Neptune Systems AquaController Apex

What would you do with the only controller with web-server monitoring, control, and configuration of aquarium functions? Neptune Systems AquaController Apex opens new possibilities so your aquarium hobby keeps up with current technologies. High-tech aquarium controllers feature a 32 bit processor so you can configure pumps, lights, heaters, chillers, CO2 systems or virtually any aquarium equipment with ease. Compatible with all major web browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari) AND interfaces with AquaNotes iPhone application for unprecedented control!

Neptune Systems AquaController Apex features a very simple menu driven configuration for intuitive operation-no complicated programming required! Expandable design employs AquaBus Connectors so you can easily connect accessories including additional probe modules, EnergyBars or to update firmware. Neptune Systems AquaController Apex systems are available in five well-priced packages to put you on a path of greater control and automation of essential aquarium functions.

Apex Jr Kit w/AquaDisplay includes the Apex Jr Base Module with 4 controllable outlets, AquaDisplay digital user interface, Temperature Probe and Ethernet Cable. Apex Lite Kit includes Apex Base Module, AquaDisplay digital user interface, EnergyBar 8, Temperature Probe and Ethernet Cable. Apex Kits include Apex Base Module, AquaDisplay digital user interface, EnergyBar 8, Temperature Probe, Ethernet Cable and the choice of Standard or Lab Grade pH Probe.

Custom possibilities are endless when you pair your system with the following Neptune Systems accessories. For more controllable outlets, use Neptune Systems EnergyBars. Independently controllable outlets with built-in port hubs allow easy addition of accessories. Multiple EnergyBars can be daisy chained together for hundreds of switched outlets you control. Use the AquaBus Extension Cable to connect AquaBus modules that are more than 15 feet apart. 2 Channel Apex to Stream Cable assembly connects your AquaController Apex to two Tunze Controllable Stream pumps. Features one RJ45 connector (plugs into the Apex base unit) and two Din5 connectors (plugs into Tunze Controllable Stream pumps). 2 Channel Apex to Light Dimming Cable assembly allows control of 0-10V dimmable ballasts. Features one RJ45 connector (plugs into the Apex base unit) one end of and 6' bare wire cables that hard wires to 0-10V dimmable ballasts.

Measure and monitor water parameters of multiple aquariums or different areas of your setup with additional Probes. High quality Temperature Probe features ± 0.1°F accuracy with 6ft cable, encapsulated thermistor and 2.5mm Phono Jack Connector. pH Probe features ±0.01 accuracy with 10ft coax cable, sealed Ag/AgCl reference and Standard BNC Connector. ORP Probe features ±1 mV accuracy with 10ft coax cable, platinum band electrode and Standard BNC Connector. pH and ORP Probe available in Standard or Lab Grade. 20ml pH Calibration Fluids sold separately.

Apex Comparison Chart

² Includes Apex Jr Base Module with 4 controllable outlets, AquaDisplay, Temperature Probe and Ethernet Cable.
³ Includes Apex Lite Base Module, AquaDisplay, EnergyBar 8, Temperature Probe and Ethernet Cable.
⁴ Includes Apex Base Module, AquaDisplay, EnergyBar 8, Temperature Probe and Ethernet Cable.
⁵ Supports a maximum of four AquaBus devices and one AquaBus Display.
*PM = Probe Module
**VDM = Variable Speed/Dimming Module

Downloadable Neptune Systems Aquacontroller Apex Manual PDF and EnergyBar 8 Manual PDF.
(Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 or later - get it here for free)

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• Integrated Ethernet port
• Most advanced web server available
  • Interactive graphing application in the web server
  • Interfaces with AquaNotes iPhone application
  • Compatible with all major web browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari)
• Only aquarium controller with web server monitoring, control, and configuration
• Compatible with wireless bridges or game adapters (802.11x) so that wireless network communication is possible
• Email or text message alarms
• Email alarms or audible alarms when EnergyBar power fails
• RSS and XML Support

