New Controller - Apex Jr from Neptune Systems

Ya, right now all the games in town are the same. Set it up on your home network... access it remotely via web. wire it or use a adapter. And if you want to access it over the web and get e-mails or text you still need to register a domain name and get everything pointed in the right direction.

So web access is even available to the budget controllers.... but hitting on the lack of wireless board in Neptune's cheapest controller when no other company does it either isn't really a fair knock.

 

There is a Droid app and it has been out for about as long as the Apex and iphone app. Knowing you have a problem at home is not the big deal.... being able to control your tank and fix the problem at home while you are in Hawaii is the big deal.

Web access or not the safety you are able to program in to any controller is what makes them the best money you can spend on your tank. Who cares if it sends me a email if my tank is boiling... my controller turned off the heater at 78 degrees, turned on the fan at 79, turned on another one at 80, sent me a text at 80.5, turned off the halides at 81, turned off all lights at 81.2, turned off my media pumps at 81.5.... it is endless. So it is not about seeing a problem, its about what it can do about it automatically.

 

huh? I wasn't knocking it for that at all?!? maybe you're directing that towards someone else's post...

I'm gonna get one of these as soon as they come out... I had made up my mind the APEX was the controller for me a while back, now that this is out, I'm going for it... I'm just hoping they aren't backordered when they first get released.

 

I was afarid you would take it like that.... ya, just a general comment not directed towards you.

This looks really good... but do wait for more details.. I read somewhere else that it can only control 5 modules.... thats a lot.. a ton more than 12 outlets the AC Jr. was limited to... just make sure it will do right for you or if you need the lite. My vote is for the Apex;D

Seriously... my AC Jr did everything I wanted and at the time I did not care about the web. The Apex Jr is way ahead of that and will do what most reefers will ever do.

 

well, you quoted me, so it seemed like you were speaking to me... :-/

 

DA's RKL does all this controller does and more- for less dollars and has a centrally located main panel, and is upgradeable and also has a trade up value.

I prefer the look of the RKL panel, myself.

But, what all of these companies are missing- a configurable USB port connection- this way wireless is made easy, very secure, and consistant. And, no, wireless G or N, or blue tooth will be here for a long time.

They need to make an 8 port outlet controller- this 4 port crap is nothing more then a money trap/pit- what reefer only uses four 120v outlets?

So realistically, none of these controllers are actually usable for the full blown reef tank at the cost presented- unless you use one on a FW or planted tank.

 

not exactly. The RKL iphone app does not allow you to do anything but look at params/ stats. It does not allow you to turn any devices on/off, have a feed mode, etc.

The Main #1 functionality I want (after the controller essentials, of course) is a compatible iphone app that works like the Apex does.

Neptune Systems is also known to be more reliable, and have more forward thinking systems than DA.

So, you're kinda right, they are similar, but they are not the same.

 

Like what?

 

I know I bought mine intending to use 4 outlets for timers, as a $150 RKL is cheaper than replacing a $20 timer every month, and far less hassle. Useful on the reef, just not for every single feature possible.

It really depends on what you want it to do. They made the very smart decision to make it work however someone really wants, rather than give a single package where you pay thousands, regardless as to what functionality you actually want to use. There's a reason these guys are beating the pants off of Profilux, and removed Elos from making controllers altogether.

 

Is this thing out yet? Its almost June, Neptune Systems!