Split Control 4

[SomethingFishy]

Having previously had an aquarium computer from another manufacturer that died more than once due to a power supply failure (ultimately resulting in the demise of my tank), I am paranoid about power supply redundancy. The Control 4 has everything that I need but then I would want to add a Control 2 or Control XS exclusively for power supply redundancy, which seems a bit of a waste. Whilst it could potentially take trade away from people buying the Control 4, how about a computer with the 1-10v input/output, probe outputs and 2 sense ports. This could then be combined with a Control 2 to make all of the same inputs/outputs as the Control 4 but with the benefit of redundant computer and power supplies. If this was also available as a 'starter pack' then by purchasing that and a Control 2 starter pack you would also end up with a redundant temp sensor and power strip. Additionally, this would give the option for people who didn't want the drive ports to add a Control XS and end up with the equivalent of a redundant Control 4 but with 6 sense ports instead of 4 sense and 2 drive.

I understand that everyone would probably ask for similar variations with their own requirements for the specific number of ports and inputs for their system, but I think that this would be a great addition to satisfy most users demands whilst providing them with the most cost effective options, without having to add the option for individual customisation.

In terms of redundancy, it would also be nice to be able to specify which temp sensor was included in the starter packs, thus if I bought a Control 2 and a Control XS I could end up with one 'normal' temp sensor and one magnetic temp sensor, rather than 2 of the same type.


Also, this might not be the correct place to ask but, hypothetically, if a wired power strip was to be offered in the future, what would be Coralvue's preferred connection method? Would it most likely go to a 1-10v output, a Command Bus output or some other connection method? I just want to make sure that if I purchase a system now that I will be future-proofed.

 

[TragicDog]

The guys are coralvue didn't put as much thought and time into this project just to leave it after a year.
They didn't choose the connectors they chose, or the wifi control then went with just because. They have reasons, most of which I heard from their many interviews.

As for "future proofed" hardware... doesn't exist. Everything has a point in time where it is not longer the way it should be done. By going with the command bus route they have basically ensured that the hardware will be able to be adapted, but as with all controllers/computers these days there will be a time where something will come out and what you have won't work with it. I personally would love a wired solution as I know my wired network is more stable then my wireless one.

0-10v control has been around for a very long time. 20+ years. Command Bus is the preferred way to doing things in vehicles. wifi has been around for a while too and even though the spectrum changed early on it's been 2.4 and 5 ghz for quite a while now.

I wouldn't get hung up on what the future holds just look at the system as it is now and pick which one works for you. I know people that love the Hydros wave engine but don't run hydros control they run apex. There are also people who run Hydros and apex. I'm sure in Europe GHL is the king instead of Apex.

The system Carlos and the guys are coralvue built is modular. buy what you want today and when the next controller comes, or break out boxes are added then buy those or don't.

Sorry for the rant. "future proofed" set me off...

 

[Shred5]

I personally would love a wired solution as I know my wired network is more stable then my wireless one.

Why does everyone think WIFI is less reliable than wired? Makes no sense to me because they are both hardware dependent. That piece of hardware fails on either side it does not matter if it is wired or wireless. A router/switch/hub can fail just as easy as a WIFI hotspot. As long as it is set up properly and everything is in range WIFI should never have a issue.

Only thing different is security, WIFI is less secure. Wireless can be harder to set up but why would it be less reliable? Makes no sense to me.

0-10v control has been around for a very long time. 20+ years.

I like 0-10v control though it is a good option but actually 0-10v is disappearing and going WiFi. Reason is it is cheaper than running wires and looks cleaner..
Right now light fixtures are mainly going this route. I think in the future building management and security. Security is already happeing.

 

[TragicDog]

Why does everyone think WIFI is less reliable than wired? Makes no sense to me because they are both hardware dependent. That piece of hardware fails on either side it does not matter if it is wired or wireless. A router/switch/hub can fail just as easy as a WIFI hotspot. As long as it is set up properly and everything is in range WIFI should never have a issue.

Only thing different is security, WIFI is less secure. Wireless can be harder to set up but why would it be less reliable? Makes no sense to me.

I like 0-10v control though it is a good option but actually 0-10v is disappearing and going WiFi. Reason is it is cheaper than running wires and looks cleaner..
Right now light fixtures are mainly going this route. I think in the future building management and security. Security is already happeing.

I've been working in technology for 25 years. A wired solution is always more stable. Yes they are both hardware dependent, but a cable doesn't have to contend with wall thinkness, or number of bodies in the way of the signal. Water itself is a great way to block rf signals.

