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Today on BRStv we have the third episode in our Neptune series where we will give you
a brief overview of the main Apex Control Module and all the connections.
Hi I'm Ryan host of BRStv where each week we go over a new topic related to reefing.
This week are going to go over the Apex base unit and all of its connections, first of
which is the power connector. Despite its name you don't need this to power the Apex
or modules and for a vast majority of you this plug will go empty.
The Apex powers itself through the aquabus USB cables and does not need external power.
The power supply for this is completely optional and sold separately, not a super popular purchase
but one some may consider. The port is designed to enable power outage sensing or notifications
as well as provide a backup power source for the base unit during an outage. This power
supply would be used in conjunction with an additional Energy Bar and UPS battery back
up to power some powerheads or airstones during an outage. This is somewhat advanced so we
will dedicate an entire episode to this in the future.
Next are the aquabus connectors which look like USB connections but I can't stress enough
they are not designed for USB products only Apex products. If you connect your laptop
or phone into these you will see the evil smoke monster come out of them for sure. Notice
there are two, every module has two aquabus connections so you can connect the module
as well as daisy chain another off of it. Doesn't matter which connection use for either
purpose.
The next port is labeled control. Most of you will have no use for this. They included
it so you could have backward compatibility with their older controllers like the AC3.
Again most of you will have no need for this port.
Next is the ethernet port, if you can a direct connection is ideal and the added effort run
a cable here. But a wireless is likely what most people will use. Neptune doesn't officially
support any particular wireless access point or gaming adaptor but they do recommend the
Netgear WNCE 2001. I have found most brands work.
Next is the temp port. Looks like a phone jack and is pretty self-explanatory. This
is where you plug in your temperature probe which will be used to tell the Apex what the
tanks current temp is for the display as well as controlling heaters and other equipment.
Next is the connection to an I/O breakout box. The breakout box doesn't come with your
Apex and needs to be purchased separately. This box is capable of doing some pretty cool
things based on pretty much any type of switch. Float switches for auto top off and level
control. Door switches to turn lights on and off, buttons to trigger feed or maintenance
cycles, trigger lighting macros which show off the tank for your favorite friends, really
endless opportunities.
Next is the pH and ORP ports. Technically speaking the pH can go in either port but
if you are going to run a single pH probe it is a more intuitive process to attach your
pH probe to the BNC connector labeled pH. The second probe can be switched between pH
and ORP depending on what you use it for.
The last two ports variable voltage or speed connectors. Most common use for these is to
control DC controllable pumps like the Tunze streams and dim or color shift LED lights
like the Kessils. Each port has two channels for a total of four meaning one cable can
control both the dimming function as well as color on the second channel. Most items
require a special cable to connect to the equipment.
You can find a list of Apex ready products which either use the variable voltage or separate
modules on Neptunes website. If you have any questions, advice for other reefers or unique
uses for things like the I/O switch ports share them down in the comments area down
below. If this is your first time with us hit that subscribe button because we do this
every week. See you next week with another episode of BRStv.