Apex controller works without internet?

krayziez · 07/04/2015, 11:43 PM

Does it work if I don't have internet access for the time being? I can't believe it doesn't work without internet. Either that or something's not working. What could it be? I have everything set up correctly I believe. I programmed the heater to turn on when the temp reads 76 and still it doesn't turn on. What am I doing wrong? Currently, my tank is outside so it's not hooked up to the internet but I doubt that should be a problem since I'm only asking it to turn on an item on the power bar. Any ideas? Thanks.

Edit: OK the status on the power bar doesn't show green light. Also, I heard it making a weird sound and it was turning off and on the heater like 100 times a second when one of the triggers was set I think, but it wasn't supposed to. I had the heater set for:
ON 77.0
OFF 78.0

but when the temp read 77.9 the heater started to turn off and on as if it thought it needed the heater to be on with anything that was below the OFF (78.9 degrees) position. That's totally not correct. I set it at 1 degrees apart for the reason that it shouldn't be turning something on/off that fast. Stupid thing. I swear I paid $500 for this POS. Barely any options. I should of just gotten the other $200 controllers.

ca1ore · 07/05/2015, 02:42 AM

Couple of deep breaths .... and download the comprehensive manual. Depending on how you did the programming, it may be that the unit is toggling around your set point. Defer command can fix it.

krayziez · 07/05/2015, 04:48 AM

I'm pretty sure I programmed it correctly. It's not rocket science.

Indymann99 · 07/05/2015, 05:44 AM

+1 just read the manual.

Yes it will work without internet you just have to web directly to the APeX IP address vs the FUSION Internet portal.

You may have a bad power bar it happens. Call apex for warranty repair after following troubleshooting.

You have the best controller on the market. Don't regret the purchase.

igadget56 · 07/05/2015, 05:47 AM

You don't have to be on the net but I believe you have to be hooked up to a router. You do need the internet to use Fusion. You will have to use the old dashboard without the internet.

mmn · 07/05/2015, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krayziez

Does it work if I don't have internet access for the time being? I can't believe it doesn't work without internet. Either that or something's not working. What could it be? I have everything set up correctly I believe. I programmed the heater to turn on when the temp reads 76 and still it doesn't turn on. What am I doing wrong? Currently, my tank is outside so it's not hooked up to the internet but I doubt that should be a problem since I'm only asking it to turn on an item on the power bar. Any ideas? Thanks.

Edit: OK the status on the power bar doesn't show green light. Also, I heard it making a weird sound and it was turning off and on the heater like 100 times a second when one of the triggers was set I think, but it wasn't supposed to. I had the heater set for:
ON 77.0
OFF 78.0

but when the temp read 77.9 the heater started to turn off and on as if it thought it needed the heater to be on with anything that was below the OFF (78.9 degrees) position. That's totally not correct. I set it at 1 degrees apart for the reason that it shouldn't be turning something on/off that fast. Stupid thing. I swear I paid $500 for this POS. Barely any options. I should of just gotten the other $200 controllers.

Copy and Paste the complete program for the heater outlet. Sounds like you have some toggling going on around your limits. Do you have a SET statement? Is the temp probe reading fluctuating? If so, you will see that on your APEX Display.

ericarenee · 07/05/2015, 09:17 AM

If you are using a aries cable modem with Router built in from your cable company. When your Internet goes down you will have NO LOCAL ACCESS EITHER over wifi... Only the Wired connections will be connected..... I do not have a apex but if your using DHCP Go into the net settings on the apex and set it to a STATIC ADDRESS. That way its not relying on the dhcp server in the above mentioned router.. If you do have the above and using there router. Buy your own router and tell them Cable company to BRIDGE YOUR CABLE MODEM.. ..
If this is not the issue sorry in advance.... I use A Linux server for a Router here. Much better then any programmed box..

Breadman03 · 07/05/2015, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indymann99

+1 just read the manual.

Yes it will work without internet you just have to web directly to the APeX IP address vs the FUSION Internet portal.

You may have a bad power bar it happens. Call apex for warranty repair after following troubleshooting.

You have the best controller on the market. Don't regret the purchase.

It actually doesn't need any network connection at all as programming can be done on the display. A network connection just allows one to use much more user friendly interfaces for programming.

krayziez · 07/05/2015, 10:56 AM

OK so my simple question is, do I need ANY connection to any internet/Ethernet just to have my heater go on at 77 degrees and stop at 78 degrees? It seems silly that I would need any connection whatsoever when the whole thing can be localized to just the powerbar and the system hub. That the only question I have for now. I just need the damn thing to work. Then I'll figure out the other settings later, but I need to do the process of elimination first to see that no connection to anything is still OK. I don't get why I have to be connected to Fusion or be directly connected to any APeX IP address. The systems should just be localized and communicating with each other via hardwire.

ericarenee · 07/05/2015, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krayziez

OK so my simple question is, do I need ANY connection to any internet/Ethernet just to have my heater go on at 77 degrees and stop at 78 degrees? It seems silly that I would need any connection whatsoever when the whole thing can be localized to just the powerbar and the system hub. That the only question I have for now. I just need the damn thing to work. Then I'll figure out the other settings later, but I need to do the process of elimination first to see that no connection to anything is still OK. I don't get why I have to be connected to Fusion or be directly connected to any APeX IP address. The systems should just be localized and communicating with each other via hardwire.

