puttputt Posted November 9, 2005 Report Share Posted November 9, 2005 Anyone had any experience with these. I am looking at getting one if I can source the X-10 components compatable with 230v. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef Posted November 9, 2005 Report Share Posted November 9, 2005 I had a few Neptune pros a few years ago, Not that great, the x10s are rubbish as they break down and interfere with your TV etc, Layton should finish his hopefully this year. Currently use an IKS computer which works well, but they are not cheap once you get the full works. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puttputt Posted November 9, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 9, 2005 Thanks reef, There are good reviews about them elsewhere. Was it just the X-10 components or other problems. My tanks in my shed so it wont interfere with anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lduncan Posted November 9, 2005 Report Share Posted November 9, 2005 The reason I'm decided to design my own is really because no one has created one with the features, ease of use, and flexibility I need. I'm not a fan of X10 either. And they all look ugly too . I wanted something which looks good, is easy to use, has powerful features, highly expandable, and capable of streaming video, so I can check on the tank when I'm overseas. Within a few months I should have some fully packaged prototypes ready for people to test. I've just finished with university, so I've got more time to spend on this now. Layton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brianemone Posted November 9, 2005 Report Share Posted November 9, 2005 you should put it all in a pink ipod skin, nice and pretty, appeal to the female reefers (fay) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lduncan Posted November 9, 2005 Report Share Posted November 9, 2005 I'm looking at an anodised aluminium housing, similar style to the old iPod mini, so colours may be an option . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pies Posted November 9, 2005 Report Share Posted November 9, 2005 I looked seriously at the Neptune, but cost put me off. X10 is the only way to go for many setups (especially remote sumps), unless you want cable nightmare. Reviews are good, features of the new version are awesome, price is 'ok'. In the end I just brought a digital temprature controller and use timers for my lights... Pie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puttputt Posted November 9, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 9, 2005 I figured about $625 NZ for the aquacontroller 2 (230v) unit backilt including temp and lab grade ph probe, and alarm module. Plus frieght (plus GST - not sure). Then buy the 230v x-10 modules from Aust at $76A for the interface and $34 per module. Doesn't seem too bad, but not sure what freight will cost from the states. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jetskisteve Posted November 9, 2005 Report Share Posted November 9, 2005 seems anything you get from the states costs about $100USD unless you get a yank thats nice 8) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lduncan Posted November 10, 2005 Report Share Posted November 10, 2005 Reviews are good, features of the new version are awesome, price is 'ok'. I was kind of disappointed with the AC Pro III, and the price is huge considering the (lack of) features, over $1000USD for any useful sort of setup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puttputt Posted November 10, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 10, 2005 well thats sort of put a damper on that little bit of excitment.... Thought a unit that someone like Steve Weast must have something going for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lduncan Posted November 10, 2005 Report Share Posted November 10, 2005 It depends on what you want it for. I want one because I plan on spending a bit of time overseas over the next few years, and it would be nice to be able to view the tank at anytime, and control anything from alkalinity and calcium dosing to FW topup, lighting, heat cooling, all from over the internet. None of these products can do all that. But people have different reasons for having them. The AC may be fine for what you need. Layton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HelifaxNZ Posted November 10, 2005 Report Share Posted November 10, 2005 I have seen products similar to the X-10 at Jaycar in Khyber Pass Rd, Auckland. Drop in there and check it out. I'm not 100% sure whether it will do what you want, but worth a look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pies Posted November 10, 2005 Report Share Posted November 10, 2005 You can buy X10 here in NZ, its fairly cheap if you shop about, but when I was looking I could get it much cheaper from .au. The ACIII is outstanding for functionalty, Layton has some specific needs that I wouldn't think would be important to most of us. I'm not buying one, nor do I sell them but i'd be hard to beat the AC3 for features and price. Remember it takes more than just a computer to controll TOPOFF (you will need sensors and peripumps and or solinoids in addition), for ALK same deal, you will want solinoids and PH probes, heating/chiller is easy, as is lighting. You can internet ready the III, telnet etc, so no issues on controlling remotely. Although this does bring in the fear of having your fish tank HACKED. "All your coral are belong to me" Pie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chimera Posted November 10, 2005 Report Share Posted November 10, 2005 Hahaaa, "all your base are belong to us" - for those unknown to Internet jargon... