What do you Think Of the Reef Angel Controller
- Thread starter jhart
- Start date
- Location
- Kings Park, NY
Including the RA wifi module is unfair comparison as the Apex offers no wireless solution natively. The $289 RA includes the 0-10v (slightly cheaper for PWM version) dimmer whereas the Apex requires a VDM module for an additional $100.
I stand corrected, didn't realize the full blown Apex for $500 includes 4 VDM ports. Please negate the additional $100 VDM cost if comparing to the $500 model.
I stand corrected, didn't realize the full blown Apex for $500 includes 4 VDM ports. Please negate the additional $100 VDM cost if comparing to the $500 model.
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So after alot of research .. I decided to go with the Reef Angel.. In the past I've owned the original Neptune and the original Reef Keeper, The neptune used those X10 modules which I hated and costed a fortune , there tech support was terrible , And I had a bad taste towards them , I've read better reviews about there new Apex and there support , So it was tough , but $500 was a little steep there light version only has 4 plugs which is pretty lame, The whole Iphone thing is a great Idea, But the lack of outlets Well , Stinks..
Now The reef keeper In the past I had a wonderful experience , but After emailing Reef Angel and getting a response back with 20 mins and seeing all the modules and endless setups you can do and there price point it was a no brainer..
So I just received the controller today set up was easier than I thought and the basic code pre installed dose more than the basic reefer would need , It is menu driven and gives you control over time intervals comes with a PH probe, temp probe, and 2 out lets can be dimmed with a $ 4.00 extra wire, so there's no need to buy the PWM module , Wifi well that's and extra $100 do you need yes/no and there's a smartphone app which allows to do everything the Apex can , so for $230.00 without the wifi module its so worth it, compare to the other controllers , As I said it has far more features and far more upgradable the the other 2 , I'm very happy with with it and very happy with there service , as it's par none.. Roberto is more than helpful and there community is an ongoing project in the works.. Ask for something and they will produce it, it's what it seems to me..
As far as being able to have to code , thats really not a big deal, most of us reefers have a brain and with there help and code already written by so many people , its just as easy as asking. What do i do..
Now The reef keeper In the past I had a wonderful experience , but After emailing Reef Angel and getting a response back with 20 mins and seeing all the modules and endless setups you can do and there price point it was a no brainer..
So I just received the controller today set up was easier than I thought and the basic code pre installed dose more than the basic reefer would need , It is menu driven and gives you control over time intervals comes with a PH probe, temp probe, and 2 out lets can be dimmed with a $ 4.00 extra wire, so there's no need to buy the PWM module , Wifi well that's and extra $100 do you need yes/no and there's a smartphone app which allows to do everything the Apex can , so for $230.00 without the wifi module its so worth it, compare to the other controllers , As I said it has far more features and far more upgradable the the other 2 , I'm very happy with with it and very happy with there service , as it's par none.. Roberto is more than helpful and there community is an ongoing project in the works.. Ask for something and they will produce it, it's what it seems to me..
As far as being able to have to code , thats really not a big deal, most of us reefers have a brain and with there help and code already written by so many people , its just as easy as asking. What do i do..
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- Location
- Kings Park, NY
Actually it is a fair comparison as the Apex offers an Ethernet port. The RA does not so to have equal features you would need to include the wifi cost in the RA.
Congrats on your purchase. I think I'll go with the RA as my next controller as well. I assume you'll need the wifi module in order for the smartphone app to communicate with it?
True. However, a gaming adapter would be needed should the user want wireless connectivity.
Well here's the list on included items with the $499. Apex
1 Apex Base Unit
1 Temperature Probe
1 Apex Display Module w/ 10? AquaBus cable
1 EnergyBar 8
1 6? AquaBus cable
1 Standard Grade pH probe (may be upgraded to lab probe)
1 Owner?s Manual
Here's the included items with the RA for $239.00 add $100 for wifi
And your at $339.00 and you have float switches
And you have endless possible programmability ..
- Head Unit
- Relay Box
- Built-in Signal Booster
- HDDB15 Communication Cable
- PH Probe
- Waterproof Temperature Sensor
- 2x Float Switch
- USB-TTL converter cable
- Location
- Kings Park, NY
Take a look at both side by side. Both from a fit, finish, feature set and options. The Apex is a better product in almost every area. Congrats on the choice. Hope it works well for ya.
- Location
- Brooklyn, NY
+1
Apex has some nice additional modules like WXM I can't even imagine to stop using that module with my Ecotech Marine pump.
For AI users they have VDM module which is also nice toy.
I'm also using 5 LEDs lunar simulator but the most important thing for me is if anytime I have question somebody is there to help me out.
Float switches? $4 on eBay free shipping
But I gonna check this thread to check your opinion about your new toy.
GL with your purchase.
- Location
- Flushing NY 11355
Can someone post the link to Reef Angel? I cannot find it on the web. Stupid me.
U get a free PH probe when u order it from Russ
Interesting article, I agree with some of it , although it was written this Feb, And a lot has changed , Mac support is there, and the preloaded code has changed a bit.
They are correct in saying its like having a ARF plane verse's a Build it yourself plane, Which is a good way to look at it, Personally I don't wanna be constricted to what I can or can not do, If I wanna have my wave maker co- inside with my light pattern at certain intervals I can ,If I wanna add a doser, to dose on odd days I can , If I wanna add well anything I can think of I can , there's just endless possibilities. And as they said there's a whole community thats passionate about the development, and not just one guy. Its open source which means I or you can program to our hearts content and share it..
Is it for everyone ...Definitely NOT>>> But Im a tinkerer and I love it..
- Location
- Flushing NY 11355
Thanks
After choosing all the modules, do I have to install/compile or tweak or whatsoever to run all the modules?
In other words, are the software that comes with package preloaded?
I am going to read the manual today to find out some answers myself but a quick reply from anyone would help.
- Location
- Brooklyn - Dyker Heights
I don't want to paraphrase the article, but the most important thing to understand for the people that want to buy the RA controller is that, you, the user, needs to tinker with the code in order to make the controller work, is not like plug and play, meaning that you take it out of the box and it works. If you are the type of person that gets frustrated while operating a computer, the RA is not for you.
PS i do not have the controller but I read about it in my search for a controller.
PS i do not have the controller but I read about it in my search for a controller.
^That about sums it up. It's not for those who want something that is plug and play but that is the tradeoff for the flexibility it offers. The code isn't overly complex and most of what you want to do has been written by someone else and posted on their forum. For the most part it just requires that you copy the code and tweak it for your setup. If there are issues or you need help you can post your code on their forum and normally someone will respond within a few hours with help or even rewrite it for you.
That is absoulty 100% INCORRECT ..
The RA controller comes with a standard code that works right out of the box..
No tinkering no hookin up to a computer , just plug the unit in and your using it just as the Neptune controllers and the reef keepers ..
Below is the standard code that is menu driven with options to choose your times, wave maker intervals ,temp setting, heat override settings , feed mode, ph calibrate, and more..
They have actually thought out all the basic needs , I myself am using the standard code.
And to note you don't need to know how to program which is easy by the way, There fourms have so many codes allready written it as easy as downloading a song from iTunes and putting it on your iPod .
Also that article was written in February since then they have changed alot and added alot of hardware including a salinity module in March.
But as I said its not for everyone .
Port 1: Auto top-off pump
Port 2: Moonlight lights
Port 3: Actinic lights
Port 4: Daylight lights
Port 5: Wavemaker pump 2
Port 6: Wavemaker pump 1
Port 7: Heater
Port 8: Return pump
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