automatic light controller

[GR808]

I'm looking for an automatic light controller to just control lights. I don't have to automate ato, ph, temp, dosing, or any kind of wireless connections for that matter. Just looking for a simple durable light controller that can do a little more than a timer.
I'm putting together a diy LED build and looking for a controller for that.
any suggestions?

 

[swannyson7]

It may seem like overkill now, but I would look into a RKL or AC Jr. It will be able to control your lights and much more, but you can pick them up used for $100 or less. What are you looking for beyond a regular light timer? I'm not sure if either of those timers have the ability to ramp a dimmer control for led drivers, but the Apex light that's coming out probably will. The expected price is set at $150

 

[greg0385]

i do agree, if a simple timer isn't enough, then the RKL can be bought well under 100dollars, the apex jr is going to be sweet, only problems is, is that it doesn't have a display for 150 dollars but it does way more than the RKL. if you have a smart phone then the apex jr would be the way to go. the cool thing about these controllers is that not only do you get the timers, but other great things that in the long run you will end of using anyways.best of luck to you
greg

 

[jimbob321]

check this out it may be more of what your looking for..Results for Daylight Lighting Controller i wish it was available when i built my led lights..Can only be used with the ELN-60-48P driver

 

[Just Clownin Around]

rkl with the alc. will be able to ramp up down and have moonliught control

 

[GR808]

The rkl and alc is digital aquatics? My understanding is the rkl is the controller and the alc is where the outlets are plugged into such as the drivers? Would the apex jr require the same equipment?

 

[GR808]

check this out it may be more of what your looking for..Results for Daylight Lighting Controller i wish it was available when i built my led lights..Can only be used with the ELN-60-48P driver

I saw that from rapidled but I'd like to see a wiring diagram or something. Is that one controller per driver?

 

[wld1783]

Take caution with that.

since it requires the use of the PWM drivers that I do not recommend due to the spectrum shift that occurs with their use. We will be releasing an article later this month to alert people to this issue.

How many drivers need to be controlled? the ALC unit from Digital aquatics can only support up to 3 or 4 dimmable drivers whereas Apex can go up to 8.

 

[WrasseSandwich]

How many drivers need to be controlled? the ALC unit from Digital aquatics can only support up to 3 or 4 dimmable drivers whereas Apex can go up to 8.

I'm interested to know how you know how many drivers a ALC can support, I've tried lookin for a specific number but no one seems to know...

 

[snoopie]

I have asked digital aquatics and it can only handle 4 drivers one driver per port which there are 4 ports. A apex can handle up to 6 drivers per port that's 24 drivers. Its why I went with a apex. Also easier to use I think so atleast. Go to led section I have my led build there.

Sent from my EVO.

 

[WrasseSandwich]

I have asked digital aquatics and it can only handle 4 drivers one driver per port which there are 4 ports. A apex can handle up to 6 drivers per port that's 24 drivers. Its why I went with a apex. Also easier to use I think so atleast. Go to led section I have my led build there.

Sent from my EVO.

You mean 2 ports?

 

[GR808]

Take caution with that.

since it requires the use of the PWM drivers that I do not recommend due to the spectrum shift that occurs with their use. We will be releasing an article later this month to alert people to this issue.

How many drivers need to be controlled? the ALC unit from Digital aquatics can only support up to 3 or 4 dimmable drivers whereas Apex can go up to 8.

does apex have an alc as well like digital aquatics? if so, what is it called or does the controller and alc from apex come together as 1 unit?

 

[swannyson7]

does apex have an alc as well like digital aquatics? if so, what is it called or does the controller and alc from apex come together as 1 unit?

The Apex uses the VDM. It's the variable speed and dimming module. It can also be used to ramp Tunze pumps

 

[snoopie]

Sorry yes ALC has two ports Apex has 4. V1,2,3,4. The elite version of the APEX comes with it built in. The regular Apex version you would have to buy the VDM. Neptune Systems Apex Variable Speed/Dimming Module (VDM). Reefkeeper no matter what unit you buy elite or none elite you have to buy the ALC.
With my Apex I have connected up to 4 drivers on one port just V1 all on one side to test and it worked great. According to Neptune you can hook up 6 per port.

 

[GR808]

The Apex uses the VDM. It's the variable speed and dimming module. It can also be used to ramp Tunze pumps

what does the apex controller and a vdm run about?

 

[swannyson7]

The current apex is pricey (around $450), but they have a new verios coming out with similar capabilities for $150. The VDM runs $100 on MD

 

[GR808]

The current apex is pricey (around $450), but they have a new verios coming out with similar capabilities for $150. The VDM runs $100 on MD

dont mean to sound ignorant but does the verios include the vdm or is everything ala carte?

 

[snoopie]

The new Apex wont come with the VDM it will have ti be bought separate just like the cheaper version of the apex out now.

 

[GR808]

ok sounding ignorant again... I would need the controller, the VDM for dimming, and the energy bar for 120v to drivers?

 

[CJO]

The original Apex (full version) comes with everything you need (controller, 4 variable outputs and an EB8). The new one does not have the variable output, so you would have to get the VDM, and it comes with the EB4 (4 outlets instead of 8).

CJ