Profilux 4 owners

[ingchr1]

All powerboard switches are able to be used in manual mode but if you use manual mode no switch will work in auto mode (if that makes sense, ie everything works manually or automatically no mixing. There is options to turn on sets of switches by a button push and the rest still work on auto.
You have a graphing option for all sensors available

To turn off a switch you could also change the function to Always Off, then turn it on by going back to the needed function.

 

[Shanet]

One downer, if you live in a time zone that is in a 1/2 hour zone, i.e. +9.30 you cant set it. It only works in full hour zones. A work around is use GHL Control Centre on a PC and make Profilux use PC time.

 

[Shanet]

To turn off a switch you could also change the function to Always Off, then turn it on by going back to the needed function.

What I like is there are lots of options to work around different needs with Profilux.

When you get to understand and use Programmable logic the options are limitless.

 

[Lasse]

Programmable logic is very good to use. With help of a P3.1, PL and 2 pcs 5.1 power bars and 4 level switches I have succeeded to have a test reactor to run. The test reactor is a part of the development of a system using a special agent in order to catch Phosphorus and Nitrogen from human urine. The procedure includes open and closing 3 ball valves, starting and stopping a pump and compressor, regulate 5 solenoid valves for air, read of alarms from a load cell. I did this working concept for around $ 1000 using standard parts instead of developed a new software, new hardware and so on. GHL:s background as a developer for industrial control systems is a good backbone for us. The GHL control centre is a software tool that´s for free - I know what tools like that cost at the industrial market. I have also developed advanced controlling of scientifically experiments - just using the inbuild abilities in GHL profilux. In this case we succeeded to stabilize the experimental pH to varying at most plus minus 0.03, using one fast source (CO2) and one slow source (aeration). Every one that have tried to control fast and slow reactions at the same time understand the problem. With GHL/profilux – you get extra all (as swedes use to say when ordering pizza) and to a rather good prize, IMO.

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Ditto]

On Facebook they said the powerbar 6 will be available in a couple weeks on the US, it on the containers in shipment.

They also posted that current logging and the ability to program functions based on the current utilization like something stops working drawing 0 power is also coming out soon. (Whooohoo)

 

[Lasse]

They also posted that current logging and the ability to program functions based on the current utilization like something stops working drawin 0 power is also coming out soon. (Whooohoo)

Good news - but means more powerbars :)

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Ditto]

Not sure if anyone caught this on there Facebook they are also releasing a new compact LED fixture the Mitras LX7204.

From the Facebook Post: (Of showing the concept pieces, and people guessing)
Matthias Groß
Yes, you are right, this is the new Mitras LX7204 (resp. 7004 for freshwater) with 4 clusters. Prices and details will be announced soon, it will be shown at Reefapalooza Orlando.

 

[PiggyPuffin]

@PiggyPuffin - Are you talking about the ability to program based on amperage output?

What @Lasse points out is power monitoring in the event power goes out you can control what devices remain on, you can reduce power to 1-10 volt channels and even lower light output all to conserve power a great feature. This feature been out for a while and a few posts on the forums here explaining the feature.

Yes, sorry, I meant programming based on changes in amperage. You can see the current amps per socket, but you can't do anything with those values - no plots, no programming, no alerts....nada! And yes, if the power goes out there is the ability to have the controller act in response.

 

[Ditto]

Yes, sorry, I meant programming based on changes in amperage. You can see the current amps per socket, but you can't do anything with those values - no plots, no programming, no alerts....nada! And yes, if the power goes out there is the ability to have the controller act in response.

Next release of the firmware in about a month will give you the plotting, and programming.

As for power outages the device already has support for this and has a host of available options.

 

[turfster26]

WOW....great information and thank you very much to everyone for their quick replies to my queries.

I think this is a slam dunk purchase now that I am armed with this info. Seems like it can do everything the competitor's product can perform.

In full disclosure, when I purchased my (4) Mitras's in June 2018 they were a pain in the %$#^&%$ to program and get up to speed on their overall functionality & setup. So much so I almost sold them off to go back to MH/T5's. But I stuck it and I'm so glad I did. Vinny gave me his lighting schedule and I haven't touched it since. And it does appear that GHL has updated things with firmware releases and GCC updates too. Hoping they continue to improve their platform going forward b/c it seems like they have solid products.

Anyhow....thank you everyone once again and if the updated powerbars are available in the USA now I'll pull the trigger asap.

-Happy reefing

 

[Thebrinc]

A bit late on the bandwagon... but I feel the need to add my two cents having been in the same boat in 2019.

I decided to make the switch from Apex when my 800G matured and got the P4 megaset. I needed to be out of town for a month so wanted the extra security and choosing to believe all the wonderful things written about reliability and stability.

Straight out the box this thing was frustrating but I decided to put my opinions aside and learn the ins & outs. Not lying when I say I tried to calibrate my probes every weekend for over a month. 5,6 times each weekend to no avail. The only probe that worked accurately was the temperature probe.

The outlet on the powerbar had melted that controls my Tunze ATO (after only a couple months) and this morning I woke up to the smell of burning plastic again, losing a second socket. The unit's setup in a humidity controlled fish room, far away from the sump.

The Wifi loses connectivity on a monthly basis (located 8 foot from the router) and there's no input for a ethernet cable meaning you have to manually reset the device each time.

The notifications just don't work. I've lost days setting it up... and a week later they stop working, When they do work it takes 15minutes to come through.

The web / device interface is really slow to log in every time compared to the apex that just magically opens up and lets you turn channels on or off. Imagine being able to do that on a P4? You don't have individual control over channels long term either. Can't just "turn off the lights". When you log out, the lights turn back on. Clearly designed by engineers for engineers and lacks an intuitive interface. I can't imagine the developers at GHL had ever lived with a reef tank long term.

Unfortunately I just cannot stay quiet about this controller any longer. In my opinion it is way inferior to the apex in the ways that matter most. Reliability is quite frankly appalling. I'm ordering a new apex today and putting this chapter behind me. Maybe I just had a defective controller... and powerbar... and probes... but then again if that's the case, case & point.

I've said my piece... and have been using both generations of apex devices and the GHL for many many years.