Jebao WP to Apex harness

Steel_Wind · #1 01-25-2014, 03:29 PM

Cable shot.

Steel_Wind · #2 01-25-2014, 03:44 PM

Here is the original post which talk about how to create a 0-10v control cable for use with a Kessil A360 and the ALC 2 pin 0-10v controller. This probably tells you which is + and - to those who understand such basic things better than I.

"Then the right and white has the hots for the reds on the ALC..." So it would appear on that above picture of the ALC on top of the yellow felt, it is the one with the red wires that is +, i.e., the one on the left.

See here:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...ght=kessil+alc

Torx · #3 01-25-2014, 03:59 PM

So red is + and black is - on the ALC. Pretty typical, but you never know if a company switches up the wire colors. I can easily make one of these for someone if the demand is there.

What about the APC? The APC probably would be the better unit to use.

Steel_Wind · #4 01-25-2014, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torx

So red is + and black is - on the ALC. Pretty typical, but you never know if a company switches up the wire colors. I can easily make one of these for someone if the demand is there.

What about the APC? The APC probably would be the better unit to use.

Honestly? I'm not sure about that at all. The ALC module has a 0-10v controller. The MLC modules all use 0-10v 2 pin hookups to work as far as I know. Both of these modules are far more widely owned by a lot of RKL and RKE owners than the rare APC.

The APC modules are, to date, designed to work only with Tunze powerheads and my impression is that it is not very widely owned as a result. For example, I have never, ever, seen a used one for sale.

While the APC module could work, the cost of these modules is the giveaway. To buy a MLC just for powerhead control of the Jebao WP line would be about ~$75. To buy an APC for powerhead control is $135. Anybody who owns one already owns a Tunze -- that's why they bought it; it has no other function.

I think a WP control cable rigged to work with the Molex Microfit 3.0 connectors would be FAR more popular. Plus, the RKL head unit is limited in the number of modules it can support at a max of 4. A power bar counts as a module against this limit. Most RKL owners have 1 or 2 PC4 power bars and a SL1. They have one module free. Most get the ALC or MLC light modules -- not an APC.

The fact that a RKL owner could use an ALC or MLC to control pumps (as well as Sols or Moonlights, respectively) would be attractive as hell. A Kessil owner could use the MLC to control both the Kessil lights and the WP powerheads while still being within the module limit of the RKL.

Torx · #5 01-25-2014, 04:26 PM

Wow, thanks for all the info on RKE. I did not realize there were so many limitations, so yes, the ALC would be the ideal hook up. I will look locally for the connector first. I have a few feelers out on local members to see if I can try a cable out on their systems. But this hobby is not too popular where I am.

Steel_Wind · #6 01-25-2014, 04:32 PM

I guess the point would be this:

We all know that the Apex is the preferred and more "pro" of aquarium controllers. For a fully featured unit and customer support, the Neptune Apex kicks the crap out of the RKE. (And I own both a RKE and a RKL, so I'm allowed to say this).

Where the Reefkeepr has an advantage is in the RKL side. At $119, it is a cheap entry point for basic controller functions. It has the Apex Jr. beat all to hell on price for basic functions.

Considering those who want to buy Jebao WP pumps tend to be more price conscious to start with, that combined with a cheap solution to add controllability to the RKL unit would be very popular in a way the APC based control cable would not be. Price matters.

Torx · #7 01-25-2014, 04:40 PM

I am not judging your choice at all. I just made the Apex cable because that is what I own (probably the only thing I purchased new since I started the hobby 3-4 years ago).

I will look around for the connectors, and post when I have some cables made for the ALC from RKE/RKL. Probably about 2-3 weeks out.

Steel_Wind · #8 01-25-2014, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torx

I am not judging your choice at all.

Dude, I'm judging my choice!! I wish I had just gone with the Apex instead of an RKE.

I ended up with a couple of RKLs and some extra modules and it got out of hand. So I ended up getting a RKE head unit directly from DA so I could go past the module limit on a tank I am building.

In general, show me a RKE owner and I will show you someone who wishes they bought an Apex.

But the RKL is a different matter. That thing has its uses and a LARGE price advantage. I'll stick up for an RKL as a good basic piece of gear. If you can add a suite of functions to it all with one measly cheap-ass control module? That's Primo gravy.

Steel_Wind · #9 01-25-2014, 04:42 PM

Looking ahead, if a similar 0-10v control cable for the Jebao DC12000 DC controllable pump were possible using a Molex Microfit 3.0 (I am betting "yes"), you could potentially control both the WP powerheads, a Jebao DC Controllable pump and a suite of Kessil lights all from one MLC unit hooked up to a RKL.

Honestly? That's VERY kick-ass!

Torx · #10 01-25-2014, 04:43 PM

Oh I am not judging your choice at all. RKE/RKE is still a great controller. Like the Linux to Windows I guess you can say (I prefer Linux actually

). The only reason I made the Apex cable is because that is what I own. (probably the only thing I ever purchased new in this hobby).

I will look for the connectors and post when I have cables ready to be made. Probably 2-3 weeks out.