Apex Coding Help

[MichaelReefer]

I added a float valve to my Protein Skimmer and I'm having issues getting it to work...

I have it hooked to my SW1 breakout box.

I named SW1 "Skimme" because "Skimmer" didnt fit. I'm really bad at this Apex coding... so appreciate any help.

 

[The Ugly Phase]

u tried chatgpt?

 

[MichaelReefer]

u tried chatgpt?

I actually called Apex and this is what he told me to put, he said to try "Open and close" depending on the float valve, neither did anything.

 

[areefer01]

You added it inside the cup? I do not use a float/sensor on my cup but maybe the thread below can help. Some of the AI platforms can help with code but my advise is to test it first while also using Neptune's comprehensive manual. It will list out the commands with examples so you can also double check what was provided.

Also if you have a ticket with Neptune continue that course as well. They will get you sorted out.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/apex-float-switch-help.894481/post-9932887

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

If skimmer open then off

Or

If skimmer closed then off

Depending if the switch is normally open or closed. With almost all float type sensors, one can pop the c-clip, remove the float, flip it over and reinstall it to change from open to close.

The outlet must be in the auto position as well

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

For instance, I put a dual float sensor in my skimmer. The upper float is named “MtSkmr”, I created a virtual outlet named “Empty Skimmer”.

The virtual outlet was made as if I were to just use the sensor open/closed, it’s possible to create an on/off cycle as the float bounces. The virtual outlet has a defer command which eliminates the float bouncing problem.

My skimmer program:


Fallback ON
Set ON
Defer 007:00 Then ON
If Output ReturnPump = OFF Then OFF
If Output PumpFailure = ON Then OFF
If Output EmptySkimmer = ON Then OFF
If Output VSkimReset = ON Then OFF
If Time 11:00 to 11:05 Then OFF

The virtual outlet program for the upper float:

Set OFF
If MtSkmr OPEN Then ON
Defer 001:00 Then ON

 

[MichaelReefer]

I took the fallback and set out of it, do I maybe need those then? I want it on 24/7, I just need it to shut off when the cup fills.

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

I took the fallback and set out of it, do I maybe need those then? I want it on 24/7, I just need it to shut off when the cup fills.

Fallback is if you wish it to be on/off if there is a communication failure. I want the oxygenation going even if there’s a comm problem so I have fallback on.

Set on tells it that you want the outlet on unless any of the conditions are met. Without the set on, the skimmer would not turn back on after the condition was met (skimmer cup full) and then remedied (emptying the skimmer cup).

Also, with skimmer foam, if you don’t go the virtual outlet route, the float can rise and fall in the foam cycling the skimmer on and off and on and off. That’s what the defer is for in the virtual outlet. The float must be tripped for a solid minute for it to shut off the skimmer.

 

[MichaelReefer]

Fallback is if you wish it to be on/off if there is a communication failure. I want the oxygenation going even if there’s a comm problem so I have fallback on.

Set on tells it that you want the outlet on unless any of the conditions are met. Without the set on, the skimmer would not turn back on after the condition was met (skimmer cup full) and then remedied (emptying the skimmer cup).

Also, with skimmer foam, if you don’t go the virtual outlet route, the float can rise and fall in the foam cycling the skimmer on and off and on and off. That’s what the defer is for in the virtual outlet. The float must be tripped for a solid minute for it to shut off the skimmer.

I put the float switch in, and messed with the float switch both pushing it up and releasing it and it didnt make any effect on it. So what would be the best way to code it? Because what is in there now isnt working at all?

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

I put the float switch in, and messed with the float switch both pushing it up and releasing it and it didnt make any effect on it. So what would be the best way to code it? Because what is in there now isnt working at all?

First things first. Is the skimmer outlet in “auto”

 

[MichaelReefer]

First things first. Is the skimmer outlet in “auto”

No, didnt even think about that lol

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

No, didnt even think about that lol

Ha! Happens to ALL of us believe me

 

[MichaelReefer]

Ha! Happens to ALL of us believe me

Ok, will try that when I get home.

 

[MichaelReefer]

I tried auto and it didnt work. Sorry have been out of town. I moved the float up and down and nothing.

 

[MichaelReefer]

Bump

 

[jmaneyapanda]

Wait, is the programming youre showing for the skimmer? You say you have the switch named "skimme", right?
On your programming for the skimmer you shoudl have:

Fallback ON
Set ON
If SKimme closed then OFF (or possibly open, depending on if its NO or NC)

Then make sure the slider is set to auto.

Can you show me how youve assigned the breakout box?

 

[MichaelReefer]

Wait, is the programming youre showing for the skimmer? You say you have the switch named "skimme", right?
On your programming for the skimmer you shoudl have:

Fallback ON
Set ON
If SKimme closed then OFF (or possibly open, depending on if its NO or NC)

Then make sure the slider is set to auto.

Can you show me how youve assigned the breakout box?

Maybe thats what I'm doing wrong? How do you assign the breakout box? This is what I have right now:

 

[jmaneyapanda]

Maybe thats what I'm doing wrong? How do you assign the breakout box? This is what I have right now:

Is this an A3 Apex? With the little minijack FMM ports on the bottom? It looks like thats what you assigned as the skimmer switch. Not the breakout box.

Once you connect the ground and active lead from the float to the breakout out box, and then plug the breakout box into the base module, a series of 6 switches for Sw_1, SW_2, etc should show up. Those are your breakout box switches.

 

[MichaelReefer]

Yes, A3. Its plugged in but I didn't see it showing on my dashboard. I had to unlock my Dashboard and pull it onto the main screen?

 

[jmaneyapanda]

Yes, A3. Its plugged in but I didn't see it showing on my dashboard. I had to unlock my Dashboard and pull it onto the main screen?

Yes, thats them. The breakout box switches arent digital. So if it's in one, pull down SW1, rename it, unname that digital switch, and then test it.