Hydros Control 2 , Control 4 and accessories question and answer thread.

[Reefer Reboot]

Clarification might be needed. Despite the first picture shown on Amazon, the subsequent pictures show what matches the description. This has 2 normally on plugs and 2 normally off plugs.
(In regards to post 158)

 

[JeffB418]

Clarification might be needed. Despite the first picture shown on Amazon, the subsequent pictures show what matches the description. This has 2 normally on plugs and 2 normally off plugs.

Version 2 is the latest one being sold. The pictures are of V1. From the manufactures website " A single input signal switches three outlets: one normally on, two normally off. One always-on outlet is provided. "

Details at: https://dlidirect.com/products/iot-power-relay

The 2 I got from amazon this week were version 2.

 

[JeffB418]

Version 2 is the latest one being sold. The pictures are of V1. From the manufactures website " A single input signal switches three outlets: one normally on, two normally off. One always-on outlet is provided. "

Details at: https://dlidirect.com/products/iot-power-relay

The 2 I got from amazon this week were version 2.

I will also say that this relay box doesn't appear to have any UL/ETL certifications as well, so use at your own risk.

 

[Reefer Reboot]

Good to know, thanks. Never too sure with Amazon pictures.

 

[fishybizzness]

Not sure if it has been asked yet but any word on if flow sensors are in the future? I currently run 3, 2 uv and 1 return on my 2 tanks. Flow sensor capability would definitely be a game changer for me. Thanks

 

[JeffB418]

Not sure if it has been asked yet but any word on if flow sensors are in the future? I currently run 3, 2 uv and 1 return on my 2 tanks. Flow sensor capability would definitely be a game changer for me. Thanks

Yes I believe they are in the works but ETA is unknown. The software already shows support for multiple flow sensors, so that’s a good sign.

 

[fishybizzness]

I currently have a apex jr on my 55 but it's getting older and I may be replacing it in the future. I am definitely looking forward to seeing what coralvue has in the future! Coding for me is the pits! I just want a simple controller and the hydros looks like a winner!

 

[CoralVue_Marketing]

Not sure if it has been asked yet but any word on if flow sensors are in the future? I currently run 3, 2 uv and 1 return on my 2 tanks. Flow sensor capability would definitely be a game changer for me. Thanks

I believe there will be:

• 1/2"
• 3/4"
• 1"
• 1.25"
• 1.5"
• 2"

 

[n2585722]

So the EASIEST way to use a sense port for a switch input is to use this adapter:

HYDROS 3.5mm Sensor Adapter Cable

CoralVue HYDROS 3.5mm Adapter Cable The HYDROS 3.5mm Adapter cable.

www.coralvue.com

Below is the pinout of that adapter above, you can just get a stereo 3.5mm cable and adapt that to any switch you'd like. Just use the TIP and SLEEVE for switch connections and leave the RING unconnected. The above adapter is used for the rope sensor as well. So in theory you could add a switch to the end of your rope detector in the same manner I believe.

Use any of these to make an easy switch interface to 3.5mm plugs:

Thanks for the info.

I have run into an issue with timers. It may just be the way I am trying to use it but if I setup like it is in the screen shot below it will work for a one time on during 24 hours.

If I set it up like below it comes on and stays on. I doesn’t follow the schedule. Am I setting it up wrong.

 

[fishybizzness]

I believe there will be:

• 1/2"
• 3/4"
• 1"
• 1.25"
• 1.5"
• 2"

Game changer!!! Looks like a controller divorce might be in my future!

 

[JeffB418]

Just got confirmation from CV that this is a known bug that will be fixed in the next firmware release. When they update is available it should automatically prompt you to update.

Thanks for the info.

I have run into an issue with timers. It may just be the way I am trying to use it but if I setup like it is in the screen shot below it will work for a one time on during 24 hours.

If I set it up like below it comes on and stays on. I doesn’t follow the schedule. Am I setting it up wrong.

 

[shred5]

This is really good for setting up a Hydros Control.

 

[GainesvilleReef]

So some information on the Collective. There is a lot here, and I deep dive into some items that you need to understand for bigger systems. Coralvue is working on a comprehensive instruction for all this stuff that will be ready soon, but I wanted to clear up some questions ahead of time.

- IF you want to share input/output control/status between Control 2/4 and Sense modules, you MUST have them hardwired using command bus cables. This is because they use the dedicated CanBus to share and control that info. You can run Hydros devices separately but can't share input/outputs. You can access all devices with 1 account and in the app, just have to tab to each device.

- IF you have more than 1 device in a Collective, it provides redundancy in case of a module failure. By default you will get wifi/connection and programming redundancy. Based on notes below, you can also get power redundancy.

- I'm 90% sure about this, but I believe you can only wire devices in a Collective in a series/straight configuration. I do not believe it supports start topologies. I may be wrong on this, so I'll have to check with Coralvue engineering.

- For Collectives to properly and reliability communicate there MUST be at least 1 Communication Bus terminator installed at either end of your collective. For example if you have the following 3 devices in your collective with normal Command Bus cables (data and power), install the terminator at the end of your chain. Terminators should come with any command bus cables you buy (I've been told).

