Electronic Monitors, good/bad/ugly???-Water Chemistry-3reef Forums

Row2fer · 02-20-2007, 05:32 PM

I have been reading on the Pinpoint Electric Monitors. I am curious to hear if anyone is using them. If so.... which one? You like it?

So tempted to buy a few of them right now...but have learned ask here first...lol!!

Another Item I have yet to figure out is there an output of anysort to possibly attach the unit to a computer? Or even better...anyone know of a brand of monitors designed to be plugged into a computer?

An added note for fun... anyone using a computer and X10 modules to run the timing of lights/wavemaking ect.?

thanks,
Bill

inwall75 · 02-20-2007, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Row2fer

I have been reading on the Pinpoint Electric Monitors. I am curious to hear if anyone is using them. If so.... which one? You like it?

I used their pH and salinity monitors on all of my reef tanks.

Quote:

Another Item I have yet to figure out is there an output of anysort to possibly attach the unit to a computer? Or even better...anyone know of a brand of monitors designed to be plugged into a computer?

There are some controllers that do this. They aren't cheap though. If you are a techie, then you can build your own. Wireless Recycled Reef Controller

Quote:

An added note for fun... anyone using a computer and X10 modules to run the timing of lights/wavemaking ect.?

thanks,
Bill

yes, I used x10 modules and firecracker software. Visual Home Commander! Software for X10 FireCracker CM17A

Row2fer · 02-21-2007, 12:17 AM

OMG Inwall75... U and I are on the same planet. great stuff, been good reading so far. tried to give you some more karma love but it told me I must spread the love before giving it to you again....lol

did u like the outcome from the x10 and firecracracker?

Row2fer · 02-21-2007, 12:25 AM

hey was just checking out firecracker...just a VB player? do u write code? seems it is very easy to code for x10? think I am gonna buy it...on sale for 50.00 hee hee

Tangster · 02-21-2007, 03:39 AM

Honestly I tried them once and was not a fan and up here they where used By amcarrig but still not that reliable so it was not just the ones I had, I think the Milwaukee are much better to use and far more reliable and accurate . Cheaper also last time I looked and they Have a better system for the adapter for A/C then Pin Point. Just a idea that you may want to check out ? They all work I just find the P.P to jump all over the place side by side the P.P will flicker new numbers all day long where the Milwaukee was set rock solid on the display.

inwall75 · 02-21-2007, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Row2fer

did u like the outcome from the x10 and firecracracker?

I moved away from X-10 and firecracker over time because electrical interference could cause this system to be not as bug-proof as I wanted. You are correct. It is very easy to code. This mainly happened though because I suffered from MTS (Multiple Tank Syndrome). For one tank, it can be used well if your wiring is properly shielded. Once you start trying to use it for numerous tanks....quit while you're ahead.

Tangster mentioned Milwaukee controllers. I think highly of them. Don't think about the next 3 months....think about 24 months ahead. If you have MTS disease like me, don't go X-10.

Row2fer · 02-22-2007, 06:16 PM

great info, I am not married to any brand...but want a good set. will look into the others instead. lol...just sick of dropping water into tubes and shaking when i know there is an automated way. hee hee

Bill

inwall75 · 02-26-2007, 08:26 AM

Here's some good information comparing all brands of controllers.

http://aquariumcontrollers.com/controllers.xls (Requires MS Excel)