neptune controller questions

[chuck116]

Looking to buy a Neptune controller from the group buy , but naturally im confused, whats the difference between the acjr and ac3? and do I need to buy anything else but the controller? like the optional ph probe or does one come with it? THANKS AGAIN Chuck P and Anna Maria

 

[mikem]

Hi Chuck.
The basic difference is the3 has an ORP socket. Not sure if the ORP probe comes with it.
On the 3, you can have it hooked to the INTERNET and receive alarms sent to your cell phone. They should both come with the PH and temp probe.
Do I think it's worth spending the extra for internet and the ORP options? No. Unless you plan on running Ozone in the future. Then you would need a $300 Orp controller.
You can hook the both to your PC or laptop to program both. I like that.

 

[chuck116]

Thanks Mike sounds like the jc is good for me... How did you make out with your truck??

 

[mikem]

I never fixed anything on it yet. Daughters been real ill for the last few months and can't concentrate on much else. Thanks again for your offer.

 

[JRWOHLER]

You have to buy the PH probe on the jr....don't know about the III. I ordered the jr with additional PH probe...not the lab grade just standard one. Choose the option on the page with the jr as I couldn't find the standard probe separately.

 

[blange3]

Probes are options on both.

The other difference is an ACjr can control 12 outlets, the AC3 can handle 24.

Here is a comparison chart from Neptune's website. They have released a new controller, The Apex, recently which I am totally clueless about.

Each controller requires the addition of some sort of controlled power strip or X10 controller as well. The most popular is the DC8 direct connect controller. The ACjr or AC3 is the brains, the DC8 is the muscle or power. They are connected by a 4 conductor phone cable.

 

[JRWOHLER]

I believe the ACjr package comes with the DC 8 right?

 

[mikem]

When I bought mine, it came with probe and DC8. I haven't checked lately what they come with.

 

[blange3]

When I bought mine, it came with probe and DC8. I haven't checked lately what they come with.

Depends where you by them. PA has ACjr's with a DC8, but you have to add the ph probe. They always come with the temp probe.

 

[chuck116]

I chatted with 2 people from PA today the one guy suggested the heavy duty 4 for my metal halides so they start better and or quieter. but said I should be ok with the standard one if I did not want to spend the extra money. I just want to make sure I make an educated purchase. they are about 80 dollars different in price , so if there is a big difference in product I will make the jump. Mike says the only big difference is the e-mail alert or the cell phone alert. I dony know if thats enough to make the jump. Also the led moonlights are $80.00. Still not sure ?

 

[malulu]

i did a QUICK compare, here are the diff...
the highlighted text are the AC3's features:

Monitor: pH, ORP, Temperature, Conductivity, and Dissolved Oxygen
Control: pH, ORP, Temperature, Conductivity, and Dissolved Oxygen
Timers
Simulate Sunrise/Sunset
Simulate a Moon Cycle
Control Powerheads/Pumps (Wavemaker)
4 External Switch Inputs
Programming Language (enhanced)
Alarms
Perform Datalogging
PC or Macintosh RS232 Serial Interface
Ethernet Interface (10 Base T)
Embedded HTTP Web Server
Telnet Server
Email Alarm Notification
Large Backlit LCD Display
Display Lock with password protection
Battery Backup
Power Fail Alarm
Hardwired Direct Connect Modules
Flash Memory for easy Firmware Upgrades
PX 1000 Probe Expansion Module
Diagnostics

 

[chuck116]

Thanks david... Which controller do you have ???