Apex

Your wireless router should have a couple slots for ethernet plug-ins. I would think you would be able to plug the controller directly into the routher. I don't have a controller but I am running a wireless home network and my router has sevaral outputs.

 

If you cannot hardwire the Apex to the router, you will need a bridge.  This is the one I use, Cisco Linksys WET610N wireless ethernet bridge.  If you Google it, you can buy them from Amazon, eBay, Walmart etc.

 

I would try to run a hardwire connection to the router. It would be a simple Ethernet cable that would go from the apex to one of the router jacks. Wireless is possible but is more complicated to set up. Read the unofficial users guide on reef central and it will walk you through it. I know it recommends establishing a hardwired connection for initial setup, even if you plan on going wireless. I like the idea of idea of a hardwired connection for redundancy. I am far from a computer guru and had little problem. Good luck!

 

Netgear wireless gaming adapter. If you go to pics and go to bobov50 150 gal build he has a picture of one in there. It's a simple plug and play and u connect it to the module pm1 of your apex and it makes it wireless. Good luck to ya

 

The Apex base unit can be anywhere you want it to be, as long as you have the Aquabus (the USB cable) connected to the other components.  Wireless is fine, but when it comes time to upgrading firmware, you really need to have it hard wired into the network.  I've corrupted the firmware doing this over wireless.  Curt says that he gets calls from people that corrupt their firmware like that all the time.  You would think that he would build in a CRC check or something to detect such a condition, but as last I knew, that was not in place.
If you get it hooked up to the Internet, I'll be happy to help you configure it!
--AJ

 

Oh, and one other thing that will help you decide best place for the Apex base unit is probe cord length. Your probes have to be able to reach your tank water (obviously).

--AJ

 

Terri,

In the early days of apex the wireless option was only available AFTER you did your initial setup and firmware upgrading via hardwire. Most people in your situation would do the setup and and initial firmware upgrade using a laptop hardwired to the apex. They may have improved the wireless features but to be safe I would do your first initial setups using a hardwire. Then use the bridge that everyone is talking about after it is all setup.

I know you can physically take your base unit upstairs and plug it into your computer hardwire and do the upgrades, although I have never done it myself. I took my base unit to Macna and had Curt from Neptune do the firmware upgrade from his booth, which is basically the same situation.

Don't get discouraged....this is going to be really confusing at first. But if you can get the system online where someone could access your apex from their home...well, that will go a long ways. In theory we could program the thing for you without leaving the house.

 

No but my buddy Bobov50 does, and it works great. Plus it's like 30$. Plus it it, hit the sync button, go to your route homepage, and follow booklet instructions. 5 min and he had it going..

 

I was overwhelmed at first too, but just like everything, it will come with time. Once you get the hang of it, and can utilize all the features, you will be amazed at just how awesome this controller is. There is a ton of knowledgable people on here that can help ya.

When I first got mine, my lights were off for two days because I couldn't figure out how to program it lol. Waverz from ACC took remote control over my desktop from his house and programmed it for me. Once it was all said and done, after watching him do it, it's not truly all that bad, just a little overwhelming at first. Neptune also has great customer service, they answer the phone too, not with an automated answering machine, like most company's.

Happy reefing to yah Terri /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif

 

I think you should hook it up to your computer and update firmware. The use the wireless bridge (gaming adapter) just to make things easier.

 

Hardwired means you plug your router right into your apex. You will not need the wireless adapter until later. For the initial setup you will want to hard wire. By that I mean use an ethernet cable. Do a google image search for ethernet cable and you will see what I mean.

Is there anyone in your area that has an apex? If so they could have you up and running in one hour. MAke some cookies or something and lure them over. Once you get it up and running all the programming can be done remotely.

I had blue fool do my initial apex setup and it has been nothing but awesome ever since.