RKE updated

After determining that the RKE head unit was corrupt, I sent it in for repairs. It somehow got fried after I did the firmware updates. Who knows what did it? But, it wasn't too much of a loss for me since I actually got the free V2 head unit trade-in when it was available back when. So, I went ahead and purchased a replacement unit and it's been up and running since May 3rd.

With the NET module working, I was able to look at the data that's been recording. Temperature reflects San Diego weather that affects the house:

The pH is fluctuating with lights on/off as it should (a spike marks a water change):

I still haven't bothered calibrating ORP since I don't really use it to push the tank in either direction. The spikes correspond to the water changes that are done once every 2 weeks. The ORP is inversely related to the pH.

The data are not uploaded to any website just yet since the router I'm using is not able to act as an access point. I'll have to search Craigslist for some old router or get a fancy Airport Express that I can hook up to a sound system and listen to Airtunes for my big fat Airhead.

RKE updated (regrettably)

I updated the firmware on all the RKE devices over the weekend and things were working well for several hours. I decided to feed the fish and use the RKE's standby mode, then the head unit "crashed". I re-programmed the head unit's firmware again, and it seemed to work even when I tried the standby mode. I thought that might have been the only hiccup during this updating process.

Unfortunately, this is what I came home to today at 7:30 PM:

Another, seemingly random, crash.

By the looks of it, it looks as if my main pump, protein skimmer, heaters and auto top-off devices had been powered off since 3:22 PM. LED lights and Vortech circulation pumps were kept separately on a good old-fashioned power strip.

The livestock looks healthy....so far.

Time to log on to Digital Aquatic's forum. Ugh.

RKE v1.07 - Graphing

After updating the firmware to v1.07 for the 3 different types of modules in the RKE system, I wasn't able to reset graphs. I even tried the "work around" solution with no success. Finally, as I navigated around the menu items, I tried out the "factory reset" option. Was that there before? I had to re-enter the few settings that I keep (two fans, some heaters, custom display). Then, wait for the data to come in.

This seems to have emptied out the memory successfully as I now can see new data appearing. And, the graphs are appearing properly.

Here's what happens to the temperature (with temp. probe measuring in the sump) during the day. I had sharper peaks yesterday since it was much hotter than today. The drop in peak shows the activity of the 1/5 horse power chiller.

Here is what happens to the pH (with probe measuring in the sump) over the day. In the morning, the pH starts around 8.0 and works up to 8.2 after the lighting intensifies.

Here you can see the pH fluctuation for several days. There's a small trend toward a lower pH which seems to level off near the end. I can't remember when I added a little Marine Buffer to help minimize the pH swing. I doubt that I'll be able to flatten this data with more buffer, but it's good to see that it's within acceptable range (pH 8.0 to 8.3).

I guess I can give the RKE v1.07 at least one thumb up for finally delivering (or bringing back) what was initially promised. Another thumb up will go after I move over my main pump, skimmer pump, more heaters and chiller control over to the RKE without failures.

RKE v1.0.3

RKE: almost recommended

The new firmware update is only aimed toward the PC4 outlets. The software that applies the firmware has been edited with a check box dialog which makes sure you've taken the appropriate steps before proceeding with firmware updating.
Now, I just sit and wait to see if the "Red Dot of Death" appears on my PC4 controlling the two fans. I'm not sure if I'll wait a few days or the entire week. When I'm satisfied that it's not going to randomly shut off, I'll try adding the main return pump and the protein skimmer to the controller. Then, the chiller will be added.
I get plenty of time to come up with a programming scheme for the new items. For instance, the skimmer pump should shut off when the main pump is shut off. Also, there should be a delay in turning the skimmer on when the main pump powers on or there will be a little flooding in the skimmer. I'd also like to set up the main pump for a 20 minute standby while I'm feeding the tank mates.
I'm currently controlling these options with a Red Sea WaveMaster Pro. And, there's an UltraLife float switch in the sump controlling the protein skimmer.

