Amazon Fire to monitor Apex

[CafeReef]

Neptune just put out a really good video for using a $40 Amazon Fire tablet as a wall mounted station for monitoring and controlling your apex. Just thought I would share the video here. I have had this in the plans for awhile now, just need to get down in the shop and make myself a frame.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pCX_hilgNH4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[ReefCowboy]

Already ordered the orange one to match the new system. Great display to use with the new controller

[CafeReef]

I plan to order one as well, Going to try and flush mount it on my wall somewhere, just need to run power so it's all clean.

[ReefCowboy]

I like the mount they showed at the end of the video, the rotating type, which you screw the base into the board where you have the modules fixed to, and have mobility to look at the screen from different angles. The velcro is flush and nice, but pulling and placing it back constantly will end up making it look crappy long term.

[joshbrookkate]

This is great! I have 2 older Kindle Fire units that I don't use anymore. I've plugged them in so I can try to set this up tomorrow morning.
Thanks for sharing.....

[PorkChop]

7" is on sale till Saturday for $39.99 ... guess it's a good time to grab one.

I got the black one... figured it would blend in more. Mine was just over $42 with tax.

-Porkchop

[slief]

Has anybody found a flush wall mount for one of these 7" Fire tables? I spent some time looking last night without any success. I will do more digging today but figured I would ask.

[CafeReef]

Has anybody found a flush wall mount for one of these 7" Fire tables? I spent some time looking last night without any success. I will do more digging today but figured I would ask.

could have one printed.

https://darksky.io/3d-printed-wall-mounted-touchscreen-panels-from-amazon-fire-tablets.html

[CafeReef]

here is a very simple wall mount .stl file for a 3d printer. fire just slides down into it.

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1543539

[McPuff]

This is a cool idea. But you could also just use a smart phone (i.e., not your current phone) and it'll be "free." Actually, I just gave myself a great idea!! :0)

[slief]

could have one printed.

https://darksky.io/3d-printed-wall-mounted-touchscreen-panels-from-amazon-fire-tablets.html

here is a very simple wall mount .stl file for a 3d printer. fire just slides down into it.

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1543539


I thought about the 3D printing idea but that gets costly and the finish isn't really furniture grade. That other one isn't what I am after. I want it flush mounted. I won't be removing it often if even ever.

This is how my display is flush mounted now and the tablet would be going in its place that. Worse case I will make something out of white or black acrylic.
http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo347/shleif/Tanks/image_zps6kfcmz2d.jpeg

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo347/shleif/Tanks/image_zpsjutx4jpl.jpeg

You can see the ipad on the wall here. I use this for home automation as well as home theater control among other things. This is ultimately how I would be looking to mount the fire.
http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo347/shleif/Tanks/image_zpsacstku3g.jpeg

[CafeReef]

I thought about the 3D printing idea but that gets costly and the finish isn't really furniture grade. That other one isn't what I am after. I want it flush mounted. I won't be removing it often if even ever.

This is how my display is flush mounted now and the tablet would be going in its place that. Worse case I will make something out of white or black acrylic.

You can see the ipad on the wall here. I use this for home automation as well as home theater control among other things. This is ultimately how I would be looking to mount the fire.


My printer isn't large enough to do a mount like that in one part, but I potentially could do it in two parts and have them latch together, I might have to give it a try.

From a finish perspective, I acetone vapor dip everything I print that I want to have a finished look. It's not to bad actually.

(not my picture, but same outcome)
http://sinkhacks.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/JWE_0435.jpg

[slief]

My printer isn't large enough to do a mount like that in one part, but I potentially could do it in two parts and have them latch together, I might have to give it a try.

From a finish perspective, I acetone vapor dip everything I print that I want to have a finished look. It's not to bad actually.

(not my picture, but same outcome)
http://sinkhacks.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/JWE_0435.jpg

Great info there! Never thought about acetone dipping. Any suggestions on that?

Edit. I just watched some videos the dip method and cold vapor method. Wow!

[CafeReef]

Great info there! Never thought about acetone dipping. Any suggestions on that?

Edit. I just watched some videos the dip method and cold vapor method. Wow!

I do the cold dip method, havnt been willing to boil acetone yet haha.

I use metal paint cans from lowes, I then take a paper towel and I form it to the inside of the can and use magnets to hold it to the sides and the bottom of the can. Then I pour a little acetone inside the can and roll it until all paper towels are covered.

Lastly on the lid, I take some magnets to elevate my piece I am smoothing out, then I set the lid on counter, put my 3d piece on the lid (on the magnets so it is lifted from the lid surface), and place the can over the top.

Since it is "cold" I usually let my stuff sit for an hour or a little more, until I have the finish I like.

[slief]

Figured I would post this as I just got a Fire tablet. Installing Dolphin wasn't as simple as it looked in the video. In my case, I was prompted to download it from the app store. I did that but Dolphin didn't appear in my apps. I then went to settings and allowed "Apps From Unknown Sources". This is located in Settings/Security. Perhaps if I had done that first, the app would have installed despite me going thought the app store process.

