ReefKeeper Elite Net Module thread

harleyreefer · 02/15/2009, 08:13 AM

Hello to all my fellow RKE owners out there, who have taken the plunge and have purchaced the NET module for the RKE controller. I think this thread might be a help to some uf us who are trying to get a wireless connection set up for our reef, so we can monitor our systems from our computers.

My module is connected to my RKE, but I havent had a lot of time to wade through the steps to get it up and running yet, though I know a few of you out there have had sucess already. My problem is that I am not a geek by any means, and I simply have not had to deal with much wireless issues yet. My router is a belkin, and it is wired via ethernet cable to my desktop. My laptop simply connected to it with little effort, and it has been a while since I messed with it. It wasnt broke, so i didnt try to fix it.

My first attempt to connect with my NET module was almost a disaster. I went through the steps in the instructions, and somehow i lost the internet connection with my computer completly. I ended up having to restore my computer to a previous date to get it back to internet capable. Hows that for non geekdom? That should teach me to mess with settings that I dont understand... but it probably wont :-o

With a few days off finally, perhaps i should sit down and read a little closer this time. Mabie you might have some happier tails to tell in your efforts. Any problems you had, and hopefully soloutions. Any bugs discoveredand your impressions after getting it up and running would be nice. Would also like to see any screenshots you might have, since I cant see mine yet...lol

I know someone elce was going to start a similar thread, so I hope you dont mind that I jumped the gun on this one. I tried to wait :-)

California Crow · 02/15/2009, 08:17 AM

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I'm pretty much in your position too, although a bit behind, as I've not yet ordered my NET module. I'll be watching this thread very closely.

CC

jtma508 · 02/15/2009, 08:31 AM

I got mine last week, plugged it in and it was up immediately. I made some changes to the network settings (to match the way I have my network designed) without issue. I easily renamed modules/channels and setup logging. No problem. I haven't, however, setup notices or RSS feeds yet.

The problem with the NET module is that everyone's system is so unique. And some folks have very little hands-on experience with configuring network equipment. It's not difficult but requires some experience or help. The good news is, once it's setup, it's setup.

harleyreefer · 02/15/2009, 06:34 PM

That sounds well and good, but the setting it up is going to be the fun part. I hear a game bridge is an option. i think ill look into that option and see what comes out of that..

harleyreefer · 02/15/2009, 10:14 PM

WOW, This was way easier than i thought. Ran a cable from my NET module to my router, ran the detector application, and SHAZAM !!! Took a few minits to rename all the channels, but it worked like a charm. Too cool!!!

Konadog · 02/16/2009, 11:09 AM

The NET module itself is the easy part, most people struggle with the networking to the outside world as each ISP is different and most people don't have any experience setting up routers, Dynamic ISP's, wirless bridges, etc....

Glad to here it was a simple setup for you!

plyr58 · 02/16/2009, 12:41 PM

I have posted how I got mine up and running (after mucht rial and error) here. Your mileage may vary, but I think I have a fairly good understanding of the process at this point and I will help if I can.

harleyreefer · 02/16/2009, 02:41 PM

Here is where I am at.. To get mine up and running on my computer, I simply plugged in my router via a ethernet cable, into my NET module. I downloaded the net detector and ran it. It found the page right away and entered the password that came with the instructions (downloaded also). It recognized my modules right away. Then it was simply a matter of renaming the modules, and picking a name for the channels. then it was time to pick what channels I wanted to log. i was looking for the graphs, untill I figgured out that I had to turn on a log for them first.. DOY!!. Now that it has been running about..18 hours or so, i can start to see the swing of things in my system... Kool!

I enabled RSS feeds, but thats as far as I went so far. I didnt set up my e-mail alerts yet, so I am not sure it works, but that should be pretty straight forward. I think getting outlook set up looked harder actually, and I somehow mannaged to do that.

this is where I might get into some work, getting it setup for the outside world. I cant imagine who would give a hoot about my tank besides me, but it would be nice to be able to find it from work if I needed to. I still have a couple more days off, so its not a huge deal yet, but I would like the option if needed. when I get the e-mail going, then I will look harder into finding the feed from another computer.

Also, It looks like to get text messaging to work, i will have to get hold of suddenlink to get thier number or address for the net to call, to text me. Seems like it could be simpler to do than all that, but what do I know?

Oh, can the e-mail address that it comes from be the same that it goes to, or do the two of them have to be different? Example: sent from myemail@myprovider.net sent to myemail@myprovider.net ?