You can do everything via its display controls its all in the manual... I Cant tell you how to do it step by step because i do not YET ("SOON GOING TO CHANGE)OWN One..... I just have read a lot of info on them...

RDM · 07/05/2015, 11:25 AM

Never mind.

homer1475 · 07/05/2015, 04:00 PM

Although I've never done it, you can hardwire your PC directly to the apex and access the config page that way(I remember reading it in the manual).

FYI, you can program everything directly from the base controller, no internet required. BUT if you want to use fusion, you need an internet connection.

krayziez · 07/05/2015, 07:15 PM

Can someone please unhook their network cable from their apex for just a few minutes and see if the automations are still working (i.e. whether heater is supposed to be on when it's at the temp that it triggers it on) AND whether it all does not do a fall back to OFF or whatever default your fallback is.

I think this is a good test to see what your apex system will do in case you lose connection to the internet for some reason. I mean the system shouldn't do any fallbacks or cease to be automated just because you lost internet connection or if your network cable is not connected for some reason.

Please let me know what you find. thanks.

Indymann99 · 07/05/2015, 07:41 PM

I just switched internet providers today so my Apex was not connected to the internet for 1hr or so.
The ATO worked just fine (floats on a breakout box connected to APEX and ATO pump connected to APEX EB8) . My heaters wont run till November so can't check that, but no reason to believe they wouldn't function fine.

lastpikd · 07/05/2015, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krayziez

I'm pretty sure I programmed it correctly. It's not rocket science.

good to know since I will be trying to program mine in a week or so.

1fstnsx · 07/05/2015, 09:00 PM

I bought a Wireless Router that plugs into a socket too hook up my Apex, and is linked to my laptop, works perfectly fine.

mmn · 07/06/2015, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krayziez

Can someone please unhook their network cable from their apex for just a few minutes and see if the automations are still working (i.e. whether heater is supposed to be on when it's at the temp that it triggers it on) AND whether it all does not do a fall back to OFF or whatever default your fallback is.

I think this is a good test to see what your apex system will do in case you lose connection to the internet for some reason. I mean the system shouldn't do any fallbacks or cease to be automated just because you lost internet connection or if your network cable is not connected for some reason.

Please let me know what you find. thanks.

Works fine. Post your program.

MondoBongo · 07/06/2015, 08:01 AM

yeah i did the test with the network cable on many occasions, loss of internet connectivity is not an issue.

here is my primary heater program:

Fallback ON
Set ON
If TempSum > 77.8 Then OFF
If TempSum < 76.0 Then ON

here is my backup heater program:

Fallback ON
Set ON
If TempSum > 77.5 Then OFF
If TempSum < 76.0 Then ON

were you not using any comparison operators in your program?

Quote:

ON 77.0
OFF 78.0

Lincutis · 07/06/2015, 08:45 AM

I lose my network connection all the time. It has no bearing on the apex at all. It continues to do everything it is programmed to do without fail.

Breadman03 · 07/06/2015, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krayziez

Can someone please unhook their network cable from their apex for just a few minutes and see if the automations are still working (i.e. whether heater is supposed to be on when it's at the temp that it triggers it on) AND whether it all does not do a fall back to OFF or whatever default your fallback is.

I think this is a good test to see what your apex system will do in case you lose connection to the internet for some reason. I mean the system shouldn't do any fallbacks or cease to be automated just because you lost internet connection or if your network cable is not connected for some reason.

Please let me know what you find. thanks.

The Apex doesn't need any network connection to function properly. The only thing the network connection does is allow you to program it with something other than the display.

boostedvq · 07/06/2015, 09:01 AM

Can someone share a simple command to program an ATO via display controller? I've tried to do so since mine isn't connecting to my router but haven't succeeded

07/04/2015, 11:43 PM	#1
krayziez Registered Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 29	Apex controller works without internet? Does it work if I don't have internet access for the time being? I can't believe it doesn't work without internet. Either that or something's not working. What could it be? I have everything set up correctly I believe. I programmed the heater to turn on when the temp reads 76 and still it doesn't turn on. What am I doing wrong? Currently, my tank is outside so it's not hooked up to the internet but I doubt that should be a problem since I'm only asking it to turn on an item on the power bar. Any ideas? Thanks. Edit: OK the status on the power bar doesn't show green light. Also, I heard it making a weird sound and it was turning off and on the heater like 100 times a second when one of the triggers was set I think, but it wasn't supposed to. I had the heater set for: ON 77.0 OFF 78.0 but when the temp read 77.9 the heater started to turn off and on as if it thought it needed the heater to be on with anything that was below the OFF (78.9 degrees) position. That's totally not correct. I set it at 1 degrees apart for the reason that it shouldn't be turning something on/off that fast. Stupid thing. I swear I paid $500 for this POS. Barely any options. I should of just gotten the other $200 controllers. Last edited by krayziez; 07/04/2015 at 11:54 PM.

