Is the wifi module needed

camshaft · Post by **camshaft** » Tue Jan 15, 2013 1:41 pm

I am setting up my new 90 reef. I am interested in the ra and have two questions. The fist question is do I have to purchase the wifi module to control the ra from my phone if the ra is plugged directly into my n-class wireless router? The second question is can the ra run multiple aquariums in the house with obvious expansion modules? Thanks.

lnevo · Post by **lnevo** » Tue Jan 15, 2013 2:55 pm

You would need a USB connection to a PC / laptop to control it remotely through the web portal.. otherwise you will need the wifi module, or hack an ethernet module based on recent work...

As far as controlling multiple aquariums it all depends on proximity. I believe ~30ft USB cables have been tested to work ok. That and a 15pin SVGA cable would be your limitations to have a relay box seperate from the head unit. I'm not sure of the distance limitations on other probes like the ph, or temperature probe...

camshaft · Post by **camshaft** » Tue Jan 15, 2013 3:16 pm

So as far as I understand you, if I use the included serial ttl connector that comes with the ra that has the usb jack on the other side. If I connect that to a usb extension and then into the back of my computer that is always on and plugged into my netgear router, then that will take the place of having to buy the wireless module?

rossbryant1956 · Post by **rossbryant1956** » Tue Jan 15, 2013 3:58 pm

no, unless you plan on VPN'ing thru your router to your PC and thus view the RA it won't work. You are also giving up a lot of extra functionality and tools available via the wifi unit. We might have Ethernet at some point but I'd say that is still a ways out before it hits mainstream code.

DrewPalmer04 · Post by **DrewPalmer04** » Tue Jan 15, 2013 4:55 pm

Follow my thread on Ethernet arduino. It's already possible and the hard wired connection is 100% stable. This would give you total control of your RA just as the wifi would.

lnevo · Post by **lnevo** » Tue Jan 15, 2013 4:57 pm

The pc client can post updates to the portal i believe. So you could view that data remotely.

camshaft · Post by **camshaft** » Tue Jan 15, 2013 11:18 pm

So there are two conflicting ideas. What is the true please?

DrewPalmer04 · Post by **DrewPalmer04** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 6:03 am

The client does sent data to the portal but offers no control from your phone. The client allows you to "see" your specs on the portal but doesn't allow control unless you control it through a pc, not a phone.

camshaft · Post by **camshaft** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 8:13 am

So, if I'm away I can see but not control. If I'm home I can control through phone?

DrewPalmer04 · Post by **DrewPalmer04** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 9:32 am

Nope. No control through phone at all, ever without Ethernet or wifi module.

camshaft · Post by **camshaft** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 9:41 am

And your ethernet module costs pretty near what a wifi module does so there isnt much of an advatage. With the wifi module, or your ethernet module, the phone or tablet can control everthing from anywhere then I assume? Im just trying to decide between ra and apex. When you start to add the things to ra to make it work remotely and have the same amount of dimming outputs as apex vdm, it starts to be counter productive in price it seems to me.

camshaft · Post by **camshaft** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 9:42 am

And your ethernet module costs pretty near what a wifi module does so there isnt much of an advatage. With the wifi module, or your ethernet module, the phone or tablet can control everthing from anywhere then I assume? Im just trying to decide between ra and apex. When you start to add the things to ra to make it work remotely and have the same amount of dimming outputs as apex vdm, it starts to be counter productive in price it seems to me.

DrewPalmer04 · Post by **DrewPalmer04** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 10:12 am

Except for the Idea of endless possibilities with open source programming.

camshaft · Post by **camshaft** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 11:10 am

DrewPalmer04

pm sent

lnevo · Post by **lnevo** » Wed Jan 16, 2013 3:23 pm

Even with the ra+ with the wifi the price comes out cheaper. Maybe if you go with the lite version but when you start adding in the ph probe and multiple temp sensors and float switches, you come out ahead, at least when i did the math back when i purchased. Another thing to not is that apex is ethernet only so you need another device to get wifi, consuming another outlet. Wifi was requirement for me as running a cable would not have worked in my current location.

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