Fried Outlet on DC8 - Options

cdness · Mar 21, 2012

So last night an outlet decided it wanted to fry and stick in the ON position in my Aquacontroller III's DC8. I am looking for some feedback on some options:

1. Attempt to DIY fix and replace the triac for that outlet meself. I have soldering skills and electronics background so I may be able to do this, but Neptune doesn't sell the parts for the DC8 outright...

2. Buy a new or used DC8 or DC4HD to run my lights. If I bought a DC8 I'd attempt the DIY repair on the one with the fried outlet.

3. Send the DC8 into Neptune to get it repaired for $50 per outlet... I don't know what shipping would be or what the lead time on the repair would be. No loaners are available so I would be forced back onto timers while the DC8 is out for repair.

4. Ditch the ACIII and buy an APEX. I don't really need the dimming yet as I don't have LEDs but I plan to in the future. I have never run an ORP probe on the ACIII and have no need for a second PH probe. I am thinking I'd go with an APEX Lite and add on modules later if needed for the dimming or additional probes. If this is a bad idea let me know

I just love it how this stuff happens at the worst possible time. I am hosting a reef club meeting on the 24th and my tank is in shambles

nitrox36 · Mar 22, 2012

i have the Jr, and i just use my ipad, i phone and pc to look at the status and program stuff. it works awsome and neptune is great at helping out. let me know if u need help with it

Cyber-Burn · Mar 22, 2012

I know of a great walk through on another site that has step by step instructions on how to build your own controllable outlets. That might help you with the repair. I can PM you the link of you want.

As for choices, if I couldn't repair it and know it was fixed I would buy new. As for a new DC8, DC4HD or a whole new Apex that really depends on what you need. If the ACIII is working great for you then you could just buy a DC8 or DC4HD. Then if you want to upgrade later they would work with the Apex. Or if you've been itching to update maybe it's just time to breakdown and do that.

cdness · Mar 22, 2012

The Apex and LED itches are there at the moment, but unfortunately the budget really isn't. Too many unexpected expenses and tax return is wiped out

I was thinking just maybe I could sell my ACIII to recoup some money to make the Apex a little cheaper...

I would love to get a link to the "other" site with the DIY info. Maybe I'll do one and upload it to this site

I am leaning towards just buying a new DC8 and a couple outlet expansions to lower the load on the DC8 from the IC660 ballasts initial startup surge. Then I can open up my current one and see if I want to repair it or not.