The NEXT Generation From Neptune?

[ByronP]

I still dont understand what is happening with the trident. It makes no sense that production would be so slow. I am starting to think there is a flaw and they have to do a ton of testing on each unit to weed out the bad ones. Anyone really know?

 

[BZOFIQ]

PM me if you really want to sell it

PM sent.

 

[Ozzi-reef]

How about finally (after almost half a decade) making an EB832 for the rest of the universe that, believe it or not, does extend beyond the shores of the USA.

 

[Tastee]

How about finally (after almost half a decade) making an EB832 for the rest of the universe that, believe it or not, does extend beyond the shores of the USA.

+1

 

[ByronP]

How about finally (after almost half a decade) making an EB832 for the rest of the universe that, believe it or not, does extend beyond the shores of the USA.

Is the voltage a problem (not being 220) or mainly just the plug style?

 

[ADAM]

If I were a betting man, I would bet on a Neptune LED or at least a Neptune branded “outsourced, but our spec” fixture. Once the Trident supply and demand has leveled out, I have a good feeling PO4 and NO3 reagents will be rolled out. In one of the YT shows the question was asked and judging from their coy answer (more so body language) I feel sure it’s probably in R&D already. They know the money is there for that product for sure. Nearly all SPS minded hobbyists and half the others would love to spend a couple hundo on another “trident” style device for monitoring and maintaining phosphate and nitrate, plus the recurring reagent costs! Really the additional testing/ tester would make more sense to me than a light since that market is super saturated already and the reagents bring in recurring income versus a sell and forget item.

 

[Kyl]

How about finally (after almost half a decade) making an EB832 for the rest of the universe that, believe it or not, does extend beyond the shores of the USA.

They've said in the past the return wasn't worth the investment. Not sure if that mindset has changed or not, probably not.

 

[robbyg]

How about finally (after almost half a decade) making an EB832 for the rest of the universe that, believe it or not, does extend beyond the shores of the USA.

They probably never designed the PCB with 220V in mind. They would probably have to redesign the board and the outer housing for 220v use.
I suspect Neptune has crunched the numbers and has decided there is not enough of a market to make it worthwhile.

 

[ByronP]

They probably never designed the PCB with 220V in mind. They would probably have to redesign the board and the outer housing for 220v use.
I suspect Neptune has crunched the numbers and has decided there is not enough of a market to make it worthwhile.

Voltage should be a minor issue. From what I have seen it's just an adjustment to the shunts (used to measure usage) and maybe the relays. The amperage is what really matters and that wouldn't really change. I would do the internal changes, add a manual switch on the unit to change from 110 to 220 and leave the outlets alone. Maybe supply or recommend converters (that have been tested) for EU. This would open the market more and provide a very good cost to return ratio for the overall change.

That's just what I would do though, maybe they dont have a market for it in EU (as mentioned) or maybe it wont pass testing... :shrug:

 

[robbyg]

Voltage should be a minor issue. From what I have seen it's just an adjustment to the shunts (used to measure usage) and maybe the relays. The amperage is what really matters and that wouldn't really change. I would do the internal changes, add a manual switch on the unit to change from 110 to 220 and leave the outlets alone. Maybe supply or recommend converters (that have been tested) for EU. This would open the market more and provide a very good cost to return ratio for the overall change.

That's just what I would do though, maybe they dont have a market for it in EU (as mentioned) or maybe it wont pass testing... :shrug:

I have never opened the an EB832 but I did hear someone say that they don't use Shunts to measure the current usage. Also I have no idea how the design is done so maybe it is not as simple as whacking in a few components. I know one big cost will be making a new mold for the case and getting them manufactured. Also certification in the EU is a nightmare so that is also going to cost a fortune. It would make zero sense for them to do it if the end result is just 500 units sold.

Update: I did some reading and they do use shunt resistors as I originally thought. They are .008 ohm 1 watt resistors. From what I can see, the board would have to be redesigned and I suspect changes would have to be made in the way it is designed to get it EU certified.

 

[Sleepydoc]

Nothing new, the two companies have been pretty much in lock step for years.

Except a few years ago when the cerebra came out, BRS was talking it up...

Ahh, the poor newbie who buys that will be buying an Apex twice once he realizes he can't do much with that.

Former Apex Jr. Owner.

I haven’t looked closely at the BRS edition Neptune, but it looks like it would be great for a quarantine tank.

 

[Sleepydoc]

I have never opened the an EB832 but I did hear someone say that they don't use Shunts to measure the current usage. Also I have no idea how the design is done so maybe it is not as simple as whacking in a few components. I know one big cost will be making a new mold for the case and getting them manufactured. Also certification in the EU is a nightmare so that is also going to cost a fortune. It would make zero sense for them to do it if the end result is just 500 units sold.

