A few nights ago I decided to stop procrastinating and install the new model Apex.
I powered the new brain using one of the new eb8s and wired it into my network to check operation and update it before committing. After updates I printed a summary of my current apex with the summary icon included in fusion which shows the programming on all your outlets. Neptune includes a great guide online for setting up your new apex here:
https://www.neptunesystems.com/getstarted/apexng/apex-control-freak-training/
I gathered up my supplies to start the installation
Okay maybe I didnt use bread ties....
After all that was complete I ran an extension to my stand from from an outlet on another circuit to power my return pump, cabinet light, and one Radion and proceeded to remove the old controller with its modules.
Blank Slate - My OCD is going nuts right about now.
After some fiddling around with the layout I had an idea in my head and started mounting the power modules and started to organize the cords. (I love zip ties)
And then relocating my Vortech drivers
I installed a one link cable on my DOS which eliminated a power brick with its wiring and a usb cable (much cleaner). I cleaned up all the power cords and installed the probes last which would allow them to be removed easier (mistake I made on my last install). After calibrating all the probes I tied up all the excess cables and bundled them together to keep things tidy but still allow me to separate them when it comes time to replace one.
I ordered two 1FT power cords to use on my Vortech power supplies to help keep the wire clutter to a minimum so until they arrive I am at a standstill but this is the final product for now.
I ran two extra wires from the breakout box to my water change closet in case I wanted to add a float switch or some other contraption in the future.
One final thing I think is worth mentioning is that unlike the old EB8s, the new 832s have a small active fan for what I assume is cooling the internal power supply. Be very mindful of your wiring so as not to cover this small vent opening.
After a few days of making sure all is working fine perhaps I will mess around with some of the new features that monitor power consumption. The web interface is cleaner and more "Fusion" like compared to the old Apex which is nice.
