Current IC Pro questions? BT module tuning?

[VG30DE-TT]

My traditional 29G tank is almost 1yr old just about time to get serious about Corals (SPS & LPS) and anemones.

I started with a $60 Aqueon led which we can all agree was garbage, but the tank was ok we have had some ups and downs, but overall it was OK.

I got a Current IC from the LFS, and it was a solid upgrade, and I like the sleek power head control. But what didn't like was the preprogrammed 15min sunrise/sunset and the abrupt change from sunrise to daylight and the abrupt change from daylight to sunset. Then 6hrs of "twilight"

So I found the "IC Pro Bluetooth" for less than 2x the $$$ than just a single extra LED light add on.

I added the LED light module to the IC controller I already had setup and clearly scared my fire-goby/dart fish and all my fish are nervous,


I would realy like more time for sunrise to fade in, really ramp up mid day (2-3hrs instead of 7hrs) and then fade out slower.

My issue is that I was thoroughly impressed with currents build quality on the separate light and pump modules, they have realy nice silicone plugs and look completely splash proof at the least. The Bluetooth module, looks like the cheapest junk of plastic crap I've ever seen. It's so bad, the shipping plastic it came in is also it's splash proof shield. I'm concerned I'm not going to be able to get yhe timing control I want out of such a significant hardware downgrade.

 

[Lovemyreef2015]

Here is a bump. I'm sure we will find someone to help.

 

[VG30DE-TT]

Thanks, I have looked though the manual, and it seems that the only feature that the BT module has over the original setup with the IR remote is that you can set up each of the 4 lighting profiles without activating them to do it. You can not control the transition from one lighting mode to the next only when sunrise and sunset begins . It's a preset 15min transition into 30min of twilight and then 15min fade into either daytime or night time.

The build quality of the BT module is pathetic at best compared to the Non BT setup I'll be leaving the BT module in the box.

 

[JasonK84]

Thanks, I have looked though the manual, and it seems that the only feature that the BT module has over the original setup with the IR remote is that you can set up each of the 4 lighting profiles without activating them to do it. You can not control the transition from one lighting mode to the next only when sunrise and sunset begins . It's a preset 15min transition into 30min of twilight and then 15min fade into either daytime or night time.

The build quality of the BT module is pathetic at best compared to the Non BT setup I'll be leaving the BT module in the box.

Can you post pics of the bluetooth module and show the pathetic build quality. I'm looking at adding the module to my LOOP system and this is the only negative thing I have seen.

 

[VG30DE-TT]

Sure can, in a few hours when I get home from work.

 

[VG30DE-TT]

I guess pathetic build quality is harsh, I was just so throughly impressed, with how significant my original IC light and wave pump controller was. I really liked the hard mounted brackets that everything slid into, the remote display is made from a peice of light housing. I also rely liked all the little rubber plugs to plug unused ports and the little holsters on the sides to hold the plugs when you do use ports or different ones.


ALL the power connections fit tightly into the rubber boot around each port and eventhough Currnet says DO NOT get wet not even a splash. Its obviously splash proof. And although not very sientific each peice feels like a quality component in your hand. I feel like if I tried to break one in half with my bare hands, I'd probably just get the rubber skin off of them and still have a functioning peice.

So on to the BT module,

Very thin plastic body, that I could break with my bear hands.



The power connection side is in no way remotely splash proof (I know they say notit's not, perhaps they over built the other model)


And the most offensive part to me is the way the box mounts, you use the supplied hook and loop tape to stick the clear plastic package that it shipped in to your mounting position.

I'm going to hang onto it in case I loose my remote or something fails I'll be able to get back up and running quickly, and it really doesn't add many useful features, unless I'm missing something. You can change the duration of the final Night mode (its 6hrs default with the remote) and you can change the color spectrum (R, G, B & W) for each of the 4 memory locations, without having to activate the light mode your changing in the tank at that time. In other words you can change your daytime lighting, in the middle of the night without disturbing the tank.

 

[JasonK84]

I guess pathetic build quality is harsh, I was just so throughly impressed, with how significant my original IC light and wave pump controller was. I really liked the hard mounted brackets that everything slid into, the remote display is made from a peice of light housing. I also rely liked all the little rubber plugs to plug unused ports and the little holsters on the sides to hold the plugs when you do use ports or different ones.


ALL the power connections fit tightly into the rubber boot around each port and eventhough Currnet says DO NOT get wet not even a splash. Its obviously splash proof. And although not very sientific each peice feels like a quality component in your hand. I feel like if I tried to break one in half with my bare hands, I'd probably just get the rubber skin off of them and still have a functioning peice.

So on to the BT module,

Very thin plastic body, that I could break with my bear hands.



The power connection side is in no way remotely splash proof (I know they say notit's not, perhaps they over built the other model)


And the most offensive part to me is the way the box mounts, you use the supplied hook and loop tape to stick the clear plastic package that it shipped in to your mounting position.

I'm going to hang onto it in case I loose my remote or something fails I'll be able to get back up and running quickly, and it really doesn't add many useful features, unless I'm missing something. You can change the duration of the final Night mode (its 6hrs default with the remote) and you can change the color spectrum (R, G, B & W) for each of the 4 memory locations, without having to activate the light mode your changing in the tank at that time. In other words you can change your daytime lighting, in the middle of the night without disturbing the tank.

Thanks for that. I think they should have included a solid mounting bracket like all of the hubs and non Bluetooth controllers have. For me I think that is the worst part. I tried their sticky hook and loop mounting tape when I first mounted my return pump and circulation pump hubs and they let loose in a day. Screwed them in place and they are solid.