| Author |
 Topic Search  Topic Options
|
bfessler 
Guest
Joined: March 13 2009
Location: Lehi
Status: Offline
Points: 1708
|
 Post Options
 Thanks(0)
 Quote  Reply
 Topic: controller Help
Posted: July 03 2009 at 8:00pm |
Does anyone have experience with a Digital Aquatics RKL Controller?
I picked up one of these to better control my tanks automation. It is really slick and on sale for $99.00 for the level 1. It was easy to set up but I can't figure out how to control my pumps properly. I just want to run them 24 hours a day except for 30 minutes between 6:00 and 6:30 pm for feeding.
The standby feature works great for manual feedings but I need it to automatically control the pumps while I am out of town on business. If you have experience with this controller and know the appropriate settings to make this work I would apprechiate your imput.
Thanks,
Burt
|
Burt
An equal opportunity reefer,
I support all hobbyists and organizations involved in Marine Aquarium Keeping.
[email protected]
|
 |
thefu
Guest
Joined: November 05 2008
Location: South Jordan,UT
Status: Offline
Points: 1550
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: July 04 2009 at 2:09pm |
|
If it has a similar menu structure to my RK2 I would simply set it up as a "Light" "Other" and set the on off times accordingly. The only thing you will sacrifice is the manual "standby"
|
|
Mark Peterson
Paid Member
Joined: June 19 2002
Location: Murray
Status: Offline
Points: 21436
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: July 04 2009 at 2:27pm |
|
So you want them to on all the time except for feeding. That's a pretty standard settng for all controllers. If you keep looking you will find it. Is there a button to manually push for feeding? Perhaps all you do is set the pump for 24/7 and the program itself turns it off for 30 minutes when you push the feed button.
|
Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks:www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
|
|
thefu
Guest
Joined: November 05 2008
Location: South Jordan,UT
Status: Offline
Points: 1550
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: July 04 2009 at 3:29pm |
|
Yes mark there is a standby button. But in this case I think he is trying to coordinate his autofeeder with pump shut off for feeding while he is away on business. In the RK there is another setting for "multitimer" but the duration is only up to three digits for minutes. Not enough for 23.5 hours.
|
|
bfessler
Guest
Joined: March 13 2009
Location: Lehi
Status: Offline
Points: 1708
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: July 05 2009 at 11:44am |
Hi Mark and Fu,
Thanks for the input.
The RKL controller is a big step up from the plug in timers I was using for automation but they could write a better manual. I requested help from their support site and even their staffers were not able to tell me how to do this simple program. I did finally decide just to treat it as a light like you suggested Fu.
I guess there is a new firmware version comming out soon that will make the RKL compatible with all the functions of the RKE with the exception of Net capability. and that will allow the use of their reefkeeper software for programming.
Burt
|
Burt
An equal opportunity reefer,
I support all hobbyists and organizations involved in Marine Aquarium Keeping.
[email protected]
|
|
thefu
Guest
Joined: November 05 2008
Location: South Jordan,UT
Status: Offline
Points: 1550
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: July 05 2009 at 3:56pm |
|
Burt, if you could stand two "off periods" a day, then you could use the "Multi-Timer" setting I think...the duration would then be 690 minutes with a 30 minute off period.
|
|
Roy
Guest
Joined: March 22 2009
Location: Cache Valley
Status: Offline
Points: 442
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: July 05 2009 at 8:03pm |
|
Just go to their site and call them during buss. hours. They are great to help. I hooked up a ATO to mine and it was complicated.... But they are always there and happy to help!
|
|
90 gal Corner with / 200 gal sump.
|
|
bfessler
Guest
Joined: March 13 2009
Location: Lehi
Status: Offline
Points: 1708
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: July 05 2009 at 8:56pm |
|
I planned to give them a call on Monday. I tried to call Friday but they were closed for the 4th. I saw on their web site that they are offering float switch modules for ATO and Low water warnings. Over all I am happy with the product.
|
Burt
An equal opportunity reefer,
I support all hobbyists and organizations involved in Marine Aquarium Keeping.
[email protected]
|
|
Mark Peterson
Paid Member
Joined: June 19 2002
Location: Murray
Status: Offline
Points: 21436
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: July 06 2009 at 8:34am |
I would NEVER do that. The disaster that could happen if the programmer messed up and circulation stopped is not worth the risk. I've been at this hobby far too long and have seen far too many of such disasters. Automation is cool but don't get carried away with it.
Feeding during vacation/business trips is only absolutely necessary once per week and it's best to have an experienced hobbyist watch the tank and do feedings more often if you like. I would never trust my aquariums to a neighbor. They have absolutely no idea when something is going wrong and then it's too late. Likewise, a controller is no substitute for an experienced hobbyist. Finding someone that lives nearby is so simple by asking right here on the WMAS forum.
Again, my advice is to plug pumps into the wall or at least on the continuous/always on program and have the tanks watched by a fishy friend.
just my 2 cents 
Edited by Mark Peterson - July 06 2009 at 9:13am
|
Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks:www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
|
|
