Reefkeeper 2 ?'s

[landers96]

I just picked a reefkeeper 2 up and it didn't come with the splitter or adapter. Does anyone know what kind these are or where I can get them? thanks

[Shard]

Are you trying to connect it to a computer to use myReef V1?

[landers96]

Yes....that's exactly what I want to do

[tiburone9162003]

how much was it?

[landers96]

$75 then I had to buy a new ph probe so $114 total

[tiburone9162003]

Not bad , i thought they were $$$.. I'm trying to find something that I can control on my comp or phone, since I'm always out of town I need to know what's going on with the tank ..

[Shard]

Originally Posted by landers96

Yes....that's exactly what I want to do

Ok, so what you need is a what is called a 6p6c splitter. It is basically a phone jack adapter, that turns one RJ11 connection into two. (the type of connection the Temp probe has to the RK2 base)

6p6c means it has six conducting wires in the connection port, whereas most regular phone cables and splitters only have 4, or even two. (Hence 6p4c and 6p2c) So make sure you get the proper type.

You also need a serial adaptor, which can be purchased from DA, that will has a RJ11 connector on one end. I can get you the wiring diagram for this if needed, or you can purchase one online.

Make sure you add no more than 6 inches to the length to the wiring of the temperature probe, or it will affect the temperature reading.

So basically the setup will look like this

RKE BASE temp oultlet -> short (less than 6") cable -> splitter = one port to serial cable, one port for temp probe.

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Originally Posted by tiburone9162003

Not bad , i thought they were $$$.. I'm trying to find something that I can control on my comp or phone, since I'm always out of town I need to know what's going on with the tank ..

You cannot remotely control the RK2, just monitor (ie: see what is going on, but not change it). Changes to the program and setup can only be made via the headunit.

If you want remote control, monitoring, and programming, look at the Apex and Apex lite. I have an Apex and absolutely love it. Via the web interface I can change settings, enter programming, turn things on and off, get email notifications, etc.

If you want to monitor and have remote control only (ie: on/off/auto function, but not programming), look at the RKE/RKL.

Before someone argues you can program the RKE remotely, you cannot do it by the web interface, you need an extensive setup. The reason I don't list it as having remote programming functionality, is because the RKE/RKL cannot do it alone without a lot of extra hardware and a more complex setup.

For remote programming an RKE/RKL, you need a computer on 24/7, hooked up via USB to the RKE, myReef V2 software running, and a remote desktop connection.

This is a lot more complicated than the web interface option offered by other controllers.

This is the reason my RKE is now on a smaller tank, and my Apex is now my main controller for most of my systems.

There are iPhone and Droid apps for both, but the RKE/RKL apps are basically just RSS readers that tell you what is going on. The Apex apps allow you make setup changes and turn things on and off. The ability to interact with a system is a major selling point for me.

Hope this helps,
Landon

[tiburone9162003]

Ummm apex sounds good, like around how much they cost? Do u have to pay extra to have it online ?

[LegoZ81]

No you don't have to pay to put them online and you can also put the ACJr. online and control it using a computer connected to it.

http://legoz.endoftheinternet.org/reeftank2.html

for information on how to use the ACJr. look here:
http://sites.google.com/site/acserial2web/

[Shard]

Yes, the Neptune Aqua controller Jr. is a great option also. It has a relative price point to what the RK2 was (new w/ pH+temp probe for about $250).

If you want to compare products, just do the the manufacturers website and look at them. Reefgeek is also a great place to buy neptune products for a few bucks cheaper than neptune itself.

A new Apex is about $495. An Apex lite is about $370. You can always look on here to find a used Apex. Which obviously sells for less, but I rarely see them up for sale (probably because most owners are so happy with them).