apex reef controller help.

[reefcandy]

hi everyone i just get my apex system and have a hard time to use the energyBar 8. i am done with the web setup and now try the set up the time on the apex web to control my light system on energyBar 8 i have 3 unit led fixture each is 105watt and i have try all my 3 unit led plug
the power cord to the energy bar # 1,2,3 and set the time but it don't work the time i set on the web :sad: i see turn on all the time can u guys tell me how to setup your apex system thanks please help.

 

[JSB]

I will try to help, but I am having a tough time understanding your post.

First, lets test the lights manually.

In the web configuration, click on the "Status" tab to take you to the main page.
Find the outlets that you think control the lights, and set them to manual on, and save the page.
Do the lights come on?

If so, set all three to Auto and save the page.
If not, you have either the wrong outlets, or something else. The manual off/on is very basic. Plug the lights directly into the wall. Do they work? If not, fix the lights first. If they do work, plug them into the EB8 again, making sure to get the right outlets. Top row is 1-4, left to right, bottom 5-8.

Test the manual Off/On again. If you can't get them to work there, I would contact neptune. If they work now, we can continue.

Now let's program those outlets:
In the web configuration, Select "Configuration->Outlet Setup"
In the resulting display where it says outlet, select the appropriate outlet for your LED driver. Something like XXXXXX-(3-1), YYYYYYYY-(3-2), and ZZZZZZZ-(3-3), assuming your lights are plugged into outlets 1, 2, and 3 of the EB8 #3.

For each of those outlets,

1. Change the OUTLET name to LED Whatever.
2. Set the control type to advanced.
3. Set the Icon to Light A
4. Enter the following code:
Fallback OFF
Set OFF
If Time 07:30 to 20:00 Then ON
If Temp > 83.0 Then OFF
Min Time 030:00 Then OFF

That's it. Save it and you lights come on at 7:30 and off at 8pm. If it gets to hot, they will shut off for a minimum of a half hour.

 

[MaxCanada]

I will try to help, but I am having a tough time understanding your post.

First, lets test the lights manually.

In the web configuration, click on the "Status" tab to take you to the main page.
Find the outlets that you think control the lights, and set them to manual on, and save the page.
Do the lights come on?

If so, set all three to Auto and save the page.
If not, you have either the wrong outlets, or something else. The manual off/on is very basic. Plug the lights directly into the wall. Do they work? If not, fix the lights first. If they do work, plug them into the EB8 again, making sure to get the right outlets. Top row is 1-4, left to right, bottom 5-8.

Test the manual Off/On again. If you can't get them to work there, I would contact neptune. If they work now, we can continue.

Now let's program those outlets:
In the web configuration, Select "Configuration->Outlet Setup"
In the resulting display where it says outlet, select the appropriate outlet for your LED driver. Something like XXXXXX-(3-1), YYYYYYYY-(3-2), and ZZZZZZZ-(3-3), assuming your lights are plugged into outlets 1, 2, and 3 of the EB8 #3.

For each of those outlets,

1. Change the OUTLET name to LED Whatever.
2. Set the control type to advanced.
3. Set the Icon to Light A
4. Enter the following code:
Fallback OFF
Set OFF
If Time 07:30 to 20:00 Then ON
If Temp > 83.0 Then OFF
Min Time 030:00 Then OFF

That's it. Save it and you lights come on at 7:30 and off at 8pm. If it gets to hot, they will shut off for a minimum of a half hour.

Awsome post super helpful

 

[reefcandy]

I will try to help, but I am having a tough time understanding your post.

First, lets test the lights manually.

In the web configuration, click on the "Status" tab to take you to the main page.
Find the outlets that you think control the lights, and set them to manual on, and save the page.
Do the lights come on?

If so, set all three to Auto and save the page.
If not, you have either the wrong outlets, or something else. The manual off/on is very basic. Plug the lights directly into the wall. Do they work? If not, fix the lights first. If they do work, plug them into the EB8 again, making sure to get the right outlets. Top row is 1-4, left to right, bottom 5-8.

Test the manual Off/On again. If you can't get them to work there, I would contact neptune. If they work now, we can continue.

Now let's program those outlets:
In the web configuration, Select "Configuration->Outlet Setup"
In the resulting display where it says outlet, select the appropriate outlet for your LED driver. Something like XXXXXX-(3-1), YYYYYYYY-(3-2), and ZZZZZZZ-(3-3), assuming your lights are plugged into outlets 1, 2, and 3 of the EB8 #3.

For each of those outlets,

1. Change the OUTLET name to LED Whatever.
2. Set the control type to advanced.
3. Set the Icon to Light A
4. Enter the following code:
Fallback OFF
Set OFF
If Time 07:30 to 20:00 Then ON
If Temp > 83.0 Then OFF
Min Time 030:00 Then OFF

That's it. Save it and you lights come on at 7:30 and off at 8pm. If it gets to hot, they will shut off for a minimum of a half hour.

i very sure my led fixture it work and i try to pulg to eb8 the light will turn on it salf. and when i try the manual it wont turn it on or off.

 

[JSB]

How many EB8's do you have? I am assuming only one. So take a table lamp, or a small fan, or a radio or something and plug it in where the lights are. Try the same steps for manual off/on. If it works, there is a compatibility issues with your lamps and the APEX. If the new device works, then the issue is purely an APEX problem. Either way, you probably need to contact [email protected].

 

[reefcandy]

thank for you help is a good info u give me thanks

 

[baldbean]

Outlets 4 and 8 are mainly used for turning items on and off like you are trying to do. I'm not 100% sure on why the other non-relay outlets do not work like this (something about not enough current?). People have tried to use 1-3 and 5-6 for controlling dosing pumps and they either get stuck ON or OFF. Because of this, I plan to ditch my EB8 for an EB4 so I have all 4 relay switches. I think the non relay switches are used for items you always want on. I don't getbwhybthey just didn't make them ALL real switches like the reef angel.

 

[baldbean]

Outlets 4 and 8 are mainly used for turning items on and off like you are trying to do. I'm not 100% sure on why the other non-relay outlets do not work like this (something about not enough current?). People have tried to use 1-3 and 5-6 for controlling dosing pumps and they either get stuck ON or OFF. Because of this, I plan to ditch my EB8 for an EB4 so I have all 4 relay switches. I think the non relay switches are used for items you always want on. I don't get why they just didn't make them ALL relay switches like the reef angel.

 

[JSB]

1-3 and 5-7 are not mechanical like 4 and 8 are, however all are relay switches. The mechanical switches are better suited for low-current items such as dosing pumps. I have 2 EB8s, with dosing pumps on 4 and 8 of each, but on the other 12 outlets, I switch on and off cabinet lights, fans, skimmers, pumps, tank lights, reactors, heaters, etc, all of the time and do not have a single problem with it. So all 8 outlets are switchable, just 4 and 8 are better suited for low-current items. However, depending on the dosing pump, the other ports may work equally well.

 

[baldbean]

Oh wow. I thought that 1-3 and 5-7 were solid state switches and only 4 and 8 were relay. I have issues with the non-mechanical switches all the time. I plug in a 100w heater for my water changes and it will not turn on, but I plug it into 4 or 8, and bam it works.

 

[bgibbon]

Oh wow. I thought that 1-3 and 5-7 were solid state switches and only 4 and 8 were relay. I have issues with the non-mechanical switches all the time. I plug in a 100w heater for my water changes and it will not turn on, but I plug it into 4 or 8, and bam it works.

I think JSB might have it backwards, I seem to recall that the mechanical relays on 4 and 8 were rated for higher current draw than the solid state relays. The solid state relays have the advantage of a softer startup.