07/05/2015, 02:42 AM	#2
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Couple of deep breaths .... and download the comprehensive manual. Depending on how you did the programming, it may be that the unit is toggling around your set point. Defer command can fix it. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

07/05/2015, 05:44 AM	#4
Indymann99 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,447	+1 just read the manual. Yes it will work without internet you just have to web directly to the APeX IP address vs the FUSION Internet portal. You may have a bad power bar it happens. Call apex for warranty repair after following troubleshooting. You have the best controller on the market. Don't regret the purchase. __________________ 120g DT 100lbs LR / 200 lbs LS, 45g fuge, VectraM1 Return, Herbie drain, 4x RW-8, 2x AI Hydra 26 w AWM, ASM G2, Apex controller, Apex BoB w floats ATO

07/05/2015, 11:25 AM	#11
RDM Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: West Central Florida Posts: 68	Apex controller works without internet? Never mind. Last edited by RDM; 07/05/2015 at 11:30 AM.

07/05/2015, 04:00 PM	#12
homer1475 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 5,313	Although I've never done it, you can hardwire your PC directly to the apex and access the config page that way(I remember reading it in the manual). FYI, you can program everything directly from the base controller, no internet required. BUT if you want to use fusion, you need an internet connection. __________________ 80G SCA Build: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2560256 Originally posted by der_wille_zur_macht: "He's just taking his lunch to work"

07/05/2015, 04:48 AM	#3
krayziez Registered Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 29	I'm pretty sure I programmed it correctly. It's not rocket science.

07/05/2015, 05:47 AM	#5
igadget56 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 820	You don't have to be on the net but I believe you have to be hooked up to a router. You do need the internet to use Fusion. You will have to use the old dashboard without the internet.

07/05/2015, 09:17 AM	#7
ericarenee Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Louisville Kentucky Posts: 3,110	If you are using a aries cable modem with Router built in from your cable company. When your Internet goes down you will have NO LOCAL ACCESS EITHER over wifi... Only the Wired connections will be connected..... I do not have a apex but if your using DHCP Go into the net settings on the apex and set it to a STATIC ADDRESS. That way its not relying on the dhcp server in the above mentioned router.. If you do have the above and using there router. Buy your own router and tell them Cable company to BRIDGE YOUR CABLE MODEM.. .. If this is not the issue sorry in advance.... I use A Linux server for a Router here. Much better then any programmed box..

07/05/2015, 10:56 AM	#9
krayziez Registered Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 29	OK so my simple question is, do I need ANY connection to any internet/Ethernet just to have my heater go on at 77 degrees and stop at 78 degrees? It seems silly that I would need any connection whatsoever when the whole thing can be localized to just the powerbar and the system hub. That the only question I have for now. I just need the damn thing to work. Then I'll figure out the other settings later, but I need to do the process of elimination first to see that no connection to anything is still OK. I don't get why I have to be connected to Fusion or be directly connected to any APeX IP address. The systems should just be localized and communicating with each other via hardwire.

07/05/2015, 07:15 PM	#13
krayziez Registered Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 29	Can someone please unhook their network cable from their apex for just a few minutes and see if the automations are still working (i.e. whether heater is supposed to be on when it's at the temp that it triggers it on) AND whether it all does not do a fall back to OFF or whatever default your fallback is. I think this is a good test to see what your apex system will do in case you lose connection to the internet for some reason. I mean the system shouldn't do any fallbacks or cease to be automated just because you lost internet connection or if your network cable is not connected for some reason. Please let me know what you find. thanks.

07/05/2015, 07:41 PM	#14
Indymann99 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,447	I just switched internet providers today so my Apex was not connected to the internet for 1hr or so. The ATO worked just fine (floats on a breakout box connected to APEX and ATO pump connected to APEX EB8) . My heaters wont run till November so can't check that, but no reason to believe they wouldn't function fine. __________________ 120g DT 100lbs LR / 200 lbs LS, 45g fuge, VectraM1 Return, Herbie drain, 4x RW-8, 2x AI Hydra 26 w AWM, ASM G2, Apex controller, Apex BoB w floats ATO

07/05/2015, 09:00 PM	#16
1fstnsx Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 68	I bought a Wireless Router that plugs into a socket too hook up my Apex, and is linked to my laptop, works perfectly fine.

07/06/2015, 08:45 AM	#19
Lincutis Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Columbus Posts: 1,911	I lose my network connection all the time. It has no bearing on the apex at all. It continues to do everything it is programmed to do without fail. __________________ Lindsey ( That's Mr. Smith to you ) . Current Tank Info: 40 Gallon Breeder with 20 gallon sump./Apex, AI Sol Blue, In Sump Skimmer, Geo Calcium Reactor, WP-25 Wave Pump, Tunze Nano ATO, Carbon/GFO Reactors

07/06/2015, 09:01 AM	#21
boostedvq Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Cali Posts: 311	Can someone share a simple command to program an ATO via display controller? I've tried to do so since mine isn't connecting to my router but haven't succeeded