2016 apex brain only

[rocsec1]

so I’ve seen the that they are now sale by themselves. I am thinking of getting and using my current classic apex modules, but how do you move the programming over to the new unit?

 

[Bob Escher]

I’m waiting for mine to come in but here is the documentation on how to do it.
Basically just redoing the whole thing
This is the Neptune Systems forum and you’ll have to join first to read it all
https://forum.neptunesystems.com/sh...rating-from-an-Apex-Classic-to-an-Apex-(2106)

 

[Roberto Toala]

Yep, i just got mines on Thursday and i got it done yesterday. The only issue I was having is linking the setup with fussion, but it worked out at the end. The entire programing has to be redone and probes recalibrated.

 

[A4goulet]

Besides wifi,what's the benefit of upgrading just the brain?

 

[Roberto Toala]

You can add the new energy bar, amongst other things not compatible with the classic model.

 

[Bob Escher]

Years ago I was a a geek computer wise had to have the newest computer thing. Had to keep up with the Jones next door etc. I’m not that way anymore for that’s 7 years or so. But kinda that way with my APEX. I bought my APEX classic used so it must be at least at least six years old. And the 2016 model is coming on two years already so I figured it was that time.
I wasn’t that concerned at all about WIFI since my router sits just behind my tank anyway.
I know that upgrades are easier. So what other newer things are nicer or better

 

[A4goulet]

You can add the new energy bar, amongst other things not compatible with the classic model.

I guess it would save a bit of money as well if you don't want/already have a salinity probe and already have a ph probe.

 

[Bob Escher]

I have everything except the EB 832, PAR and the WAV ( which are too big for my tank)

 

[duecy4u]

Can the new apex do outlet monitoring on eb8

 

[Bob Escher]

Can the new apex do outlet monitoring on eb8

I don’t believe so

 

[Sleepydoc]

My understanding is the EB8 will do power monitoring for the entire outlet bar, but not on an individual outlet basis. The EB832 lets you monitor the current and power consumption for each outlet and then set alarms based on these.

Differences I'm aware of:

• Built in WiFi (a wired connection is superior if you have it)
• Ability to do over the air firmware upgrades
• Per outlet power monitoring as described above
• Can run the Trident when it's released
• If you get an EB832, it also includes 3-1link ports and 2 controllable DC24 ports. These would otherwise require the purchase of the $150 1link module.

 

[rkpetersen]

I'm not as familiar with the older models, but with the 2016 controller, in addition to using Fusion, you can link directly to it over LAN with web-based interface that is a slightly less feature-rich version of the fusion dashboard.

With the EB8, you can only monitor total amperage. Another advantage of the EB832 is that it is all 7A mechanical relays; no solid state TRIAC switches (which can cause problems under some circumstances) as with the EB8.

 

[Sleepydoc]

All of the models include a local server that lets you connect to the controller directly over your LAN/WiFi network. You can check the status of your tank, program outlets, etc this way. Fusion is Neptune's web service that lets you do that plus includes things like reminders, lab value tracking, alarm & power logs, etc. The other thing that Fusion does is provide a reliable, secure way to connect to your device when away from home without configuring firewalls, port forwarding, etc.

 

[rkpetersen]

All of the models include a local server that lets you connect to the controller directly over your LAN/WiFi network.

Yes, I assumed that was the case. What does the direct local controller interface look like for other models? For the 2016, it looks like Fusion. I consider this a plus.

 

[jml1149]

so I’ve seen the that they are now sale by themselves. I am thinking of getting and using my current classic apex modules, but how do you move the programming over to the new unit?

Just to answer the original question, the programming can't be ported directly between the APEX Classic and the APEX Wifi units. The outlet programs can be copied over manually, but you just can't upload etc.

I will say that when I switched from the Classic to WiFi models, I used the TASKS provided by Fusion to set everything up. It's amazing how inefficient some of my code was, and how easy it was to click a couple of inputs and bam, back in business. I really like the TASKS feature. I've kind of gone full circle, I started out using the built in forms to program outlets, then I figured I was smart enough to write all of the programs myself, and I'm back to TASKS work, are silly easy, and I have 900 other tank things to address. Tasks it is.

Also, another cool feature Fusion provides to make the transition easier is the SCHEMES. Before I switched, I uploaded my Vortech and Lighting profiles to SCHEMES, then after the switch I just downloaded them back to their associated outlets. Easy.

 

[Daniel@R2R]

Besides wifi,what's the benefit of upgrading just the brain?

It will be able to run the trident :D

 

[Sleepydoc]

Just to answer the original question, the programming can't be ported directly between the APEX Classic and the APEX Wifi units. The outlet programs can be copied over manually, but you just can't upload etc.

I will say that when I switched from the Classic to WiFi models, I used the TASKS provided by Fusion to set everything up. It's amazing how inefficient some of my code was, and how easy it was to click a couple of inputs and bam, back in business. I really like the TASKS feature. I've kind of gone full circle, I started out using the built in forms to program outlets, then I figured I was smart enough to write all of the programs myself, and I'm back to TASKS work, are silly easy, and I have 900 other tank things to address. Tasks it is.

Also, another cool feature Fusion provides to make the transition easier is the SCHEMES. Before I switched, I uploaded my Vortech and Lighting profiles to SCHEMES, then after the switch I just downloaded them back to their associated outlets. Easy.

Ditto on using tasks. Even if they don't give you exactly what you want, they will give a good starting point. They also can help you learn the programming language, if you're interested. I would also point out the Neptune support forum