Archon

Hogan · Aug 5, 2015

Looking to get a controller. Lots of reviews on Apex, Reef Angel, etc., but there aren't a lot on the new archon system. Is anyone using it and what are your experiences/thoughts on it?

redfishbluefish · Aug 5, 2015

I've never heard of it.....but maybe the [HASHTAG]#reefsquad[/HASHTAG] has something to say.

EDIT TO ADD:
Just looked it up....it's Digital Aquatics.....and THIS video trashes the original ReefKeeper folks...."changed all of our Engineers, brought in fresh blood for our Engineers....completely started the company over."

I found it interesting that they didn't even keep the ReefKeeper name....wanted to distance themselves completely.

Again hopefully the reefsquad has something to say......I still use DA's ReefKeeper II, but I'm old like these controllers.

Hogan · Aug 5, 2015

I've about it from Digital Aquatics, saw the video from MACNA on it, and read some of the different website preliminary reviews (previous to it being released,) but I'm yet to hear the thoughts and impressions from people who have been using it for a while on their reef tanks.

Shep · Aug 5, 2015

This thread has a lot of opinions and views on the different controllers http://reef2reef.com/threads/which-is-a-better-controller.204880/

hybridazn · Aug 5, 2015

So is the archon line just a new line of modules that can be used with the rke or is it a completely new controller?

DaveMorris · Aug 6, 2015

The Archon is a completely new controller from Digital Aquatics that is backward compatible with the modules that are sold for the RKL and RKE head units. The Archon system is a huge leap forward for DA and it brings tons of things to the line that the RKE and especially the RKL did not have. By making it compatible with the previously released modules, it keeps your investment in their earlier hardware still relevant. The Archon itself has built in WiFi, temp, two ph/orp ports, 0v-10v ports, switch ports, etc. It is also Linux based and users with the ability to program can make quite a few modifications on their own. The user interface is web based so it works on any web-enabled device be it Mac, Windows, phones, tablets, etc. I have had one since December as a beta tester and can say that it is working great. There are several other folks that have been posting about them here on R2R as well as on the DA support forum.

pickupman66 · Aug 7, 2015

Like Dave I have had my archon since December. It is a completely different step for digital aquatics. I like the web interface most. It allows for complete customization by the user. It is definitely worth looking into as there is still a lot more to come with it.

n2585722 · Aug 9, 2015

I have had my Archon since December. As said eariler it is completly different. I use my iPad mostly to monitor and program the controller. It is just getting started and already eclipses the RKE. The memory is a USB stick so it is upgradable by the customer. If fact I got 2 16gb sticks so it would be easier to update things as a beta tester having the spare memory stick. It is basically a Linux computer controlling the modules with the input and output ports. The onboard module has 4 switch input ports, 4 0-10 volt outputs that can be used to control almost anything with a 0-10 volt control input. This includes lighting and DC pumps. It also has 2 PWM outputs. This will interface directly with Meanwell LDD LED driver modules. It has 2 pH or ORP ports. They can be selected as either. 1 iTemp input port and 3 buss ports that are compatible with the RKE/RKL modules. It has wired and Wifi net interfaces. Both can be used simultaneously if you want as they each have a different MAC address. The USB port will work with a non powered USB hub so future uses of the USB port are possible. My recommendation is to get the IOE module also as it is the breakout box for the 4 switch ports, 2 of the 0-10v ports and the 2 PWM ports.

saltyphish · Aug 9, 2015

Hogan said:
Looking to get a controller. Lots of reviews on Apex, Reef Angel, etc., but there aren't a lot on the new archon system. Is anyone using it and what are your experiences/thoughts on it?

You know, I have not heard or seen a post on it since it came out. Pretty quiet out there. Wonder what happened? I was interested in it when it first came out, but wanted to wait on reviews myself.

n2585722 · Aug 9, 2015

Since I am a beta tester I don't think it would be right to do a review. Put it this way. There is no way I will go back to the RKE permanently. I might use it in a pinch but other than that I have to have my Archon. The ability to check on things anywhere anytime and have the same control as when I am in front of the tank is unbeatable. With cameras where you can see what is gonig on helps a lot also. The Archon provides a page for a link to one webcam. At this point mine is aimed at my sump. So I can see the water level in the sump.

scchase · Aug 9, 2015

I like mine so far and really the only complaint I have had is getting it initially set up, though this is mostly dealing with the different protocols that different routers have. Once I dropped my routers firewall all has been smooth sailing.

Hogan · Aug 24, 2015

Since the archon is cloud based, what if the Internet is down? Do you still have a way to get data or input data? Is the data still being recorded somewhere?

n2585722 · Aug 24, 2015

At the moment the cloud is not turned on. Everything is stored in the Archon. If you are at home and still have your network up then it does not depend on the internet you just need to know the local IP of the Archon. Eventually the RKE/RKL head units will have the firmware to allow them to become remote displays for the Archon. I would assume the RD1 will also have this firmware available. FYI, I have not had an issue with my home network since I got the Archon in December.