Neptune Apex PM2 Setup Manual

Apex Probe Module 2

(PM2)

Setup Guide

Table of Contents

PROBE MODULE 2 – INTRODUCTION .............................................................................. 3

FEATURES ...................................................................................................................... 3

PHYSICAL INSTALLATION .............................................................................................. 3

Initial Connections .............................................................................................................. 4

Startup ............................................................................................................................. 4

VERIFY THE INSTALLATION ........................................................................................... 4

UPDATE PROBE MODULE FIRMWARE .............................................................................. 5

CONDUCTIVITY PROBE SETUP ........................................................................................ 5

Conductivity Range ............................................................................................................ 5

Temperatur e Com pensation ................................................................................................. 6

CONDUCTIVITY PROBE CALIBRATION ............................................................................ 7

CONDUCTIVITY PROBE MAINTENANCE........................................................................... 7

SWITCH INPUTS ............................................................................................................. 8

PROGRAMMING .............................................................................................................. 9

NEPTUNE SYSTEMS LIMITED WARRANTY ..................................................................... 10

PROBE MODULE 2 – INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the AquaController Apex expansion accessory. The
AquaController Apex Probe Module 2 expands the monitoring and control capabilities of
your Apex system by adding conductivity and temperature probe ports. The
AquaController Apex System delivers an expandable, professional quality aquarium
controller at hobbyist prices. The AquaController Apex is the most flexible, expandable
system on the market today.

FEATURES

• Monitor conductivity (salinity).

• Control outlets based on conductivity readings from the conductivity probe

connected to the PM2.

• Automatic temperature compensation with connected temperature probe
(temperature probe optional).

• Monitor and control temperature with connected temperature probe (temperature
probe optional).

• Galvanic Isolation for accurate and reliable probe readings.

• 6 digital inputs for float switches, water on the floor sensors, pressure sensors,

etc.

• Full data logging and graphing through the Apex Base Module.

• The PM2 attaches to and is powered by the Apex system via AquaBus.

• Automatic Plug N Play for easy setup and configuration.

• Upgradeable firmware through AquaBus via the Apex Base Module.

• Multi-color LED Status Indicator.

• 2 AquaBus ports for flexible system connections.

• Comes with a 3' AquaBus cable.

• Compatible with Apex and Apex Lite systems.

PHYSICAL INSTA LLATION

WARNING: Your Apex Base Module must be running firmware version 4.02 or

higher to support the Probe Module 2. The current firmware version can be checked
from the Apex Display on the Self Test screen. If needed, please upgrade the Apex Base
Module firmware to 4.02 or higher before proceeding with the installation. See the Apex
Setup and Programming Guide for firmware upgrade instructions.

The AquaController Probe Module 2 should be securely mounted in a location free from
moisture. Use wood screws through the mounting tabs of the probe module case or if
mounting on drywall, use drywall anchors (mounting hardware not included).

Apex Probe Module 2 (PM2) - Setup Guide Page 3

• Mount all modules above the water line of the aquarium.

• Be sure to utilize drip loops on all power cords, AquaBus cables and probe cables.

WARNING: Water damage will void your warranty! Mount all modules in locations

safe from moisture exposure.

INITIAL CONNECTIONS

Plug one end of the included AquaBus cable into one of the AquaBus ports on the probe
module and the other end into an available AquaBus port on your existing Apex system.
It makes no difference which AquaBus port is used and you do not need to power down
the system when connecting AquaBus accessories as the system is plug-and-play.

WARNING: NEVER plug standard USB devices into any AquaBus connector or
AquaBus accessories into computer USB ports. Damage to the AquaBus accessory

and/or USB device may result.

Connect the Conductivity probe (must be purchased separately, available from your
Neptune retailer) to the port labeled Conductivity on the Probe Module 2. Push the Mini­DIN 4 connector into position paying close attention to the pin alignment.

If you are using a temperature probe with the Probe Module 2 (must be purchased
separately, available from your Neptune retailer), plug in to the port labeled Temp on
the probe module and place the other end of the Temperature Probe in the aquarium
water in an area of medium to high flow in the same area as the conductivity probe.

STARTUP

As soon as the probe module is connected to an active AquaBus, the probe module will
power up and begin to initialize. When first connected to an AquaController Base Module
(through the AquaBus), the probe module will automatically be assigned an AquaBus
address and be added to the AquaController configuration. The LED Status indicator on
the probe module will flash yellow while it is being initialized. Once initialized, the LED
Status indicator will be solid green. The LED Status indicator will flash yellow when the
probe module is powered on and communication with the AquaController Base Module is
lost.

VERIFY THE INSTALLATION

Verify the probe module was initialized and added to the AquaController Apex
configuration:

Apex Display: Setup – Module Setup – Modify Name – from this screen, you can
see all AquaBus modules installed on the system.

Apex Probe Module 2 (PM2) - Setup Guide Page 4