I then downloaded ES File Viewer and still didn't see the app installer. Then I went back to dolphin.com/download. At the bottom of that screen, there is a icon for download from Google Play store. Just below that in small writing is a link to download if you don't have google play. I clicked that link and download the file. Then opened up ES File Viewer, found the Dolphin file and installed it.

As such, if I were to do it again, I would do the following.

First enable "Apps From Unknown Sources" in Settings/Security. Then go to dolphin.com/download and click the link below the Google Play store next to: "Don't Have Google Play?".

Download the file. Go to app store, download ES File. Then open that app up and locate the dolphin file and install it.

Note: I may be complicating it a bit. When I downloaded the file, I was not prompted to install it. It could also be that the initial app would have installed properly had I had the "Apps From Unknown Sources" enabled. As such, enable that first and try downloading from the app store. If that doesn't install it on you tablet, then follow my directions above.

[PorkChop]

Thanks for the tip slief.

Mine arrives tomorrow so I'll be doing this, nice to have some guidance.

Also I'll be following along on the flush mount for this tablet also. If I find something I'll post it up.

-Porkchop

[CafeReef]

I ran into the same issue slief. Then tested the link and it worked right away. Only thing not mentioned was what you said about unauthorized apps, but was a simple fix.

Now to start designing my mount in sketchup.

[slief]

I ran into the same issue slief. Then tested the link and it worked right away. Only thing not mentioned was what you said about unauthorized apps, but was a simple fix.

Now to start designing my mount in sketchup.

I've had some issues with Dolphin on mine. It seems that when I leave Fusion open, the Dolphin app crashes after a handful of minutes. It seems to refresh the page every minute or so until Dolphin closes. Silk doesn't do that and works fine but it appears as though there is no full screen option for Silk. I also noticed that my camera stream doesn't work in Fusion when viewed via Dolphin but works fine in Silk. I tried Chrome but that seems to have it's share of issues.

[slief]

I ran into the same issue slief. Then tested the link and it worked right away. Only thing not mentioned was what you said about unauthorized apps, but was a simple fix.

Now to start designing my mount in sketchup.

Are you going to make a flush wall mount?

[slief]

I've had some issues with Dolphin on mine. It seems that when I leave Fusion open, the Dolphin app crashes after a handful of minutes. It seems to refresh the page every minute or so until Dolphin closes. Silk doesn't do that and works fine but it appears as though there is no full screen option for Silk. I also noticed that my camera stream doesn't work in Fusion when viewed via Dolphin but works fine in Silk. I tried Chrome but that seems to have it's share of issues.

I think the crashing was being caused by the webcam stream through Fusion. While the stream doesn't seem to play in dolphin, I think the mjpeg stream was causing the browser to crash. I went into the browser settings and selected "No Image" and now the browser doesn't seem to refresh every minute and hasn't crashed in several minutes. On the other end of the spectrum, Silk works fine with the camera stream but doesn't have the full screen feature.

[slief]

I've been playing with the 7" Fire tablet for the last few days and have run in to some issues with the Dolphin browser crashing but also figured out the fix. Not sure if anybody else has experienced the crashes with Fusion or not.

I have sleep mode disable via the Dev settings option in the Fire settings menu. I also have full screen enabled in Dolphin. I have a web cam connected to Fusion and found that Dolphin will not display the mjpeg stream. At least I haven't been able to get my Cisco cam to display in Fusion. The web cam seems to force the Dolphin browser to refresh the screen every minute or so. After about 5 minutes the browser crashes. Whether it's directly due to the web cam being embedded in the Fusion page I am not sure but I did figure out a solution to the crashe.

To remedy the crashes, in the settings screen of Dolphin, I've had to select "No Image" and also select "Desktop Mode". With those two settings, the Dolphin crashes subside. I've tried No Image with both desktop mode enabled and disabled and it still crashes. I've tried no Image in both Desktop Mode and Stanard mode and when not in Desktop mode, it will crash so based on my findings, No Image needs to be selected in addition to Desktop Mode.

[slief]

I was just playing around with Silk and was able to enable full screen mode! I didn't see that option previously. Not sure if there was an update or if this is something we overlooked. In Silk, next to the address bar, tap the three vertical dots and there is an option to "Enter Full Screen".

The advantage for me to Silk is is shows my webcam where as Dolphin doesn't. I will leave Silk running and see if it crashes.

[ReefCowboy]

Thanks for the updates. Ive received my fire and and just waiting for the new apex to come in to fire it up. Will be following this thread to hook it up the best way.

[slief]

Thanks for the updates. Ive received my fire and and just waiting for the new apex to come in to fire it up. Will be following this thread to hook it up the best way.

