|
03/07/2014, 06:25 AM | #76 | ||
Registered Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 2,072
|
Quote:
I have a 24 inch 4 year old ATI over my daughter's 38 which I ran downstairs above a section of my 180. It even fell partially underwater once, and it hasn't lost a fan yet. On the other hand it turns out my Pac Sun fan did not fail. The issue was the fan blades bending overtime. The blades are made of soft plastic and they moved just enough so as to rub on the grating. Ultimately they got stuck on the grate. I was able to bend the fan blades down and the fan began working again, and after talking to Yorgos I will open the fixture up next week and make a minor adjustment on the fans so as to give them a tiny bit more clearance from the grate. Not the end of the world, but when I buy a Mercedes Benz I don't expect to have quality issues that I must service myself in the first month, and really I think I should have gotten a "Turn Key" fixture and not one where I had to struggle to load software and a lighting schedule. Also I want to add to my list of recommendations. I think the fixture should come with a basic sunset/sunrise input mechanism built into the LED display and leave all the "gee wiz" computer control as an option. The more I contemplate this fixture the more I feel it just wasn't ready for market yet. The whole idea is awesome and it's really close, but the problematic details are truly annoying and should not exist on a $2000 light. And just to be sure everyone knows here is the link to the software that is supposed to correct the channel control problems. Quote:
__________________
Joe Peck TOTM Apr. 2013 Advanced Aquarist Featured Tank March 2011 Reef Hobbyist Magazine journalist, and all around SPS nut! Current Tank Info: 240 with 750 gal total system, ATI LED Powermodule, MTC-HSA 1000. MTC Pro-Cal.. |
||
03/07/2014, 05:01 PM | #77 |
Przemek Cybulski
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Gdynia
Posts: 251
|
Joe,
I understand your concern, but using lamp in "basic" mode is really very easy. You need to set only four parameres: 1) lamp power 2) sunrise/sunset time 3) duration 4) color settings in dedicated tab. That's all. You dont need to set all this "gee wez" if you dont need them. Please understand, that something not needed for you is "must have" for some other. Its not good idea from marketing point of view to offer fixtures in few different models - with computer/without or with only basic options. Based on our experiences (since we started production 5 years ago) that MANY customers which firstly used only basic settings - after some months wanted to adjust them using PAR table etc, Custom Lighting scenarios etc So its better include it in "basic" fixture - and Customer can decide which want to use / which not. A specially, that most of them dont know already what kind of options they will want to use in the future.. :-) Regards Przemek Cybulski Last edited by Pacific Sun RD; 03/07/2014 at 05:46 PM. |
03/07/2014, 09:21 PM | #78 | |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 2,072
|
Quote:
Przemek, I agree, but the problem is you can only set the basic settings with the program on a computer. You must establish a Bluetooth Connection to make the basic settings, and the Bluetooth Connection is terrible and the program crashes a lot and the program is difficult to load. You need to build a fixture that does not need a computer but can run all by itself. The computer should be a nice addition not the main control. That is just one persons opinion, and I understand you have been selling fixtures for many years so it is more than possible that I am wrong, but again it is just my opinion that your fixtures could improve a lot. The ideas you have are fantastic, but the execution is not so perfect. Yet. I believe you will make the best there is. It takes time. Sincerely, Joe
__________________
Joe Peck TOTM Apr. 2013 Advanced Aquarist Featured Tank March 2011 Reef Hobbyist Magazine journalist, and all around SPS nut! Current Tank Info: 240 with 750 gal total system, ATI LED Powermodule, MTC-HSA 1000. MTC Pro-Cal.. |
|
03/08/2014, 01:15 AM | #79 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: St. Louis, MO.
Posts: 3,259
|
Joe, I totally agree with you. They really should come with pre loaded software and settings at least a basic configuration and adjustability. Heck even DIY setups are plug and play these days with most of the controller kits offered now. Plug in, set time, set max intensity, set ramp time, all using the light fixture interface not a computer at the very minimum! From reading the descriptions I thought they allowed this already on the control screen, but looking again at the pics of the units I guess there are no input buttons?
Your fan issue is very suprising now that you describe it in more detail. They are aparently using a basic case fan in reverse without a gasket or stand offs to give it the needed clearence for the blades and motor. A no, no, if you've ever built anything using these fans, they are ment to blow air out of the the hole they are mounted to from the inside of the case and the intended mounting side gives this clearance. A very simple manufacturing fix would have been just to stamp the grill to punch it out a few millimeters using a basic press and it would have worked fine from the start. A simple fan gasket from the computer store or a few washers will fix it assuming enough clearance inside for that to fit, very much a PITA to have to fix such a basic design flaw yourself though for sure. Last edited by zachts; 03/08/2014 at 01:22 AM. |
03/08/2014, 02:00 AM | #80 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Ho Chi Minh
Posts: 321
|
Re Bluetooth, I have to totally disagree, first of all I change my setting not even being in the same room. I have never had any connection issues at all. I do not use any adaptor, just use my wife's 4 years old sony laptop. Wish I could use Mac, but that software is supposed to be updated shortly.
