AquaController II

I have an old AquaController II that I've used for a long time. I use the X10 modules to control lights, powerheads, heaters, etc. Recently I've been having trouble with the X10 modules, I contacted Neptune Systems and they believe it's related to noise on my electrical circuit. I could install noise filters, however I can't figure out what's causing it, I'm thinking it might be external to my home. Their recommendation is to get rid of the X10 modules and get one of their DirectConnect8 modules (DC8 ) .

Questions:

Is anyone using the ACII with the directConnect module, how is it working for you?

Is it time I just invest in a new controller? I see a lot of reefers using the ReefKeeper controllers these days and they seem to be cheaper than the AC units.

 

I have the Ac Jr and it uses the Dc8 and Dc4. It works great, I love this thing. How old is your unit?


luna

 

Hi Luna, mine is about 7 yrs old. It worked great until about a month ago. After some troubleshooting with a Neptune Systems technician, they don't believe anything is wrong with the controller itself, they think it's noise related. The AC Jr + pH probe + DC8 is going for $249. Not a bad price but if nothing is wrong with my controller and I could pickup the DC8 for $149 and it would work OK, I might go that route because the AC Jr does not monitor ORP (not that I care too much about this, I used it years back and stopped when the probe died)

 

What do you mean by "noise"?


luna

 

From what Ive read the old controllers were very acceptable to "noise" from ballasts and certain pumps.

 

you can install a transient noise suppressor and surge plug in the wall about $20

 

IBEW, from what I understand, you need to install the noise filters on the devices that are producing the noise.....I shutdown all my breakers, then turn them back on one at a time in an attempt to find the circuit/room that is producing the noise...no luck. We haven't purchased any new appliances recently either so the Neptune Systems tech suspect the noise is coming from outside my home. I wish it was a device in my home then I could just get the $20 noise filter.

 

I run two DC8's and a bunch of stuff off x10. Heck I even turned all my Christmas lights one with those modules. Noise will be a problem with transmission. Only time i have a problem is if I try to control something that is powered off the second leg in the house. You can get bridges for that but haven't seen the need yet. All of the tank is controlled off one leg of incoming power.

 

I ordered a DC8, hopefully that will solve my problem and I don't have to use the X10 modules anymore. If the DC8 works, I'll get another one.

 

The DC8 is a x10 just in a different package. :-/