Which Pinpoint pH meter to buy??

[steve1600cc]

Many Meters out there,If spending the Money what would you get?
Should I be looking for something that does Multiple things?
If I'm gonna spend the Money I'd like to do this right.
Thanks!!

[Goldpony75]

If your going to spend the money I reccommend getting a aquarium controller.
Something like the Aquacontroller by www.neptunesys.com or the Reefkeeper http://www.digitalaquatics.com/index.html

[steve1600cc]

Ok,I'm willing but which one then?
Any Favorite?
What's everyone else out there using?

[Goldpony75]

Oh boy, you just opened a can of wormslol
This is still a big debate.
I run the Ac Jr. and love it. Best investment I ever made in this hobby.
O do know the ac jr is a little harder to program at first but gives you more programming options. you can only control 8 things with the reefkeeper, 12 with the AC jr. thats about the only differences I know of but I know there is more. I have never used a reefkeeper so I dont know much about them. Hopefully someone who has one or used both will chime in.
Ok,I'm willing but which one then?
Any Favorite?
What's everyone else out there using?

[mattb]

AC3 or AC3 Jr.

[steve1600cc]

Well we'll let this Post run for awhile and whatever I get perhaps I can get ya to come get the thing working!!LOL
Hopefully someone has a new one sitting around at a great price.(With his Fingers crossed).

[Goldpony75]

I'm sure I could stop by and give ya a hand.Well we'll let this Post run for awhile and whatever I get perhaps I can get ya to come get the thing working!!LOL
Hopefully someone has a new one sitting around at a great price.(With his Fingers crossed).

[spectrum]

I keep mine with just a switch bar, only timer is for the lights I like to keep it manual. No guadgets, bugs or not knowing how to read Instructions right. but that my 2 cents.

[Goldpony75]

Send maxseely a pm, I know he just put a order in at Neptune but I'm not sure exactly what for. definately worth a check.

[David Grigor]

Jr. will give you a little more programming flexability, most importantly can control up to 12 devices where the RK2 max is 8 devices.

I totally agree that I'd rather see you put the $80 you would spend on the meter and towards the purchase of a Jr or RK2 controller. That way you can have PH and temp conditions control things for greater redundancy.

[mtfatwork]

Steve, I would go with a Jr in your situation. I run an AC II and hope to someday upgrade to the 3 because it has more options, but I need to control more than 12 items, and they are on 2 different floors, so I have to have a bigger controller.

[wes]

ha ha SWEET! I just figured out what to put on my christmas list!

[steve1600cc]

Ok looks like Jr.is the way to go,seems the going rate is $175.00 Should I buy from someone in the Club or just get from E-bay or??I'm thinking I would get later Tonight incase someone has info for me..
Thanks

[hypertech]

$175 doesn't sound enough.

Check to see if it has temp probe, ph probe, serial port (cable if you want it), and outlet strip

[steve1600cc]

This is one I found there is also a Buy it now on E-bay for 175.00?
http://www.neptunesys.com/priceList.htm
Is this the right one and do I need a Serial PC thing?

[Zibba]

This is one of the best prices I've found on the AC jr.

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=NEP-ACJR-SERUP&Category_Code=Neptune

Just add the pH probe and you should be set.

You don't need the serial port, per se. It's for connecting it to your computer. There is a program that it can be linked up with to display all of your parameters, gather data over an extender period of time and I believe it can be set up to send a text message or email to your phone if things go wrong while you're away.

[steve1600cc]

This is one of the best prices I've found on the AC jr.

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=NEP-ACJR-SERUP&Category_Code=Neptune

Just add the pH probe and you should be set.

You don't need the serial port, per se. It's for connecting it to your computer. There is a program that it can be linked up with to display all of your parameters, gather data over an extender period of time and I believe it can be set up to send a text message or email to your phone if things go wrong while you're away.

Great so when I'm in Florida trying to relax it can let me know everything is Dead!!LOL
I suppose it would'nt hurt to have,must be one heck of an Instruction book....

[mtfatwork]

steve the link you posted does not include the DC8 which you need.

[Zibba]

In theory, when you're in Fl relaxing you can give one of your fellow TCMAS members a quick phone call, let them know where you keep your hidden key and they can fix it. :)



In reality, you'll just have to buy them beer and cook them steaks on the grill when you get back from FL. :P

[David Grigor]

As Matt mentioned be very careful that you read exactly what all is included,

At minimum you want to be sure it says it is:

AC Jr. backlit controller
DC8
Temp Probe

This package typically runs about $220 ( I haven't priced them recently to know the best price ).

