upgrading from RKL to Apex worth it?

[e46er]

I currently have a RKL with 2 PC4 power bars. one outlet doesnt work and seems the slightest touch to the cable at the head unit and it loses its connection. I have it in a place it really doesnt happen often unless I bump the couch.

I like the idea of having it availble on a computer and for WC being able to just hit an app and have all the outlets labelled what they are to shut off as opposed to jsut numbers in a small screen.

currently JL has a black friday sale which ends tomorrow at noon.

the head unit (standard grade) package is $600 plus tax

8 outlets is working fine for me. although 8 more to control my mixing station would probably be in the future over just a regular powerbar but thats later on.

i have 2- 1.1ml/min pump for my cal/alk and a 50 ml/min for top off running off the controller but it would be nice to have a float switch warning with an alarm to my phone. can I turn stuff on/off through the phone app? or jsut a computer?
i would think in the near future the apex auto feeder would be considered as well. I currently have an ehiem one which works great but the time wonders so currently I dont bother setting my RKL to shut off my powerheads whereas if the same timer controlled both it wouldnt matter if it wondered a bit.

basically I have a controller that works fine for the most part but its 'starting' to have issues, and the last thing i want is a dosing pump or top off pump to not get shut off but im not sure if the replays fail off or on normally?. So is this a worthy upgrade or shouldnt I jsut ride out the RKL until it dies???

[e46er]

one thing im currently worried about is on the JL or DA website it says for pumps with such a small draw to plug them into mechancial relays and the EB8 only has 2....... i dont want my cal or alk or top off to start running but not shut off......... are the solid state replays in the apex much better than in the DA?
i guess worst case is i could plug a spare heater into an extension cord and plug that into a solid state relay to make sure it hass enough current to shut off not optimal but an option

[Aquattro]

I haven't had any issues with the outlets not shutting off when they're supposed to

[e46er]

the dosing pumps in the solid state relays?

[Aquattro]

I don't run dosing pumps, but I've had low voltage in each type, and no issues.

[e46er]

good to know. thanks !

now since my router is the complete opposite end of my house it poses a small problem

neptune says people have success with http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...lustofishta-20 but its like $115 on amazon.ca
could i use this one instead?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...lustofishta-20

or I have a mac mini acorss the room from my tank that is wireless can I plug into that? i would be able to run an ethernet cable (not easily) but doable.

[Aquattro]

Mine is close so hard wired. I've never set it up wireless, sorry

[e46er]

ok thanks!

[WarDog]

The Apex has to be connected via an Ethernet cable, either directly to your router, or to a wireless gaming module like the WNCE2001 in your link. I got mine from NCIX in Coquitlam. You can also try Best Buy.

Took a while to get it to work, but then I had no problems, other than the odd disconnection. Unfortunately my router crapped out recently and I bought a new one. Haven't been able to reconnect the Apex wirelessly since. Currently running the Ethernet cable across the house... until the wife starts complaining and I need to try to connect it again.

The best solution is to hard wire the connection. If you could do it, it would be worth the effort.

...and to those who are reading this and planning a reno or new home build, make sure you have an Ethernet wall plug next to your tank or in your fish room.

[e46er]

i coud only hard wire it to a wireless computer. that involves 2 holes in the house 35' soffit coming down so prabably 30-35 pieces @ 15 feet long and 20 joists to drill.