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Unread 03/11/2010, 10:22 AM   #1
ChuckG
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How many low AMP ports can an Energy Bar 8 cycle?

I saw some threads in this forum referring to ports 4, 8, and other ports referred to as TRIAC, but there is not enough context in any of the threads to understand what is meant. Also can't find a manual for the Energy Bar 8 on the Neptune site.

Are there at least two ports on the EB8 that will reliably cycle power to devices like dosing pumps that typically draw very little amperage?


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Unread 03/11/2010, 10:36 AM   #2
JeF4y
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Originally Posted by ChuckG View Post
Are there at least two ports on the EB8 that will reliably cycle power to devices like dosing pumps that typically draw very little amperage?
Yes, there are 2 relay based outlets and 6 triac based outlets. The relays will effectively switch very low amperage devices whereas the triacs won't.


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Unread 03/11/2010, 10:37 AM   #3
ChuckG
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OK I think I found it.. ports 4 and 8 are the ports described in the EB8 features as..

""Two of the outlets use mechanical relays for switching ""

This makes sense. But how is it that the other ports cut power that prevents them from being used to attach low demand devices? I assume there are no problems controlling a 250W heater on one these non mechanical switching ports?


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Unread 03/11/2010, 10:40 AM   #4
ChuckG
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Originally Posted by JeF4y View Post
Yes, there are 2 relay based outlets and 6 triac based outlets. The relays will effectively switch very low amperage devices whereas the triacs won't.
Great thanks! Just out of curiosity do you know how the triac ports cycle power?


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Unread 03/11/2010, 11:05 AM   #5
RussM
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Great thanks! Just out of curiosity do you know how the triac ports cycle power?
TRIACs are basically solid-state (electronic) switches rather than mechanical ones. There are three connections to a TRIAC... two are like the terminals on a simple switch. The third is used for a control voltage - when the right signal voltage is applied, the path between the other two connections is completed; when the control signal is removed, the path opens.


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Unread 03/11/2010, 01:07 PM   #6
aquamanic
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To keep it in perspective, it looks like when a device draws below 4-5 watts, the Triacs can have difficulty opening (turning off). That's almost nothing so most devices are going to work just fine on the Triacs.


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Unread 03/11/2010, 03:06 PM   #7
ChuckG
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Thx guys.. just ordered.

Are there any other places that are good resources on capabilites, documentation etc.. ?


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Unread 03/11/2010, 03:10 PM   #8
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Better than here??? Can't think of any!


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Unread 03/11/2010, 03:11 PM   #9
swearint
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In case you were not already aware, aquamanic has an unofficial user's guide here: http://reeftech.webs.com/

Todd


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Unread 03/11/2010, 04:56 PM   #10
ChuckG
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In case you were not already aware, aquamanic has an unofficial user's guide here: http://reeftech.webs.com/

Todd
That handbook should be a forum sticky.. Covers topics on just about every thread I read here and in much better detail.. thx!


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Unread 03/11/2010, 08:40 PM   #11
Lightsluvr
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This is puzzling - I use three outlets (#2, 3 & 7) on an EB8 for BRS dosing pumps - there is no problem switching these low current pumps on/off...

JME.

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Unread 03/11/2010, 08:57 PM   #12
ChuckG
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Well they must pull enuf juice then.. thx for sharing your experience.

And I must say I love that build thread of yours!


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Unread 03/12/2010, 06:11 AM   #13
jimsplace
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Someone made the suggestion to me that if you want to use a low wattage device like a dosing pump on a triac outlet you can add something like a night light to the same outlet to make sure there is enough wattage to trip the switch. Since they will fail on, you don't want to chance dumping too much alk or kalk into your tank.


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Unread 03/12/2010, 12:42 PM   #14
Lightsluvr
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimsplace View Post
Someone made the suggestion to me that if you want to use a low wattage device like a dosing pump on a triac outlet you can add something like a night light to the same outlet to make sure there is enough wattage to trip the switch. Since they will fail on, you don't want to chance dumping too much alk or kalk into your tank.
Not a bad idea - a light to let you visually know that a device is on, without poking around looking for it...

LL


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Unread 03/12/2010, 09:58 PM   #15
Griffer
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I just received the 2-part doser kit from BRS. It contains two dosing pumps. I suppose these need to be on the relay-controlled outlets. To do that, I will need to move the two solenoids for my ATO to triac-controlled outlets. Would the solenoids be considered a low-voltage device for this purpose? In other words, will the ATO solenoids work reliably on the triacs???

Thanks.
Gene


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Unread 03/13/2010, 06:38 AM   #16
aquamanic
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Look at their labels for their energy consumption. Below 4 or 5 watts is where people start to experience problems. There's not a hard and fast number though.


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