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_your_base_are_belong_to_us Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted November 10, 2005 Report Share Posted November 10, 2005 All your baserock are belong to us! Take off all Zoanthids for great justice! Someone set us up the Boxfish! Ok, that's all I can come up with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lduncan Posted November 10, 2005 Report Share Posted November 10, 2005 The ACIII is outstanding for functionalty. Layton has some specific needs that I wouldn't think would be important to most of us. I'm not buying one, nor do I sell them but i'd be hard to beat the AC3 for features and price. Based on what? I'm not a cheap person, but I think it is pretty average value for money. Remember it takes more than just a computer to controll TOPOFF (you will need sensors and peripumps and or solinoids in addition), for ALK same deal, you will want solinoids and PH probes, heating/chiller is easy, as is lighting. Yip that's kinda obvious. You can internet ready the III, telnet etc, so no issues on controlling remotely. Although this does bring in the fear of having your fish tank HACKED. "All your coral are belong to me" You forgot the uncertainty and doubt part. I don't think the AC provides any sort of SSL encryption. Mine has the power to provide this and more advanced encryption schemes. Anyone with the processing power to break 128 bit SSL can have control over my tank Layton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wasp Posted November 10, 2005 Report Share Posted November 10, 2005 That's kinda what worries me about this whole thing, computers crash. So for example all i got now is standard heaters. So it's always possible the thermostat jams & cooks the tank. But if it was computer controlled, the computer might crash & cook the tank. I guess being able to tune in via internet would be peace of mind while away though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted November 10, 2005 Report Share Posted November 10, 2005 In the case of this, the PC crashes and the webpage you set up with your tank stats because you think anyone else cares doesn't work. The AC won't crash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lduncan Posted November 10, 2005 Report Share Posted November 10, 2005 That's kinda what worries me about this whole thing, computers crash. So for example all i got now is standard heaters. So it's always possible the thermostat jams & cooks the tank. But if it was computer controlled, the computer might crash & cook the tank. I guess being able to tune in via internet would be peace of mind while away though! Not all computers crash like desktops. There are simple methods to ensure that computers (especially mission critical embedded systems) recover quickly and gracefully from any abnormal state, whether that be from software which crashes, or environmental disturbances. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef Posted November 10, 2005 Report Share Posted November 10, 2005 Looking forward to try you computer Layton. Having used many of them i found they all seem to lack something. The IKS is the best i have used as it does not use the stupid x10s which are rubbish, they also cant pulse pumps. also they are expensive as you need about 10 units. which will cost about $1000. Be good to get something that can turn the lights off when the tank gets to hot and then turn the lights back on after the tank has returned to normal temp. Be good to see if you can get a PO4 probe for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef Posted November 10, 2005 Report Share Posted November 10, 2005 The AC won't crash. Is that what happened when you had a AC Ira.?? Actually my AC did some strange things like loss all its settings . The battery backup is not that good as it did not last long so i had to reset it when we had a power cut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pies Posted November 10, 2005 Report Share Posted November 10, 2005 *yawn* The aquacontroller is fine, the reviews and feedback from people who use them are very complimentry. You can buy an Aquacontroller now, how long has your computer been comming Layton? Not giving you are hard time, but would I trust my tank into the hands of uni kids project? I wouldn't, not because its you, just like the idea of some proven brand and support. X10s can be found for about $32.00ea, so not sure how that equates to $1000.00. Be good to get something that can turn the lights off when the tank gets to hot and then turn the lights back on after the tank has returned to normal temp. I'd be dissapointed of ANY computer couldn't do that. Based on what? I'm not a cheap person, but I think it is pretty average value for money. Based on the prices of other computers that are available, its got to be at the top. The AC III would suit me and my needs, large tank requiring multiple probes, remote sump, heating and cooling, remote access and control. The IKS would be able to do the same thing, but almost 5x the cost and then the added headache and mess of hardwired power. Either way, unless I am given one i'll stick with what i've got. Pie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lduncan Posted November 10, 2005 Report Share Posted November 10, 2005 You can buy an Aquacontroller now, how long has your computer been comming Layton? Not giving you are hard time, but would I trust my tank into the hands of uni kids project? I wouldn't, not because its you, just like the idea of some proven brand and support. I understand where you are coming from. Except my priority is to make something which I can rely on to run MY tank. There is significant incentive to have it work correctly 100% of the time. There is no way I would give it to people to try unless I was completely sure that it is safe, and functions as expected. I'm not even going to entertain X10 for the simple fact that it is extremely unreliable, and will continue to become more and more trouble some, with the proliferation of power electronic switching supplies like electronic ballasts, energy saver bulbs, switchmode charges and powersupplies spewing noise into the power network. Kind of pointless having a reliable computer, and then go and use x10 as a contol network. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brianemone Posted November 10, 2005 Report Share Posted November 10, 2005 what ya want to do is get macgyver and give him two cups a peice some gum and a pocket knife, he'll sort you out a reliable system Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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