The setup.exe file has also never worked for me, even so Prezmek swears by it! I have to unpack and run the app directly, I get the same errors if I use the setup.exe file as posted in the PS forum many times. But then since you can run the app from any folder it seems, it's not a big hassle to create a shortcut. Re functions of the software, yes we need a simple graphical editor to go with the par tables, this should be a breeze to program for any developer. Other then that I have a hard time thinking of anything I would want from the software. Fan issues are indeed disturbing to read about, cross my fingers here. I also don't agree with too blue, at first I ran blue special (white looking TL's) because I thought it was too blue, but now 2 months down I recently removed them and added blue plus instead. Par level complaints, I have the 145w model, from my primitive par tests compared to JP results it seems that my lamp at 80% vs his at 100% gives about a 100 par extra. So I think the 75w model even it might be enough in most cases would not leave much or any headroom. I have horrible camera skills, but here is mine last week. And I can report growth of SPS. ImageUploadedByTapatalkHD1394265459.659064.jpg
__________________
Not allowed to put your blog here ;) Current Tank Info: 770 Display 205l Sump, 100l Nano |
03/08/2014, 03:03 AM | #81 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Wappingers Falls
Posts: 324
|
I dont use a bluetooth adapter to adjust settings. Only time I use adapter is to upgrade firmware. I ordered my lights in October and recieved it in three weeks. The lights came with upgraded firmware. Archit and Yorgos made sure to upgrade it. Fan is still running strong. And I have peace of mind of three year warranty.
Even if it fails I am covered for three years. And believe me electronics fail. I am not white knighting pacific sun. They are big boys and can defend themself. I am stating my experience so far. Nothing to complain so far. Now I have a spectra sitting here ready to setup. I want to see first hand if it is worth the extra electricity and heat to even run it.
__________________
Elos 120, ATI Led Powermodule , Hopefully SPS dominated reef |
03/08/2014, 03:09 AM | #82 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Wappingers Falls
Posts: 324
|
Even if these light break a component every month I am still covered under warranty. What company other than Pacific Sun provides three years of support. Only other one I can remember is Reefbreeders with two year warranty. I owned them to and they are amazing. Now of a company like everyone is insisting is using inferior parts and engineering will not stand behind its product. They will go broke providing parts.
__________________
Elos 120, ATI Led Powermodule , Hopefully SPS dominated reef |
03/08/2014, 07:08 AM | #83 | |
Przemek Cybulski
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Gdynia
Posts: 251
|
Quote:
I really like discuss with you :-) Can you tell me how you imagine control all settings without computer? We are talkign about simple on/off lamp?(like connected to external time switches?) Im not sure what you mean "run all by itself".. From my personal experience I know that as many users use our lamps - there is so many different lighting setups. One person will use lamp aove his FO tank - and only in the morning - so he dont need usig lamp on 100%. Other person work as cook and want to have lamp turned on up to midningt because he finish work very late. Another one - have non photo tank and extend his photoperiod to 14 hours on very low power... How we can built "universal" lamp witch will meet requirments of all this Customers? Really, we was thinking about that but finding "golen point" in this situation is very, very difficult - if not possible. All lamps come with predefined settings - and after power on - lamp start working without needed to settng anything. Regards Przemek |
|
03/08/2014, 07:14 AM | #84 | |
Przemek Cybulski
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Gdynia
Posts: 251
|
Quote:
Its very rare issue. Of course - every electronic part can broke(even fans which are wokring only when they are needed) - but we stand behind our products - and I think that there is no any other manufacturer which offer you 3 years of warranty. We know how are lamps ae built, we know about "weak points" of our products - but also our competitors products which usually offer 1 year warranty(which should speak for itself). If I'm wrong please correct me Even when warranty expire we never left Customers without support, because we know how much important is after sale service - not only before Customer will decide to spend his money for our new lamp. Regards Przemek |
|
03/09/2014, 04:33 PM | #85 | |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 2,072
|
Quote:
As to how . . . you are the owner of a business and you make LED fixtures so I think you know much more than I do about what is possible, but I have an ATI fixture, a Profilux Lightbar controller, and a Reef Lite Controller all of which have a menu driven display with 4 buttons <> and ^v AND they can be connected to a computer IF you want easier control BUT they do not have to be connected to control them. It is possible to take them out of the box, turn them on, and set just the basics and it will work. For the Pandora I would like to turn it on and set the following: First startup - set language/time/date then using the LED as a menu. 1) sunrise - start 2) sunset - start 3) sunset/sunrise - duration 4) LED maximum intensity - 0 to 100% 5) T5 - on/T5 - off 6) moonlight on YES/NO 7) moonlight intensity - Low/Med/High. The rest of the color control and PAR table possibilities are fun, but they should be extra through a direct computer link. Before making any such changes though I personally think you need a "Start Here" brochure. Something with a picture with all the plugs and switches labeled and explained and something that explains setup in as simple a fashion as possible. If you can't make a brochure like that in 1 or 2 pages then the basic fixture is too complex. Anyways, as I said Pacific Sun makes great lights and these are just some ideas from a crazy reefer Joe
__________________
Joe Peck TOTM Apr. 2013 Advanced Aquarist Featured Tank March 2011 Reef Hobbyist Magazine journalist, and all around SPS nut! Current Tank Info: 240 with 750 gal total system, ATI LED Powermodule, MTC-HSA 1000. MTC Pro-Cal.. |
|
03/09/2014, 04:42 PM | #86 | |
Registered Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Rancho Belago, Calif.
