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07/04/2011, 09:23 AM | #1 |
Slave to the reef!
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Evansdale, Ia
Posts: 3,118
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New apex user wanting to setup multiple tanks...
I have been using Aqua Controllers for several years now and was recently asked by a friend to help setup his fish room on a single Apex controller. One system is fish only so would mainly be using for the controller for heaters and lights. The other system consists of a few table top style grow out tanks that will need much more control. To start it will control, heat, lights, kalk stirrer, and CA reactor.
I am assuming in order to hook them both up to one Apex controller I could put the main unit on the grow out system and then perhaps use an "aquabus" cable to a PM1 to control the fish system. The 2 systems are about 75' feet away from each other so I was thinking about using CAT6 with usb adapters for the cable. Being I don't actually own an Apex I am still a little lost on how the 2 systems will be separated via the web interface. At this point I just want to make sure I am using the right equipment to do it properly. I have read through Alan's "unofficial" guide and it has helped me greatly but I just wanted to get a second opinion before I start ordering equipment. Thanks!
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Member of the Greater Iowa Reef Society. Current Tank Info: 60 gallon Marineland Cube |
07/04/2011, 09:51 AM | #2 |
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Nope won't work. Those are active devices... powered by the USB port (5VDC). AquaBus has 12VDC. AquaBus is not USB - it just uses the same physical connections.
Best bet is to order a custom length USB A male-male cable. www.usbfirewire.com is one source of custom cables... a 75' cable will cost $50. If you do go this route, just call them, tell them you want a custom cable for the Apex - they know exactly what you are talking about. Another option is to use a couple of 15' USB2.0-A extender cables. http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2 Cables must be just plain cables... if they have repeaters or are desctbes as "active", they won't work. |
07/04/2011, 10:14 AM | #3 |
Slave to the reef!
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Evansdale, Ia
Posts: 3,118
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These don't appear to be active and are super cheap. I could be wrong.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...A3V6BK4D0HKA8F Besides the cable, do you think just using a PM1 and a few EB8's to control the other systems lights and heaters will be adequate ?
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Member of the Greater Iowa Reef Society. Current Tank Info: 60 gallon Marineland Cube |
07/04/2011, 10:28 AM | #4 |
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In the description, it discusses using a powered USB hub in conjunction with the adapters. They are active devices.
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07/04/2011, 01:00 PM | #5 |
WHO DAT??
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Posts: 5,709
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To answer your second question, absolutely yes, that's the right way to do it. A single system can support many, many modules. You just need to run the long-haul AB cable to the first remote module. From there, you can use short USB lengths to hit the other remote modules.
And heed Russ's advice - you will blow up your controller if you put powered USB on it.
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07/04/2011, 02:24 PM | #6 |
Slave to the reef!
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Location: Evansdale, Ia
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Now I am really glad I asked here before ordering this stuff and hooking it all up. I'm in a bit of a time crunch so I will probably go with the 15' cables from monoprice just because I can have them tomorrow.
I really appreciate all the help. I also GREATLY APPRECIATE your guide Alan! It amazes me that these things can do so much. Thanks again!
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Member of the Greater Iowa Reef Society. Current Tank Info: 60 gallon Marineland Cube |
07/04/2011, 05:14 PM | #7 |
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I am expanding my system as well, but remember, when you hit 56 outlets, you have to Call tech support to turn on more.
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07/04/2011, 05:48 PM | #8 | |
Slave to the reef!
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Evansdale, Ia
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Quote:
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Member of the Greater Iowa Reef Society. Current Tank Info: 60 gallon Marineland Cube |
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