I think you will like it. I have a new Apex here. It arrived Friday. I'm setting up for a custom cylinder reef tank install that we are doing next weekend at a customers house. I figured I would get a head start and familiarize myself with it and get it programmed in advance to reduce onsite time. I like what I see so far. The base unit is smaller than I thought it would be which is good. The orange and gray colors aren't bad at all. The Logo on the front of the unit is illuminated and glows orange when connected to a hardwired LAN connection and blue when connected to Wifi. It's a nice touch IMO. Setup is very straight forward. In fact, the one I have here is probably one of the first to ship and didn't come with any instructions and I had no issues getting it online. Granted, I'm very familiar with the Apex so it was pretty much second nature to me. The native dashboard has changed from that of the Classic Apex. It resembles Fusion where as the Classic has a unique dashboard all it's own when you log in via IP. Firmware updates are now a breeze. No more downloading firmware files. With the native web interface, when you go to network settings, it will display the current firmware version and the version of any available updates. If there is an update available, you simply select Update Now and it does the update automatically. I guess the new app will alert you to available updates and allow updates with the touch of the screen. The new app should become available in the App Store any day from what I understand. There is also a major update to Fusion coming. It's supposed to launch this weekend though I have yet to see that update but expect that anytime. I'm quite curious what that will look like or what new features will be there.

Anyhow, overall, the changes they made to the new Apex should be welcomed by new users and veteran Apex users alike. Obviously some people are resistant to change and you just can't please everybody but on the whole, I think most will be very pleased.

For those interested, here is the 7" Amazon Fire Tablet using the Amazon Silk browser in full screen mode with Fusion and my webcam displayed. It seems to work great. As such, this may render the need for Dolphin pointless.

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo347/shleif/Tanks/Apex/image_zpsjskloov2.jpeg

[joshbrookkate]

Thanks for the updates, Slief. I tried to install Dolphin onto my older Fire HD and ran onto the same problem. So I attributed it to using the older Fire. I'll try to use Silk later today.

Tapping the serial number 7 times on my Fire HD did nothing. So I have not been able to diasble the sleep function. Any tips on getting that done? Will I need to purchase the newer Kindle Fire to accomplish that?

[slief]

Thanks for the updates, Slief. I tried to install Dolphin onto my older Fire HD and ran onto the same problem. So I attributed it to using the older Fire. I'll try to use Silk later today.

Tapping the serial number 7 times on my Fire HD did nothing. So I have not been able to diasble the sleep function. Any tips on getting that done? Will I need to purchase the newer Kindle Fire to accomplish that?

I can't help with the Kindle. I am new to the Fire tablets and am learning as I go along. I would suggest searching online. I bought the current one from Amazon so that is all I am familiar with and even at that, I am far from familiar with this tablet..

[ProZack199]

i Got a Amazon Tablet Laying Around Guess Ill have To Use It For My Apex

[kendrid]

Do those of you who use a Fire as your display 100% of the time find it reliable? My display died and I'm considering this if it is reliable. I sometimes have a neighbor feed and I need the app always working so she can enable feed mode. Thanks

[mandarin_goby]

The Fire is $33 today if you have Prime as part of the Amazon Prime Day deals. Just got one to see if it'll work like this.

[Arringar]

I just got one for use as my display.

First annoyance:
The native Silk browser no longer has a full screen mode on some Kindle models. The newest 7" Fire included.

Solution:
Download Opera Browser from the Amazon AppStore. When you scroll down the address bar vanishes.

Second annoyance:
There is no setting in the device display settings that allows you to prevent the screen from sleeping indefinitely.

Solution:
Go to settings -> device options and tap on the serial number rapidly until you see a popup at the bottom of the screen that tells you to keep tapping to enable developer options. Once you unlock them just turn on "stay awake". As long as you keep it plugged in it will never sleep.

You should also go to settings -> power and turn off "automatic smart suspend" to prevent the wireless chip from being powered down when you're not actively using the device.

[chercm]

hate this fire thing ,some times the screen goes not responding.

when using the dolphin , when you pull the web page , the full screen mode goes off

[kendrid]

My Silk browser has full screen but it is hidden. I'll look for the setting tomorrow.

I've had my Fire up for over a month without restarting and it is rock solid. I had a fish sitter for a week and she had no issues using it to start feed mode. The only time it doesn't work well is if your fingers are wet.

[kendrid]

I just got one for use as my display.

First annoyance:
The native Silk browser no longer has a full screen mode on some Kindle models. The newest 7" Fire included.



On mine, I click the three vertical dots in the upper right and select Enter Full Screen. It hides the URL bar.

[slief]

I just got one for use as my display.

First annoyance:
The native Silk browser no longer has a full screen mode on some Kindle models. The newest 7" Fire included.

Solution:
Download Opera Browser from the Amazon AppStore. When you scroll down the address bar vanishes.

Second annoyance:
There is no setting in the device display settings that allows you to prevent the screen from sleeping indefinitely.

