Rke..

[DaveMorris]

Well, if Curt is smart he has been beta testing the hell out of it. And if the extensive testing that DA did prior to release of the RKE is any indication, he may still run into a lot of issues. Are you going to jump in on the first order, Russ?

[RussM]

Touch call... I'd like to upgrade, but I really have no significant issue w/ my AC3... just a few minor annoyances.

I was planning to get another DC8, but am now going to hold off that for a bit 'til I decide.... don't want to buy another DC8 until I know what the new APEX prices are... I definitely need more than the 8 outlets I now have! Gotta wait to see what the new EnergyBar costs. (not a very imaginative name, eh?)

The good thing is I can still use my existing DC8, just won't have the enhanced functions of the EnergyBar such as current monitoring.

But, if I keep the DC8, then the AC3 will be hard to sell by itself to anyone other than an ACjr owner who wants to upgrade. If an ACjr owner turned up who wants to buy my AC3 base unit at a fair price, I might be swayed

I really was impressed with everything I saw at MAX re: the Apex, except for Curt's demeanor

Time will tell..

It would be easy to decide if it was a Microsoft product... then the answer would be I'd wait until SP1 is released.

[DaveMorris]

I would also wait at least a few months for two reasons.

1. The classic case of waiting for SP1. You know it will have at least some kinks to iron out.

2. Give DA a chance to get their Elite version of myReef out. There may be some significant differences in features between DA and Neptune.

Can you tell I'm trying to bring you over to the dark side? C'mon Russ, let go your conscious self, feel the force flowing through you.

[Fish n' Frags]

what is the status of myReef Dave?

[DaveMorris]

A few months away. They wanted to get the RKL and the SL2 released first. The SL2 should be out by the end of the month. I expect that the myReef stuff will get switched into high gear now that Neptune is supposed to release the Apex system next month.

[Trickman2]

SOunds like a good battle is brewing, maybe once it all comes out and the smoke clears I will have to get a unit.

[JHAI4]

Dave am I correct in thinking that the RKE has a module that controls auto top off water? If so how does this work in terms of equipment? Do I still need my ATO system?

In general I have spent an hour or so on their site and I found it very poor. All the modules are referred to in acronyms and do not have any narratives and of wiring explanations. Any assistance would be appreciated.

[DaveMorris]

They are in the process of rebuilding the website.

They do not have a module that specifically deals with auto topoff. Most people, including me, use float switches hooked up to a switch input on an SL1 module. I use that in combination with an ATO system.

[JHAI4]

Maybe if I explain my setup and how it would change for the RKE that would help me better understand the system configuration. Currently, the ATO system I use is by ATO. So the pump is connected to the ATO head unit as is the two float switches, the ATO unit is connected into a power outlet in my power strip that is on 24/7. My RKII doesn't see the ATO at all, it is activated by the float switchs in my sump and water reservoir.

How would this now be reconfigured for a RKE in combination with the SL1? How does the RKE help control/monitor ATO?

Thanks...

[JHAI4]

Dave in addition is the RKM-MLC the moon light module? What is your opinion on the DA moon light system? What does it do different... ?

[RussM]

If you have a dedicated controlled ATO system like the JBJ A.T.O. or Tunze Osmolator, (I think yours is similar) and you top off with pure RO/DI, and it works well for you, then there would be little or no benefit to changing it. I had a JBJ when I got my AquaController, and I had no reason to not continue using it, so my ATO system is still totally independant of my AC3. It wasn't broke, so I didn't fix it

The advantage of using a full controller like the RKE is that you can just connect float switches to the controller's switch inputs, as Dave described, and make an nice ATO system inexpensively (just need one or two switches, and a small pump).

Now, if you dose kalk as ATO, then using full controller for ATO in addition to lights, pumps, etc, ala RKE, has a big advantage... you can also program the RKE or equivalent to stop the top-off process if pH goes too high.

[DaveMorris]

What Russ said about the ATO.

As far as the moonlight controller....Yes I like it. I have two MLC's in my canopy driving 12 LED pods. The MLC can only control DA moonlights. It runs on a 29.53 day lunar cycle to vary the intensity and they come on whenever you have night mode set to turn on. I do like them.

[mj1333]

I'm gonna pick up an RKE. Where's the best place to get it for the best price? I was leaning toward Marine Depot.

[Trickman2]

I am also thinking about it

[mj1333]

I wonder if 2 would qualify as a group buy?.?

I am also thinking about it