I read that as setting the speed ie rate it pumps and switched on and off with a "float switch" using a controller.
Ecotech Versa
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I read that as setting the speed ie rate it pumps and switched on and off with a "float switch" using a controller.
Sleepydoc
Valuable Member
Yeah, No way anyone would use it as an ATO without some sort of feedback. Of course, they could do something like Neptune did and have an accessory module that had a float switch, optical sensor or the like.
Only compatible with Ecotech's Mobius app, from what I understand; essentially a closed system that currently only includes one device.
I didn't see any additional ports on it, besides power. Just wifi communication. It would have been great to include a simple aux port for a float switch, whether for dosing reservoir, AWC, or top off. I don't think people would want their ATO sensors connected via wifi.... begging for a flood.
It appears to me to be truely timer based ATO. The function is probably just stated as possible use; for advertising.
OP
OP
The only compatibility you will get with the Versa is being able to control the power supply via the Apex energy bar or the GHL powerbar.
You will need to download the free Mobius app to control the Versa, there have been some concerns that the only way to use the versa as an ATO is to couple it to a controlled outlet like the EB or PB. There's no doubt in my mind that an ATO accessory will be coming shortly to bridge that gap.
OP
OP
Last thing anyone wants you to do is annoy!!! hehe
OP
OP
One thing worth mentioning is that the Vectra drivers have a port for the purpose of a switch (float or otherwise) but was never pursued. It wouldn't be too far fetched for them to finally utilize that port, but that would require needing a Vectra on top of the Versa to make ATO work. I think what we will see is a stand alone wireless unit with I/O capabilities. Maybe something specific to ATO or something similar to a BoB. ETM would only know that...
As for the concern for flooding, smart fail safes can easily be programmed into the software to prevent flooding from a disconnection.
I didnt know about the Vectra port- thats exactly what I think should have been included on the Versa. It cant be that expensive to add, and that could enable them to sell a $50-$100 glorified float switch assembly. It could also be used for monitoring the dosing/ATO reservoir.
I personally don't picture them releasing a wireless IO unit. At least unless they get into the full fledged monitor/controller game.
Sleepydoc
Valuable Member
That's too bad - it seems that everyone is moving towards their own proprietary interface, meaning nothing will work with anything else and you're locked into one brand if you want any sort of interoperability.
;Meh It also means that a versa pump has virtually no real advantage over a basic $60 BRS dosing pump if you already own a controller.
OP
OP
That's sort of the path I see them going down. I can be completely wrong, but the writing is sort of on the wall.... the market share is ripe for the picking...
OP
OP
When I first heard about the Mobius and how it was going to be wireless, I started connecting the dots to all these other products from other companies that are now incorporating blue tooth capability into their devices, i speculated that there has been a lot of talk behind the scenes. Pure speculation on my part, but it sort of lines up.That's too bad - it seems that everyone is moving towards their own proprietary interface, meaning nothing will work with anything else and you're locked into one brand if you want any sort of interoperability.
I agree that creating a controller solely for one companies product is not good for the consumer. The path for a new hobbyist shouldn't be... GHL, Neptune, or Ecotech. We should be able to choose for ourselves what product works for our needs and incorporate it to the controller of our choice.
Another concern is, if I'm a new hobbyist and have to purchase a controller platform just to run my equipment, then I'm already in the hole. There are plenty of stand alone products that don't require a controller and work just as well. However if I purchase a stand alone component and it offers a free way to connect all the devices together, why wouldn't I choose that one. That option would allow me to keep my hard earned money until I decide "I'm in this for the long haul". I heard that the average hobbyist keeps interest for roughly 18 months and gets out for one reason or another. If the reason is expense, it would be wise to eliminate big ticket purchases until i'm sure I want to devote my time gluing animals to rocks.
Sleepydoc
Valuable Member
Wireless is nice, but I've routinely had issues with interference affecting bluetooth connections. ditto with wifi. when it comes to a controller I'd far rather trust a wired connection than a wireless one.
vetteguy53081
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The mobus looks like a great controller app for the ecotech components.
Already available, unless the first batch has sold out already. Check online stores- marine depot has the quad unit in stock.
Dosing without a controller isn’t particularly new. Jebao, Bubble Magnus, GHL, Kamoer, aqua medic, etc have them. But this Ecotech versión looks pretty sweet, especially given their other products!
Could someone explain the parking feature? Seems to me it would suck air into the aquarium end of the tube and you'd have to move the pump more to make up for it. In my mind you're just adding wear (not significant but opposite the claim); am I picturing this wrong?
infinite0180
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Curious about this too...
OP
OP
You pretty much have it right. Think of a normal dosing pump, lets say you're dosing alkalinity, occasionally your going to get that half drop at the end of the tube that refuses to drop into the tank. Eventually that alkalinity dries and crusts over the outlet. When the Versa parks, it pulls that half drop back in keeping the tip clean longer and keeps that fluid for the next dosing event.
What if you're micro dosing a trace element that requires a precise 6 ml/day and you have that spread out to dose every hour (0.25ml every hour). Lets say say that 12 of those 24 dosing periods half a drop gets stuck at the tip and evaporates, that means it doesn't get added to the tank. You're not really dosing 6ml are you? Today you had 12 half drops evaporate, tomorrow you get lucky and only 6 half drops evaporate, the next day 18....etc. Your dosing isn't consistent, pulling it back in aids in complete accuracy. Keep in mind that these are simply scenarios to further explain the reasoning and purpose for the function.
In terms of added wear, of course the pump has to run longer to park, any wear that might be added is extremely insignificant compared to the benefits of having that feature. There's also a benefit to having the rollers pinch the tube in the same place every time which extends the life of the tube.
infinite0180
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Thanks, that makes perfect sense to me! Do you think it accounts for how much it draws back next time it doses? And soo on everytime...
OP
OP
Yes, if the rotor had to turn backwards 20 degrees to park, it will advance 20 degree forward before counting the next dose event.