Solution:
Go to settings -> device options and tap on the serial number rapidly until you see a popup at the bottom of the screen that tells you to keep tapping to enable developer options. Once you unlock them just turn on "stay awake". As long as you keep it plugged in it will never sleep.

You should also go to settings -> power and turn off "automatic smart suspend" to prevent the wireless chip from being powered down when you're not actively using the device.

On mine, I click the three vertical dots in the upper right and select Enter Full Screen. It hides the URL bar.

+1
Silk on my new Fire 7" tablet goes full screen no problem. Click the 3 dots on the upper right and select full screen.

[Arringar]

There's no full screen option on mine. You have the older firmware. I've researched this extensively. It is actually a major annoyance for kindle users because they removed this feature recently. There are a large number of very angry people on the kindle forums.

[chercm]

the kindle sometimes get slow till non responsive until i press on the power on and off a few times before it can work properly . i am using the dolphin browser

[kendrid]

I see where the full screen issue is. I just reboot my Fire. It update to 5.3.1 a few days ago but I never restart it. Now the full screen option is not available under the three vertical dot menu.
There was a popup that said to scroll down to enable full screen mode. It works. If I barely scroll down the URL bar goes away and the Apex screen is full screen. It isn't as intuitive or nice as it used to be but for a normal web user it makes sense. If I scroll down to the bottom of the Fusion screen and then scroll back up to the top the URL bar displays. I have to lightly swipe down to get rid of it. Definitely not as good as it was but like I said for normal web browsing this change makes sense.

[NeverlosT]

Dolphin doesn't let me use my webcam (I wonder why), and silk doesnt let me go fullscreen, but thank you guys for the tips on stay awake and no sleep!

For the time being I am just running silk and it is nice and stable and shows the webcam.

[kendrid]

Dolphin doesn't let me use my webcam (I wonder why), and silk doesnt let me go fullscreen, but thank you guys for the tips on stay awake and no sleep!

For the time being I am just running silk and it is nice and stable and shows the webcam.

Silk supports full screen, it is just a pain to use.

When you have Fusion up, slightly scroll up so the URL bar disappears. It will snap into fullscreen mode. It isn't like it used to be where you could select 'full screen' and it stuck to full screen but it's better than seeing the URL bar. For me all I typically access is the feed buttons which I have at the top so this works.

[slief]

Silk supports full screen, it is just a pain to use.

When you have Fusion up, slightly scroll up so the URL bar disappears. It will snap into fullscreen mode. It isn't like it used to be where you could select 'full screen' and it stuck to full screen but it's better than seeing the URL bar. For me all I typically access is the feed buttons which I have at the top so this works.

I finally got mine mounted up. Silk does just fine in full screen. As mentioned above, there is no need for Dolphin. When you open up Fusion in silk, touch the 3 dots on the right side of the address bar and select fulls screen mode. It will then go to full screen. I do suggest arranging the Fusion page so you have all your important info and buttons accessible within the viewing window.

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo347/shleif/Tanks/IMG_2940_zpslfkyqo5w.jpg

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo347/shleif/Tanks/IMG_2939_zpsgdl9ugot.jpg

[kendrid]

touch the 3 dots on the right side of the address bar and select fulls screen mode.

That was removed from the version of Silk on my Fire. I had that option when I first purchased it but they update it a few months ago and removed the feature. Nothing like going backward with features.

Nice looking setup.

[ca1ore]

I'm giving up on this. On my third fire. Just doesn't seem to like being on permanently. Screens went on both of mine.

[kendrid]

I'm giving up on this. On my third fire. Just doesn't seem to like being on permanently. Screens went on both of mine.

How long did they last until the screens went bad?

[JoshuaG]

I finally got mine mounted up. Silk does just fine in full screen. As mentioned above, there is no need for Dolphin. When you open up Fusion in silk, touch the 3 dots on the right side of the address bar and select fulls screen mode. It will then go to full screen. I do suggest arranging the Fusion page so you have all your important info and buttons accessible within the viewing window.

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo347/shleif/Tanks/IMG_2940_zpslfkyqo5w.jpg

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo347/shleif/Tanks/IMG_2939_zpsgdl9ugot.jpg

Just got a new Fire and silk doesn't go full screen mode any longer.

[ca1ore]

How long did they last until the screens went bad?

2-3 months.

[m0nkie]

So those with new firmware, are u guys using dolphon again?

Im debating if i should buy this

[kendrid]

So those with new firmware, are u guys using dolphon again?

Im debating if i should buy this

I'm using Silk. I posted above how you can still do full screen. It is a pain but works.

Mine is four months old so I'm not sure how long it will last long term. I may switch to having it off by default and turning it on when needed. I can wait the 20 seconds to turn it on and start the browser. When I have a fish sitter I'll leave it on 24x7 it make it easier on them.

[m0nkie]

thanks! I just ordered a $50 Amazon Fire.

also got Scott's wall mount.

