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Unread 02/23/2014, 06:49 PM   #1
TripsReef
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Controller for Kessil A360w?

I just purchased two A360w led pendants, which I absolutely love. After doing some research, I can't really find much info on what controllers are compatible with this light. I know that Neptune's Apex controllers work great with the Kessils, however I'm not looking to spend quite that much. I'm basically just looking for a controller that will produce a dawn/dusk affect, having the lights gradually come on and turn off. Although the lunar phases and occasional lightning storm functions are pretty cool, I don't find them necessary. Any one know of any reasonably priced controllers compatible with my Kessils? Any help is greatly appreciated.


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Unread 03/09/2014, 11:16 AM   #2
DaBears08
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I'm going to follow, because I'm in the same boat. I like the features of the Apex but want to know what every bodies opinions are on cheaper controllers


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Unread 03/09/2014, 11:19 AM   #3
ReachTheSky
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Reef Angel perhaps? They're quite a bit cheaper than the Apex ($269 vs. $400+) but still kinda up there.


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Unread 03/09/2014, 11:34 AM   #4
boxo
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There's also the bluefish controller coming -

http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/33882...lerwhat-is-it/

(rbuilders dot com) /2014/01/10/bluefish-led-lighting-controller-inching-closer-reality

Got to admit - it looks pretty sweet hardware and interface wise. But as far as I know they are still in testing, or at least the beta signup thing is still on their page. Expected cost is ~180US.


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Unread 03/09/2014, 02:36 PM   #5
palamo123
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Can the aquatronica control them?


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Unread 03/09/2014, 02:40 PM   #6
Rancherlee
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I'm running mine off 2 channels on my Dim4, the other 2 channels control the DIY led filler lights.


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Unread 03/10/2014, 07:57 PM   #7
that Fish Guy
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I really wish that Kessil Made their own Controller.

Kind of like the Ecoxotic Controller which is very very easy to use and only costs 50.00 vs. 500.00 for the Apex.


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Unread 03/16/2014, 01:31 PM   #8
TripsReef
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I really like the Bluefish controller however as previously stated, it is still in beta testing. I'm curious as to when it is going to be released to the consumer market. Although I did apply for a beta testing model.


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Unread 03/16/2014, 04:28 PM   #9
azjohnny
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The Bluefish controller looks pretty cool


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Unread 03/16/2014, 08:31 PM   #10
that Fish Guy
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That Bluefish is cool.

Says it is coming out this Month too.

I wish it would control my A150's though.


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Unread 03/18/2014, 01:31 PM   #11
TripsReef
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Anyone know what the projected price of the bluefish is expected to be? Hopefully nowhere near as pricey as the apex


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Unread 03/18/2014, 01:41 PM   #12
mic209
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The typhoon controlloer from boost led might work, and it's only $55

http://www.boostled.com/product_p/typhon.htm


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Unread 03/18/2014, 03:51 PM   #13
TripsReef
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That typhoon controller looks more like a computer chip ha. Does it work like most other controllers, using outlets that you can individually control? Or do you need to be more tech savvy in order to set it up?


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Unread 03/18/2014, 04:28 PM   #14
mic209
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TripsReef View Post
That typhoon controller looks more like a computer chip ha. Does it work like most other controllers, using outlets that you can individually control? Or do you need to be more tech savvy in order to set it up?

The typhoon is purpose built to control LED drivers, you wouldn't be able to connect anything else to it.


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Unread 04/25/2014, 05:38 PM   #15
percula99
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I am looking at buying three Kessil A360WE for my 180. I will be keeping three E.Shine 60 watt CREE fixtures as supplementation. As for a controller, I have a ReefKeeper Lite. You can buy the Reef Keeper ALC (Advanced Light Controller) and Control Cable-Type 2, Part Number KA360C2 to connect them. My concern here is you can use it to control one light, but will it control more than one? See the quote below taken from the web site I am planning on buying from. Note the last sentence that starts: "When daisy-chained in series without an external controller". Am I misreading this? Are they saying the controller works with one fixture, and when daisy chained the master only works as a manual control knob setting to control the others?

