Apex Base Unit

Apex Base Module
The Apex System delivers a professional quality controller at hobbyist prices.

Built-in Ethernet
Integrated Ethernet port

Most advanced web server available

Interactive flash graphing application in the web server

Interfaces with AquaNotes iPhone application

Compatible with all Major web browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari)

Only aquarium controller with web server monitoring, control, and configuration

Compatible with wireless bridges or game adapters (802.11x) so that wireless network communication is possible

Email or text message alarms

Email alarms or audible alarms when Energy Bar power fails

Interactive flash graphing application in the web server

Interfaces with AquaNotes iPhone application

RSS and XML Support

Very simple menu driven configuration
Menus to easily setup pumps, lights, heater, chiller, co2, etc

No programming required for configuration

Can name the outlets (unlike competing products)

Can be configured through LCD Display or a standard web browser

In advanced mode an enhanced AquaController programming language is available

Sophisticated non standard control available

Virtual Outlets allow even more complex control options

Monitor/Control - pH, Temp, and ORP
The base unit includes software which is capable of monitoring pH, ORP, and temperature. The ORP probe input is modal and can be used to either monitor ORP or monitor pH; the AquaController Apex can monitor 2 different pH sources simultaneously! The monitored data is continuously displayed on the large LCD display and also logged into the internal nonvolatile memory for later retrieval. All probes support digital calibration.

Galvanic isolation on probes
Galvanic isolation on the probes results much more reliable and accurate probe readings. While these features increase costs we feel that probe accuracy is absolutely critical for monitoring/controlling your tank, unlike many competing aquarium controllers.

State of the Art Electronics Integration
Only 32 bit processor on an Aquarium controller

Over 16 times more code space & 5X faster than competitive controllers

The huge code space means that future expandability is ensured

Over 16 times data storage memory than the competition

1 year’s worth of data logs can be stored internally

New Enhanced Control Functionality
Day of Week functionality

Sub minute control added on EnergyBar controlled devices

Default outlet state for all EnergyBar outlets

Second resolution control

Sunrise and Sunset Simulation
The Apex has a special control function which can be used to simulate the varying lengths of days throughout the year. This feature is used to make the length of daylight hours longer in the summer than in the winter. This results in a more realistic simulation of natural lighting variations.

Moon Cycle Simulation
The Apex has another special control function which can be used to simulate the moon cycle in your tank. The lunar simulator is used for this feature and is capable of varying the intensity of light emitted from its LEDs. The intensity variations are controlled by the Apex which is preprogrammed with correct intensity values for each day of the moon cycle. The Apex automatically updates the intensity value depending upon the current setting of the Apex's clock. With this artificial moon cycle, it is possible to induce corals and fish to spawn.

WaveMaker
Each pump to be controlled can either have a random or fixed time period. Both the on and off times are fully programmable and can range from 1 minute to 4 hours in 1 minute increments. Up to 20 pumps can be controlled by one base unit. A variable length feed timer cycle can be initiated with the press of a button and will disable some or all of the pumps in the system (programmed by the user).

6 Digital Inputs
The Apex comes equipped with 2 TTL level external inputs which can be used to activate/deactivate equipment in response to an external stimulus. Applications for these inputs include connection to water level float switches, water pressure and flow sensors, and water on the floor sensors. The Apex can be configured to signal alarms or turn on/off appliances in the event of external switch open or closure.

4 Integrated Variable Speed Ports
0 to 10V output interface

Can directly control up to 4 Tunze stream pumps (like AquaSurf)

Can dim ballasts with 0 to 10V interfaces (life some T5 ballasts)

Virtually unlimited expandability – The most expandable controller
Add up to 240 Modules

Add optional module to monitor Hundreds of Probes

Add additional EnergyBars to control thousands of outlets

Probe modules available (or in development) for additional Temperature, pH, ORP, Conductivity, and dissolved oxygen probes

Modular Expansion through AquaBus
High reliability protocol with robust error correction

Plug and Play – AquaBus modules are automatically recognized and configured

Cable lengths over 200 feet

Expandable to 240 AquaBus modules

Hundreds of monitored probes/digital inputs

Thousands of controlled outlets

All AquaBus modules allow for easy firmware updates

New features can be added to modules

Module firmware updates done through AquaBus. No need to disassemble controller, and individually update modules

Backward Compatibility
All AquaController 3 accessories work with the AquaController Apex. One major design consideration was to maintain backwards compatibility to protect existing customer’s investment in AquaController compatible equipment.

I/O port expansion backwards compatible with PX 1000

Compatible with the breakout box

Integrated control port - All control port accessories (DC8, DC4, DC4HD, AquaSurf, Lunar Sim)

AquaBus
Two AquaBus connectors for easy expansion, and flexible cabling options

Plug and Plug bus allows for modular expansion.

Updateable Firmware
Firmware updates via Ethernet

Flash memory so new features can be easily added

All AquaBus modules allow for easy firmware updates

No need to unplug/rewire devices to perform the firmware update (unlike the competition)

Alternate power port on Apex Base Unit
In power failure situations Alarm emails can still be sent

Can detect power failures in EnergyBars

Internal rechargeable backup battery retains clock

Graph probe/device data on the LCD display