Does apex control AI Vega LEDs

jjohn3845 · 12/15/2012, 06:05 PM

Hi all.
My chiller went out so instead of buying a new chiller I thought I would jump to LEDs. Got 2 vega with the Neptune VDM module and the wire for the module. Got home and no way to hook the 2 together. I missed someone could someone tell me what I missed. Please

CqSmrtazz · 12/15/2012, 06:13 PM

I just checked into this myself. I contacted AI and Greg Morgan told me this
"My personal favorite and one of the best units currently out there is the Aqua Illumination Vega, but unfortunately it is not currently compatible with the Neptune Systems Apex". They are currently working on an Apex compatible version of the Vega, no word as to when it will be available.

jjohn3845 · 12/15/2012, 06:27 PM

Ok thanks for the quick reply. Quess going to order a AI controller on Monday. I'm really nervous about changing to LEDs but lots of advantage's I quess hope I like the look of them.
Thanks again for the help

CqSmrtazz · 12/15/2012, 06:49 PM

Your welcome. The sol is compatible, but doesn't have any of the features of the Vega's. I also contacted Acan Lighting, the 800 and 600 series are Apex ready. I personally am waiting for the Vega's. Unless something better comes along.

kweckstrom · 12/15/2012, 09:05 PM

Wow. Very surprised the vegas aren't apex controllable. That was a major selling point of the Sol units.

Jpellica · 12/27/2012, 06:21 PM

This is an epic fail since I currently use the AI wireless which still needs to be constantly connected to a wall outlet(not how this makes is wireless) and it a horrible unit.

CqSmrtazz · 12/27/2012, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jpellica

This is an epic fail since I currently use the AI wireless which still needs to be constantly connected to a wall outlet(not how this makes is wireless) and it a horrible unit.

Really, what don't you like about them?

RussM · 12/27/2012, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jpellica

This is an epic fail since I currently use the AI wireless which still needs to be constantly connected to a wall outlet(not how this makes is wireless)

Epic fail? Really? How would you expect it to be powered then? Batteries would not last long, since it maintains continuous *wireless communications* with the fixture(s). It still eliminates the need to have a cable between the controller and the lights, allowing more convenience and flexibility in placement.

CES · 03/16/2013, 08:49 PM

I recently setup the AI Vega LEDs (4 units) above a 200g new reef tank. The light units themselves are great and look like something Apple would build. The wireless controller unit is so poor, its almost as if it was built 20 years ago when things used to read "made in Hong Kong"... crappy piece of junk would be too kind!

1. Unit is very poorly built.
2. Wall charger, won't keep power (tried several outlets) - the components inside are shifting due to the cord weight, which pulls on the internal components resulting in power loss.
3. When the wireless controller powers down (which if I haven't mentioned enough, is garbage), the lights no longer operate properly.
4. I've had to reset to factory settings 3x and re-sync the lights 4 or 5.
5. The buttons on the controller do not function properly (understatement)
6. The UI is 100% text menu driven.

I'm setting up APEX controller for tank automation, but so far no luck on APEX + Vega support.

ReefCoastie · 03/19/2013, 02:53 PM

I would have to agree the ai controller is kinda junk but the director platform is going to be out this summer. Now as for the "wireless" I thought it would have batteries and the programing would be sent to the light, where the "light" would know when to turn on and off. So the remote would be anywhere in the house to show friends the lightning show or change the colors on demand. AI thought it would be cost effective to have the brain in the remote. Also they know about the super junk chargers and if u call them a new one will be sent out fast. I skipped this step and used a iPhone charger, never had problems. As for the apex, the ai controller does way way more then the apex could do so they went with what is now.

CqSmrtazz · 03/23/2013, 08:47 PM

Thanks for the replies, I'm gonna wait until i can get something that has all the bells and whistles and is 100% compatible with the Apex. Lighting companies need to get with the program, it's not like there's a limited market for them.

liquidfunk · 04/01/2013, 10:33 AM

CES have you tried the new firmware? It solves pretty much all of these problems except the cord thing, but like Russ said batteries wouldnt work well. I dont know what you mean by the weight of the cord pulling the components inside, I havent heard about that before. Maybe your's is just defective? The controller has to remain powered to instruct the fixtures on what to do.

sohal1025 · 05/02/2013, 09:13 AM

Why doesn't a controller work with these lights?
I'm confused. Doesn't these controllers just turn on/off an outlet strip that a component is plugged into? Why doesn't it work?
I have a AC Jr and am planning on getting an Apex light. Is there going to be any problems??

aquamanic · 05/02/2013, 01:02 PM

If all you needed to do was turn a device on or off, then yes any device, any light will work with the controller.

