Apex Firmware Update - 4.03 Beta

clp · 04/09/2010, 11:35 AM

If you want to help test the latest firmware for the Apex, then read on. Don't expect this release to be perfect - that is why it is a beta release. If for any reason you are not comfortable putting beta firmware in your controller, I recommend that you wait for the final release.

This release adds the following features:

- Support for PM3 Module
- Support for WXM Module
- Enhanced power failure support for Apex base module (see system->Misc setup menu)
- Fixed DST clock web page bug.
- Fixed outlet initialization bug when clock auto updates.
- Fixed EB8 power failure detection

The firmware can be downloaded from:

www.neptunesys.com/apex_4_03.zip

Curt

swearint · 04/09/2010, 05:34 PM

Curt,

Can you explain the new Power Monitor setting?

I installed the new update, and my Apex still does not detect a loss of power on EB3. And I need to have the EB8 calibrated now, because it shows 0.7 Amps when unplugged from the wall.

Todd

aquamanic · 04/10/2010, 08:41 AM

Todd - PM sent.

Bud's Reef · 04/10/2010, 10:33 AM

Is there anywhere I can read details about the specific problems this release addresses?

kenargo · 04/10/2010, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swearint

Curt,

Can you explain the new Power Monitor setting?

I installed the new update, and my Apex still does not detect a loss of power on EB3. And I need to have the EB8 calibrated now, because it shows 0.7 Amps when unplugged from the wall.

Todd

I can help...

In the setup screen, System, Misc you will see power monitor.

When this is off (default) the if power for the apex works as it does today (pretty much only detecting power off using an EB8 power state.

When you set to on you will be able to use if power apex to tell when the AC power plug has power (if you had an AC3 think of this similar to the aux power).

This will enable sceenarios like having an EB8 on a UPS but connecting the Apex power to the wall. When wall power is lost the 'If Power Apex' will report the power loss and you can acto on that condition.

Make sense?

kenargo · 04/10/2010, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bud's Reef

Is there anywhere I can read details about the specific problems this release addresses?

In the readme:

Apex 4.04 4/1/10 Release 4A10
- Support for PM3 Module
- Support for WXM Module
- Enhanced power failure support for Apex base module (see system->Misc setup menu)
- Fixed DST clock web page bug.
- Fixed outlet initialization bug when clock auto updates.
- Fixed EB8 power failure detection

swearint · 04/10/2010, 11:41 AM

OK, thanks Ken. I have the auxillary power adapter running from a UPS. So I don't guess I need it enabled. The problem I have is that the Apex does not detect when the EB8 loses power. This latest update had no effect, so I don't know if that means the EB8 is defective or the base unit? Curt had previously stated that the issue was EMI related, but in my testing everything but the base unit is without power/unplugged. I don't know where the EMI would come from other than the base unit itself.

Todd

kenargo · 04/10/2010, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swearint

OK, thanks Ken. I have the auxillary power adapter running from a UPS. So I don't guess I need it enabled. The problem I have is that the Apex does not detect when the EB8 loses power. This latest update had no effect, so I don't know if that means the EB8 is defective or the base unit? Curt had previously stated that the issue was EMI related, but in my testing everything but the base unit is without power/unplugged. I don't know where the EMI would come from other than the base unit itself.

Todd

What power fail statement(s) are you using? It shuold be something like:

If Power EB8_3 Then On

Bud's Reef · 04/10/2010, 01:25 PM

Ken, thanks, I saw that. I was looking for the specific details of each problem that it fixes and what were the symptoms.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenargo

In the readme:

Apex 4.04 4/1/10 Release 4A10
- Support for PM3 Module
- Support for WXM Module
- Enhanced power failure support for Apex base module (see system->Misc setup menu)
- Fixed DST clock web page bug.
- Fixed outlet initialization bug when clock auto updates.
- Fixed EB8 power failure detection

swearint · 04/10/2010, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenargo

What power fail statement(s) are you using? It shuold be something like:

If Power EB8_3 Then On

Yes, I have 'If Power EB8_3 OFF 000 then ON' in the Email Outlet. I also created a virtual outlet to test it:

[Power Test]
If Power EB8_3 On 000 Then ON
If Power EB8_3 Off 000 Then OFF

It stays ON regardless of whether the EB8 is plugged into the wall or not. Also, when unplugged the Status page reports Power OK, but does report zero amps (well it did before the update, I need to re-calibrate).