Same package with PH probe should run about $265 and add another $20 if you want the serial port. If your getting the serial port to hook up to computer, you may want to look at the ACIII instead because it is much better options for access on the web and such.

[hypertech]

Do you need the serial port to program it and update the firmware?

I wouldn't want to hook one up for monitoring, but I would want the option to be able to do firmware upgrades.

[RogersCG]

And is it the serial upgrade just a cable? I've got a pile of serial cables around here...

[David Grigor]

Years ago , Bill Bramucci had an issue with his 450g SPS dominate tank while camping and got an alarm to his cell phone. He was not in a position to leave, gave me a call ( I have a key ) and I took care of it for him. I was there until about 3am that night.

He had more then $20k in his system that would have been toast by the time he got home.

So preparation for trip with an emergency contact is key.

[steve1600cc]

OK how about this one?is that everything I need for starters?
http://www.petstore.com/ps_ViewItem-SearchStr--action-view-idProduct-NS1163-idCategory-FITEMOMI-category-Neptune_AquaController_Jr_with_Backlit_Display_+_T emperature_Probe_+_Direct_Connect_8_Saltwater_Aqua rium_Supplies_Testing_Equipment_Monitor_Equipment_ Multi_Item_Monitors___Controllers-vendor-.html
Thanks again for all your help you can see I would have ordered the other and been messed up!!

[David Grigor]

And is it the serial upgrade just a cable? I've got a pile of serial cables around here...

The serial upgrade is the port on the side of the Jr. You have to order it that way, it can't be added in the future. So if you think you will ever use the functionality you need to order it that way. Personally if I wanted to hook it up to computer/web I'd get the ACIII not the Jr.

You can make your own serial cable if you wish. A serial does have to be modified, there is a map on there website as to which pins are needed.

[hypertech]

I wish someone had one I could look at. I'm guessing they just depopulated the header which is an easy thing to add if you wind up needing it.

I would be hesitant to order one without it because then you wouldn't be able to update the firmware - or do these things never need to be updated?

[David Grigor]

OK how about this one?is that everything I need for starters?
http://www.petstore.com/ps_ViewItem-SearchStr--action-view-idProduct-NS1163-idCategory-FITEMOMI-category-Neptune_AquaController_Jr_with_Backlit_Display_+_T emperature_Probe_+_Direct_Connect_8_Saltwater_Aqua rium_Supplies_Testing_Equipment_Monitor_Equipment_ Multi_Item_Monitors___Controllers-vendor-.html
Thanks again for all your help you can see I would have ordered the other and been messed up!!

That one doesn't have the serial port ( usually serial port is an extra $20 ). That one doesn't come with the PH probe so figure in another $40 for that and don't forget to order the ph calibration packets you need both the 10 and the 7 to calibrate it. usually cost around $1 each. OD stocks them for $1.50 so no critical if you forget.

You should be able to find a better price though.

[steve1600cc]

I never go anywhere,I was wishing I would be in Florida was all at the moment..LOL
Now Arizona is a very good bet but not FL..
I would be at Home every day not sure if I need the Serial...When I'm complaining 6 Months from now you can harass me then..LOL

[Zibba]

David,

I thought there was a post awhile ago (this summer maybe), but I can't find it, where you were talking about pricing options. I think I remember that you said there was a site where we could do a group order on them. Do you remember where that was? Seems like there are a few people interested? Am I wrong? ( steve, hypertech, rogerscg, I think I saw wes express some interest, myself)...

[David Grigor]

I would be hesitant to order one without it because then you wouldn't be able to update the firmware - or do these things never need to be updated?

This is not true. You can update the firmware with or without a serial connection. The non-serial connects using the temp probe connection.

It wasn't that long ago, that they even started offering the serial connection.

You only need the serial if you want to hook it up to your computer to use aquanotes. But since Jr. doesn't come with the web server built in you have to keep your computer on all the time.

The Jr. itself has all the datalogging I personally need and have no intention of running cable from the computer to the Jr.

[steve1600cc]

God Knows I'd like to hand this off to somebody!!What did I start here!!
ok what I need:
Ac Jr Backlight Controller
dc8
Temp Probe
PH Probe
Serial Port
Ph Calibration Packets#10 and #7
1 Bottle Crown Royal to forget about the Expense.....