Very simple menu driven configuration

• Menus to easily set up pumps, lights, heater, chiller, CO2, etc
• No programming required for configuration
• Outlets can be renamed for easier use
• Can be configured through LCD Display or a standard web browser
• An enhanced AquaController programming language is available for total control
  • Virtual Outlets allow even more complex control options

Monitor/Control

Apex Jr

• Temperature - The base unit includes software which is capable of monitoring temperature. The monitored data can be displayed on the optional LCD display, the Apex's web page, or through the AquaNotes iPhone application. All monitored probes data is logged into the internal nonvolatile memory for later retrieval. All probes support digital calibration.

Apex Lite

• pH and Temperature - The base unit includes software which is capable of monitoring pH and temperature. The monitored data is continuously displayed on the large LCD display and also logged into the internal nonvolatile memory for later retrieval. All probes support digital calibration.

Apex

• pH, Temperature and ORP - The base unit includes software which is capable of monitoring pH, ORP, and temperature. The ORP probe input is modal and can be used to either monitor ORP or monitor pH; the AquaController Apex can monitor 2 different pH sources simultaneously! The monitored data is continuously displayed on the large LCD display and also logged into the internal nonvolatile memory for later retrieval. All probes support digital calibration.

Integrated 4 Outlet Control (Apex Jr Only)
The base unit includes 4 independently controllable outlets. Each of the 4 outlets is rated for a total 8 amps and the total current draw must be less than 15 Amps. All 4 outlets use relays to control the power to the outlets.

Galvanic Isolation on Probes
Galvanic isolation on the probes results much more reliable and accurate probe readings. While these features increase costs, Neptune Systems feel that probe accuracy is absolutely critical for monitoring/controlling your tank, unlike many competing aquarium controllers.

State of the Art Electronics Integration

• Only 32 bit processor on an Aquarium controller
• Over 16 times more code space & 5X faster than competitive controllers, which guarantees future expandability
• 1 year's worth of data logs can be stored internally

New Enhanced Control Functionality

• Day of week functionality
• Sub minute control added on EnergyBar controlled devices
• Default outlet state for all EnergyBar outlets
• Second resolution control

Sunrise and Sunset Simulation

The Apex has a special control function which can be used to simulate the varying lengths of days throughout the year. This feature is used to make the length of daylight hours longer in the summer than in the winter. This results in a more realistic simulation of natural lighting variations.

Moon Cycle Simulation
The Apex has another special control function which can be used to simulate the moon cycle in your tank. The lunar simulator is used for this feature and is capable of varying the intensity of light emitted from its LEDs. The intensity variations are controlled by the Apex which is preprogrammed with correct intensity values for each day of the moon cycle. The Apex automatically updates the intensity value depending upon the current setting of the Apex's clock. With this artificial moon cycle, it is possible to induce corals and fish to spawn.

WaveMaker
Each pump to be controlled can have a user configured period in which both the on and off times are fully programmable and can range from 1 second to 999 minutes. A variable length feed timer cycle can be initiated with the press of a button and will disable some or all of the pumps in the system (programmed by the user).

6 Digital Inputs (Apex & Apex Lite)
The Apex comes equipped with 6TTL level external inputs which can be used to activate/deactivate equipment in response to an external stimulus. Applications for these inputs include connection to water level float switches, water pressure and flow sensors, and water on the floor sensors. The Apex can be configured to signal alarms or turn on/off appliances in the event the external switch opens or closes.

