GHL Mini 4 Debate

[Tankkeepers]

Iv said what needs to be said

I'll spend 1000s of dollar on a manyfature who at least trys to improve their equipment in a timely manner

Every vendor has bad units from the manufacturer

But only bad mauufactures continue to produce and release equipment that does not work as it should

 

[Ditto]

I been away from home for periods up to 3 months but usually 30-45 days on average at a time and have had no issues connecting remotely. It sometime slow, and this includes connecting to a P4, stand alone KH Director, and Stand Alone Maxi, P4e and a Mini.

I have helped quite a few people here and on Facebook setup devices on home and business networks. What I have found is shared SSID, and same password on 2.4 and 5MHZ and some meshed networks do cause issues for the GHL devices when connected wirelessly. But we address the issue and I do get them connected. And Yes sometimes they may need to purchase another wireless device dedicated to 2.4 with it own SSID and password, but never had an issue when direct connecting a doser via a ethernet cable. I like to set a static IP address, and using a DNS other then the router but that just me.

Are you talking Probe issues with the Mini? My Mini been going strong for over 2 years going on 3 years in July. I have to calibrate the PH probe once a year (when I clean it). If we are talking my P4 on the display tank I am going on 5 years and the Temp probe, and ORP probe no issues, pH probe I dropped and is only 3 years old still kicking, and the Salinity Probe is 4 years old, I broke it again no issues. I calibrate them also once a year.

@HuduVudu which device are you saying flood the network, because I want to try this and if it does get a ticket into GHL, as I never experienced this when setting them up for DHCP. (P4, P4e, Doser 2.0, Doser 2.1, Mini, LX7206 or Maxi) - Thanks

 

[Tankkeepers]

I routinely travel away for more than a month at a time and I have no problem leaving control of the aquarium to a Profilux 4.

I have no desire to babysit the controller, nor any wish to micromanage it. I often have no internet even if I wished to check in on it.

The controller hardware is rock solid, and the underlying PLC design
sound.

The interface could be tarted up a bit, but function is more important than presentation in a life support system.

You may not have the need to manage the controller while away

I however am buying the entire setup just so I can control it while away no other reason if it can't be depended on to do this then it's a paper weight to me as this is one of the main sellin points

Remote control of your tank

I understand these units should be able to be left alone

I can't trust this I have to have a way to change or shut off system while away just I'm case

What hapoens when a pump gets stuck on or does not come on to refill the saltwater it took for a sample

In 25 gallons of water this would cause a huge salinity swing so i have to have the ability to shut off things in case somthing like this happens

equitment fails all the time not knowing it failed becouse your controller does not tell you cuz it lost connection is a huge problem for me

I have internet no matter where I'm at in the world as long as iv got line of sight to the satalites I use

And yes you are correct function is more important but I will point out

As long as you take care if these units wether apex focustronic ghl etc they work just fine long term

Maintaining and calibration is key

 

[Tankkeepers]

I been away from home for periods up to 3 months but usually 30-45 days on average at a time and have had no issues connecting remotely. It sometime slow, and this includes connecting to a P4, stand alone KH Director, and Stand Alone Maxi, P4e and a Mini.

I have helped quite a few people here and on Facebook setup devices on home and business networks. What I have found is shared SSID, and same password on 2.4 and 5MHZ and some meshed networks do cause issues for the GHL devices when connected wirelessly. But we address the issue and I do get them connected. And Yes sometimes they may need to purchase another wireless device dedicated to 2.4 with it own SSID and password, but never had an issue when direct connecting a doser via a ethernet cable. I like to set a static IP address, and using a DNS other then the router but that just me.

Are you talking Probe issues with the Mini? My Mini been going strong for over 2 years going on 3 years in July. I have to calibrate the PH probe once a year (when I clean it). If we are talking my P4 on the display tank I am going on 5 years and the Temp probe, and ORP probe no issues, pH probe I dropped and is only 3 years old still kicking, and the Salinity Probe is 4 years old, I broke it again no issues. I calibrate them also once a year.

@HuduVudu which device are you saying flood the network, because I want to try this and if it does get a ticket into GHL, as I never experienced this when setting them up for DHCP. (P4, P4e, Doser 2.0, Doser 2.1, Mini, LX7206 or Maxi) - Thanks

Yet again someone else saying you will probly need a secondary device to get this to work as it should


Not ok

 

[Lasse]

You're running Web Module v7132, and device firmware v7.28 ?

I see no DHCP requests using tcpdump utility on my router when my P4 is configured with those versions and static IP address.