[hypertech]

This is not true. You can update the firmware with or without a serial connection. The non-serial connects using the temp probe phone cord.

It wasn't that long ago, that they even started offering the serial connection.

OK, thanks for clearing that up. So, the only thing that the serial port buys you is the option to use aqua notes.

You can still do programming and firmware updates without it.

[Zibba]

God Knows I'd like to hand this off to somebody!!What did I start here!!
ok what I need:
Ac Jr Backlight Controller
dc8
Temp Probe
PH Probe
Serial Port
Ph Calibration Packets#10 and #7
1 Bottle Crown Royal to forget about the Expense.....

http://www.reefgeek.com/equipment/Controllers_&_Monitors/Neptune_Systems_AquaController/AquaController_Jr_w!_Serial_Port,_Std_pH_&_Temp_Probes_&_DC8_by_Neptune_Systems

Just add Crown Royal.

[steve1600cc]

Zibba!!That's the one then and still under 300.00 Awesome,So now I buy it and then find out about a Group buy..LOL
What should I do now??
Thanks for finding that!!

[hypertech]

I've read that premium aquatics and reef geek will do group buys on lots of 5/10. Max might have a hookup too. I seem to remember him posting about it but his order might have gone in already.

[David Grigor]

David,

I thought there was a post awhile ago (this summer maybe), but I can't find it, where you were talking about pricing options. I think I remember that you said there was a site where we could do a group order on them. Do you remember where that was? Seems like there are a few people interested? Am I wrong? ( steve, hypertech, rogerscg, I think I saw wes express some interest, myself)...


that was reeftanksupply.com but since then it is under new ownership. Out of curiosity I went to the website today and they don't even sell the Jr. anymore.

If you do a search in the Premium Aquatics sponsor forum on Reefcentral they have a long running thread that had groupbuy type discount if it is still valid.

[steve1600cc]

So I should just be Patient for a bit to see what happens?

[Zibba]

Hopefully Max will be around to let us know if he can do an order for our group. Even if PA or ReefGeek knocked off a few bucks on each that would be cool. That's a pretty decent price considering it includes dc8, serial, temp, std. pH and calibration solutions.

[David Grigor]

OK, thanks for clearing that up. So, the only thing that the serial port buys you is the option to use aqua notes.

You can still do programming and firmware updates without it.

Correct. Firmware, programming, and datalogging can all still be done.

[steve1600cc]

Yeah I'm all in on that,Power in numbers at least it makes our Presence known something might come our way from it??

[hypertech]

Discounts on the AC3Pro and AC3 but not jr.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1239653

[steve1600cc]

jason
--
sales@premiumaquatics.com

Somebody with Etiquette try to sway him our way.

[Zibba]

I don't have my cell phone. Does someone want to try and give reefgeek a call to see if they would offer a discount if we got 5+ of this unit:

http://www.reefgeek.com/equipment/Controllers_&_Monitors/Neptune_Systems_AquaController/AquaController_Jr_w!_Serial_Port,_Std_pH_&_Temp_Probes_&_DC8_by_Neptune_Systems

I can try giving them a call when I get home. (or I can send an email to them right now)

[Zibba]

jason
--
sales@premiumaquatics.com

Somebody with Etiquette try to sway him our way.

In their RC thread they said no discount on the AC jr.

[jon_56048]

Never Mind Then

[steve1600cc]

In their RC thread they said no discount on the AC jr.

I saw that just thought at this point and for possible 5+there was a shot in the dark...

[mtfatwork]

Hopefully Max will be around to let us know if he can do an order for our group. Even if PA or ReefGeek knocked off a few bucks on each that would be cool. That's a pretty decent price considering it includes dc8, serial, temp, std. pH and calibration solutions.



best to email him as he cant always check the forums.

max@aquaticarts.com

[Zibba]

I will give them call :biggthumpup:

I sent and email. You don't need to call them. I can let you know when they get back to me.

I'll also send an email to Max.

[HermitSolo]

OK, thanks for clearing that up. So, the only thing that the serial port buys you is the option to use aqua notes.

You can still do programming and firmware updates without it.