The graphing capabilities are still troublesome. The old data doesn't get removed from memory even though you've waited more than 20 minutes to reactivate data logging. Now I've noticed that the y-axis doesn't change resolution at all.
So, there goes the summer months as far as trying to tweak the system by using the data graphs to clue you in on what's going on 24/7. That is, of course, unless Digital Aquatics releases any new updates to address this specific issue.

RKE v1.0.2

The new updated firmware and application software for the RKE was released last Wednesday. This short-lived software was then taken off the Digital Aquatics website and offered again on Friday with basically the same updates.

After the update, the graph for temperature now starts out as 70.0 through 100.0 on the y-axis. It appears flat because of the low resolution. Temperature graphing was fine before the update. I don't know how to change it at this point. I've already tried removing the graphing data, but now I just let it collect data and wait for the next update. The only option I have causes the y-axis to graph from 0.0 to 100.0 which isn't any better.

Going to Reef Central, I found a thread in which someone finally explained how to calibrate the pH meter. The pH meters that I've come across in my profession usually require you to calibrate a probe using either a pH solution of 4.00, 7.00 or 10.00 depending on what kind of pH buffer you're creating. The process involves calibrating the probe at each individual point. The RKE, though, requires you to go through two pH buffers first before you can choose to save the calibration points.

I wonder which country in the world calibrates their probes in this fashion? But, with that in mind: which probes have I been using in my career? hmmmm......curious now.

RKE as a Controller

With the pH and the temperature probes satisfactorily monitoring my tank, I've decided to move one very small step up and allow the RKE to control 3X 200W heaters in the sump. I say it's a small step because heat is not needed now as it's summertime! Maybe there will be communication software available before winter comes?

The next step is adding two fans. These fans used to be in my canopy where they cooled down the Metal Halide/PC combo lighting. But, since upgrading (?) or changing over to AI LED's, I decided to use one of the fans to blow air on the sump water. In this way, I can cool down the tank's temperature and delay the time the chiller turns on and save energy. The other fan is now being used to cool down the AI LED's three adaptors. The entire AI LED has already shut down twice because of adaptor overheating (AAARRRGGGHHHHH.....feel my pain, blog!).

RKE Not Recommended (for now)

This morning, I checked the temperature of the AI LED adaptors by hand and discovered that the fan was not on. In fact, the sump fan was not on either! I looked at the PC4 which controls these two and it was displaying the RED DOT OF DEATH! So, I turned it off, unplugged the communication wire and it reset. I was dreading having this particular unpredictable problem as I've read about it happening on the Reef Central threads.

Therefore, I cannot recommend the RKE until all issues have been solved. Until that time, I certainly won't hook up my main pump and protein skimmer to the RKE.

Reef Keeper Elite 1.00

The Reef Keeper Elite (RKE) arrived from Digital Aquatics. It's their latest controller release in which you could attach up to 163 pH probe if you so have the inclination. Of course, this is one of the devices that I'll have to add to my "Early Adopter Syndrome" list. It's already acting buggy. Fortunately, there's already talk about providing a firmware update.

Here are a few snapshots of its activity, so far.


This is what I've been seeing so far. Good job, RKE! (Note: I haven't bothered with calibrating the pH meter, yet.)

I see this random message sometimes. Okay, good job RKE ver 1.0! "Detached" could mean a few things: 02 is for temp, pH or ORP probe. I haven't a clue. Although, I do see an error message showing up for ORP which I do not have at this point. I wonder how I can disable it?

Here's a sample graph of the temperature. Nice curves, RKE! Notice the two extreme dips in the graph even though I haven't dropped any ice-cubes in the sump, lately.

Uhhh.....now what? I'm starting to believe that our house is built upon a buried meteor containing a trapped alien space craft which has found a way to communicate with me through my reef tank's electronics.