have to do to fix this. Start over, create an app that actually compliments your hardware rather than hurts it.



Hire a usability/UX expert and listen to them. This is not something that can be fixed with a patch and it's destroying your brand.



110% agree with this post. I will likely never buy another PS product due to my experience with this one.

Hardware 10/10
Software 0/10


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[Griff500]

You're wasting your breath guys. ;)

[Przemek_PacSun]

Man this is a huge thread trying to fish through everything and see if it is the right doser for me. A few questions maybe you can answer....

I am a basic reefer 2 part alk and calcium and ato. Had an apex but they are overkill for what I am doing.

1. Is the dosing system bugs worked out and reliable for simple 2 part dosing?
There is no any bugs with dosing. There is no any bugs overall, as I read some Customer noticed issues with communications/software connect with dozer but it's not hardware/firmware related.

2. Is the ato and float switch reliable?
Yes, of course. Actually(and since Spring last year) we offer dosers only with optical sensors with quad photoleds. There are very precise and work perfectly.

3. The temp sensor is this something that can be monitored via an app or what exactly does this do?
It measure your water temperature and show it on app/screen LCD. Kore 5th can control external fans using that informations (fans can be connected thru multi port on dozer output). If measured temperature will be higher/lower than set in software dozer can start audible alarm.

4. I see it has bluetooth can you plug it into the internet via cat5?
No, Bluetooth is device2deive communication protocol and can't be encapsulated into TCP/IP protocols.

Sorry for the simple noob questions I appreciate your help!

Tech question. What's the longest pumps 4 and 5 run continuously? I got my AWC setup with remote drain disposal through 40ft of 1/4" to line, getting 80ml/min flow rate. My plan is to do only use it for a week once a month, but want to change out 40-50 gallons during that time, that roughly equals 10min run per hour? Can the pump handle that?
Peristaltic pumps are not designed for pumping our/in so much of water in single works. For that kind of activity we suggest using DC AWC set which is designed for that. If you will use it by your channel #4/#5 your pump heads will have to be replaced very quickly(average work time for similar heads/rolers is about 200-300 hours depending from working parameters - like pressure, used tubing etc).

Sent from my STV100-1 using Tapatalk

I 'm really not trying to sound like a jerk with this post, it's just my honest feel after experiencing the Kore 5th. The Kore 5th to me is supposed to represent an ultra premium doser. Something that's a clear step up from the Jebaos and Bubble Magnus dosers out there. It should be inline with GHL and Neptune DOS in terms of quality, usability and reliability.

After using the Kore 5th for the past several months I feel like PacSun hit it out of the park with the hardware. The Kore 5th and all of accessories are top-notch. The problem is the software side, and it is a complete failure. It lacks refinement, and suffers from poor design and usability. While it technically gets the job done, most of the time. It's very unpleasant to use and lacks so very obvious features.

Thank you for your feedback - I appreciate that and I promise to forward it to our IT/R&D team.
About other brands dosers.
It's hard for me to talk/discuss about other companies products, however I think that if we will compare technical parameters/precision and all advantages included in dosers our product dont look much ore expensive in compare to BM, Kamoer or Jebao.
For example:
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bm-t11-dosing-pump.html
That dozer cost 289,00 USD.
It's three head dosing station which can dose only liquids - thats all.
Oiur Kore 5th Starter Edition("naked" version of Kore 5th - without any additional modules/parts) cost 299,00 USD.
For that price you are getting 5 channel dosing station(BM - 3 heads), with very precise minimal amount of dose(0.01ml - one drop is 0.04ml), wireless(it cons as I see ;-) ) apps, liquid virtual bottles with lowe level alarms, possibility to upgrade dozer to ATO/AWC, and full two years warranty(dose is made in Poland, completely by our company).
About Jebao:
It's hard to "compete" with them - and we even don't want to do that.
Price factor is very easy to explain - they are selling their goods almost directly to Customers - without Distribution chain.
I don't know how much this pump cost in USA, in EU they are about 60% of our Kore 5th price.
But if you will compare to other "brand products" made by Jebao -like ATI doser or AquaMedic - you will see that price difference is much smaller in compare to Kore 5th.
But - finally I clearly know what about you are talking guys - please let me share that informations with our programmers, Im sure that they will try to find best possible solution(maybe changed transmission protocols) to improve that "software" issues and make that product even more better than actually is.
Again - thank you for your objective opinions - we really appreciate it!



