kessil controller x or wi-fi dongle.

[kaceyo]

I have a question for the Kessil experienced. I just got a great deal on two new A360X's on ebay. I'm wondering if there is any reason to get the wi-fi dongle rather than the controller X if your not planning on hooking it up to an Apex or similar controller. Do they both work equally well if the dongle is only connected to a smart phone or is the Controller X preferable in that situation?
Thanks

 

[minus9]

I have a question for the Kessil experienced. I just got a great deal on two new A360X's on ebay. I'm wondering if there is any reason to get the wi-fi dongle rather than the controller X if your not planning on hooking it up to an Apex or similar controller. Do they both work equally well if the dongle is only connected to a smart phone or is the Controller X preferable in that situation?
Thanks

The dongle will give you one less cable to run. I think you'll be fine with either one, just depends on how your lights are mounted? The controller is powered from the light(s), so no power supply, same with the dongle. I have the controller and it works just fine, not sure if the app gives you more options?

 

[kaceyo]

Bump! Come on folks, there must be some people out there that have used both and can give a comparison between the Controller-x and the dongle smart phone app. Or are they identical in practice?

 

[inletfish]

dongle lol great word

 

[JRAD]

I have used both. I prefer the WiFi dongle. The controller x works just fine but I like being able to control the light from anywhere. I think the WiFi app is more user friendly as well.

 

[kaceyo]

I have used both. I prefer the WiFi dongle. The controller x works just fine but I like being able to control the light from anywhere. I think the WiFi app is more user friendly as well.

 

[kaceyo]

Thanks JRAD, I wish there was a place online with a simulation of each to try before buying. I doubt that I'll be changing the schedule while away from home where I can't see any unexpected results of my tampering, but maybe once you get comfortable with it?
Anyone else want to add to this?

 

[TheOne]

I had the controller before swapping over to an apex. It is rather clunky and lots of button presses to set up the hours and light color\percentages. Then you have to make sure and back out of everything completely to save your settings. I would take wifi 1000x over just for the ease of use alone. Unfortunately it's not offered on my a360we's but the Apex control is amazing and I have no complaints now.

 

[kaceyo]

I had the controller before swapping over to an apex. It is rather clunky and lots of button presses to set up the hours and light color\percentages. Then you have to make sure and back out of everything completely to save your settings. I would take wifi 1000x over just for the ease of use alone. Unfortunately it's not offered on my a360we's but the Apex control is amazing and I have no complaints now.

Thanks, I don't have an Apex but it sounds like wi-fi may be the way to go.

 

[Reefman71]

Thanks, I don't have an Apex but it sounds like wi-fi may be the way to go.

I’m in the same boat now. How did it work out for you? I can’t decide which one to get? The controller or the Wi-Fi dongle

 

[kaceyo]

I’m in the same boat now. How did it work out for you? I can’t decide which one to get? The controller or the Wi-Fi dongle

I got the controller and it is working very well for me. It is a bit clunky but that's easy to deal with. When I got it the dongle had just come out and I wasn't sure about it's reliability. I have no regrets but would like to try the dongle sometime in the future just so I know what it's like.

 

[Reefman71]

I got the controller and it is working very well for me. It is a bit clunky but that's easy to deal with. When I got it the dongle had just come out and I wasn't sure about it's reliability. I have no regrets but would like to try the dongle sometime in the future just so I know what it's like.

Do you have to leave the controller plugged into the light all the time? Or only when you need to adjust it?

 

[minus9]

Do you have to leave the controller plugged into the light all the time? Or only when you need to adjust it?

The controller gets its power from the lights, so it needs to be plugged in 24/7. You have to ask yourself, do I want a hardware piece for control or the ability to control from your phone/tablet wherever you are?

 

[Reefman71]

I guess I’ll flip a coin! Decisions decisions, thanks again!

 

[minus9]

I opted for the controller because I try to keep things simple, especially lighting. I’m also running a 160 tuna blue in my sump, so I can run a different program on the 0-10v port and another on my display lights. I might try the dongle when I set up my 25 lagoon?