[Fate]

thanks! I just ordered a $50 Amazon Fire.

also got Scott's wall mount.

Which wall mount is that?

[slief]

Which wall mount is that?

http://aquariumledmounts.com/products/amazon-fire-7-surface-mount-white

[Fate]

Thanks

Has anyone figured out how to get the full screen back? I just purchased one and it doesn't appear to have that full screen option via Silk

[Fate]

$50? How could the wife be mad at that :D

<a href="http://s1263.photobucket.com/user/BigFate/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20161015_211658-01_zpsizz8sphj.jpeg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1263.photobucket.com/albums/ii630/BigFate/Mobile%20Uploads/20161015_211658-01_zpsizz8sphj.jpeg" border="0" alt="6 months photo 20161015_211658-01_zpsizz8sphj.jpeg"/></a>

[m0nkie]

working on the APEX modules

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c252/krzyaznm0nkie/Mobile%20Uploads/20161029_144500_zpshdapqfzj.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c252/krzyaznm0nkie/Mobile%20Uploads/20161029_144517_zpsfxum74o7.jpg

[Bluefish9]

Cant make mine work in full screen either. This is BS

[m0nkie]

I just use Opera and slightly push it up a little. It stays there without the address bar. Just gotta remember to push it up every time

[slief]

Cant make mine work in full screen either. This is BS

If you can't get it to work, just download the Dolphin Browser per the video neptune produced. That goes full screen just fine. I'm a bit surprised that the latest silk browser doesn't go full screen. Mine does but I haven't updated my OS since I got the Fire tablet 4 months ago. I likely won't be updating it either. I may get another Fire tablet for a different tank and if so, I will update my findings when I get it.

[Bluefish9]

Cant even download dolphin. Its possible but an absolute pain supposedly. Dont know how


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[slief]

Cant even download dolphin. Its possible but an absolute pain supposedly. Dont know how


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

On your fire tablet do the following:

Go into Settings => Device and then scroll down to “Allow Installation of Applications” and make sure that it is turned ON
Go to the Amazon App store and download ES File Viewer and install it.
From the silk browser, go to google and search for Dolphin APK. You should be able to download it from "apkforfun".
Once the file is finished downloading (you can check the notifications to see when the download is done by sliding down the top menu) you need to run it.
Open the app ES File Explorer (or any other file manager you have on kindle) and tap “Download” folder. Find the Dolphin APK file you just downloaded and Click on the apk file name and install the application just like same way you install from the Amazon App Store

Another way to install it is to install Google Play Store on the Fire Tablet. Then download Dolphin from there. I used ES File Viewer and installed Dolphin from the APK file.

You can also try to download it from this link but I am not sure if it will work.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.mgeek.TunnyBrowser&hl=en

[Bluefish9]

I dont even have those options on the new fire. From settings there is nothing that says device.

There is "device options" but within that there is no "allow installation of applications"

While I believe you, how silly does that sound? Its s tablet... why would you have to "allow installation of applications"? Isnt that one of the main functions of a tablet?

I ended up downloading that opera browser and it looks fine on that.
Im used to iOS so its a little baffling to me that every single app is not right at my fingertips in the app store. I cant even find chrome or the apex fusion app... is this what non iOS apps are like?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[andy67]

I use the opera browser on both of my tanks

[slief]

I dont even have those options on the new fire. From settings there is nothing that says device.

There is "device options" but within that there is no "allow installation of applications"

While I believe you, how silly does that sound? Its s tablet... why would you have to "allow installation of applications"? Isnt that one of the main functions of a tablet?

I ended up downloading that opera browser and it looks fine on that.
Im used to iOS so its a little baffling to me that every single app is not right at my fingertips in the app store. I cant even find chrome or the apex fusion app... is this what non iOS apps are like?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Those instructions were a cut and paste from a couple sites. I think they moved "allow 3rd part apps" or what ever it is. Essentially, to insure OS stability, Amazon tries to limit you to registered and qualified apps that are in the Amazon App Store. Adding non "Amazon Certified" apps can cause issues in certain cases. This is a typical setting that you have to do in any android based device whether it's a tablet, smart phone or smart TV that runs on Android OS. It's been a while since I installed Dolphin on mine but it is in there someplace in Settings. Heck, I had to do the same thing on my Sony 4K display so I could install Kodi. It took some diggin to find that option but once I did, I was able to load all kinds of good stuff.

[minus9]

Just picked up the 7" tablet for $33, installed dolphin, but the video tile is greyed out. I can see the video in silk, but not in dolphin. I usually get a prompt to login to the video, but nothing in dolphin. When I login to the camera directly, it doesn't show the video, just the settings. Is there plug in that I'm missing?

