I don't want to hijack the OP's thread, but yes the single 2.4ghz channel AP has a wired connection to one of the mesh pucks which should eliminate the channel hopping as described. But it is still on the mesh network which I am told is the problem.
The Hydros will work on some mesh networks. Not everyone with a mesh network has had the issues. There is no issue unless the wifi power strips are used since they will connect to 5ghz and 2.4ghz. They need to stay on 2.4ghz to communicate with the controllers since the controllers are 2.4ghz only. The wifi power strips are Tuya protocol power strips. There are several that you can get that will pair with the controllers, but for $40 a strip and you get the mounting bracket I am not sure it would be worth using a different brand strip. Most of the time it only requires changing the name of one of the channels to separate them. There is always the access point with a different name and wired directly to the router and not another access point. That will work since it does not use the wifi mesh part of the mesh system. Mine will usually run several weeks without a wifi strip issue. When I do have one rebooting my router will fix it. I tired rebooting controllers and strips first and it alway end up at the router, but I have to reboot it occasionally to get my Surface to connect also. I guess it may be getting too old for all the things that are now connected to it.
They sell 50' data only command buss cables. They use CAN buss communications on the command buss. My tank is 35ft from my garage and I have controllers in both locations and all are in the same collective. Not sure what you mean by multi-brain backup but if they are in a collective they will not show in the list as separate controllers and the backups in the cloud are for the whole collective. Below is a screenshot of the left menu an only the collective shows as a selection. The second screenshot is the controllers within the collective once it has been selected. The app normally comes up with it selected and in the Hex Tank status page.
They have to have a command buss connection for a collective, but if you can run a CAT cable there are instructions on making command buss to CAT5. The command buss cables have a 5 pin GX12 connector. So that is not much difference than running pre made CAT5.
Here is the link to making the adapters https://forum.coralvuehydros.com/threads/diy-rj45-to-command-bus.340/ . Also I think Jeff sells adapter boxes to to this with if you would rather buy them.
I haven't created a collective yet so I could be stating it wrong.
That's what I'm planning on doing. Got the plugs ready, just waiting on the decision to drill holes in my floor haha
Where did you get that you have to use their calibration fluid. I use Pinpoint fluid with the Hydros. They do jot have a way to export at this time but from what I understand that both graphs and a way to export is on their list of thing to do. It is a long list though. I don't export so it is no big deal for me. I usually put down the readings from the Hydros when I do my other test each week. The only ones are temp and pH anyway. My previous controller did not export either it was the Archon.
The subject of exporting data came up in their live stream with Reef Automation. It is a good way into the live stream but Carlos says it is on the to do list .
For example, I can make a Borax calibration of 9.18 instead of the 10. It's cheaper, faster than ordering, and I trust it more. I've seen videos showing an Apex being calibrated to a value other than 10, but it doesn't look like the Hydros has this option. I've read both manuals, and neither address this.
I do want to be able to export the data, but this really shows the mentality of the company. If an engineer designed this product, data export would be the first feature added. Someone here designed the marketing brochure first.