4 Integrated Variable Speed Ports (Apex & Apex Lite)

• 0 to 10V output interface
• Can directly control up to 4 variable speed Tunze stream pumps (like AquaSurf)
• Can dim ballasts or LED drivers with 0 to 10V interfaces (like some T5 ballasts)

Modular Expansion through AquaBus

• High reliability protocol with robust error correction
• Plug and Play-AquaBus modules are automatically recognized and configured
• Cable lengths over 200 feet
• Expandable to 5 AquaBus modules (1 Apex Display and 4 other AquaBus modules)
• Add optional probe modules to monitor additional probes
• Add additional EnergyBars to control more outlets
• All AquaBus modules allow for easy firmware updates
• Probe modules available for additional Temperature, pH, ORP, Conductivity/Salinity, and dissolved oxygen probes
• Module firmware updates done through AquaBus. No need to disassemble controller, and individually update modules

Backward Compatibility (Apex & Apex Lite)

• All AquaController 3 accessories work with the AquaController Apex. One major design consideration was to maintain backwards compatibility to protect existing customer's investment in AquaController compatible equipment
• I/O port expansion backwards compatible with PX 1000
• Compatible with the breakout box
• Integrated control port - All control port accessories (DC8, DC4, DC4HD, AquaSurf, Lunar Sim)

AquaBus Features

• Two AquaBus connectors for easy expansion, and flexible cabling options
• Plug and Plug bus allows for modular expansion

Updateable Firmware

• Firmware updates via Ethernet
• Flash memory so new features can be easily added
• All AquaBus modules allow for easy firmware updates-No need to unplug/rewire devices to perform the firmware update (unlike the competition)

Alternate Power Port (Apex & Apex Lite)

• In power failure situations Alarm emails can still be sent
• Can detect power failures in EnergyBars
• Internal rechargeable backup battery retains clock
• Graph probe/device data on the LCD display

AquaDisplay Features

• Sleek and stylish case
• 7 mechanical buttons for speedy and flexible user interface
• 128 x 64 Graphical Backlight display
• Displays datalog graphs
• 4 Highly customizable status displays
• Placement of probe names and icons can be selected by user
• Can scroll manually between different status screens or automatically scroll through them
• User adjustable contrast and backlight settings
• Backlight can be dimmed at night
• User selectable tones/songs for different warning/error types
• Multiple displays can be used on one system
• All remote displays have the same functionality as the primary display (i.e. can configure, graph, initiate feed cycles, etc. from all displays)
• Compact size 3.40" x 4.05" x 0.65"
• Mounting holes for easy attachment to wall/stand

EnergyBar 4 Features
The EnergyBar 4 module features 4 independently controllable outlets. With power failure detection, active electrical current monitoring, and fail safe features make this power bar far better than any competing units.

• 4 independently controllable 120V Outlets (3 outlets @ 8 Amps, 1 outlet @ 12 Amps, total current must be less than 15 Amps)
• Plug and Play
• Built-in 4 Port hub so that accessories can be easily added
• Active electrical current monitoring and logging
• Fail-safe features. On communication failures outlets revert to user settable default settings
• High reliability direct wired connection to the Apex System (does not use X10)
• All four of the outlets use mechanical relays for switching
• Up to 240 EB4s can be daisy chained together for up to 960 switched outlets
• Built-in circuit breaker protected
• 4 Mounting Holes for easy installation
• Compact custom aluminum enclosure (7.5" x 3.75" x 1.8")

EnergyBar 8 Features
The EnergyBar 8 module features 8 independently controllable outlets. With power failure detection, active electrical current monitoring, and fail safe features make this power bar far better than any competing units.

• 8 independently controllable 120V Outlets (Max 5 Amps, total current must be less than 15 Amps)
• Plug and Play
• Built-in 6 Port hub so that accessories can be easily added
• Less than $20.00 per controllable outlet (best in industry)
• Active electrical current monitoring and logging
• Fail-safe features. On communication failures outlets revert to user settable default settings
• High reliability direct wired connection to the Apex System (does not use X10)
• Completely Silent Operation on 6 of the solid state switched outlets
• 2 of the outlets use mechanical relays for switching
• "Soft-Start" for reduced pump wear
• Up to 240 EB8s can be daisy chained together for up to 1920 switched outlets
• All 8 outlets independently controllable
• Built-in circuit breaker
• 4 Mounting Holes for easy installation
• Compact custom aluminum enclosure (10.0" x 3.75" x 1.8")