Just looking for sunrise/sunset - Apex VDM + ?

chemchris · 10/27/2012, 05:47 PM

I'm about to purchase the JBJ unibody LED for my nuvo 30. I want a controller that would allow me to slowly increase/decrease the lighting on a set schedule throughout the course of a day. I saw posts where people used the Neptune Systems Apex Variable Speed/Dimming Module (VDM) with their JBJ unibody.
Was about to buy it and decided to read the Apex manual- do I understand correctly that the VDM is just an add-on and I need to buy the $500 Apex base unit also? $600 seems like a lot to dim some lights.

If that's the case are there any alternatives?

Thanks, I'm new to this and trying to figure this stuff out.

JBJ Unibody Manual:
0 - 10v controller ready - 1 channel for blue, 1 channel for white

bobfish4black · 10/27/2012, 06:18 PM

check out this controller, u may have to use it with relays but it can do it!

bobfish4black · 10/27/2012, 06:19 PM

sorry here's the link

http://www.clay-boa.com/dim4-4-po...ntroller-v1-0/

chemchris · 10/27/2012, 06:37 PM

thanks bobfish4black I'll check out that arduino controller.

So I guess I am expected to shell out $600 for a dimmer- the radion xr30w for $750 doesn't sound so bad anymore (since it appears to have the ability to do this built in).

I saw an AI controller at my LFS today- was told it was $150 but it doesn't appear to be compatible with the JBJ unibody-if anyone sees anything in that price range please let me know.

chemchris · 10/28/2012, 04:45 PM

I know at this point I'm having a converation with myself, but as someone that uses forums a lot for my work- I like to come back and post whatever *fix* I found just in case anyone else stumbles upon my post.

It looks like I can get the sunrise/sunset for pretty cheap. Bob's post got me looking at arduino boards, and I found one that is already programmed.

Typhon LED Controller - For each channel you can set start and stop times, min and max intensity values, and fade time. $54 (includes power adapter + 8 pin cord)

I'll update again when the unit arrives.

madean · 10/28/2012, 05:28 PM

You probably can find something that will work that is cheaper than the apex if you only want to dim the lights. The apex system is capable of doing do much more, and thats why it costs more. If you would like to monitor perameters, have powerhead control, have lighting control, have water leakage detection, and other things that you can come up with, then an apex is for you. The point being is that an apex is capable of doing so much more than just dimming the lights. So if all you want is lighting control $600 is a lot to pay for. If you want more and to be able to moniter remotely via the web, apex is not that much.

Knd107 · 11/19/2012, 10:24 AM

Hey,

You were right and I stumbled on your post.

I am looking for exactly what you are it seems. I want to have the LED ramp up and ramp down per channel from a controller. Did you ever get the Typhon and how did it work out? I was checking out the Rapid LED controller but it still looks like I will need to have it on a timer so the programming resets. Sounded stupid.

What timing are you using? I have my blue channel on from 7am-ish to 7/8pm-ish. Whites come on from 10am to 4pm. I have them at 50% right now since I'm not home to ramp them up and down. Worried that I would bleach my corals.

Also, did you ever think about adding in moonlights?

Thanks,

10/27/2012, 05:47 PM	#1
chemchris Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL Posts: 77	Just looking for sunrise/sunset - Apex VDM + ? I'm about to purchase the JBJ unibody LED for my nuvo 30. I want a controller that would allow me to slowly increase/decrease the lighting on a set schedule throughout the course of a day. I saw posts where people used the Neptune Systems Apex Variable Speed/Dimming Module (VDM) with their JBJ unibody. Was about to buy it and decided to read the Apex manual- do I understand correctly that the VDM is just an add-on and I need to buy the $500 Apex base unit also? $600 seems like a lot to dim some lights. If that's the case are there any alternatives? Thanks, I'm new to this and trying to figure this stuff out. JBJ Unibody Manual: 0 - 10v controller ready - 1 channel for blue, 1 channel for white

10/27/2012, 06:18 PM	#2
bobfish4black Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: BC Canada Posts: 198	check out this controller, u may have to use it with relays but it can do it! __________________ 187 custom reef tank, Running ZeoVit, Apex New Gen, Jebao DCS 12000 return, custom180 Euro-reef skimmer, Mazzi venturi and mag 18, Lighting-2 60" XHO blue reefbrites , with 8x60" T-5, 3 Maxspect Gyre Current Tank Info: 187 Gallon reef tank, ZeoVit with Vibe, Apex classic, Jebao DCS 12000 return pump, custom180 Euro-reef skimmer with Mazzi venturi and mag 18pump, Lighting-2 60" XHO blue reefbrites , with 8x60" T-5, 3 Maxspect Gyre XF150

10/27/2012, 06:19 PM	#3
bobfish4black Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: BC Canada Posts: 198	sorry here's the link http://www.clay-boa.com/dim4-4-po...ntroller-v1-0/ __________________ 187 custom reef tank, Running ZeoVit, Apex New Gen, Jebao DCS 12000 return, custom180 Euro-reef skimmer, Mazzi venturi and mag 18, Lighting-2 60" XHO blue reefbrites , with 8x60" T-5, 3 Maxspect Gyre Current Tank Info: 187 Gallon reef tank, ZeoVit with Vibe, Apex classic, Jebao DCS 12000 return pump, custom180 Euro-reef skimmer with Mazzi venturi and mag 18pump, Lighting-2 60" XHO blue reefbrites , with 8x60" T-5, 3 Maxspect Gyre XF150

10/27/2012, 06:37 PM	#4
chemchris Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL Posts: 77	thanks bobfish4black I'll check out that arduino controller. So I guess I am expected to shell out $600 for a dimmer- the radion xr30w for $750 doesn't sound so bad anymore (since it appears to have the ability to do this built in). I saw an AI controller at my LFS today- was told it was $150 but it doesn't appear to be compatible with the JBJ unibody-if anyone sees anything in that price range please let me know.

10/28/2012, 04:45 PM	#5
chemchris Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL Posts: 77	I know at this point I'm having a converation with myself, but as someone that uses forums a lot for my work- I like to come back and post whatever fix I found just in case anyone else stumbles upon my post. It looks like I can get the sunrise/sunset for pretty cheap. Bob's post got me looking at arduino boards, and I found one that is already programmed. Typhon LED Controller - For each channel you can set start and stop times, min and max intensity values, and fade time. $54 (includes power adapter + 8 pin cord) I'll update again when the unit arrives.

10/28/2012, 05:28 PM	#6
madean Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 994	You probably can find something that will work that is cheaper than the apex if you only want to dim the lights. The apex system is capable of doing do much more, and thats why it costs more. If you would like to monitor perameters, have powerhead control, have lighting control, have water leakage detection, and other things that you can come up with, then an apex is for you. The point being is that an apex is capable of doing so much more than just dimming the lights. So if all you want is lighting control $600 is a lot to pay for. If you want more and to be able to moniter remotely via the web, apex is not that much.

11/19/2012, 10:24 AM	#7
Knd107 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 173	Hey, You were right and I stumbled on your post. I am looking for exactly what you are it seems. I want to have the LED ramp up and ramp down per channel from a controller. Did you ever get the Typhon and how did it work out? I was checking out the Rapid LED controller but it still looks like I will need to have it on a timer so the programming resets. Sounded stupid. What timing are you using? I have my blue channel on from 7am-ish to 7/8pm-ish. Whites come on from 10am to 4pm. I have them at 50% right now since I'm not home to ramp them up and down. Worried that I would bleach my corals. Also, did you ever think about adding in moonlights? Thanks,