As for 0-10v disappearing, how long will it take? How long are our tanks going to be set up? I know there are people out there with 10+, even 20+ year old tanks, but there are a lot more people who re do everything or leave the hobby after 5+ years.

 

[SomethingFishy]

To clarify my 'future proof' comment you have to take it into context. I don't expect a $200 aquarium computer to still be state of the art in 50 years. It is just that, at the apparent rate of development of this product (which is a good thing) it is possible that items purchased now will be 'improved upon' in a matter of weeks. For example, I dare say that there are some people out there who have bought a Control 2 within the last few weeks that would already be better off with, and wishing they had bought, an XS. All I am personally interested in, is if what I might buy now is compatible with what is already in the pipeline. For example, if I buy a Control 2 now and a hard-wired power strip is released next month that relies on the 1-10v output then I will be miffed. Alternatively, if I buy a Control 4 to get all of the ports for every option and then discover that the hard-wired power strip works on the Can Bus I might be equally annoyed. The alternative is to wait and see but at the moment my new tank is cycling and I am ready to buy some form of control for it now.

I don't have any beef with CoralVue about this, it was simply a question (attached to a suggestion which would provide me with an almost ideal solution to my requirements) to hopefully help me decide what, if anything, to buy now.

My only criticism of Coralvue is that there is no manual for these things. When I queried that with customer support they said that it was to save paper and because everything was moving so quickly that it would constantly be out of date. They pointed me to the 'getting started' webpage and this forum. The problem with that is that by having to sift through multiple web pages, forums and YouTube videos it is easy for something to get missed. For example, the post on this forum regarding how to connect various elements using the power and data cables is great reading, but if I missed that post then I would be missing vital information, That, in my opinion (as well as all the specifications like the current ratings of all of the inputs/outputs etc) should be in a manual, even if that is only available as a pdf download. That would also, in my opinion, work in CoralVue's favour as if someone currently connects up their system incorrectly and it fails then that person could rightly ask how they were supposed to know better. If it is in a manual then there is no argument.

Again, I will say that this isn't a CoralVue bash, the products look great and reasonably priced. My initial post was just a suggestion and a question. I am still highly likely to buy one of the variants of this system when I can decide which one!

 

[Shred5]

I've been working in technology for 25 years. A wired solution is always more stable. Yes they are both hardware dependent, but a cable doesn't have to contend with wall thinkness, or number of bodies in the way of the signal. Water itself is a great way to block rf signals.

As for 0-10v disappearing, how long will it take? How long are our tanks going to be set up? I know there are people out there with 10+, even 20+ year old tanks, but there are a lot more people who re do everything or leave the hobby after 5+ years.

I work IT too..
My point is if you have proper signal there is not reason for it to drop unless the equipment goes out. Sure walls affect the range and stuff is on the fringes which equipment should not be can drop. Also a proper IT person also knows how to design a system to take in account walls. Most home users are not IT people though.. We are talking reliability.

 

[Carlos]

My only criticism of Coralvue is that there is no manual for these things. When I queried that with customer support they said that it was to save paper and because everything was moving so quickly that it would constantly be out of date. They pointed me to the 'getting started' webpage and this forum. The problem with that is that by having to sift through multiple web pages, forums and YouTube videos it is easy for something to get missed. For example, the post on this forum regarding how to connect various elements using the power and data cables is great reading, but if I missed that post then I would be missing vital information, That, in my opinion (as well as all the specifications like the current ratings of all of the inputs/outputs etc) should be in a manual, even if that is only available as a pdf download. That would also, in my opinion, work in CoralVue's favour as if someone currently connects up their system incorrectly and it fails then that person could rightly ask how they were supposed to know better. If it is in a manual then there is no argument.

I understand the frustration, but the reality is that most folks do not read the instructions. Providing a manual would be viewed by many as a waste of paper and not very environmentally friendly, considering that most folks (at least in this hobby) have easy access to the internet.

The other reason is the constant evolution of the product. This is brand new so putting out a manual that encompasses everything, including future products and features, is impossible. By moving the instructions to the web, we can continue to tweak and update the instructions to match the constantly evolving control and app. It is our way of being able to keep up with the changes.

The online instructions also ensure that every customer yesterday, today, or tomorrow, will access the latest version of the instructions at any time. How many times do you download a PDF file only to find out months later that it is out of date and the instructions on the PDF file do not match what you see on the product or app itself? Things change fast, and PDF files, once downloaded, do not.

Lastly, it is the way things are going now. Most software companies do not provide printed or PDF files but instead have a Wiki website with the latest instructions on using the product. The world is evolving, and we are working to keep up with it. This Control, including instructions, is meant to bring aquarium automation to the 21st Century.