Todd

ENS · 04/12/2010, 04:12 PM

Tagging along for info about further updates to this beta.

And one feature suggestion to add to an update ... the ability for the end user to calibrate or set the amps the EB8 is registering/displaying per outlet. Mine is not really accurate, and I'd like to be able to use an amp meter as reference and make it what I want, e.g., if Outlet 2 "powerhead 1" is on, it lists .2 amps, etc., instead of the .0 or .1 that it is registering.

tamu · 04/13/2010, 04:22 PM

I have been running solid on 4.02 for a month now with no issues.

I upgraded to 4.03 beta and now have received a couple of power failure notices, even though I do not lose power.

The If Power Apex line is triggering and then looking at my power statements it shows the power failed and the EB8 minutes reset.

I have not changed any settings since upgrading.

aquamanic · 04/13/2010, 06:13 PM

Were you operating the web pages at the time of the reported power failure? Is it possible the unit is re-booting on its own at that time?

tamu · 04/13/2010, 06:16 PM

No, one was over night.

CalmSeasQuest · 04/13/2010, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquamanic

Were you operating the web pages at the time of the reported power failure? Is it possible the unit is re-booting on its own at that time?

I have this occur frequently. Typically on the status page, there is what appears to be a delay in the refresh, often forcing a reload of the page which triggers a power failure reporting. Both the Apex and EB8 are on a UPS - no actual power failures occurs.

This occurs just about daily - Anyone else seeing this?

aquamanic · 04/14/2010, 06:12 AM

I'd send a note to Neptune. Curt was chasing a memory allocation problem with the web pages and was going to make some changes in 4.03. Not sure if this is it but the symptoms sound the same.

Bud's Reef · 04/14/2010, 08:34 AM

I've also seen this in two forms, one is it reports a power failure even though a power failure never happens and there is no impact other than the outlet log shows everything turning back on, even though it never really turned off. The second is it reports a power failure without a failure happening but the outlets momentarily turn off before turning back on. I thought it was just a coincidence but now I'm not so sure, it seemed to happen when I would be away from my computer for a while, come back to find the staus page saying cannot be displayed, I hit refresh and when it refreshes the screen it does the power fail. I don't normally keep the web open to the Apex but was only doing so since I just set up a new dosing program and wanted to keep my eye on the PH. For the last couple of days I have only opened the connection, checked on the PH and then closed it again. I also check the logs and have not had another fake power fail.

I just upgraded to 4.02 on 4/5/2010 and have not yet upgraded to 4.03.

CalmSeasQuest · 04/14/2010, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bud's Reef

I've also seen this in two forms, one is it reports a power failure even though a power failure never happens and there is no impact other than the outlet log shows everything turning back on, even though it never really turned off. The second is it reports a power failure without a failure happening but the outlets momentarily turn off before turning back on. I thought it was just a coincidence but now I'm not so sure, it seemed to happen when I would be away from my computer for a while, come back to find the staus page saying cannot be displayed, I hit refresh and when it refreshes the screen it does the power fail. I don't normally keep the web open to the Apex but was only doing so since I just set up a new dosing program and wanted to keep my eye on the PH. For the last couple of days I have only opened the connection, checked on the PH and then closed it again. I also check the logs and have not had another fake power fail.

I just upgraded to 4.02 on 4/5/2010 and have not yet upgraded to 4.03.

+1 - I have the exact same events and am also running 4.02.

CJO · 04/14/2010, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenargo

I can help...

In the setup screen, System, Misc you will see power monitor.

When this is off (default) the if power for the apex works as it does today (pretty much only detecting power off using an EB8 power state.

When you set to on you will be able to use if power apex to tell when the AC power plug has power (if you had an AC3 think of this similar to the aux power).

