Impression on the new AI Vega

[SanmanReefer]

So I bought 2 AI Vega Color for my 120 gallon tank about a week ago. Haven't installed them (probably tomorrow afternoon as my friend Jademan is working on the brackets for my canopy) These are just my initial impressions on the build and color of the unit (Not PAR measurements at the moment) The units seem well built, just like the AI SOL (practically look the same), no data cable hook up as they are wireless (so far so good). Now the controller is another thing. The controller can be used while plugged into a PC or plugged into the wall. Haven't tried the latter (will update you guys on that) I have to say that I'm not a fan of this new controller having tried the SOL controller. Today I had the lights about 2-3 feet away from the units and it was not delivering the commands (with all bars signal) and/or was having some sort of delay. I tried turning the lights off and it did not happened at all. I also tried to update the controller and it was frozen for about two hours. I eventually reverted to the original firmware and it seems to be working fine. I also tried to set the intensity of each color manually and had a hard time getting the lights into manual mode. I reset the lights and the problem was solved. I also called AI, (great customer support by the way) and was given a walkthrough as far as intensities,etc.. Also was told that the remote should've updated with no problem and to call them back if it happened again and they would send me a new one. They also said that they will be integrating new features at MACNA as far as the controller and the new Director (??) So I have to wait and see. These are my first impressions of the light, keep in mind that I haven't installed them in my tank yet, just what transpired during and after the setup. IMO the lights are solid, it's probably software issues with this new wireless remote. I just want to share my experience. Is anyone having the same issues with these units? I'd like to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks.

 

[tosiek]

I just set my vega up 2 days ago and spent a good a mount of time playing with the light so i'll add a few things to the first impressions. Your controller seems to be having an issue. I updated mine and tested it out from about 15 feet away or more and i didn't have any issues. No freezes, no lag, no nothing. Its been super responsive. Haven't had any issues aside from a small manual mode bug with nighttime settings not updating when moving between day and night mode. Everything else works perfectly.

The weird touch buttons haven't given me any issues either although im not a fan. You need to wait a second before pressing again so moving up 5% by 1% increments takes some time. If they stayed with a simple push button interface it would have had a better user interface feel.

The light is 1" shorter than the sol and look wise its a much sleeker light. The bottom plastic is also a better quality, less see through, sharper edges, ect.

I can't give any extra thoughts on the quality of lighting. I've yet to play with my Seneye's par reader to get some readings. Should be doing that later tomorrow or weds. Its a nice light and don't see any issues with getting enough light far enough into deeper tanks. It sits above my nano 4" and lights the sandbed 20" below the bottom of the tank perfectly fine at 60% brightness (this is just a general assumption, i've yet to do par readings). I'll get some par readings off the Seneye and give any results later this week at the different intensity percentages.

I've played with the Sol Blues before. My main issue with the LED's was to look for something I can use to get that nice white/14k feel to my tank and this is definitely a better all round 14k spectrum than the Sol Blues. More like a nice Iwasaki or ushio 14k bulb with/without supplementation and im able to almost replicate a 14k phoenix if I wanted, supplemented or not.

 

[Master Shake]

pics please?

 

[SanmanReefer]

I built custom brackets for my Vegas. Will install them hopefully tomorrow (been extremely busy) I'll post pictures in a day or so.

 

[SanmanReefer]

I just set my vega up 2 days ago and spent a good a mount of time playing with the light so i'll add a few things to the first impressions. Your controller seems to be having an issue. I updated mine and tested it out from about 15 feet away or more and i didn't have any issues. No freezes, no lag, no nothing. Its been super responsive. Haven't had any issues aside from a small manual mode bug with nighttime settings not updating when moving between day and night mode. Everything else works perfectly.

The weird touch buttons haven't given me any issues either although im not a fan. You need to wait a second before pressing again so moving up 5% by 1% increments takes some time. If they stayed with a simple push button interface it would have had a better user interface feel.

The light is 1" shorter than the sol and look wise its a much sleeker light. The bottom plastic is also a better quality, less see through, sharper edges, ect.

I can't give any extra thoughts on the quality of lighting. I've yet to play with my Seneye's par reader to get some readings. Should be doing that later tomorrow or weds. Its a nice light and don't see any issues with getting enough light far enough into deeper tanks. It sits above my nano 4" and lights the sandbed 20" below the bottom of the tank perfectly fine at 60% brightness (this is just a general assumption, i've yet to do par readings). I'll get some par readings off the Seneye and give any results later this week at the different intensity percentages.

I've played with the Sol Blues before. My main issue with the LED's was to look for something I can use to get that nice white/14k feel to my tank and this is definitely a better all round 14k spectrum than the Sol Blues. More like a nice Iwasaki or ushio 14k bulb with/without supplementation and im able to almost replicate a 14k phoenix if I wanted, supplemented or not.

I finally updated the controller and it is working great so far. Maybe there was a glitch!. I will be installing them tomorrow. Just built custom brackets and will be cutting my canopy tomorrow. I'm gonna set them up with the heatsink out of the canopy and the bottom half inside the tank. Will post pics in a day or so.