However these lights have more capabilities than just on/off. They can dim. You can adjust the color spectrum on Kessil's. That's way more than on/off and requires compatible software in the Apex to work with the light vendor's software. That's where the Apex Ready program comes in. The Neptune engineers work with the vendor like Ecotech with the Vortech pumps or Kessil and AI with their lights to make sure that the Apex has the cables and the software that makes it plug and play with these more complex pieces of equipment.

On/off...that's the easy part!

sohal1025 · 05/02/2013, 01:54 PM

So, I would have no problem doing all that stuff if I have an AI controller when I get the lights, right?

aquamanic · 05/02/2013, 02:43 PM

Again, the Apex becomes the light controller - you don't need the AI controller, or in the case of Kessil's their control is built in but you wouldn't use it. The Apex, as part of the Apex Ready program has the appropriate hardware, software and/or electrical interface to operate the device.

For AI lights you need the VDM module. For Kessil you either need the full Apex or if you have a Jr, the VDM module. For Vortech pumps you need the WXM module. These modules in conjunction with the Apex controller have the necessary hardware/software to operate these controllable devices.

RussM · 05/02/2013, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquamanic

Again, the Apex becomes the light controller - you don't need the AI controller

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquamanic

For AI lights you need the VDM module.

This applies only to AI Sols. The AI Vegas are not controllable by an Apex.

gabe145 · 05/09/2013, 09:12 PM

I have 1 Vega color on my tank, looks and works great, I custom built a canopy to hold 2 vegas at abut 14" above the water's surface. I run mine for about 11 hours a day (7 of that is full, 2 ramping up, 2 ramping back down). The par is great, forgot the #'s off my head. but now I just need 1 more and corals to go with that great colors of the light.

12/15/2012, 06:05 PM	#1
jjohn3845 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Indy Posts: 68	Does apex control AI Vega LEDs Hi all. My chiller went out so instead of buying a new chiller I thought I would jump to LEDs. Got 2 vega with the Neptune VDM module and the wire for the module. Got home and no way to hook the 2 together. I missed someone could someone tell me what I missed. Please

12/15/2012, 09:05 PM	#5
kweckstrom Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 70	Wow. Very surprised the vegas aren't apex controllable. That was a major selling point of the Sol units. __________________ -Karl 150 display, pics at http://ice9.imgur.com

12/27/2012, 06:21 PM	#6
Jpellica Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Staten Island Posts: 70	This is an epic fail since I currently use the AI wireless which still needs to be constantly connected to a wall outlet(not how this makes is wireless) and it a horrible unit. __________________ Fraghunter Current Tank Info: 200 Gallon DD 2 40 BR sum\fuge Mixed Reef

04/01/2013, 10:33 AM	#12
liquidfunk Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Portland OR Posts: 891	CES have you tried the new firmware? It solves pretty much all of these problems except the cord thing, but like Russ said batteries wouldnt work well. I dont know what you mean by the weight of the cord pulling the components inside, I havent heard about that before. Maybe your's is just defective? The controller has to remain powered to instruct the fixtures on what to do. __________________ Feed Your Obsession

05/02/2013, 09:13 AM	#13
sohal1025 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Elyria Ohio Posts: 1,737	Why doesn't a controller work with these lights? I'm confused. Doesn't these controllers just turn on/off an outlet strip that a component is plugged into? Why doesn't it work? I have a AC Jr and am planning on getting an Apex light. Is there going to be any problems?? __________________ THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID!!! ><((((º>`•.¸¸.•><((((º>´¯`•><((((º> Current Tank Info: 180 gal reef tank, Reef Radiance led lighting,20gal long sump,SuperReefOctopus,phosban reactor

12/15/2012, 06:13 PM	#2
CqSmrtazz Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 34	I just checked into this myself. I contacted AI and Greg Morgan told me this "My personal favorite and one of the best units currently out there is the Aqua Illumination Vega, but unfortunately it is not currently compatible with the Neptune Systems Apex". They are currently working on an Apex compatible version of the Vega, no word as to when it will be available.