One obvious feature is scheduling. You cannot schedule when the dose take place other than assigning the start and number of doses per day. So if you only want to dose when the lights are out you have to get creative or only do one big dose. This is just an example of functionality that is missing or poorly thought out, and there are many more. The save/read buttons are also terrible UX.
It's not like you said.
You don't have to do any "special tricks". There are special dosing programs like C5/C11 which do 5/11 corresponding hour after hour dosing.
So if you need to dose alkalinity solution in the night (and calcium during the day) you can set this programs for proper channels.
For example: If you will set C11 start on 9:00pm - it will dose requested amount every hour and last dose will be at 7:00am.
The same is with C5 program.
Additionally, there are included special programs like Smooth Dose - it's 144 doses per day (every 10 minutes) and it's perfect for alkalinity liquid dosing because it guarantee very stable parameters..

Pacfic Sun, please before it's too late, and it actually might be. You're ruining your brand by creating cheap software. The time to act is now, hire a new dev team, pay a third party do whatever you have to do to fix this. Start over, create an app that actually compliments your hardware rather than hurts it.

Hire a usability/UX expert and listen to them. This is not something that can be fixed with a patch and it's destroying your brand.

You're wasting your breath guys. ;)

I don't think so - until we talk about facts and there is real feedback all shared thoughts can only improve our products quality.

Regards

Przemek

[Griff500]

I don't think so - until we talk about facts and there is real feedback all shared thoughts can only improve our products quality.

Regards

Przemek

There's been plenty of feedback over the years about the software but it doesn't sound like all that much has changed.

[andrek787]

Przemek, I meant to ask how long the pump motors can run without overheating?

[Przemek_PacSun]

Griff
Many of minor issues reported by Customers were fixed - both on Windows and Mac so it's not like we not doing anything.
Many of Customers reported them here but also in mails - and if we were able include them(like some ideas) in software it was done.

Andrek
In single dose about 10-15 minutes maximum (it's about one liter of liquid )- however as I told - long cycles decrease their lifetime

[PacSun Service]

"Similar like in Ed(truepercs) case - our service try to figure it out - a specially that dozer was bought few years ago, from previous reseller and after checking it in our company everything was working ok - we have detailed reports confirmed by three persons(one service chief finally).
We paid also for shipping it back to USA on our own cost.
We just want to be fairly judged in this thread."
Thank you for understanding.



Przemek,

Your right... It's not going in the right direction, now the doser is too old.
I have been trying to work with you guys for a long time. This is my last post I am just giving up on the doser. 3 months of this time it was in the mail. I sure wish this had an hours meter, to track use. My mistake upon receiving it I should have initially set it up and seen if it would work fine.

You would expect us to pay round trip shipping? 200? Take a leap. As far as "complex" give it break...you take temp and turn on and off a series of motors for a set time. I was an application support person working directly with development for 10 years for one of the biggest automotive software companies in the world. Your software is not "complex" NX is complex...

Thanks,

-Ed

All, I hope your doser works just fine, apparently mine was an unfortunate rare occurrence.

Hello.

Ed please don't get us wrong - we repaired Your doser in our service as fast as possible. There was only deleted firmware. After firmware upgrade and test we have send Your doser back to You next day. We can't take responsibility for long shipping by post office. We allways try to solve any problem as fast as possible.
You get doser and it worked as You say properly after repair. As I know from service You had now problem with damaged power supply. This could be source of previous problems also.
I hope that service will solve all current problems soon and You will be happy user of Kore 5th doser again.

We are very sorry for all inconvinience.

Best regards.

Pacific Sun Service.

[doktorfisch]

Hi,

Below some more details about the problem I am having. It looks a software issue. For some reason channel 2 stops before dosing the requested 62ml.