[ca1ore]

I gave up and went back to the old apex display. Fire doesn't seem to like being on all the time .. of maybe just doesn't like me :)

[ktownhero]

I gave up and went back to the old apex display. Fire doesn't seem to like being on all the time .. of maybe just doesn't like me :)

Amazon took Android and turned it into everything it's not supposed to be lol. Even though it may cost slightly more, everyone is better off tracking down a pure Android tablet like an old Nexus 7. That way you get consistent results that aren't subject to a company that just feels like breaking things via OTA updates because they don't approve of how their devices are being used.

[Desert Sea]

I hope the issue with the Kindle Fire gets resolved. One of the points that Neptune made about the lack of a display with the new Apex was that you could use a Kindle Fire for less money and get a better display.

Has anyone heard anything from Neptune on the issues with the Kindle? My guess is that their development team would be in the best position to help resolve how to integrate the Kindle as a display.

[Bluefish9]

The magenta browser (or whatever its called) seems to work better. That said, I decided not to use it as a full time display. It doesnt play nice as its not really meant for that sort of thing


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[slief]

I hope the issue with the Kindle Fire gets resolved. One of the points that Neptune made about the lack of a display with the new Apex was that you could use a Kindle Fire for less money and get a better display.

Has anyone heard anything from Neptune on the issues with the Kindle? My guess is that their development team would be in the best position to help resolve how to integrate the Kindle as a display.

What issues? Video has nothing to do with Fusion. It's how the Fire browser handles the Mjpeg stream.

I just added a new Fire tablet to another tank of mine a few days ago and it works just fine. While Silk no longer seems to support full screen like it did a few months back, the Dolphin browser does and is easy to install. As for the video tile, I find it useless if I am sitting in front of the tank anyway. Any fire related issues have nothing to do with Neptune. The fire is a dirt cheap tablet with various web browser options and the web browser are what you connect to Fusion with. There is nothing to be fixed in Fusion and since Neptune doesn't make the tablet let alone browsers, there is nothing for them to resolve. Also keep in mind that there are dozens of different tablets you can use. The Fire just happens to be one of the cheapest ones. if you don't like the Fire, spend a bit more and get a used iPad or some other tablet.

To install Dolphin on the Fire, go to the settings screen and select "Allow Unknown Applications". I think that's what it's called. It's in one of the settings pages and is pretty self explanatory.

Go to the Amazon App store and download ES File Explorer from the App store and install it.

Once installed, go to the silk browser and do a google search for Dolphin APK. You will find a few links for it. Download the latest version listed. I think it was 11.5 or 11.6. Whatever the case, once it's downloaded, open up ES File Explorer, go to downloads and install the Dolphin Browser.

Also be sure to go into developer mode and into settings and set the fire to stay on when the power is connected. To get into Dev mode, go to settings and tap the fire serial number 7 or 8 times to open up the additional Dev menu options.

I've had one Fire 7" tablet on 24/7 for a number of months now without issue and my 2nd one has been up and running for a few days.

My original Fire Tablet that's been on for nearly 5 months straight..
http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo347/shleif/Tanks/IMG_3263_zpsv7fq1oa8.jpg

The new one on a new tank I just setup at home.
http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo347/shleif/Tanks/IMG_3826_zps7tupah6y.jpg

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo347/shleif/Tanks/IMG_3830_zpsbfw09yed.jpg

[ca1ore]

Frankly, I don't really 'need' a better display than the apex unit. All I need is something that I can glance at the key parameters periodically and sound the alarm when necessary. If I wanted to change programming or anything more complex, I still was going through my computer anyhow, so the Fire wasn't really terribly useful. Plus it doesn't have the alarm feature, though that's easy enough to do with a spare outlet.

[BlackTip]

I don't get the point of dedicated tablet mounted on a wall or stand, that is just a waste. I have a tablet that I use to monitor Apex, play music, brows the web, read a book, view the forum, etc. It sets on a table in front of the tank, and I can take it anywhere. Lenovo HD 10", $135, and kick *** the Fire. I got Fire HD and returned it, because I didn't like the advertisement.

[slief]

Frankly, I don't really 'need' a better display than the apex unit. All I need is something that I can glance at the key parameters periodically and sound the alarm when necessary. If I wanted to change programming or anything more complex, I still was going through my computer anyhow, so the Fire wasn't really terribly useful. Plus it doesn't have the alarm feature, though that's easy enough to do with a spare outlet.

Yep.. Like you, that's all I ever use these display for. A quick glance at parameters. Occasionally I will hit the feed button on the main display. I always found the original Apex display to be more than useful for that. The only reason I got the Fire tablets was because I like tech'y things and the Fire tablet gave me a nicer screen to look at. If either of mine fail, I might just get a cheap used iPad mini as the replacement. Then again, Amazon always has specials on these Fire tablets. I got mine for around $35 at which I kind of consider them disposable since they were on sale when I made my purchases.

[minus9]

I agree, the video isn't necessary when you're in front of the tank, but it would be nice to adjust the video and get real time feedback. I'll just push the video tile elsewhere on the page. I'm not complaining about a display for $33.