12/15/2012, 06:27 PM	#3
jjohn3845 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Indy Posts: 68	Ok thanks for the quick reply. Quess going to order a AI controller on Monday. I'm really nervous about changing to LEDs but lots of advantage's I quess hope I like the look of them. Thanks again for the help

12/15/2012, 06:49 PM	#4
CqSmrtazz Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 34	Your welcome. The sol is compatible, but doesn't have any of the features of the Vega's. I also contacted Acan Lighting, the 800 and 600 series are Apex ready. I personally am waiting for the Vega's. Unless something better comes along.

03/16/2013, 08:49 PM	#9
CES Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 1	I recently setup the AI Vega LEDs (4 units) above a 200g new reef tank. The light units themselves are great and look like something Apple would build. The wireless controller unit is so poor, its almost as if it was built 20 years ago when things used to read "made in Hong Kong"... crappy piece of junk would be too kind! 1. Unit is very poorly built. 2. Wall charger, won't keep power (tried several outlets) - the components inside are shifting due to the cord weight, which pulls on the internal components resulting in power loss. 3. When the wireless controller powers down (which if I haven't mentioned enough, is garbage), the lights no longer operate properly. 4. I've had to reset to factory settings 3x and re-sync the lights 4 or 5. 5. The buttons on the controller do not function properly (understatement) 6. The UI is 100% text menu driven. I'm setting up APEX controller for tank automation, but so far no luck on APEX + Vega support.

03/19/2013, 02:53 PM	#10
ReefCoastie Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: St. Pete , FL Posts: 66	I would have to agree the ai controller is kinda junk but the director platform is going to be out this summer. Now as for the "wireless" I thought it would have batteries and the programing would be sent to the light, where the "light" would know when to turn on and off. So the remote would be anywhere in the house to show friends the lightning show or change the colors on demand. AI thought it would be cost effective to have the brain in the remote. Also they know about the super junk chargers and if u call them a new one will be sent out fast. I skipped this step and used a iPhone charger, never had problems. As for the apex, the ai controller does way way more then the apex could do so they went with what is now.

03/23/2013, 08:47 PM	#11
CqSmrtazz Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 34	Thanks for the replies, I'm gonna wait until i can get something that has all the bells and whistles and is 100% compatible with the Apex. Lighting companies need to get with the program, it's not like there's a limited market for them.

05/02/2013, 01:02 PM	#14
aquamanic WHO DAT?? Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 5,709	If all you needed to do was turn a device on or off, then yes any device, any light will work with the controller. However these lights have more capabilities than just on/off. They can dim. You can adjust the color spectrum on Kessil's. That's way more than on/off and requires compatible software in the Apex to work with the light vendor's software. That's where the Apex Ready program comes in. The Neptune engineers work with the vendor like Ecotech with the Vortech pumps or Kessil and AI with their lights to make sure that the Apex has the cables and the software that makes it plug and play with these more complex pieces of equipment. On/off...that's the easy part! __________________ 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

05/02/2013, 01:54 PM	#15
sohal1025 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Elyria Ohio Posts: 1,737	So, I would have no problem doing all that stuff if I have an AI controller when I get the lights, right? __________________ THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID!!! ><((((º>`•.¸¸.•><((((º>´¯`•><((((º> Current Tank Info: 180 gal reef tank, Reef Radiance led lighting,20gal long sump,SuperReefOctopus,phosban reactor

05/02/2013, 02:43 PM	#16
aquamanic WHO DAT?? Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 5,709	Again, the Apex becomes the light controller - you don't need the AI controller, or in the case of Kessil's their control is built in but you wouldn't use it. The Apex, as part of the Apex Ready program has the appropriate hardware, software and/or electrical interface to operate the device. For AI lights you need the VDM module. For Kessil you either need the full Apex or if you have a Jr, the VDM module. For Vortech pumps you need the WXM module. These modules in conjunction with the Apex controller have the necessary hardware/software to operate these controllable devices. __________________ 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

05/09/2013, 09:12 PM	#18
gabe145 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Key Largo, FL Posts: 50	I have 1 Vega color on my tank, looks and works great, I custom built a canopy to hold 2 vegas at abut 14" above the water's surface. I run mine for about 11 hours a day (7 of that is full, 2 ramping up, 2 ramping back down). The par is great, forgot the #'s off my head. but now I just need 1 more and corals to go with that great colors of the light.