Same question, different day

[NWDiver]

Pretty easy really.
You don't need a dedicated computer, it has a built in web server. You just need to plug it into an ethernet port. You may have room in your router or modem that your computer plugs into. If not, you can buy a cheap switch. Once you have all that done, go to dyndns.com and create an account. It's free if you login once a month. You create a domain name and assign it to your ip address. If your router supports dynamic dns then you are done, if not, there is some software to run on your PC. Um, I will help you when you get your system rather than the long explanation now go to the link that I put in before and have a quick read. It has most of what you need to know. It is easier than it sounds... If you want to see the interface let me know and I will give you temp access to mine.
You can control everything remotely from a PC but with the iPhone version that I have, you can't control anything except feed modes. I think that will be or may already be fixed. I can see graphs of pH, Temp, etc. from the phone, and of course it sends alerts via e-mail and text.
jrgilles: have you checked for new versions or can you do outlet control from the phone? When I hit outlets I just get feed modes...
I sit at a PC most of the day, so I haven't needed to look for updates yet.
I will see what is new over the weekend.
I hope they put in a "guest" mode soon...

 

[FreakinReefin]

Pretty easy really.
You don't need a dedicated computer, it has a built in web server. You just need to plug it into an ethernet port. You may have room in your router or modem that your computer plugs into. If not, you can buy a cheap switch. Once you have all that done, go to dyndns.com and create an account. It's free if you login once a month. You create a domain name and assign it to your ip address. If your router supports dynamic dns then you are done, if not, there is some software to run on your PC. Um, I will help you when you get your system rather than the long explanation now go to the link that I put in before and have a quick read. It has most of what you need to know. It is easier than it sounds... If you want to see the interface let me know and I will give you temp access to mine.
You can control everything remotely from a PC but with the iPhone version that I have, you can't control anything except feed modes. I think that will be or may already be fixed. I can see graphs of pH, Temp, etc. from the phone, and of course it sends alerts via e-mail and text.
jrgilles: have you checked for new versions or can you do outlet control from the phone? When I hit outlets I just get feed modes...
I sit at a PC most of the day, so I haven't needed to look for updates yet.
I will see what is new over the weekend.
I hope they put in a "guest" mode soon...

What is the name of the iPhone app? I would assume I can just download that from the app store right?

 

[NWDiver]

Yep, it is called aquanotes.

 

[FreakinReefin]

Okay, well the group buy was a complete failure on nano-reef so I am still left controller-less. I am still looking around for the best one. Any other ideas?? I know Pacific Sun is going to come out with a controller however I know nothing about it. I am still looking for some great advice to sway my decision...help!

 

[jrgilles]

Well, I still like the neptune. I think the seasonal charts to control moonrise/set, temp, sun rise/set, etc. are pretty cool. I like the web interface also.

But, its the only one I've used. Nothing bad to say about it though. I really like the ability to write code for all the outlets, setting parameters for when it should be on or off.

 

[NWDiver]

+1 jrgilles
It's not often that I can say this but if I had to do it all over again I would again buy the Neptune Apex.

 

[lmn420]

I feel bad about the group buy. Sux the retailers can force a manufacturers hand when it comes to a group buy. I do agree with everyone else that the apex has the best feature set for the price, but I am also really tempted by the ReefAngel. It is cheap and with some diy it can do everything the Apex can. The only problem is it is early in its development so until more people develop the features it is just a basic controller right now.

 

[khaosinc]

I'm actually pretty happy with the RKE. easy to set up and easy to expand all over the place. I had no desire to have it try and call me. Mostly I just wanted to control about a half dozen fixtures, and some pumps. I like doing most things manually.