I only rarely connect my controller to my computer. One of the main reasons I like connecting it to use AquaNotes is because then I can see all my programming for the controller in just a couple text windows. (This also makes it extremely easy to backup the settings into a text file for backup purposes.)

You can do all programming, etc. without the cable, but just thinking about explaining how to program it manually in an emergency makes my head hurt..

[Zibba]

Is the aquacontroller/aquanotes compatible with a mac? I'm guessing it's not.

[HermitSolo]

Is the aquacontroller/aquanotes compatible with a mac? I'm guessing it's not.

I didn't see Mac support listed, but you might want to contact there support.

info on aquanotes: http://www.neptunesys.com/aquaNotes.htm

[Zibba]

No luck with running it on Mac's operating system - still can be done using Parallel. No biggie, I can run it through our other laptop which has windows.

Do you use the free version or the full version? I'm trying to figure out if I should spend the money up front or just hold off until I "need" it.

[steve1600cc]

BUMP!!!

[HermitSolo]

Do you use the free version or the full version? I'm trying to figure out if I should spend the money up front or just hold off until I "need" it.

I just use the free 'lite version' it does everything I need it to so far. I haven't had a neww to set it up with the Email Alarms, Web Server, Event Logging or Multiple Tank Support yet. It says you can't do Report Generation with the 'lite' version, but I'm able to generate reports.. dunno why.

I was in the same boat you are about deciding on which version. The biggest flaw I see with the app has is that if you want to do a backup you have to manually backup the "C:\Program Files\AquaNotes" directory. If for some reason your program gets cleared on the controller ie.. you didn't replace the battery backup in it and you had a power failure.. even that backup won't get you back. Each time it has happened.. yes it happened more than once to me.. I just use the backup and the text file I created of the program. Pretty simple to get back to where you were, but it would be nice if it let you overwrite the program on the controller vs. it always taking what the controller has in memory as gospel and overwriting what's on/ in your backup database. If the full version could overcome this issue I'd pay for it.

[David Grigor]

No luck with running it on Mac's operating system - still can be done using Parallel. No biggie, I can run it through our other laptop which has windows.

Do you use the free version or the full version? I'm trying to figure out if I should spend the money up front or just hold off until I "need" it.

For sure wait until you have the unit and have been using it for a while before making that decision on software. I don't really see how it is going to be all the advantageous to buy the full version. Your basically just tracking temp / ph even then don't need it everyday. Like Hermit mentions it may make programming a little easier but it's not difficult using the built-in interface either.

[RogersCG]

Since we're talking about the AC Jr does anyone know if the Lunar Simulator module works with the Jr and, if so, does it use one of the 8 AC ports on the DC8 and count towards one of the 12 maximum controllable devices?

[Goldpony75]

No it doesnt use one of the outlets but does use one of the 12 available slots. what is actually the limiting factor is the controller itself only allows for 12 to be named. So hopefully some day they will have a new firmware that allows for more names. just for your info also you are only allowed 40 lines of commands on the AC Jr.Since we're talking about the AC Jr does anyone know if the Lunar Simulator module works with the Jr and, if so, does it use one of the 8 AC ports on the DC8 and count towards one of the 12 maximum controllable devices?

[David Grigor]

I don't think they will ever up date the firmware to support more than 12 devices. They want you to buy the AC3 if you need more.

[Goldpony75]

I figure that too but it cant hurt to dream.
Maybe we need to find someone to hack one of these things and fix that problem. lol

[Zibba]

Hi Eric,

I spoke with John from your group this afternoon and yes we can certainly offer you a group discount on the purchase of multiple units. In fact we just did a group buy for the Dallas Fort Worth club and I can offer you the same discounts we passed on to them.

Quantity discounts on any of our ACJr and AC3 packages:
3+ - 5% Off
6+ - 10% Off
I can also discount any additional Neptune items, like an additional pH Probe or Lunar Simulator by 5%. These additional items would not count towards the quantities needed to get the 5% or 10% discounts off the packages.

If you have any questions, just let me know. If you decide to move forward with a group buy, please keep me posted to the progress so we can try to have the product in stock when you are ready to finalize the order.


Warmest Regards,

Greg Morgan

ReefGeek, Inc.
310-329-8375
866-295-9230 (toll-free)

[Zibba]

I'll make an official thread tomorrow. I've got to go to bed now though. If we get enough interest, we'll try to order by the end of the week.

[steve1600cc]

Awesome!!

[steve1600cc]

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