LED + Apex (VDM)?

Does anybody use a reefcontroller to dim their LEDs?? How do you like it?

 

I use my Apex to dim a 4 meanwell drivers. I am using the 4 built in ports on the Apex unit itself. I will eventually get the VDM to add more drivers as needed.

I like it for the most part. The advanced programming for lightning and cloud cover took an extremely long time to figure out, and it is still not quite what I was looking to do.

The only other issue I have is that one of my drivers will not shut completely off all the time. It remains on very, very dim. Not sure if it is the Apex or the driver... doesn't bug me enough to chase it down yet.

 

Thanks for your input.

So you can dim without the VDM? And you use the Meanwell ELN 60 48Ds, correct? Yours is not the Lite, is it then?

There was a how-to on ReefLEDLights.com and more specifically, here is the page about the cloud programming. But it shows how to run through VDM.

 

Here is the Unofficial Users Guide. Contains pretty much everything you need to know about the Apex.

AquaController Apex - Reef Tank Automation

I am using the full version, not the Lite. I am using the standard 48D's. The dim curve is not as smooth as the PWM versions, but I did not feel like buying an Aquasurf to control them.

 

Thanks for the link, Im looking at the site now.

 

But you wouldnt need a VDM since you have the full Apex tho? or something else in mind?

 

I believe it's the driver, Ive read some has this issue. My Cool Whites remain on very dim as well. Im not really annoyed about it.

 

The Apex only has 4 channels built in to the unit. I am already using 4 different channels. I would need to double up on each channel or get a VDM to add more channels.

IIRC, you can add up to 4 drivers per channel before overloading, but I am wanting something just a little crazier on my final setup. I will end up with 12-15 drivers with what I have in mind. Still a long ways from getting the programming where I want it though... may not even be possible, will just have to work on it some more.

 

I see, Id like to pick your brain for sure when I get all the modules that I want!