Biotopus II Controller Questions.

[nbd13]

Hi,

After reading the few threads here in this forum about the controller I am excited and seriously considering getting it :D.

Here are my questions:

1. Can you hook up a 1/2 hp chiller to this controller? Here's a link to the chiller I have;

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=JBJ-DA-500-115V&Category_Code=JBJ

2. Is there a spot for the heater/heaters to be plugged in and controlled?

3. I read in a thread about an option for moonlights to be controlled? I have a moonlight I DIYed and would like to know what it would take to plug this into the controller and hvae it follow the lunar cycle. Or is this limited to certain moonlights that you make?

4. Now, if I am reading right, I can program the controller to send me a text message if something goes wrong correct? I have a Nextel phone BTW.

5. If I am near a computer I can also check online for the parameters as well right?

6. Now when should the ethernet option be out?

7. Can I plug 4 400w MH's and 4 250w MH's into this unit and program it so that if the temp goes too high it will shut the MH's off? Or is that too much?

8. Could you PM me on the price? Also the price of the stand, I can't put it into the wall ;).

I am sorry for sooooo many questions, haha, but I just want to make sure it can do everything I ever need :D.

Thanks :D.

Nick

[nbd13]

Dang....one more, haha, sorry ;).

9. Can I put the MH's I mentioned above (4, 400w MH's and 4 250w MH's) along with 3 icecap 660s (running T5's) into the controller and have the controller be programed to control the photo period, meaning the controller will be like a timer, turning the lights on and off at set times?

Thanks again :D.

Nick

[Fliger]

Hey Nick - I just got an email from Jesse about something else, I know he's been at a trade show for a while. I'm sure he'll get to ya soon. His customer service has been top notch for me.

ps - I might not be sleeping tonight. I might just camp out at FE.

[elosusa]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7984996#post7984996 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nbd13
Hi,

After reading the few threads here in this forum about the controller I am excited and seriously considering getting it :D.

Here are my questions:

1. Can you hook up a 1/2 hp chiller to this controller? Here's a link to the chiller I have;

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=JBJ-DA-500-115V&Category_Code=JBJ

2. Is there a spot for the heater/heaters to be plugged in and controlled?

3. I read in a thread about an option for moonlights to be controlled? I have a moonlight I DIYed and would like to know what it would take to plug this into the controller and hvae it follow the lunar cycle. Or is this limited to certain moonlights that you make?

4. Now, if I am reading right, I can program the controller to send me a text message if something goes wrong correct? I have a Nextel phone BTW.

5. If I am near a computer I can also check online for the parameters as well right?

6. Now when should the ethernet option be out?

7. Can I plug 4 400w MH's and 4 250w MH's into this unit and program it so that if the temp goes too high it will shut the MH's off? Or is that too much?

8. Could you PM me on the price? Also the price of the stand, I can't put it into the wall ;).

I am sorry for sooooo many questions, haha, but I just want to make sure it can do everything I ever need :D.

Thanks :D.

Nick

Man, I get back from a business trip and I get questions like this:)
1. Yes
2. Yes, it is pre programmed for 2 heaters you just adjust the set points.
3. Yes just use your moonlights with the moonlight cord we sell and you are good to go assuming those DIY leds are the dimmable type?
4. Yes it will text message and you can text message it to change things. It does need a SIM card not sure if Nextel is GSM.
5,6. I have a few guys playing with the beta software and this will be the next release to the public very soon. The ethernet will be the next to be worked on and I have no date on this. Along with the software for desktop/laptop we will release the mobile pc software and the bluetooth connectivity.
7. Yes the new firmware has this now.
8. Yep
9. Yes you can do simple timer functions ( 6 lights are pre programmed you just adjust the set points) or you could get a little more creative:) ...............

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/113960b2fiji.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/113960b2caribean.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/113960b2redsea.JPG

Let me know if you have any other questions, within reason that is:)

[nbd13]

Fliger- Thanks haha, let me know when you get the package bro ;).

Jesse- Thanks for the answers :D. I cleared some space so please resend the PM with pricing :).