V7134 and 7.28 - can´t see any either

Sincerely Lasse

 

[gbroadbridge]

Except it is broken out of the box

You take it out of the box set it up and the wifi does not work correctly

How is that not broken out of the box exactly

Not broken out of the box would imply that at some point the hardware just fails

Both of these are unacceptable

I was not being combative in the first place I was simply stating a fact

Then you all get on here and defend a piece of equipment that does not work as intended and call it ok

I'm sorry but you need to take a step back and take a look at what your saying

All I hear is you have to run a bypass on the system to get it to work as it should in the first place

This is not a 35 dollar unit from Amazon

This is a 700 to 900 dollar unit and the fact it has any manufacturer defect via software or hardware is completely unacceptable

At this price point it should work flawless it does not that's just a fact

Buy a car that only starts half the time you need it to and you'd be returning it in a heart beat not defending it like it's God's gift to man

It is not broken out of the box, it works perfectly for the vast majority. Of course you don't hear them complain about it working.

If you specifically have had an issue, I'd suggest that perhaps the problem is with your network configuration.

Don't tell me that everything else works perfectly and that Profilux does not because that is irrelevant.
Wireless networks can be tricky, with many interoperability issues that are not the fault of any particular device but just a consequence of many devices, often on multiple bands, with conflicting requirements.

One thing for sure is that making ridiculous claims that a time tested device somehow is broken out of the box, makes it difficult to take your comments seriously.

You're unlikely to garner much assistance either.

 

[HuduVudu]

@Ditto I had a Doser 2.1 and two proflux 4 controllers.

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[Ditto]

On certain networks, I have had to help users add a secondary device because they could not turn off auto roaming or set two different SID ID's or password if they shard a 2.4 or 5MHZ network (or when Assisting them remotely or on site it could not be done because of the manufacture of wireless device), it will depend on the mesh network design and the type of Wireless devices they are using.

@HuduVudu - Thanks. I will test the 4e, and the 2.1 SA. (I will set the 4e back to DHCP, and the 2.1 SA to DHCP, and wireless sniff it)

 

[HuduVudu]

It is not broken out of the box, it works perfectly for the vast majority. Of course you don't hear them complain about it working.

This is a bold statement, there are so many factors you can not know. Worse you can't even know that you don't know. I have seen crazy stuff and the solutions even crazier. Just because many don't complain doesn't also mean that is it working under all configurations and as intended. There is also other equipment involved in this equation made by multiple manufactures that might be either hiding or exacerbating the problem.

Saying it works for everyone is the same as saying as it works for no one. I have seen many complaints here on R2R about GHL WiFi difficulties. When I first set up the doser I wasn't having problems and then later when I moved and I needed WiFi things went sideways. Did the underlying problem change?

If you specifically have had an issue, I'd suggest that perhaps the problem is with your network configuration

You have no idea what this issue is or isn't. Making this statement might make you feel certain it certainly doesn't help the conversation, it just inflames it.

FYI I have a Reef Pi now and the wireless works flawlessly using all of the same networking gear that I used with the GHL. Using the same scrutinty that I had with the GHL.

 

[HuduVudu]

@Ditto

I am using OpenWRT and I was seeing it in the system log. I did not look at my wireless access point (EnGenius) to see it coming through because I was seeing the negotiation at the router.

I think it is important that you are seeing specifically the INPUT table so you can see the DHCP request and handshake.

 

[Tankkeepers]

Is the Hydros by the same company that makes GHL? If so, I'm out. I spent a ton on their controller, spend dozens of hours dealing with their WIFI set up, calibrated everything, the only thing is does correctly is monitor temp. The customer support = zero

Way to many posts exactly like this with ghl

Last thing I'll point out is just do a quick search of ghl on here and you will find pages and pages and pages of the exact same issue

 

[HuduVudu]

I see no DHCP requests using tcpdump utility on my router

DHCP is UDP not TCP

 

[Tankkeepers]

It is not broken out of the box, it works perfectly for the vast majority. Of course you don't hear them complain about it working.

If you specifically have had an issue, I'd suggest that perhaps the problem is with your network configuration.

Don't tell me that everything else works perfectly and that Profilux does not because that is irrelevant.
Wireless networks can be tricky, with many interoperability issues that are not the fault of any particular device but just a consequence of many devices, often on multiple bands, with conflicting requirements.

One thing for sure is that making ridiculous claims that a time tested device somehow is broken out of the box, makes it difficult to take your comments seriously.

You're unlikely to garner much assistance either.

If it works so perfectly for the vast majority then why exactly are there so many post with the exact same problem

Go do some reading and you'll find real quick exactly what I'm talking about

And wow saying just about everything you said just shows you really don't know

And what exactly makes you think I need or want assistance

And if everything in the house works except 1 device then it's the 1 device that's the problem not the network

Just another fan boy defending a broken piece of equipment

I see this way to often in the xbox vs ps world

People like what they have think it's the best and when confronted with facts can't handel or see the flaws in what they are using

This is a form of addiction and you need to take a look at yourself

I have no bias towards any company I'm simple stating the facts I have found while looking into buy a controller for my system

Every single manufacturer has bad units

Almost Every ghl unit has a wifi problem leading people to add extra hardware and spend more money to get it to work like it should out of the box

Apex also has the same wifi problems with disconnects but this company was smart enoff to add a 1 dollar addition to their controller

The fact the 3 had this and they droped it for the 4 just shows exactly what this company cares about and its not the end user

It's saving manufacturer cost so they can make more on each unit sold

 

[Lasse]

Most routers today have guest network and its easy to create a separate 2.4 GHz guest network.