Harpo1966 · 03/17/2009, 06:45 AM

I'm contimplating getting the net module for my RKE but I don't have a web page. All I really want to do is to monitor my paramaters on my computer. Is this possible? Also what does the wireless bridge do and do I have to have this also?

Thanks

Harpo

harleyreefer · 03/17/2009, 07:25 AM

To be honest, thats all i use mine for. I honestly havent set it up to view from a remote computer yet. When i turn my computer on, I like to look at the graps to see any changes that have happened oover time, such as watching he changes in PH or temperature.
Simply put, as I am not a geek, you need your net module physically connected to a bridge(router?) via ethernet cable, and from there, (in my case) through my wireless to my notebook. It was extremely easy to set up. the only thing is that the router needs to be close enough to the net module for the ethernet cable to reach...

unbreakable · 03/17/2009, 07:49 AM

I couldnt get to my RKE remotely because of my ISP, but locally it's accessible and it also sends me email lerts to my cell phone; as long as I get email alerts I'm set

Harpo1966 · 03/17/2009, 08:07 AM

Thanks I'm no computer geek either and until the my reef comes out for us RKE owners it will be the only way to monitor my paramaters at my computer.

Thanks

Harpo

02/15/2009, 08:13 AM	#1
harleyreefer Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lufkin Texas Posts: 84	ReefKeeper Elite Net Module thread Hello to all my fellow RKE owners out there, who have taken the plunge and have purchaced the NET module for the RKE controller. I think this thread might be a help to some uf us who are trying to get a wireless connection set up for our reef, so we can monitor our systems from our computers. My module is connected to my RKE, but I havent had a lot of time to wade through the steps to get it up and running yet, though I know a few of you out there have had sucess already. My problem is that I am not a geek by any means, and I simply have not had to deal with much wireless issues yet. My router is a belkin, and it is wired via ethernet cable to my desktop. My laptop simply connected to it with little effort, and it has been a while since I messed with it. It wasnt broke, so i didnt try to fix it. My first attempt to connect with my NET module was almost a disaster. I went through the steps in the instructions, and somehow i lost the internet connection with my computer completly. I ended up having to restore my computer to a previous date to get it back to internet capable. Hows that for non geekdom? That should teach me to mess with settings that I dont understand... but it probably wont :-o With a few days off finally, perhaps i should sit down and read a little closer this time. Mabie you might have some happier tails to tell in your efforts. Any problems you had, and hopefully soloutions. Any bugs discoveredand your impressions after getting it up and running would be nice. Would also like to see any screenshots you might have, since I cant see mine yet...lol I know someone elce was going to start a similar thread, so I hope you dont mind that I jumped the gun on this one. I tried to wait :-) __________________ 200 gal DT w/ 110 sump 3x korilla4, 4x korilla7, quiet one 6000 return pump AquaC400 skimmer 72" constalation t5 fixture reefkeeper Elite, PC4x3,MLCx2(12 moon leds),SL1,Net Current Tank Info: 200 gallon w/110 sump

02/15/2009, 06:34 PM	#4
harleyreefer Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lufkin Texas Posts: 84	That sounds well and good, but the setting it up is going to be the fun part. I hear a game bridge is an option. i think ill look into that option and see what comes out of that.. __________________ 200 gal DT w/ 110 sump 3x korilla4, 4x korilla7, quiet one 6000 return pump AquaC400 skimmer 72" constalation t5 fixture reefkeeper Elite, PC4x3,MLCx2(12 moon leds),SL1,Net Current Tank Info: 200 gallon w/110 sump

02/15/2009, 10:14 PM	#5
harleyreefer Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lufkin Texas Posts: 84	WOW, This was way easier than i thought. Ran a cable from my NET module to my router, ran the detector application, and SHAZAM !!! Took a few minits to rename all the channels, but it worked like a charm. Too cool!!! __________________ 200 gal DT w/ 110 sump 3x korilla4, 4x korilla7, quiet one 6000 return pump AquaC400 skimmer 72" constalation t5 fixture reefkeeper Elite, PC4x3,MLCx2(12 moon leds),SL1,Net Current Tank Info: 200 gallon w/110 sump

02/16/2009, 11:09 AM	#6
Konadog Master of the 16 hour day Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: East Long Beach, So Cal Posts: 13,151 Blog Entries: 4	The NET module itself is the easy part, most people struggle with the networking to the outside world as each ISP is different and most people don't have any experience setting up routers, Dynamic ISP's, wirless bridges, etc.... Glad to here it was a simple setup for you! __________________ Save the Reefs................................................................Save the world! -Ken Current Tank Info: Currently tankless, and loving it!