Update: I did some reading and they do use shunt resistors as I originally thought. They are .008 ohm 1 watt resistors. From what I can see, the board would have to be redesigned and I suspect changes would have to be made in the way it is designed to get it EU certified.

I thought I read somewhere they use Hall effect sensors?

 

[Sleepydoc]

The concern I have about Neptune is that after you buy the controller they have no further income stream but they (are expected to) keep supplying firmware updates and support for the Fusion web site ad infinitum for free. It seems like something would have to give at some point.

 

[robbyg]

I thought I read somewhere they use Hall effect sensors?

Yes that's what someone else posted and I thought it was accurate, but tonight I found a page that had a repair post and the guy was replacing the shunt resistors.

 

[Ozzi-reef]

Is the voltage a problem (not being 220) or mainly just the plug style?

There are around a dozen plug-styles for the 220v world outside the US (along with Japan and a handful of tiny LA countries who also do 110v) But for Neptune the ones that matter are UK, EU & AU. As for what the problem cause the delay is, well I've heard some crap from Neptune about safety compliance delays, getting the boards approved, but don't believe that for a second - how could that roadblock apply to three totally different jurisdictions for this long a period? I get that AU (where I am) is not a big market for Neptune to think about, but the UK and Europe are huge markets, so it baffles me why Neptune has dragged their heels for so long. As for the plugs, that is the easiest factor in the equation. At least half my gear is UK and EU 220-240v equipment - all it takes is a $5 plug adaptor to work here Downunder. As soon as Neptune release these in Europe /UK I could order one straight away from suppliers over there to use here. It is just mind-boggling that down here we are made to pay twice what the Yanks do for a 2016 Apex and just get a two-decade-old EB6 in the box.

 

[wmo168]

It is going to be a game changer when ecotech enter the controller market very soon on Mobius platform with temp probe, power energy bar, skimmer, etc.... plus Measuring tank parameters (hint mindstream). Ecotech also bring all their product to international market too....

they announcing it when they at the waterbox reunion a week ago (4:09). I believe Terrance from Neptune are there too at the reunion. Maybe thats why they try to release the cheap $250 ApexEL with more people hook onto and invest in their eco system
Video...

 

[radiata]

It is going to be a game changer when ecotech enter the controller market very soon on Mobius platform with temp probe, power energy bar, skimmer, etc.... plus Measuring tank parameters (hint mindstream). Ecotech also bring all their product to international market too....

<SNIP><SNIP><SNIP>...

I'd agree with you if the Mobius, as it will be introduced, has the same functional capability as the current Apex. But, I doubt that is going to happen as the Apex has taken many years of R&D to develop and release with the capabilities that it currently has. How long do you think it will it be before the Mobius has the same functionality as the current Apex?

Caveat: if Mobius has actually purchased the rights for the Mindstream monitor, then I'd agree that it is indeed a game changer...

 

[K7BMG]

I think this is very good for Neptune. You have a lot of people that can’t afford the $800 for the full system. What I don’t understand is why didn’t they add a 4 port power strip like the apex JR.

This is a big f-u to all the other distributors of Neptune products. They already have very small margins and I am also sure everyone is tired with not having inventory of trident or reagents.
If I was a LFS I would be clearing out the Neptune product wall. Let BRS sell it.

I sure Neptune is also not happy that saltwater.com is selling other controllers.
BRS only sells Neptune.

I have never had an issue buying Trident reagents.
Yes BRS, Marine Depot, or the like may be out out of stock, but Neptune always has them in stock.
Each time I see a new thread about the shortage, I go directly to Neptune and see them in stock. To me its more of a myth than truth. YMMV.

 

[K7BMG]

What do you mean? Its an Apex EL. Can you not add almost everything to that? Sure it doesn't have a build in ORP sensor port and one other thing I can't think of. But those can be added, no? Its not an apex jr or a different model. It is the EL just pre programmed?

I buy a 4 port bar and im done for my setup (for now ). What am I missing here?

I give it at least 2-3 years before a new Apex controller. Maybe more integration with the testing and dosing next?
[/QUOTE]

The thing about the EL and now the BRS $250.00 version is in the long run it will cost you a lot more to add the features of the Apex.
Neither has the 0-10V, Orp, or Salinity.
Yes you can buy separate modules but buy the time you do that your spending more than you would overall.

 

[reefwiser]

I think the whole connected home devices. Will take a big chunk out of the controller business it’s self. The whole timer and schedule can be done so much easier in today’s world. Testing functions is where controller companies need to advance.