I´ll think its important to state here that the person most complaining here - @Tankkeepers - have no experiences at all with GHL equipment's - he/she only refer to others or ridicules claim about broken in the box. Must of us that have try to answer have a lot of experiences with the brand. We know what we are talking about by own experiences.
I have no doubt that @HuduVudu had problems with the different WiFi chips and his / her router but I (and I can only speak for myself) have not have the same type of problems (with exception for a Doser 2 SA unit.)

The fact the 3 had this and they droped it for the 4

Yes - but P3 have no WiFi - only fixed ethernet. And if the fixed ethernet is your issue - get an used P3.x and your problems is solved.

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Tankkeepers]

Most routers today have guest network and its easy to create a separate 2.4 GHz guest network.

I´ll think its important to state here that the person most complaining here - @Tankkeepers - have no experiences at all with GHL equipment's - he/she only refer to others or ridicules claim about broken in the box. Must of us that have try to answer have a lot of experiences with the brand. We know what we are talking about by own experiences.
I have no doubt that @HuduVudu had problems with the different WiFi chips and his / her router but I (and I can only speak for myself) have not have the same type of problems (with exception for a Doser 2 SA unit.)


Yes - but P3 have no WiFi - only fixed ethernet. And if the fixed ethernet is your issue - get an used P3.x and your problems is solved.

Sincerely Lasse

Not complaining stating fact I have learned while reasherching every unit avaliable on the market

Your right I have no first hand experience with these and I never will

I came on here initially to find out info and what I have found is 2 groups of people

Those that have them and don't care nor will they admit there is a huge flaw in the system that has not been addressed

And those that had them and sold them for this exact reason

You all decided to start defending a product without really doing any research on user accounts

and your only speaking from first hand experience not the vast majority of people on here with the exact same problem

If just about every single post relating to a problem with the unit is the same then the unit itself has a problem period

This is a fact

The solution is never that ghl fix their crap

It's always add this or that to make it work as intended

Even to the point of telling first hand users they are wrong

All I said initially was that ghl lost a costumer due to them not fixing their crap

Then you all come on here saying how well they work but yet almost all of you have a second piece if equipment to fix the wifi issue

If they work so good then why exactly don't they work exactly as they should

And telling me to buy an outdated piece if equipment to have somthing that the new flagship should of is a joke

 

[Lucas815]

Those that have them and don't care nor will they admit there is a huge flaw in the system that has not been addressed

And those that had them and sold them for this exact reason

Again, as I already said, my P4 wifi has been working without any problem or workaround since I bought it a year ago.

Other GHL owners said the same thing in this very post, but you interpret what they say to fit your narrative.

At this point, I think you're a troll and you're only arguing.

 

[ChuckTownReefer]

Hey everyone¡ Alright so I have a mini showing up at my house next week and after reading more about it; I’m debating returning it.
25 Gallon WaterBox aquarium with a 75W heater from eheim, Tunze Turbelle Nano Controllable power head, AI lights, Tunze osmolater.
Is it worth it’s money and do I have to little tech that can actually be controlled¿
Have a great rest of the day¡

I personally started with neptune and was disappointed with the quality of the Neptune parts and probes. Also the trident was just a nightmare over and over again. So I sold all my neptune equipment and when full GHL. I did go with the profilux mega set. But you can find a profilux 4e that you can grow with. Yes the set up is a little frustrating (but you'll get through it) but if your good with computers and you know how setup your own ip address through your router then setup is pretty easy. Also the all GHL equipment and probes are and feel alot more high quality to me. Just my 2cents

 

[Tankkeepers]

Again, as I already said, my P4 wifi has been working without any problem or workaround since I bought it a year ago.

Other GHL owners said the same thing in this very post, but you interpret what they say to fit your narrative.

At this point, I think you're a troll and you're only arguing.

Think as you wish

By my count on here if u read the entire thing

2 counts of it works 1 account of why it does not work any exactly why it does not work

And lastly it was brought up that I must not know what a ddos is cuz my phone auto corrected to dos

Dos old system that eventually windows was overlayed on and used untill windows Vista
Which then started using the registry instead of dos commands

I grew up on dos 5.0 and later win 3.1

Ddos attack comes from 1 or more computers sending requests to a single server or home computer etc and jams up the line

Some common examples of DDoS attacks are UDP flooding, SYN flooding and DNS amplification

And what it sounds like to me is the 4 and 4e are doing somthing similar to UDP flooding by another users account

 

[Tankkeepers]

And let's not mention the 100s of posts on just ree2reef with the exact same problem

Hmmmmm

I'm calling it like I see it at this point profilux is a paperweight

 

[MotoJJ]

Way to many posts exactly like this with ghl

Last thing I'll point out is just do a quick search of ghl on here and you will find pages and pages and pages of the exact same issue

Thanks, unfortunately, it's too late. I have the controller and 2 power bars which are basically useless