Offline Apex Controller

[ckantor1]

There are a couple of threads on this, but I'm having trouble finding information on my specific use case. My Apex frequently loses connection to my WiFi network and I need to be able to connect to Fusion when this happens. Is it possible to connect a device to the ethernet port on the Apex to access Apex Fusion when the Apex is NOT connected to the internet? What device(s) are recommended for something like this? I see Neptune has a controller, but I'm hoping for something a bit more modern that I can mount on the side of my tank stand.

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

This is not exactly what you are looking for, but I would recommend adding a display module for quick changes as well as using a powerline adapter. If your internet is working and the WiFi is what is spotty, then a powerline adapter can make a big difference.

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[RoanokeReef]

You can put it in WiFi Lock Access Point Mode and use a tablet / old phone to use the local pages for control. You will however loose Apex Fusion. https://help.neptunesystems.com/getstarted/apexng/apex-control-freak-advanced/

 

[ckantor1]

This is not exactly what you are looking for, but I would recommend adding a display module for quick changes as well as using a powerline adapter. If your internet is working and the WiFi is what is spotty, then a powerline adapter can make a big difference.

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Thanks for the suggestion. I'm off to learn about powerline adapters. This is a common issue for all of my reef equipment (though most of it doesn't have an ethernet port I can use). I think it might be too many wireless listeners in too small of a space because I have good WiFi coverage all through my house.

 

[ckantor1]

You can put it in WiFi Lock Access Point Mode and use a tablet / old phone to use the local pages for control. You will however loose Apex Fusion. https://help.neptunesystems.com/getstarted/apexng/apex-control-freak-advanced/

Thanks for this suggestion. This isn't an ideal solution, but if I get stuck with other options I might try this route. Would the device accessing the Apex be reachable on my local network at the same time? I would need to be able to control the Apex remotely when I'm traveling.

 

[RoanokeReef]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm off to learn about powerline adapters. This is a common issue for all of my reef equipment (though most of it doesn't have an ethernet port I can use). I think it might be too many wireless listeners in too small of a space because I have good WiFi coverage all through my house.

Oh I took it as you had an issue with home internet or wifi. If your Apex has a ethernet port use one of these or any WiFi bridge. The Apex has a terrible wifi chipset and drops all the time.

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[areefer01]

I am not sure I understand the issue but you can always access Fusion locally by your local network IP address. Hardwired or wireless. I'm not sure how your home network is setup though.

 

[ckantor1]

I am not sure I understand the issue but you can always access Fusion locally by your local network IP address. Hardwired or wireless. I'm not sure how your home network is setup though.

The issue is the Apex is frequently dropping connection to my WiFi network so I'm trying to create a more reliable connection to Fusion, even if that means setting up a local display by the tank.

 

[RoanokeReef]

Thanks for this suggestion. This isn't an ideal solution, but if I get stuck with other options I might try this route. Would the device accessing the Apex be reachable on my local network at the same time? I would need to be able to control the Apex remotely when I'm traveling.

This won't help you as wifi will still drop, I misunderstood your issue to begin with. The bridge being plugged into the ethernet will drastically help this.

 

[areefer01]

The issue is the Apex is frequently dropping connection to my WiFi network so I'm trying to create a more reliable connection to Fusion, even if that means setting up a local display by the tank.

Ah, got it now, ty. Can you use copper/hardwire - I don't remember if all models have ethernet ports. I use hardwire so have no experience on the disconnect with wifi. Without saying which side of the netework/device is possibly at fault maybe you can look at your home network / wireless side of things and see if there is any insight there? Channel density, retries, etc.

Not sure of your comfort level vs what you have access to and so forth.