Looking For an older AI Hydra Manual

[ejwan]

I have an original AI hydra (20 LIGHTS) light and the little white handheld WiFi programmer/controller. They both work fine and I have used them over a small tank for years with A neptune AWS.

Does anyone have a copy of the instruction sheet for the little white hand held programmer for the light that could email me a copy? I dug out the controler and set it up, but it was a trial and error chore.

Thanks

 

[Saltyreef]

Have you emailed AI? They might have documentation.

 

[ejwan]

Have you emailed AI? They might have documentation.

That was my first thought. The rep stated the he did not have that information available. I was able to download instructions some years back, but that info is gone from their website now.

I found the information I needed on YouTube, but I wish I had a printed copy. It seems as if AI has abandoned those early Hydra lights, no controlers are made, no directors are available, even Neptune doesnt make the wireless controllers anymore.

 

[Saltyreef]

That was my first thought. The rep stated the he did not have that information available. I was able to download instructions some years back, but that info is gone from their website now.

I found the information I needed on YouTube, but I wish I had a printed copy. It seems as if AI has abandoned those early Hydra lights, no controlers are made, no directors are available, even Neptune doesnt make the wireless controllers anymore.

I actually never used the first wired controllers they made. I had two of them that came with my lightd but didnt ever have the patience for that. The white wireless controllers are very nice and easy to setup but yes parts are unavailable anymore.
Myself im using a director and non HD hydra 26 lights until they give out and am forced to use the HD lights with built in wireless. I do wish AI still supported their older equipment for atleast 10 years before they purge their databases and stock.
Honestly i feel the wireless controller actually controlled my lights better than the app and network.

 

[ejwan]

I am really reluctant to go with AI again. How long will it be before they abandon their current light system and strand me with obsolete lights again? Ah well, I guess that is the price of progress.

 

[Saltyreef]

To be fair to AI, most of their old fixtures were compatible with eachother as well as the old upgrade kits for the 3 color sols to a vega color fixture.
The only one of their fixtures that ever gave out was an old Nano that had been over an open top tank for years. And it was already heavily used when i got it.
Nothing will stop me from buying a new HD fixture when mine give out. Its just a part of the process with newer electronics if you arent prepared with replacement parts like some old T-5/MH fixtures.
I rebuilt a 6 bulb ATI fixture for a buddy a LONG time ago but i had ballasts and bulbs at the ready. If LED manufactuers sold the components that most commonly give out, it would be a game changer.....but they would likely lose money.