[Desert Sea]

[QUOTE=slief;24843688]What issues? Video has nothing to do with Fusion. It's how the Fire browser handles the Mjpeg stream.

I just added a new Fire tablet to another tank of mine a few days ago and it works just fine. While Silk no longer seems to support full screen like it did a few months back, the Dolphin browser does and is easy to install. As for the video tile, I find it useless if I am sitting in front of the tank anyway. Any fire related issues have nothing to do with Neptune. The fire is a dirt cheap tablet with various web browser options and the web browser are what you connect to Fusion with. There is nothing to be fixed in Fusion and since Neptune doesn't make the tablet let alone browsers, there is nothing for them to resolve. Also keep in mind that there are dozens of different tablets you can use. The Fire just happens to be one of the cheapest ones. if you don't like the Fire, spend a bit more and get a used iPad or some other tablet.

To install Dolphin on the Fire, go to the settings screen and select "Allow Unknown Applications". I think that's what it's called. It's in one of the settings pages and is pretty self explanatory.

Go to the Amazon App store and download ES File Explorer from the App store and install it.

Once installed, go to the silk browser and do a google search for Dolphin APK. You will find a few links for it. Download the latest version listed. I think it was 11.5 or 11.6. Whatever the case, once it's downloaded, open up ES File Explorer, go to downloads and install the Dolphin Browser.

Also be sure to go into developer mode and into settings and set the fire to stay on when the power is connected. To get into Dev mode, go to settings and tap the fire serial number 7 or 8 times to open up the additional Dev menu options.

I've had one Fire 7" tablet on 24/7 for a number of months now without issue and my 2nd one has been up and running for a few days.

[QUOTE]

I think you misunderstood me. I was referring to the problem that people have been having with getting the software to work and the Kindle not holding up. See the above posts. I didn't imply that this was Neptune's issue. I merely stated that Neptune has an Engineering Department, who I can only assume spent some time figuring out how to use a Kindle as a display since they released a video on it and as such if Amazon changed something with how the Kindle functions, then perhaps Neptune's people can once again look into how to make it function with latest version.

I agree with the others, I don't need a Kindle to operate my Apex but I would like the ability to see what is going on without having to fire up my computer every time. If I'm going to be programing the Apex then sure I'll use the computer but to just look into how things are going as I walk by the tank, the Kindle is more convenient.

I either need the Apex display or the Kindle. With the Kindle about a third of the cost and having better graphics its kind of a no brainer except if it doesn't work.

[slief]

I think you misunderstood me. I was referring to the problem that people have been having with getting the software to work and the Kindle not holding up. See the above posts. I didn't imply that this was Neptune's issue. I merely stated that Neptune has an Engineering Department, who I can only assume spent some time figuring out how to use a Kindle as a display since they released a video on it and as such if Amazon changed something with how the Kindle functions, then perhaps Neptune's people can once again look into how to make it function with latest version.

I agree with the others, I don't need a Kindle to operate my Apex but I would like the ability to see what is going on without having to fire up my computer every time. If I'm going to be programing the Apex then sure I'll use the computer but to just look into how things are going as I walk by the tank, the Kindle is more convenient.

I either need the Apex display or the Kindle. With the Kindle about a third of the cost and having better graphics its kind of a no brainer except if it doesn't work.

Not sure what issues people have had with the software but Fusion works fine on these tablets with Silk, Opera and Dolphin. You keep refereeing to the tablet as Kindle and I know there was a Kindle tablet that was more of a reader. Not sure if there is some confusion there but the tablet I am using and the one referenced in Neptunes video is simply referred to as an Amazon Fire Tablet and these work perfectly fine with Fusion. Mine stays connected to Fusion without issue just as shown in the pictures. Nothing has changed in the OS with how the Fire tablet functions with Fusion. I have one that I bought several months ago. That one has an older OS and in that case, I can get full screen from Silk. The one that just came from Amazon a few days ago has the latest OS and for whatever reason, Silk no longer supports full screen so I installed Dolphin as recommended in the video and it works just fine full screen and has stayed connected since I set it up days ago.

Other than one forum member having issues with his Fire Tablets kicking the bucket after being left on, I think that is the only real issue that's been reported other than perhaps people not understanding how to install an alternate browser or perhaps not knowing how to enable the Fire to stay on when connected to power. One person mentioned the advertisements but even that is a non issue when the tablet is left on and connected to Fusion. I've never once seen an advertisement when the Fire is on and connected to Fusion.

[Desert Sea]

Not sure what issues people have had with the software but Fusion works fine on these tablets with Silk, Opera and Dolphin. You keep refereeing to the tablet as Kindle and I know there was a Kindle tablet that was more of a reader. Not sure if there is some confusion there but the tablet I am using and the one referenced in Neptunes video is simply referred to as an Amazon Fire Tablet and these work perfectly fine with Fusion. Mine stays connected to Fusion without issue just as shown in the pictures. Nothing has changed in the OS with how the Fire tablet functions with Fusion. I have one that I bought several months ago. That one has an older OS and in that case, I can get full screen from Silk. The one that just came from Amazon a few days ago has the latest OS and for whatever reason, Silk no longer supports full screen so I installed Dolphin as recommended in the video and it works just fine full screen and has stayed connected since I set it up days ago.

