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The Apex aqua controller has been shipping for a few days now and some fortunate early pre-orders have arrived into eagerly awaiting new owner’s hands. Neptune Systems has released the full skinny along with a manual of the new controller that you can grab from Neptune’s website. If you are interested, you can still pre-order the new controller for $499.95, which includes the Apex base unit, temperature probe, Apex display module w/ 10’ aquaBus cable, energy bar 8, 6’ aquabus cable, standard grade pH probe (may be upgraded to lab probe) and the owner’s manual.
Connectivity
- Ethernet Interface
- Embedded Web Server
- Only controller with web browser Monitoring, Control & Configuration.
- Email Alarms
Expandability
- Most expandable Controller.
Up to 240 modules, hundreds of probes, and thousands of controlled outlets.
- Simple menu driven Configuration
No program language knowledge required.
Robust Timers
- Simulates Sunrise/sunset
- Simulates moon cycle
- Wave Maker and Random timed cycles
- Built-in Variable speed pump control
- Still water feed mode (multiple modes)
Ultimate Control
- Monitor/Control Temperature, pH, and ORP
- Digital Calibration on all probes
- Seasonal temp & lighting control
- Flexible Control Options
Apex System
Built-in EthernetIntegrated Ethernet port Most advanced web server available Interactive flash graphing application in the web server Interfaces with AquaNotes iPhone application Compatible with all Major web browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari) Only aquarium controller with web server monitoring, control, and configuration Compatible with wireless bridges or game adapters (802.11x) so that wireless network communication is possible Email or text message alarms Email alarms or audible alarms when Energy Bar power fails Interactive flash graphing application in the web server Interfaces with AquaNotes iPhone application RSS and XML Support Very simple menu driven configurationMenus to easily setup pumps, lights, heater, chiller, co2, etc No programming required for configuration Can name the outlets (unlike competing products) Can be configured through LCD Display or a standard web browser In advanced mode an enhanced AquaController programming language is available Sophisticated non standard control available Virtual Outlets allow even more complex control options Monitor/Control – pH, Temp, and ORP
Galvanic isolation on probes
State of the Art Electronics IntegrationOnly 32 bit processor on an Aquarium controller Over 16 times more code space & 5X faster than competitive controllers The huge code space means that future expandability is ensured Over 16 times data storage memory than the competition 1 year’s worth of data logs can be stored internally New Enhanced Control FunctionalityDay of Week functionality Sub minute control added on EnergyBar controlled devices Default outlet state for all EnergyBar outlets Second resolution control Sunrise and Sunset Simulation
Moon Cycle Simulation
WaveMaker
6 Digital Inputs
4 Integrated Variable Speed Ports0 to 10V output interface Can directly control up to 4 Tunze stream pumps (like AquaSurf) Can dim ballasts with 0 to 10V interfaces (life some T5 ballasts)
Modular Expansion through AquaBusHigh reliability protocol with robust error correction Virtual unlimited expandability. The most expandable controller. Plug and Play – AquaBus modules are automatically recognized and configured Cable lengths over 200 feet Expandable to 240 AquaBus modules Add optional modules to monitor Hundreds of Probes Add additional EnergyBars to control thousands of outlets All AquaBus modules allow for easy firmware updates Probe modules available (or in development) for additional Temperature, pH, ORP, Conductivity, and dissolved oxygen probes Module firmware updates done through AquaBus. No need to disassemble controller, and individually update modules Backward Compatibility
AquaBus FeaturesTwo AquaBus connectors for easy expansion, and flexible cabling options Plug and Plug bus allows for modular expansion. Updateable FirmwareFirmware updates via Ethernet Flash memory so new features can be easily added All AquaBus modules allow for easy firmware updates No need to unplug/rewire devices to perform the firmware update (unlike the competition) Alternate power port on Apex Base UnitIn power failure situations Alarm emails can still be sent Can detect power failures in EnergyBars Internal rechargeable backup battery retains clock Graph probe/device data on the LCD display Compact Size7.5″ x 2.6″ x 1.10″ |
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This thing has 6 Comments
I did a lot reading/talking before it came out and I’m frustrated that I was TOLD by the Neptune guy at the MAX show that it would report amps on each channel of the EB8 and now come to find out that’s NOT the case. I’m glad I trusted my gut and waited. Not interested in false advertisements just to sell a unit! Shame…
It was posted here on this site (http://www.reefbuilders.com/2009/04/06/details-apex-aquacontroller-neptune-systems/) that it had current reporting on each outlet, for error detection, but that was not an official Neptune statement.
The video of Curt here says “current monitoring on ‘them’” which could be interpreted different ways.
I’m disappointed but it won’t be a deal breaker for me.
Oh, forgot to say… I wish the advertising was clarified so people don’t continue to make the mistake of assuming the current monitoring is for each outlet.
Apparently Neptune was telling us about current reporting on each outlet but it didn’t make it into the final product. I updated the original post to reflect this.
Ya, he (Curt,) was pretty adamant about when we talked. Didn’t say they would try, said it DID. Anyway, like I said it was from the horses mouth, I didn’t base it off what I read here. I think RB’s was right to post what they were told! That’s why I love this site! It helps hold manufactures accountable! You guys shouldn’t edit it, you should “report” it. If someone says we’ve done it, then heck that’s their problem if they haven’t! I for one, an all about fair and accurate unbiased reporting! I say rock on RBs!
I place my order through a local Neptune retailer back in May – the problem is that while Neptune is shipping orders placed through their own website the next day they are not shipping to their dealers. People ordering on July 28th are getting their orders shipped on the 29th. Sounds like Neptune is cutting out the middle-man.
I’ll bet that the big boys of the retail aquarium world aren’t real happy with Neptune at this point. I can imagine that a bunch of the smaller players are going to be a lot more interested in stocking and selling Neptune’s competitors rather than having to compete with Neptune to sell Neptune’s own products.