Need help programming APEX outlet

Jyetman · 10/31/2014, 07:22 PM

If my Top-Off outlet is in the on-position a virtual outlet can't override it so it puts it in the off position will this work? Can I create duplicate outlets with different programming functions? Creating a duplicate Top-Off outlet under a different name that controls the same outlet is this possible? I have two top-off buckets one is under a table sealed have a float switch installed. The first bucket fills the second so two pumps one in each bucket. When I fill the second sealed bucket I then fill the first bucket which keeps the second bucket filled until it empties. Since I can't see into that second hidden bucket I need that float switch to turn off my top-off pump while its refilling. Hope that makes sense.

Sinekal · 10/31/2014, 08:05 PM

Make sure I understand the situation. You have a float switch in a bucket that you want to use to turn off your auto top off, and turn on another pump, when the water in the bucket gets low enough?

Jyetman · 10/31/2014, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sinekal

Make sure I understand the situation. You have a float switch in a bucket that you want to use to turn off your auto top off, and turn on another pump, when the water in the bucket gets low enough?

Two separate functions going on here. First function is the normal auto-top off which pulls water from second hidden bucket. On the same outlet another pump is simultaneously pulling water from the first bucket replenishing the second hidden bucket. So the second function is when both buckets are empty I disconnect the main top-off pump in the second hidden bucket so only the pump in the first bucket pumps water into the second bucket refilling it. Once that second bucket is filled I reconnect the top-off pump same outlet then fill the first bucket to complete task. To make my life easier I like to have a float in the second hidden bucket to turn off the pump in the first bucket when its full. Was thinking of a virtual outlet I can put in the auto function to monitor the float switch when triggered turns off the top-off outlet which would be in the ON-Position not Auto - both pumps are connected to same outlet. Need the virtual outlet to turn the Top-Off outlet off when triggered while in the On-Position.

wrott · 11/01/2014, 01:21 AM

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...light=apex+ato

contact neptune, if they can't help, i'd do the 2 solenoid way. sometimes easier means more simple. apex is not that great ime.

woodnaquanut · 11/01/2014, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jyetman

Two separate functions going on here. First function is the normal auto-top off which pulls water from second hidden bucket. On the same outlet another pump is simultaneously pulling water from the first bucket replenishing the second hidden bucket. So the second function is when both buckets are empty I disconnect the main top-off pump in the second hidden bucket so only the pump in the first bucket pumps water into the second bucket refilling it. Once that second bucket is filled I reconnect the top-off pump same outlet then fill the first bucket to complete task. To make my life easier I like to have a float in the second hidden bucket to turn off the pump in the first bucket when its full. Was thinking of a virtual outlet I can put in the auto function to monitor the float switch when triggered turns off the top-off outlet which would be in the ON-Position not Auto - both pumps are connected to same outlet. Need the virtual outlet to turn the Top-Off outlet off when triggered while in the On-Position.

I'm still way confused as to what you are trying to do but...

The only way you can control an outlet (the real physical one on an EB8 or EB4) is to set that outlet to AUTO. The programming controls the actual state of the outlet based on conditions you have set like
'If Time 1200 to 1400 then ON'

Using one physical outlet to control two pumps is a long way from an automated function. Your float switch could shut off a pump and send you an email to let you know that happend. From there, well, it gets more complex.

You should check out the Apex website and forum. It's where all the Apex geeks hang out.

Jyetman · 11/01/2014, 01:48 PM

I'm just going to watch the apex dashboard and physically switch off the outlet when I see the float switch close. Easy enough takes only a few minutes to fill and don't have to pull my hair out trying to figure out some programming technique from the limited programming capability of apex.

10/31/2014, 07:22 PM	#1
Jyetman Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,712	Need help programming APEX outlet If my Top-Off outlet is in the on-position a virtual outlet can't override it so it puts it in the off position will this work? Can I create duplicate outlets with different programming functions? Creating a duplicate Top-Off outlet under a different name that controls the same outlet is this possible? I have two top-off buckets one is under a table sealed have a float switch installed. The first bucket fills the second so two pumps one in each bucket. When I fill the second sealed bucket I then fill the first bucket which keeps the second bucket filled until it empties. Since I can't see into that second hidden bucket I need that float switch to turn off my top-off pump while its refilling. Hope that makes sense. Last edited by Jyetman; 10/31/2014 at 07:54 PM.

11/01/2014, 01:21 AM	#4
wrott Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,912	http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...light=apex+ato contact neptune, if they can't help, i'd do the 2 solenoid way. sometimes easier means more simple. apex is not that great ime. __________________ OK, but where does the meat go! ------------------------------------------------ 120g SPS, 125g mix, 56g FOWLR, 20g qt

10/31/2014, 08:05 PM	#2
Sinekal Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Phoenix Posts: 165	Make sure I understand the situation. You have a float switch in a bucket that you want to use to turn off your auto top off, and turn on another pump, when the water in the bucket gets low enough?

11/01/2014, 01:48 PM	#6
Jyetman Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,712	I'm just going to watch the apex dashboard and physically switch off the outlet when I see the float switch close. Easy enough takes only a few minutes to fill and don't have to pull my hair out trying to figure out some programming technique from the limited programming capability of apex.