Other than one forum member having issues with his Fire Tablets kicking the bucket after being left on, I think that is the only real issue that's been reported other than perhaps people not understanding how to install an alternate browser or perhaps not knowing how to enable the Fire to stay on when connected to power. One person mentioned the advertisements but even that is a non issue when the tablet is left on and connected to Fusion. I've never once seen an advertisement when the Fire is on and connected to Fusion.

Amazon used to call it the Kindle Fire. I guess they have since dropped the Kindle portion and just call it Fire now. Either way, you and I are talking about the same device.

I'm glad that you are able to get the thing to work with Dolphin. I find that encouraging and I thank you for taking the time to post how you were able to get it to work. I hope the experience that Simon had with them having a short life span was an anomaly and not indicative of what one can typically expect for a typical service life.

As for the video tile in fusion not working with Dolphin, that is a non factor for me personally. I don't need a camera to show me the tank which I'm standing in front of.

[Bluefish9]

Question.... and don't laugh at me - I can build a house from the ground up but this tech stuff is over my head:

If any of you are as attached to your iphone even half as much as I am, wouldnt just using the fusion app be a better option?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[slief]

Question.... and don't laugh at me - I can build a house from the ground up but this tech stuff is over my head:

If any of you are as attached to your iphone even half as much as I am, wouldnt just using the fusion app be a better option?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not a dumb question. I really like the Fusion app on my iPhone and iPad. For me, I have multiple systems here and it's nice to be able to see the status of the tank when I do my daily once over looking at and under the tank at the equipement. I also have customers tanks in my Fusion app so I'd have to switch from one controller to the next to check each tank in my home. As such, having the display mounted to the tank is simple and convenient. Ideally I'd have an iPad mounted to each tank but for the cost of the Fire, it's too practical to not have one of these tablets on the tank. Plus it looks good too!

[gus6464]

Best Buy had a deal a couple of days ago where if you bought an Amazon tap speaker you got $10 off on it plus a 16gb Fire 7 for free so jumped on it for Apex. Anywho read this is if you want access to google play store to download dolphin or whatever other browser you want to use and also get rid of ads.

1. Go to settings
2. Device options
3. Tap serial number 5 times this will open up developer options
4. Go to developer options
5. Set Enable ADB to on
6. Connect tablet to PC (windows) with usb cable, drivers will install
7. Download this http://rootjunkysdl.com/files/Amazon%20Fire%205th%20gen/Amazon-Fire-5th-Gen-Install-Play-Store.zip
8. Unzip everything to a folder
9. Run 1-Install-Play-Store.bat
10. Select option to install google and remove ads
11. You will get a prompt on the tablet to trust adb connection from pc, click yes
12. Script will do it's thing and tell you when it's done and to reboot
13. Before you reboot tablet disable ADB in developer settings and then reboot
14. That's it, just open google play app so you can login with google account and tablet will give you a notification to update google services app, after that is done you can download whatever you want

If you need pictures go here.
http://www.howtogeek.com/232726/how-to-install-the-google-play-store-on-your-amazon-fire-tablet/

Now you will have full access to play store without the need to sideload anything and also bye bye ads.

Another reason why you will want to do this is if you run other apps that have in app purchases. For example on the app for my idip the test bundle is an in-app purchase. So sideloading the apk does not work for running tests. You need google services so that your in-app purchases get registered within the app. Plus also you don't have the hassle of having to find the apk for ecosmart live, kessil, etc and the apps will always be updated to the latest version automatically.

[CafeReef]

I finally took the time this weekend to mount my Fire. I have a linen closet behind my tank that has my ATO and RODI unit in it. So I wired an outlet into this closet and ran the power wire for the fire through the wall and plugged it in.

I'm pretty happy with the results, the screen is set to be always on and has been running for 4 days now. I love having control at my finger tips.

Now I just need to re-calibrate my PM2 probe....

http://i.imgur.com/egZH1Jv.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/u4ULAEy.jpg

[kendrid]

Looks nice. Is there room for it to 'breathe' so it doesn't overheat?

Mine has been running strong for 6 months now.

[CafeReef]

Looks nice. Is there room for it to 'breathe' so it doesn't overheat?

Mine has been running strong for 6 months now.

I bought a mesh "leaf guard" from the hardware store and that is holding it in place on the back of the frame. This left about a 3/16" gab between the frame and the wall so it has some breathing. Glad to hear your's is still going strong after 6 months.

[Arringar]

The frame idea is pretty cool. I was lazy with mine. I just propped it up in a modern looking metal plate stand on top of the furniture cabinet I mounted my apex in.