Controlling an Apex Breakout Box?

mike550 · Feb 14, 2021

I know that you can use a Breakout Box to monitor input states (open/close) from various sensors and stuff. But is there a way to toggle a channel to make it open or closed?

For example, can I have the Apex control the “state“ of one of the channels so it can act as an on/off switch to control something else?

Thanks in advance!

SuncrestReef · Feb 14, 2021

There are several toggle button boxes on the market that plug into the I/O port in place of a breakout box:

BRS recently added this to their catalog: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/6-way-switch-toggle-box-for-apex-controller-adaptive-reef.html

You can also buy an individual push button or toggle switch and wire it directly to a port on your existing breakout box.

mike550 · Feb 14, 2021

SuncrestReef said:
There are several toggle button boxes on the market that plug into the I/O port in place of a breakout box:

BRS recently added this to their catalog: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/6-way-switch-toggle-box-for-apex-controller-adaptive-reef.html

You can also buy an individual push button or toggle switch and wire it directly to a port on your existing breakout box.

Thanks for the reply. I’m actually trying to do the opposite. I want the Apex to change the state on a breakout box from open to close and back.

AcanthurusRex · Feb 14, 2021

No, it is an input-only interface.
You could switch the 24VDC on/off.

mike550 · Feb 14, 2021

AcanthurusRex said:
No, it is an input-only interface.
You could switch the 24VDC on/off.

Thanks! I’m thinking about trying to run my fleece roller motor directly and would rather not use a AC outlet. The motor is 12VDC so I could step down the voltage.

ohioreef · Feb 14, 2021

mike550 said:
Thanks! I’m thinking about trying to run my fleece roller motor directly and would rather not use a AC outlet. The motor is 12VDC so I could step down the voltage.

Connect it to one of the 24V outputs through a step down box and switch that.