This will enable sceenarios like having an EB8 on a UPS but connecting the Apex power to the wall. When wall power is lost the 'If Power Apex' will report the power loss and you can acto on that condition.

Make sense?

Wohoo! I was hoping that they would be able to do this at some point, but didn't know that they would be able to with just a firmware update.

Thanks,
CJ

clp · 04/16/2010, 04:08 PM

An updated beta release has just been uploaded to our website. You can download it from:

http://www.neptunesys.com/apex_4_03.zip

Most of the changes include bug fixes for the WXM. There is also a change graph web page so that the graph will load properly on some web browsers.

Curt

tamu · 04/16/2010, 06:48 PM

I just updated to the newest 4.03.

My ph2 is now showing NONE/BOGUS on the webpage. There is no graph for it now.

The display shows it as bogu

Should I do a hard reset?

kenargo · 04/16/2010, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tamu

I just updated to the newest 4.03.

My ph2 is now showing NONE/BOGUS on the webpage. There is no graph for it now.

The display shows it as bogu

Should I do a hard reset?

Did you update web pages? I assum you are selecting the PH2 probe in the graph selection page?

Lastly, verify that PH2 is still enabeld as PH2 (and that it didn't get reset to ORP).

tamu · 04/16/2010, 07:03 PM

Yes, I updated the webpages as well.

It is as if pH2 is completely gone. I went to check to make sure it was not disabled/back to an ORP port. When I cylce through it only gives me the option of ph and pHx4. I'm using my PM1 port as ORPx4.

Not sure what to do now.

also, in the drop down for the graphs, pH2 is not there.

tamu · 04/16/2010, 07:07 PM

Pic Attached

tamu · 04/16/2010, 07:29 PM

I just reflashed the firmware, still the same.

04/09/2010, 11:35 AM	#1
clp RC Sponsor Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 4,311	Apex Firmware Update - 4.03 Beta If you want to help test the latest firmware for the Apex, then read on. Don't expect this release to be perfect - that is why it is a beta release. If for any reason you are not comfortable putting beta firmware in your controller, I recommend that you wait for the final release. This release adds the following features: - Support for PM3 Module - Support for WXM Module - Enhanced power failure support for Apex base module (see system->Misc setup menu) - Fixed DST clock web page bug. - Fixed outlet initialization bug when clock auto updates. - Fixed EB8 power failure detection The firmware can be downloaded from: www.neptunesys.com/apex_4_03.zip Curt

04/09/2010, 05:34 PM	#2
swearint Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 2,645	Curt, Can you explain the new Power Monitor setting? I installed the new update, and my Apex still does not detect a loss of power on EB3. And I need to have the EB8 calibrated now, because it shows 0.7 Amps when unplugged from the wall. Todd __________________ Amendment IX The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. Current Tank Info: 125g Reef

04/10/2010, 08:41 AM	#3
aquamanic WHO DAT?? Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 5,709	Todd - PM sent. __________________ I don't work for Neptune. Please put all questions into forum posts and not PM's. Visit the Neptune Community Forums for the latest Neptune updates - forum.neptunesystems.com

04/10/2010, 10:33 AM	#4
Bud's Reef Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga Posts: 663	Is there anywhere I can read details about the specific problems this release addresses? __________________ Click on the Little Red House to see progress on my 120G! Current Tank Info: 120G Display w/100G in support, 100G Frag/Anemone/Breeding set up.

04/10/2010, 11:41 AM	#7
swearint Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 2,645	OK, thanks Ken. I have the auxillary power adapter running from a UPS. So I don't guess I need it enabled. The problem I have is that the Apex does not detect when the EB8 loses power. This latest update had no effect, so I don't know if that means the EB8 is defective or the base unit? Curt had previously stated that the issue was EMI related, but in my testing everything but the base unit is without power/unplugged. I don't know where the EMI would come from other than the base unit itself. Todd __________________ Amendment IX The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. Current Tank Info: 125g Reef

