More details on the Neptune Systems Apex Jr

Posted on April 5th, 2011 by 19

We were able to get more information on the upcoming Neptune Systems Apex Jr controller we touched on yesterday. While we incorrectly dubbed the unit AquaController Jr initially, the additional details from Neptune Systems on the Apex Jr showcase where this new entry-level aquarium controller will make its stand. As we noted yesterday, the Apex Jr definitely borrows from the EnergyBar 4 on the outside but has many of the features from the robust Apex aquarium controller on the inside.  Neptune incorporated many useful features in one box to get the aquarium controller newbie up and running quickly, while having the ability to add on and upgrade as needed. More details after the jump.

The Neptune Apex Jr is scheduled to be available next month with these key features:

  • Starting at $149.95 includes Apex Jr module and temperature probe
  • Built-in Ethernet port — Has all the same monitoring, control and configuration features of the Apex and Apex Lite
  • iPhone application
  • Email or text message alarms
  • Resettable circuit breaker for over current protection
  • True data logging on all monitor probes and outlets
  • Four independently controllable 120V outlets — 8 Amps each and total current must be less than 15 Amps
  • All AquaBus accessories work with the Apex Jr
  • Plug and Play AquaBus expansion
  • Two-port AquaBus hub for expansion – Expandable up to five AquaBus accessories
  • Simple firmware updates over Ethernet
  • Four Mounting Holes for easy installation
  • Compact custom aluminum enclosure (7.5 x 3.75 x 1.8 in.)

 

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  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_3PQR2S2EAZUDJKVYUCKLCWJ37Q Micheal

    Out of curiosity what is the difference between “true data logging” and “data logging”

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_3PQR2S2EAZUDJKVYUCKLCWJ37Q Micheal

    Out of curiosity what is the difference between “true data logging” and “data logging”

  • Anonymous

    i am really missing the screen

  • Anonymous

    This definitely has my interest. Is the screen not there for pricing reasons? Smart move I say!

  • http://twitter.com/JerBrower Jeremy Brower

    That’s exactly right! Your screen is mobile, it’s your smartphone that you have in your pocket. Or it can be your ipad / laptop that’s anywhere in your house, or a pc. This is the future of controllers in my opinion, especially with the integration we now have with smartphones and these devices.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_JJKAECJPHONJW33PSPLKQRMBGI J

    This wouldn’t be a bad little set up for a QT or frag tank, even if you have an Apex. I’d have to run a 50′ cable from my Apex to my QT tank; I might have to pick one of these up :)

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_DRX3ZMBDLONRZ6FBR5A6734JDU Arom

    So are you limited to just 4 outlets? can you expand it? Seems like a limitation to the 12 you can have with the current ACjr.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_JJKAECJPHONJW33PSPLKQRMBGI J

    “Expandable up to five AquaBus accessories”
    There are EB8 and EB4 powerstrips, so in theory you should be able to control up to 44 outlets with this setup.

  • http://twitter.com/jfarabaugh jfarabaugh

    a company finally using its head and cutting cost by using what folks already have. golf clap!

    Put me down for one.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Tibbits/8640355 Matthew Tibbits

    Will this work with all of the Neptune accessories? I would love to be able to buy one and use the Dimming Module.

  • http://twitter.com/bigtang1 Big Tang

    Love it – I’m in

  • Anonymous

    This is great news for the entry-level hobbyist that until now did not have a cost effective solution for controlling their tanks and also having internet access without dropping at least $100 more from the base unit. Also, as already stated, most people will opt not to have the display once they see how cool it is to use the iphone app. To get the same thing from Digital Aquatics you have to spend $120 plus $120 more to get the Net module which won’t even allow you to configure it via an iphone or computer. On top of that, the temp probes shipped with Neptune controllers have proven to be much more reliable over the long term than the DA ones. This is really big news for controllers in the hobby.

  • Anonymous

    I think this has to do with the fact that the data logging is happening inside the unit itself and is stored in non-volatile memory as opposed to other systems that might require a connected PC to log data.

  • Anonymous

    yep.

  • http://twitter.com/gabbagabbawill Will Loftin

    seriously… tiny lcd displays are so old tech… finally a controller that gets rid of the unnecessary bits of hardware and gives you what you need!

  • http://twitter.com/gabbagabbawill Will Loftin

    This can’t come out soon enough!! I’m ready to order one today… lol.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=622465486 Ryan Thompson

    So to use this controller wirelessly, you will have to spend more money to get a gaming adapter? Is that right?

    It would be nice if these controller companies would add wifi right into the controller so it could hook up to your wireless network all by itself.

    Of course I could have totally misunderstood the whole thing.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_JJKAECJPHONJW33PSPLKQRMBGI J

    True so far to date. I imagine that the wifi components would add too much cost to an already expensive product

  • Scott Evangelist

    http://www.neptunesys.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=56&Itemid=40

    The wireless expansion module. A bit pricey though.

     If the Apex Jr is compatible with wireless gaming adapters, then its likely compatible with any ethernet to 802.11/wi-fi adapter.