A few more easy questions for you, haha ;):

3. The moonlight I have is dimmable, now what type of cord do you sell for moonlights? I have a simple 2 prong cord off my moonlight? Would I jusy splice the 2 cords together?

5,6. Do you have a date in mind that the software will be released to the public?

9. So just to make sure I understand this, I have 2 400w MH ballast (each runs 2 pendants) and 2 250w ballast (again each runs 2 pendants) and then 3 icecap 660's each running some t5's.

So, that would put me at 7 ballast that I need to plug in to have the controller control the time they come on and off.

Would I need something special for that?

The controller can really handle ALL those lights? If so WOW :D.

10. New question....I have 4 20 amp circuits that I run my 2 tanks off of. Now, can I split up the load anyhow? I mean I can't just plug the controller into 1 circuit with most of my equipment on it, espically the lights....How could I split that up?

11. Another new one.....Is there anyway I could get an extra temp probe? I do have 2 tanks and would like to have a temp probe in each ;).

12. Now I read some where about this controller being able to dim t5's, but the ballast must be dimmable, do you know if the ice cap 660 is?

I think these are all the questions I have right now, haha, I am sure I will have a few more ;).

Thanks again for the response and I will look for that PM with the pricing :).

Nick

[elosusa]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7992896#post7992896 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nbd13
Fliger- Thanks haha, let me know when you get the package bro ;).

Jesse- Thanks for the answers :D. I cleared some space so please resend the PM with pricing :).

A few more easy questions for you, haha ;):

3. The moonlight I have is dimmable, now what type of cord do you sell for moonlights? I have a simple 2 prong cord off my moonlight? Would I jusy splice the 2 cords together?

5,6. Do you have a date in mind that the software will be released to the public?

9. So just to make sure I understand this, I have 2 400w MH ballast (each runs 2 pendants) and 2 250w ballast (again each runs 2 pendants) and then 3 icecap 660's each running some t5's.

So, that would put me at 7 ballast that I need to plug in to have the controller control the time they come on and off.

Would I need something special for that?

The controller can really handle ALL those lights? If so WOW :D.

10. New question....I have 4 20 amp circuits that I run my 2 tanks off of. Now, can I split up the load anyhow? I mean I can't just plug the controller into 1 circuit with most of my equipment on it, espically the lights....How could I split that up?

11. Another new one.....Is there anyway I could get an extra temp probe? I do have 2 tanks and would like to have a temp probe in each ;).

12. Now I read some where about this controller being able to dim t5's, but the ballast must be dimmable, do you know if the ice cap 660 is?

I think these are all the questions I have right now, haha, I am sure I will have a few more ;).

Thanks again for the response and I will look for that PM with the pricing :).

Nick
3. Yes that is it
5,6. I was told September and a few of us are using the beat version now. We have a ton of products and Elos Italy has done a great job at getting things to me so far. I have played with the pc and mobile pc software at interzoo, as well as the bluetooth connection so I imagine it will be soon.
9,10. Good question. I would split this duty up on different multiplugs and different circuits and the programming for these will be very straightforward.
11. Extra temp probe. I will ask Nick if we can make one for your application. On the B2 we have a place for "special probes" and I will see how soon I can have one made if it is needed.
12. I don't know about the 660's but yes you can add the interface to run dimmable ballasts. The other cool thing about this interface is how you can plug this into the wall and not the controller to save plug space and power on your multiplug(s).
On the email I sent you there should have been basic pricing in the body. Pm me if it wasn't and I will get back to you. Talk to you later.

[MikeD]

What are the different mounting options for this unit? Can you mount them in your stands or even the door to your stand? I like how there is a metal stand, but I do not like the look of wires galore shooting out of it. I saw a thread with the installation in the wall, but I just see a nightmare happening when you need route wires all over and behind the drywall and around studs etc.

[MikeD]

Anyone? Or does everyone just stuff this inside their stands?

[CalvinC4S]

Mine is flush mounted in the wall of the viewing room.