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03/11/2010, 10:22 AM | #1 |
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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? |
03/11/2010, 10:36 AM | #2 | |
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03/11/2010, 10:37 AM | #3 |
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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? |
03/11/2010, 10:40 AM | #4 |
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03/11/2010, 11:05 AM | #5 | |
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03/11/2010, 01:07 PM | #6 |
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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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03/11/2010, 03:06 PM | #7 |
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Thx guys.. just ordered.
Are there any other places that are good resources on capabilites, documentation etc.. ? |
03/11/2010, 03:10 PM | #8 |
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Better than here??? Can't think of any!
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03/11/2010, 03:11 PM | #9 |
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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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03/11/2010, 04:56 PM | #10 | |
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03/11/2010, 08:40 PM | #11 |
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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. LL
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03/11/2010, 08:57 PM | #12 |
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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! |
03/12/2010, 06:11 AM | #13 |
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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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03/12/2010, 12:42 PM | #14 | |
Tangaroa to 500 gallons
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Click on my username and select "Lightsluvr's Home Page" for a recap of our build thread - AGE Hybrid Tank in a 500G system with dedicated fish room. (Takes a few minutes for photos to load) Leave a note if you stop by... Current Tank Info: 350G AGE Hybrid reef tank. 500G+ total water volume. Three sumps for filtration. Barracuda Gold return and Hammerhead Gold closed loop pumps. DIY T5 light system on rails. MP40W x3 to supplement closed loop. 130G Water management system. |
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03/12/2010, 09:58 PM | #15 |
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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 |
03/13/2010, 06:38 AM | #16 |
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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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