04/12/2010, 04:12 PM	#11
ENS Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: SoCal Posts: 561	Tagging along for info about further updates to this beta. And one feature suggestion to add to an update ... the ability for the end user to calibrate or set the amps the EB8 is registering/displaying per outlet. Mine is not really accurate, and I'd like to be able to use an amp meter as reference and make it what I want, e.g., if Outlet 2 "powerhead 1" is on, it lists .2 amps, etc., instead of the .0 or .1 that it is registering. __________________ My mind is a-glow with whirling transient nodes of thought, careening through a cosmic vapor of invention. ... Ditto! Current Tank Info: In process of designing/building new custom in-wall 330gl tank w/ 220gl sump system, LED lights, Neptune Apex controller, Deltec TC2560 skimmer, Deltec Kalk Rxtr, Ozone, and lots of other toys/equip. Moved in 2014, leaving prior in-wall tank. Last edited by ENS; 04/12/2010 at 04:20 PM.

04/13/2010, 04:22 PM	#12
tamu Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 327	I have been running solid on 4.02 for a month now with no issues. I upgraded to 4.03 beta and now have received a couple of power failure notices, even though I do not lose power. The If Power Apex line is triggering and then looking at my power statements it shows the power failed and the EB8 minutes reset. I have not changed any settings since upgrading.

04/13/2010, 06:13 PM	#13
aquamanic WHO DAT?? Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 5,709	Were you operating the web pages at the time of the reported power failure? Is it possible the unit is re-booting on its own at that time? __________________ I don't work for Neptune. Please put all questions into forum posts and not PM's. Visit the Neptune Community Forums for the latest Neptune updates - forum.neptunesystems.com

04/13/2010, 06:16 PM	#14
tamu Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 327	No, one was over night.

04/14/2010, 06:12 AM	#16
aquamanic WHO DAT?? Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 5,709	I'd send a note to Neptune. Curt was chasing a memory allocation problem with the web pages and was going to make some changes in 4.03. Not sure if this is it but the symptoms sound the same. __________________ I don't work for Neptune. Please put all questions into forum posts and not PM's. Visit the Neptune Community Forums for the latest Neptune updates - forum.neptunesystems.com

04/14/2010, 08:34 AM	#17
Bud's Reef Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga Posts: 663	I've also seen this in two forms, one is it reports a power failure even though a power failure never happens and there is no impact other than the outlet log shows everything turning back on, even though it never really turned off. The second is it reports a power failure without a failure happening but the outlets momentarily turn off before turning back on. I thought it was just a coincidence but now I'm not so sure, it seemed to happen when I would be away from my computer for a while, come back to find the staus page saying cannot be displayed, I hit refresh and when it refreshes the screen it does the power fail. I don't normally keep the web open to the Apex but was only doing so since I just set up a new dosing program and wanted to keep my eye on the PH. For the last couple of days I have only opened the connection, checked on the PH and then closed it again. I also check the logs and have not had another fake power fail. I just upgraded to 4.02 on 4/5/2010 and have not yet upgraded to 4.03. __________________ Click on the Little Red House to see progress on my 120G! Current Tank Info: 120G Display w/100G in support, 100G Frag/Anemone/Breeding set up.

04/16/2010, 04:08 PM	#20
clp RC Sponsor Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 4,311	An updated beta release has just been uploaded to our website. You can download it from: http://www.neptunesys.com/apex_4_03.zip Most of the changes include bug fixes for the WXM. There is also a change graph web page so that the graph will load properly on some web browsers. Curt

04/16/2010, 06:48 PM	#21
tamu Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 327	I just updated to the newest 4.03. My ph2 is now showing NONE/BOGUS on the webpage. There is no graph for it now. The display shows it as bogu Should I do a hard reset?

04/16/2010, 07:03 PM	#23
tamu Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 327	Yes, I updated the webpages as well. It is as if pH2 is completely gone. I went to check to make sure it was not disabled/back to an ORP port. When I cylce through it only gives me the option of ph and pHx4. I'm using my PM1 port as ORPx4. Not sure what to do now. also, in the drop down for the graphs, pH2 is not there.

04/16/2010, 07:29 PM	#25
tamu Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 327	I just reflashed the firmware, still the same.