Controller question

[unclesalty]

Originally Posted by unclesalty

Just read where Vertex is saying January!

This quote is directly from Vertex last week. "Expect dealers to have it mid February"

[Bblinks]

Originally Posted by syncro

What do you mean by robust? Reliability, expansion options, build quality?

Based on my experience with both systems, Apex is an easier system to operate out of the two but with that said it is a lot more glitchier. I had a lot of problem try to program it, it would kick me out of the software while I was in the mist of programming it, I would always have to re-log back in to try again. When accessing through the internet using aquanote, it would disconnect from time to time for no appearant reason. Out of the year and a half that I had the system(apex) I had to send in the display module due to the backlight led failure($35) and the base module meltdown($150) plus down time. One thing Apex has going for it is customer service. If you ever have any issues with your apex, Curt from neptune is always there to help. Emails are always answered in a timely fashion. I honestly can't say that about profilux...
As far as realiability goes, I have only had my profilux for a short while so I can't really comment on that, but I know lots of people that are running the profilux system that has been trouble free for years of service.
Build quality on the base module for the Apex just can't compete with profilux. Mind you the cost on the apex is a lot better than the profilux. I do like the Apex unit as it is cost effective and it will do pretty much anything you ask of it. Expansion are endless, you can control anything from you tank outlets to when you want to turn on your coffee pot in the morning if you wish. I spent 800 for the apex which came with 2 dc8 power bars, 1 dc4hd power bar, 15 feet of extension cable, standard 1 ph port, 1 ph/orp port. The same setup in profilux, one will be looking at around 1800 to 2300 depends on how many power outlet you need. 350 bucks for each powerbar pab sure gets up there quick.
At the end I guess its really up to you and your wallet. I like the apex system while it does have glitches here and there it is still a decent system for the price. If you rely heavy on your controller like I am, then profilux might be a better way to go, or wait for the vertex unit.

[syncro]

Originally Posted by Palmer

Great that's that I was hoping for. I will likely go with the pricier unit and pay for the extra probes etc so I do not limit the features I can use.

Yeah, it may be cheaper depending on what you want to measure/control. FYI... all the Apex controllers (Apex, Apex, Apex Jr) have the same capabilities. You won't be limiting yourself by choosing one model over another. The only difference is what features are included on the unit - any feature missing can be added with an expansion module.

[sphelps]

A controller is only as good as the support and continuous upgrades it comes with. To me vertex has it's hands in too many things and as a result may tend to be bias to it's own product lines in terms of compatibility and I doubt continuous new upgrades and expansion modules will be high priority. I do like the idea of the android operating system but at the same time wonder if open source will be a useful feature with such a small market and would be concerned about credibility/reliability of such apps in something controlling the lifeline of such a sensitive investment. The apps along with most of it's features also seem gimmicky, kind of like my iphone which is pretty cool but I wouldn't trust it to run my tank IYKWIM.

Of course this is just my assumption but I'd simply be careful about jumping on that vertex right away, I'd let it play out for at least a few months.

For the record I like my profilux, mainly for the reason it grows with the hobby. I don't think there's anything it can't do that other controllers (currently actually available) can and it does so without crashing.

[syncro]

Originally Posted by Bblinks

Based on my experience with both systems, Apex is an easier system to operate out of the two but with that said it is a lot more glitchier. [snipped rest of quote]

Thanks for the detailed review!

My experience has been good - though I haven't tried any other controller. Once programmed the Apex has never failed. Web interface is functional but could use some usability and aesthetic improvements. It also sometime stalls requiring a refresh and the graphs sometimes don't work in Chrome. The programming allows a surprising array of behaviour. Build quality is good but not amazing - some of the parts feel cheap. I'd like to see more seals against water spray.

[Reef Pilot]

I don't own a controller yet, but want to get one eventually. Not sure just what all they can do, but here is a situation that would be desirable for me.

Can you program these controllers, so that your skimmer comes on after a delay (eg 5 minutes, instead of immediately) after a power outage?

I live in the south Langley area, and we seem to have more power outages here than anyone else. Even this last little snowfall here, had a 2 hour power outage.

When the power goes out, my sump fills higher, as the display tank drains down a bit. That elevates the water level where my skimmer is, and when it first starts up, it will overflow the cup, because of the high water level. Once the return pump runs for a few minutes, everything is back to the correct levels (after my auto top off does it job, too).

Most of the times, I have been home to unplug my skimmer for a few minutes before the power comes on. But if I am not it will overflow.

Is this something that a controller can be programmed to handle?

[Bblinks]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

I don't own a controller yet, but want to get one eventually. Not sure just what all they can do, but here is a situation that would be desirable for me.

Can you program these controllers, so that your skimmer comes on after a delay (eg 5 minutes, instead of immediately) after a power outage?

I live in the south Langley area, and we seem to have more power outages here than anyone else. Even this last little snowfall here, had a 2 hour power outage.

When the power goes out, my sump fills higher, as the display tank drains down a bit. That elevates the water level where my skimmer is, and when it first starts up, it will overflow the cup, because of the high water level. Once the return pump runs for a few minutes, everything is back to the correct levels (after my auto top off does it job, too).

Most of the times, I have been home to unplug my skimmer for a few minutes before the power comes on. But if I am not it will overflow.

Is this something that a controller can be programmed to handle?

You will be able to do it with profilux, I never tried with my apex cause I never had a need for it.

[sphelps]

You can put blackout delays on every device with profilux and set the time interval to whatever you want. This a standard feature and doesn't require any advanced programming, when you add a device simply type in a number in the blackout delay field. It's a good feature as well so everything doesn't turn back on at the same time which can cause breakers to trip.

[Reef Pilot]

Does the Apex have this capability, too?

[syncro]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

Does the Apex have this capability, too?

Yes, but will require a programming statement to do it (there isn't a blackout option you can click).