The problem can be reproduced just by scheduling 250ml per day in 4 intervals. I tried to reset everything and afterwards the problem persists. When I ask the doser to pour 62 ml in manual mode it works fine (not really because for some reason after setting 62 ml it reverts to 45 ml that seems to be the maximum). When it is scheduled to dose the 62 ml it works for channel 1 and 3 but for channel 2 it doses a small amount and stops. I suspect that the continuous beep that I found after my Xmas holidays was related to the open dosing intervals that are not closed and produce at the end a bigger issue in the software.

After many trials it seems that the way to make it work is to schedule more intervals of a shorter time. With 12 intervals instead of 4 it seems to work. But I am not really confident of what it can do.

Probably it is not necessary to send you a binary, just try to dose 250 ml in 4 intervals in the first 3 channels and check what channel 2 does. Just reproduce the setup of the screen of the video below. It was OK with 200 ml but when I increased to 250ml because my corals were consuming more I had the issue.

In these videos I reset the time for the first dosing of channel 2 that should dose 62 ml. It should dose for 6,2 * 13seconds that is the default calibration, more than 60 seconds, but after a few seconds it stops for channel 2. Then I go to manual and it works fine for 45 ml that seems to be the maximum in channel 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tThm1nWTIhI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAdtVtMPtdU

Apart of the problem that caused my stony corals tank drop the KH to 3 during last Xmas, as I said I find quite cumbersome the programming with the bt, you need a desk close to the aquarium that I do not have, and even a desk is not enough because you have to locate the computer very close to the lamp or doser.

Anyway I appreciate all the effort you put in the improvements of this product but for a dosing pump first is reliability and afterwards functionality.

BTW a video of the corals in the tank. They have by luck survived the KH 3. I had one lost but not sure if related to the low KH

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjyqgxQKDMA&t=25s

[PacSun Service]

Hello.

@doktorfisch:
As we can see on Your video You use older version of firmware and application - 1,6b. You can find on our web site 1,6c version please make upgrade both PC application and Doser firmware. After upgrade please upload default settings and recalibrate all pumps.

Best regards

Pacific Sun Service.

[doktorfisch]

I tested it quickly and now the problem was not reproduced. The binary I was using was dated September 2016 and the latest one is from October 2016. There are no software release notes indicating what are the changes between both versions. I have noticed that the maximum dosing amount was 45ml in the previous version and now it is 30ml.

Take the following one in a positive way, but now I will be away for a week and I am not confident to trust that I will not have a similar problem to what I found after Xmas. In the last couple of days I have seen a couple of corals bleaching that could be due to the KH variations.

When I bought the Kore I checked that it was for a reasonable time in the market and I do not understand why I should be using a firmware only 2 moths old, specially after the problems of the previous release. If you include software release notes with the changes of every release and warn the users when there is a significant bug it will improve confidence.

Another issue I am having is that there is a motor that is getting significantly slower. The noise is different to the rest and after interchanging the pump heads it continues to be slow. It can be fixed with the calibration that is 19 seconds for 10ml instead of 13, but I do not see normal for a 3 months old device this change. When I made the initial calibration 3 months ago it was as fast as the other motors. Is this normal or should I send it for service?

Regards

[PacSun Service]

Hello.

@doktorfisch:
Motor and pumps have their livespan which is declared by producer - for motors it's about 1000h. It depends how much fluid this pump must dose during day.
Please contact with us directly at service@pacific-sun.eu - we will try to find solution.

Best regards
Pacific Sun Service.

[doktorfisch]

OK, I sent you the email. It has been dosing less than 250 ml per day. In 3 months at the default calibration rate of 13sec/10ml it has been active less than 10 hours.

[serenity]

Went to upgrade via mac. they sent me the firmware and firmware PSunFlash App. I connect via bluetooth via Kore 5th 1.6b software, then go back to their firmware app, connect via bluetooth, click apply, go into the Firmware/open file choose the version they sent me click update, NOTHING.. crazy how hard it is to update this thing.. time to upgrade to wifi PS, making something this hard to do is not necessary or needed. Still running VERY old versions I will not put them online until I have them upgraded.