Quote:
The A360 comes with a pair of ports that allows the fixture to be governed by external devices. This new control interface operates within a 0-10Vdc 10VDC range, making it compatible with several popular aquarium controllers. When daisy-chained in series without an external controller, the first A360 acts as the master unit propagating its settings to all other lights in the chain.



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Unread 04/25/2014, 08:34 PM   #16
Reefvet
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Quote:
Originally Posted by percula99 View Post
Are they saying the controller works with one fixture, and when daisy chained the master only works as a manual control knob setting to control the others?
With the A360s the first light becomes the master and every additional light you daisy chain to it is a slave. So whatever you have the controller do with the first light the others do exactly the same thing.


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Unread 04/25/2014, 08:58 PM   #17
percula99
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Reefvet View Post
With the A360s the first light becomes the master and every additional light you daisy chain to it is a slave. So whatever you have the controller do with the first light the others do exactly the same thing.
I am hoping you are right Reefvet because that is how I need them to work. I am stuck on how they worded the sentence however; "When daisy-chained in series "without an external controller", the first A360 acts as the master unit propagating its settings to all other lights in the chain." I just went to the Kessil web site and they have the exact same wording, "without an external controller".


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Unread 04/26/2014, 05:31 PM   #18
billwill
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I just hooked my two new A360W's up with my reefkeeper Elite with ALC module. Works pretty slick! DimA does the intensity and DimB does color. Single control wire with slave wire to second fixture like Reefvet said. I'm interested to hear what color percentage people are running with the controller. I'm still playing but like the crisp look of 75% for right now.


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Unread 04/26/2014, 05:56 PM   #19
Reefvet
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Quote:
Originally Posted by percula99 View Post
I am hoping you are right Reefvet
I have several running on Apex controllers. That is what they do.


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Unread 04/26/2014, 08:52 PM   #20
percula99
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Thanks for the confirmation Billwill and Reefvet. I am stoked. Seeing as I wasn't convinced yesterday I sent an email to Kessil last night. I know I won't receive an answer until Monday, but all I needed was that assurance. It looks like I am going to go ahead with the Kessils in a week or so. Thanks again.


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Unread 05/07/2014, 10:36 PM   #21
fed.gallardo
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What size tank are you running? I have a 75 gallon now and am thinking 360W's


Quote:
Originally Posted by billwill View Post
I just hooked my two new A360W's up with my reefkeeper Elite with ALC module. Works pretty slick! DimA does the intensity and DimB does color. Single control wire with slave wire to second fixture like Reefvet said. I'm interested to hear what color percentage people are running with the controller. I'm still playing but like the crisp look of 75% for right now.



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Unread 05/07/2014, 10:50 PM   #22
billwill
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I'm running a 90g. These lights look incredible. I'm running 90% intensity with 70% color. Highly recommend the W model.


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Unread 05/08/2014, 07:43 AM   #23
percula99
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I have a 180 tank and have left three E.Shine 60W CREE fixtures in to supplement my Kessil a360WEs I just got. I removed three E.Shine 108W 4Gs to make way for the Kessils. I am not sure if I should be starting the Kessils at 50% as people say I will burn my corals if I start at 100%. Seeing as I have removed 108 watt fixtures to make way for 90 watt fixtures I am not sure if this is required or not. So far at 50% I am not satisfied with the Kessils. I have tried setting them at 100% for a while and they aren't bad, but not as nice a color as I was getting before. I have them set at about 50% on the color wheel, my CREES are set at 100% royal blue and 30% white. Any higher on the white and it washes out the shimmer. I must admit that I do love that shimmer. Still tweaking my settings.


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Current Tanks: 180 gallon reef. 270 lbs live rock. SPS, LPS and softies. 3 Kessil A360W-E pendants and 2 Evergrow IT-5080 fixtures.
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Unread 05/08/2014, 07:33 PM   #24
Scorpius
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Subscribed for the Blue Fish controller.


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Unread 05/13/2014, 01:31 PM   #25
that Fish Guy
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Kessil is Finally Coming Out with their Own Controller so you do not need to Spend 500.00 on an Apex or get a Blue Fish to Control your Kessils anymore.

Plus I am sure that there will be more Options with the Propietary Kessil Controller.

Check it out.

https://www.facebook.com/Kessil.LED


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