02/16/2009, 02:41 PM	#8
harleyreefer Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lufkin Texas Posts: 84	Here is where I am at.. To get mine up and running on my computer, I simply plugged in my router via a ethernet cable, into my NET module. I downloaded the net detector and ran it. It found the page right away and entered the password that came with the instructions (downloaded also). It recognized my modules right away. Then it was simply a matter of renaming the modules, and picking a name for the channels. then it was time to pick what channels I wanted to log. i was looking for the graphs, untill I figgured out that I had to turn on a log for them first.. DOY!!. Now that it has been running about..18 hours or so, i can start to see the swing of things in my system... Kool! I enabled RSS feeds, but thats as far as I went so far. I didnt set up my e-mail alerts yet, so I am not sure it works, but that should be pretty straight forward. I think getting outlook set up looked harder actually, and I somehow mannaged to do that. this is where I might get into some work, getting it setup for the outside world. I cant imagine who would give a hoot about my tank besides me, but it would be nice to be able to find it from work if I needed to. I still have a couple more days off, so its not a huge deal yet, but I would like the option if needed. when I get the e-mail going, then I will look harder into finding the feed from another computer. Also, It looks like to get text messaging to work, i will have to get hold of suddenlink to get thier number or address for the net to call, to text me. Seems like it could be simpler to do than all that, but what do I know? Oh, can the e-mail address that it comes from be the same that it goes to, or do the two of them have to be different? Example: sent from myemail@myprovider.net sent to myemail@myprovider.net ? __________________ 200 gal DT w/ 110 sump 3x korilla4, 4x korilla7, quiet one 6000 return pump AquaC400 skimmer 72" constalation t5 fixture reefkeeper Elite, PC4x3,MLCx2(12 moon leds),SL1,Net Current Tank Info: 200 gallon w/110 sump

02/15/2009, 08:17 AM	#2
California Crow Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 170	Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm pretty much in your position too, although a bit behind, as I've not yet ordered my NET module. I'll be watching this thread very closely. CC

02/15/2009, 08:31 AM	#3
jtma508 Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MA Posts: 1,232	I got mine last week, plugged it in and it was up immediately. I made some changes to the network settings (to match the way I have my network designed) without issue. I easily renamed modules/channels and setup logging. No problem. I haven't, however, setup notices or RSS feeds yet. The problem with the NET module is that everyone's system is so unique. And some folks have very little hands-on experience with configuring network equipment. It's not difficult but requires some experience or help. The good news is, once it's setup, it's setup.

02/16/2009, 12:41 PM	#7
plyr58 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 747	I have posted how I got mine up and running (after mucht rial and error) here. Your mileage may vary, but I think I have a fairly good understanding of the process at this point and I will help if I can.

03/17/2009, 06:45 AM	#9
Harpo1966 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Motor City Posts: 74	Net module I'm contimplating getting the net module for my RKE but I don't have a web page. All I really want to do is to monitor my paramaters on my computer. Is this possible? Also what does the wireless bridge do and do I have to have this also? Thanks Harpo

03/17/2009, 07:25 AM	#10
harleyreefer Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lufkin Texas Posts: 84	To be honest, thats all i use mine for. I honestly havent set it up to view from a remote computer yet. When i turn my computer on, I like to look at the graps to see any changes that have happened oover time, such as watching he changes in PH or temperature. Simply put, as I am not a geek, you need your net module physically connected to a bridge(router?) via ethernet cable, and from there, (in my case) through my wireless to my notebook. It was extremely easy to set up. the only thing is that the router needs to be close enough to the net module for the ethernet cable to reach... __________________ 200 gal DT w/ 110 sump 3x korilla4, 4x korilla7, quiet one 6000 return pump AquaC400 skimmer 72" constalation t5 fixture reefkeeper Elite, PC4x3,MLCx2(12 moon leds),SL1,Net Current Tank Info: 200 gallon w/110 sump

03/17/2009, 07:49 AM	#11
unbreakable D: Join Date: May 2007 Location: ? Posts: 2,868	I couldnt get to my RKE remotely because of my ISP, but locally it's accessible and it also sends me email lerts to my cell phone; as long as I get email alerts I'm set __________________ INTERNET= Serious Business!

03/17/2009, 08:07 AM	#12
Harpo1966 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Motor City Posts: 74	Net module Thanks I'm no computer geek either and until the my reef comes out for us RKE owners it will be the only way to monitor my paramaters at my computer. Thanks Harpo