DAY ONE I had a pH probe that wouldn't calibrate. I even tried other probes and they calibrated just fine. After a few days of getting the runaround from customer service, constantly having to repeat what I shared in the first email, they finally let me send it in. THREE WEEKS LATER I get a probe ("diagnosed and repaired.") Don't they get access to the apex? Can't they see how many times I tried. Isn't the data right there? Anyway, the new probe calibrates fine.
Then the WXM module is constantly kicking the MP40s offline. Same thing… constant run around from customer service. After learning you’re not even supposed to plug them into an eb8/eb832 (fair enough, waste of controllable outlet) and SEVERAL deletions/resets, it worked well for a week. But now I just decided to say ‘screw it’ when they go missing. I'd rather constantly delete/reset then deal with customer service.
Internet disconnects. Apparently everything else in my place, from several phones/tablets/computers/gaming systems/streaming devices can stay online, but the Apex simply must be a user error. /s
And back to the pH readings… le sigh. I have 2 PM1 modules and the base unit. (Technically 3 PM1s but the 3rd won't calibrate probes or even stay consistent with temp. (The thing didn’t even come with a mounting bracket.) BRS was kind enough to replace it and told me I could just keep the defective one. So I don't bother with it outside of using it for a 2nd breakout box. (and yes, if you want to have a second breakout box you need to spend 90 bucks for another module.) 0_o
Anyway, with the 3 working connections I start testing FOUR different brands of pH probes. All of which start to drift, in various directions, within a day. So I take the time to play musical chairs and shift probes to the next connection in line. Same issue. Move them down the line… same issue… I now have an Alkitronic. This thing sends a consistent digital signal for calibration and the Apex can’t even stay on point!
And don’t get me started on the salinity probe. The best way to calibrate this probe is to unplug it and put it in the trash. It simply can’t be trusted long term.
Now I have a 2 month old Flow Sensor that just decided to quit. I make sure to let them know the steps I took when testing. Like removing it to make sure there were no obstructions. Testing it on 2 different (correctly updated) FMModules and multiple connections. They say they need pictures of the inside and proof of purchase. Okay…. done. Then they tell me they’d like to setup a phone support session for the following week. What!? Why!? You can clearly see the modules are up and running as well as the other three flow sensors. Now I need to wait a week and explain all this again on the phone? They refuse to explain what they want me to try and just give their typical defensive nonsense about “numerous customers having something not configured correctly.” I swear if I have to replumb this thing into my system AGAIN I’m going to have an aneurysm lol. Even if we manage to get it up and running I’ll never be able to trust it. And when it craps out again it will likely be out of warranty. BTW, if they do issue a replacement you have to cut the cord and send them a picture as proof that you did so. How trusting of them.
Again, can’t they see these modules? I gave them access as far as I remember. I feel like such a sucker for getting myself into this ecosystem.
How this company manages to be at the top is baffling. Such poor pricing, poor PR, poor build quality, ridiculous design (these things feel and look like they were created by a first-year industrial design student.) Perhaps being at the top is what allows them to nickel and dime their customers? No need to worry about being anti-consumer when you have the market cornered! :/ And you can’t mention these things around R2R because it’ll suddenly turns into what amounts to a video-game console war and all objectivity goes out the window.
I’ve never worked with a company so determined to treat their customers like the customer is trying to scam them. They act completely aghast that a product could be functioning incorrectly! What is that!? And their constant defensive and condescending tone even leaks into their public facing relations. In their forum responses, I see as many snide comments as I do helpful answers to people’s questions. (Questions that could be answered if their documentation wasn’t the crap show it is.)
It’s the kind of build quality, attitude, and professionalism I’d expect from an unseasoned eBay seller.
/rant
Then the WXM module is constantly kicking the MP40s offline. Same thing… constant run around from customer service. After learning you’re not even supposed to plug them into an eb8/eb832 (fair enough, waste of controllable outlet) and SEVERAL deletions/resets, it worked well for a week. But now I just decided to say ‘screw it’ when they go missing. I'd rather constantly delete/reset then deal with customer service.
Internet disconnects. Apparently everything else in my place, from several phones/tablets/computers/gaming systems/streaming devices can stay online, but the Apex simply must be a user error. /s
And back to the pH readings… le sigh. I have 2 PM1 modules and the base unit. (Technically 3 PM1s but the 3rd won't calibrate probes or even stay consistent with temp. (The thing didn’t even come with a mounting bracket.) BRS was kind enough to replace it and told me I could just keep the defective one. So I don't bother with it outside of using it for a 2nd breakout box. (and yes, if you want to have a second breakout box you need to spend 90 bucks for another module.) 0_o
Anyway, with the 3 working connections I start testing FOUR different brands of pH probes. All of which start to drift, in various directions, within a day. So I take the time to play musical chairs and shift probes to the next connection in line. Same issue. Move them down the line… same issue… I now have an Alkitronic. This thing sends a consistent digital signal for calibration and the Apex can’t even stay on point!
And don’t get me started on the salinity probe. The best way to calibrate this probe is to unplug it and put it in the trash. It simply can’t be trusted long term.
Now I have a 2 month old Flow Sensor that just decided to quit. I make sure to let them know the steps I took when testing. Like removing it to make sure there were no obstructions. Testing it on 2 different (correctly updated) FMModules and multiple connections. They say they need pictures of the inside and proof of purchase. Okay…. done. Then they tell me they’d like to setup a phone support session for the following week. What!? Why!? You can clearly see the modules are up and running as well as the other three flow sensors. Now I need to wait a week and explain all this again on the phone? They refuse to explain what they want me to try and just give their typical defensive nonsense about “numerous customers having something not configured correctly.” I swear if I have to replumb this thing into my system AGAIN I’m going to have an aneurysm lol. Even if we manage to get it up and running I’ll never be able to trust it. And when it craps out again it will likely be out of warranty. BTW, if they do issue a replacement you have to cut the cord and send them a picture as proof that you did so. How trusting of them.
Again, can’t they see these modules? I gave them access as far as I remember. I feel like such a sucker for getting myself into this ecosystem.
How this company manages to be at the top is baffling. Such poor pricing, poor PR, poor build quality, ridiculous design (these things feel and look like they were created by a first-year industrial design student.) Perhaps being at the top is what allows them to nickel and dime their customers? No need to worry about being anti-consumer when you have the market cornered! :/ And you can’t mention these things around R2R because it’ll suddenly turns into what amounts to a video-game console war and all objectivity goes out the window.
I’ve never worked with a company so determined to treat their customers like the customer is trying to scam them. They act completely aghast that a product could be functioning incorrectly! What is that!? And their constant defensive and condescending tone even leaks into their public facing relations. In their forum responses, I see as many snide comments as I do helpful answers to people’s questions. (Questions that could be answered if their documentation wasn’t the crap show it is.)
It’s the kind of build quality, attitude, and professionalism I’d expect from an unseasoned eBay seller.
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