AliExpress A8SE Reef Light

[mikesreef83]

How did you go with programming them?

Haven’t made it that far yet. Just plugged them in to make sure they turn on and was blinded in the process.

 

[ryudo80]

Just arrived! Get it now before it’s the same price as ecotech!

Nice, the arm mount looks sturdy on your tank.

 

[AlexVit]

Good day. Can someone share a preset (qr) for lps and akrapor?

 

[Futuretotm]

Any chance one could create shimmer along side with a8’s ie supplement with a kessil a360 clone?

 

[mikesreef83]

Holy crap! I mean I am an IT software developer for my day job and I about pulled what is left in my bald head out!

The connectivity between app and device just sucks for a lack of a better word. This is why Echotech decided to strictly limit it to Bluetooth. Because everyone has a unique network setup and most people don’t understand what the heck the difference is between 2.4ghz and 5 or even know they’re network has dual band!

I made the mistake of trying to utilize the “link” button after all of the light were added. That ended up bricking 2/3 of the lights. I had to power down all, remove them from the app and wait until all internal components were drained of power to let it “forget “ the initial connection snd setup. I re added all lights and only controlling them individually. I’m currently on version 2.3.20 on apple iPhone and cannot seem to get the app to push to the latest update.

I’m mentally exhausted now and going to bed. Rant over…

 

[rsach]

Holy crap! I mean I am an IT software developer for my day job and I about pulled what is left in my bald head out!

The connectivity between app and device just sucks for a lack of a better word. This is why Echotech decided to strictly limit it to Bluetooth. Because everyone has a unique network setup and most people don’t understand what the heck the difference is between 2.4ghz and 5 or even know they’re network has dual band!

I made the mistake of trying to utilize the “link” button after all of the light were added. That ended up bricking 2/3 of the lights. I had to power down all, remove them from the app and wait until all internal components were drained of power to let it “forget “ the initial connection snd setup. I re added all lights and only controlling them individually. I’m currently on version 2.3.20 on apple iPhone and cannot seem to get the app to push to the latest update.

I’m mentally exhausted now and going to bed. Rant over…

I did the same and was unable to get one of the lights to work, they are sending me a replacement circuit board and led panel. Hopefully, that will resolve the issue.

 

[Jonreefer]

Holy crap! I mean I am an IT software developer for my day job and I about pulled what is left in my bald head out!

The connectivity between app and device just sucks for a lack of a better word. This is why Echotech decided to strictly limit it to Bluetooth. Because everyone has a unique network setup and most people don’t understand what the heck the difference is between 2.4ghz and 5 or even know they’re network has dual band!

I made the mistake of trying to utilize the “link” button after all of the light were added. That ended up bricking 2/3 of the lights. I had to power down all, remove them from the app and wait until all internal components were drained of power to let it “forget “ the initial connection snd setup. I re added all lights and only controlling them individually. I’m currently on version 2.3.20 on apple iPhone and cannot seem to get the app to push to the latest update.

I’m mentally exhausted now and going to bed. Rant over…

delete your app and download 2.3.8 directly off the app store. i didnt scan a qrcode on the box. my light has been perfect for 2months i have had them. never dropped connection once

 

[mikesreef83]

I removed them all from power last night, came back after a few hours and plugged them all in and viola! They all reset successfully! It’s a mystery lol.
No matter what link I click for the app to direct me to the App Store I’m always redirected to the location where it only has version 2.3.20

 

[Jonreefer]

Odd. When I go directly to the App Store it says 2.3.2 as well. When I downloaded it when I got the light was 2.3.8 but I got a firmware update the other day in app as well. And mine says 2.3.2 now as well. Strange

 

[fishface NJ]

I just went to the Apple app. Someone reviewed the 2.3.8 but the app to download is only 2.3.20

 

[brclark82]

@mikesreef83 will those mounting arms work on a rimmed tank do you think?

 

[fishface NJ]

Was there a video somewhere in this thread showing how to add thermal paste or where to add it?

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/aliexpress-a8se-reef-light.972836/post-13147359

 

[fishface NJ]

this video shows clear steps how to take the unit apart

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/aliexpress-a8se-reef-light.972836/post-13142116

 

[Jonreefer]

@mikesreef83 will those mounting arms work on a rimmed tank do you think?

No it’s only about 15mm or so wide. I can try mine when I get home but I don’t think it will fit

 

[penfold2]

Odd. When I go directly to the App Store it says 2.3.2 as well. When I downloaded it when I got the light was 2.3.8 but I got a firmware update the other day in app as well. And mine says 2.3.2 now as well. Strange

Weird. I'm on Android and all the download links I can find are 2.3.2 as well. But my app updated to 2.3.8 at some point and is still working fine on that version. Here is the link to the 2.3.8 apk file that I'm using if anyone wants it.

AIPAI 2.3.8 for Android

 

[Uriken]

The mounting arm will work on a rimmed tank. I have a 2nd light coming as I write this. I have the A8 SE Gen 2 145 watt light. Love it. My SPS have taken off with growth. I paired it with 2 Kessil A360s for the shimmer. The app was an issue but after I got a 2.4 modem I had no issues. My 2nd light is going over a 25 gallon Innovative marine lagoon and should be plenty of light. I like Ecotech but these A8 lights I will use for now on.

 

[Jonreefer]

Looks like it will work if you trim the inner lip where you mount the lights

 

[brclark82]

I just realized I can’t center the brackets where they need to be anyway because of my hob filter and skimmer

What are your thoughts on this solution, do you think it would work with rimmed and does it seem sturdy enough? $180 for the bar and 2 brackets


https://a.aliexpress.com/_mMGMuaR

 

[Jonreefer]

I just realized I can’t center the brackets where they need to be anyway because of my hob filter and skimmer

What are your thoughts on this solution, do you think it would work with rimmed and does it seem sturdy enough? $180 for the bar and 2 brackets


https://a.aliexpress.com/_mMGMuaR

I believe it’s the same clamp. So would still have to trim off a little of the inner lip of the frame

 

[Uriken]

Same mounting bracket therefore needing to trim the plastic glass retainer.