WHY IS THIS SO HARD?

[CFC_Surge]

Today I wanted to connect to check the settings. I had trouble connecting, even after cycling the switch on the back (gen 1). Finally I unplugged the power to it and reconnected it. It connected on the first attempt after doing this.

I'm on Firmware 1.6C.

What causes this?

[andrek787]

Today I wanted to connect to check the settings. I had trouble connecting, even after cycling the switch on the back (gen 1). Finally I unplugged the power to it and reconnected it. It connected on the first attempt after doing this.

I'm on Firmware 1.6C.

What causes this?
I have seen this as well, same firmware version. I have gen 2, so I had to unplug the power cord. I think that if the connection from the previous session gets interrupted or is not terminated properly, the pump thinks it is still connected from previous time, so it refuses the new connection, until you fully powercycle.

Sent from my STV100-1 using Tapatalk

[serenity]

I have to give Pacific Sun support an A+. They remoted into my machine, upgraded both units, confirmed everything was good. Took them about 20 minutes total.

A big thank you!

[Przemek_PacSun]

Thank you, we really appreciate that kind of feedback! :-)

[Przemek_PacSun]

I have seen this as well, same firmware version. I have gen 2, so I had to unplug the power cord. I think that if the connection from the previous session gets interrupted or is not terminated properly, the pump thinks it is still connected from previous time, so it refuses the new connection, until you fully powercycle.

Sent from my STV100-1 using Tapatalk

Hi
Please drop mail to service@pacific-sun.eu - I'm sure that Tomasz will handle your issue best as it's possible.
Regards

Przemek

[erik2302]

I noticed that the MAC software is version 1.6b and the firmware is 1.6c.

What are the changes in 1.6b to 1.6c and should I update if I'm on a mac? Or leave it on 1.6b.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[homer1475]

I have seen this as well, same firmware version. I have gen 2, so I had to unplug the power cord. I think that if the connection from the previous session gets interrupted or is not terminated properly, the pump thinks it is still connected from previous time, so it refuses the new connection, until you fully powercycle.

Sent from my STV100-1 using Tapatalk

Just had this happen to me as well last night. Went to change the amount of a dosing pump, clicked save, then disconnect. The display on the kore 5th still acted as though it was in a remote session, and I could not connect to it. Power cycled the entire unit, and all is good now.

I would agree its almost like the unit doesn't know you disconnected from it.

[andrek787]

In my case, I believe this occurred after the software crashed, so the pump never got a disconnect command. Thankfully it doesnt happen very often. I connected the Kore 5th to my Cerebra controller, so I can powercycle it with a touch of a screen.

[Syntax1325]

Will any silicone airline tubing serve as a suitable replacement for the stuff included with the doser?

I assume yes but you never knOw with this European stuff [emoji51]

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[serenity]

Will any silicone airline tubing serve as a suitable replacement for the stuff included with the doser?

I assume yes but you never knOw with this European stuff [emoji51]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I bought this. I would suggest the same for you.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FW80MNK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Syntax1325]

I bought this. I would suggest the same for you.



https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FW80MNK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1



That stuff is 2mm thick? How pliable is it?


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[serenity]

That stuff is 2mm thick? How pliable is it?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk



Imagine gum after chewing it for about 5 minutes. Incredibly pliable.


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[nore]

This week i have been monitoring my Kore5TH doser and using a meassuringcylinder just for fun.
I´m using only pump 1,2+4 , since i ruled out pump 3 as unreliable (motor going slow)
Pump 1,2 set to 38ml and pump 4 to 35ml.

Here`s the funny thing , one day pump 2 only dosed about 3ml , and the next comming days pump 3 dosed about 3ml , and after that all three pumps dosed right again.

There is no slipping rollers , the motor goes for a second or two and then stops.

Think it is finaly time to put this in the bin now =)

[Griff500]

That's not good.

I noticed yesterday that mine wasn't showing the correct time and date. I guess there had been a power cut or surge and it doesn't seem to have retained the time and date or booted up properly.

It's almost certainly my fault... ;)