- If you have multiple devices connected with normal Command Bus cables (Data and Power), you CAN NOT have 2 power supplies connected at the same time. Both will be driving the system and one will likely burn out. If you would like redundancy in power, see the next bullet.

- Powered command bus is limited to 15 ft between devices, so if you have the following scenario where you are going more than 15 ft and using a Data Only Command Bus Cable (Data only, no power), this can also be used in systems where you want to run multiple power supplies to have redundancy as well. Also since the power supply is taking up the last port on both ends, and the system requires at least 1 terminator at the end, you must use a power supply that has an integrated terminator. I'm being told at some point all newer supplies will have this, but older ones might need to be modified. Contact Coralvue Support if you need this terminated power supply (if you don't have an updated version).

- Another option for powering your Hydros devices is using the Wave Engine. Currently Wave Engines can't be in a collective (coming in the future) but it can be connected via the Command Bus for power. So in the case below you have an extra port to put the standard terminator on the wave engine since power is supplied via a dedicated port. Also no need to use a power supply on the left with a terminator since you have at least 1 on either end.

- You can also connect Hydros devices up with Command Bus cables if you just want to share power. You are not required to make a Collective. You can still have any, or all devices run as independent controllers if you wish, you just don't have the abilities to share inputs/outputs and have wifi redundancy.

- As of right now now there is only 1 cable available from Coralvue for Command Bus. They are currently selling a 6ft Command Bus (Data and Power). I've been told a Data Only Command Bus cable is coming. As for custom length cables, you might be able to contact Coralvue Support and have custom lengths made up, but I'm not 100% on that. If you want to DIY your own, you can either buy the cable from Coralvue and cut it and splice in ethernet cable to make it longer. Again contact Coralvue Support and they can tell you what pins must be connected for Data Only cables. You could also splice on female ethernet connectors to a Command Bus cable cut in half and then just use ethernet cables for any length Data Bus only cable you'd like. There are alot of DIY options here. Coralvue has told me they will be releasing more lengths/types in the future.

- As for multiple Wave Engines on the same Hydros command bus, I am unsure you can connect 2 together with a standard Command Bus cable (data + power). I am looking into this now, but for now I would assume you'd have to use a data only cable.

So you may ask why do I know so much about this? Well I am currently installing the following Hydros setup on a bunch of my setups. It's going to be nuts =)

I just received a command bus cable. There is no bus terminator included. These should have been included with control 2/4 and the wave engine. How can I get them? I am trying to connect a control 2 to a wave engine.

 

[shred5]

I just received a command bus cable. There is no bus terminator included. These should have been included with control 2/4 and the wave engine. How can I get them? I am trying to connect a control 2 to a wave engine.

@Jeff@CoralVue can you help him out please. Thank you.

 

[shred5]

I appreciate the detailed response! I have been doing a LOT of reading and watching, but still missed the Sense Port Module. I really appreciate it. I am in the VERY early stages of my Nano (not actually wet, just dry rocks sitting in it...). It sounds like that is the piece of equipment I want along with the power strip.

Since the C4 is my plan for my main tank by the end of the year, I figured I would pull some knowledge about what I can do with the nano. The more you know...

Again, thank you!!

Got a reply from Don on the sense module:

The Sense 4 is identical to a Control 2 except that it has 4 sense ports instead of 2 drive and 2 sense. Yes, it has a bus connector and yes, it can be used as a standalone controller just like a Control 2.

So this very well could be a option for you with a WiFi strip...

 

[Hasted]

Got a reply from Don on the sense module:



So this very well could be a option for you with a WiFi strip...

Does that mean it does NOT have probe ports which still means no pH?

 

[n2585722]

I had to do a reset on my Control 4 but had issues. I was trying to use one of those magnets that are in the items that attach to a refrigerator. They are disc shaped. I ended up having to rotate the magnet once it was in place to get it to trigger for a reset. Once I figured that out it worked like a champ. I went live controlling the ATO today from the Control 4. Looks good so far.

 

[n2585722]

So the EASIEST way to use a sense port for a switch input is to use this adapter:

HYDROS 3.5mm Sensor Adapter Cable

CoralVue HYDROS 3.5mm Adapter Cable The HYDROS 3.5mm Adapter cable.

www.coralvue.com

Below is the pinout of that adapter above, you can just get a stereo 3.5mm cable and adapt that to any switch you'd like. Just use the TIP and SLEEVE for switch connections and leave the RING unconnected. The above adapter is used for the rope sensor as well. So in theory you could add a switch to the end of your rope detector in the same manner I believe.

Use any of these to make an easy switch interface to 3.5mm plugs:

That worked like a champ. Thanks again I have the relay switch contacts hooked up to the sense ports. One is ATO on and the other will shut down auto water change if the Archon sees an issue once I get it switched over to the Hydros. Also have the ATO running on the Hydros. The signal to let it know water is needed is coming from an Archon output and a relay into a sense port.

 

[shred5]

Does that mean it does NOT have probe ports which still means no pH?

Only the Control 4 does.

 

[Fishyj]

After speaking with Michael from Coralvue, I ordered the control 2. Also ordered another WiFi power strip and a water level sensor. I can’t wait to get this and start playing around with it.