Posts: 735
|
Quote:
I agree with Joe, I am no way a computer nerd.... and I am really considering buying a pac sun fixture. The one thing that makes me a little nervous is the complex set up with having to download and use a computer. If it was plug and play, I probably would have already bought it. I know you have instruction videos on your web site, which is really a GOOD thing. Just wish you could set them up both ways...
__________________
250 gallon Advanced Acrylic, 103 gal sump, MTC - MVX 34" Skimmer, with Jebao DCT 12,000, 4-Kessil 360 we, 2-MP40 QD. 57W. Aqua UV, 1/4 Arctica chiller, 3 dosing pumps,phos, charcoal reactors |
|
03/09/2014, 04:44 PM | #87 | |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 2,072
|
Quote:
__________________
Joe Peck TOTM Apr. 2013 Advanced Aquarist Featured Tank March 2011 Reef Hobbyist Magazine journalist, and all around SPS nut! Current Tank Info: 240 with 750 gal total system, ATI LED Powermodule, MTC-HSA 1000. MTC Pro-Cal.. |
|
03/09/2014, 04:54 PM | #88 | |
Przemek Cybulski
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Gdynia
Posts: 251
|
Quote:
Effective range depend from your bluetooth module. There are two most popular devices - Class 1 and Class 2. lass 1 devices operate with 100mW power, Class 2(most popular) - only 2.5mW. Second important factor is how many other devices work (in local environment) on the same frequency(2.4gHz) - like Wifi, phones with wifi/bluetooht enabled etc. We did many experiences with Class 1 devices - and without any problem it possible to connect with lamp installed even on second floor - or via few walls. If you noticed problems with connection in distance bigger than 2m - please use Class 1 USB bluetooth and your problem will be solved withotu any doubt. Almost all notebooks/laptops have built-in bluetooths Class 2(energy saving is important a specially in mobile computers) - which perfect work with mouse placed on your desktop(or wireless headphones) but not with other devices using profesional communication protocols for data transmission. Bluetooth Class 1 is proven and perfectly working device - available in all computers/electronic stores(if your laptop dont have it built). Regards Przemek |
|
03/09/2014, 06:02 PM | #89 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 2,072
|
It really doesn't matter, but the fact is I AM using a Class 1 device. I just have a lot of noise in my environment, but I have other devices like an Apple TV, iPhone, Sony Camcorder, and several Bluetooth speakers which can make amazing connections with no trouble. I actually think the shrouding on the fixture and the ballasts create a large amount of interference as well, but I have no proof of this so it is just a guess.
Targus USB Bluetooth Adapter
__________________
Joe Peck TOTM Apr. 2013 Advanced Aquarist Featured Tank March 2011 Reef Hobbyist Magazine journalist, and all around SPS nut! Current Tank Info: 240 with 750 gal total system, ATI LED Powermodule, MTC-HSA 1000. MTC Pro-Cal.. |
03/09/2014, 07:25 PM | #90 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Spring Hill, Florida
Posts: 1,629
|
I find many of these points in this thread to be misguided. What high end led light is plug and play wirelessly right out of the box? Hydra52? No. You need the new controller or director. Radion Pro? No. You need to buy $200 Reeflink and deal with that garbage ESL. I agree with Przemek, that there is simply too much data to control to have an out of the box light. All you need to run PacSun is a $15 Bluetooth adapter. No other nonsense to buy. I've never had a problem with connecting or firmware updates. It's too easy to be complaining about.
__________________
When you die, you don't know you're dead. It's only difficult for the people around you. It's the same when you're stupid. Current Tank Info: 40IM Fusion, 40lbs of rock, and 20lbs of sand. Just a few fish and corals....for now. |
03/10/2014, 09:12 AM | #91 | |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 2,072
|
Quote:
__________________
Joe Peck TOTM Apr. 2013 Advanced Aquarist Featured Tank March 2011 Reef Hobbyist Magazine journalist, and all around SPS nut! Current Tank Info: 240 with 750 gal total system, ATI LED Powermodule, MTC-HSA 1000. MTC Pro-Cal.. |
|
03/10/2014, 11:58 AM | #92 |
Registered Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 256
|
I have never used Metal Halide but did come from the ATI Power Module T5 fixture. It's understandable that if you are using MH or T5 that the programming and setup would be super easy. Light comes on and off at certain times during the day. Maybe some dimming and not much else. For LED fixtures, unless you are doing a simple DIY model, I do not see a one size fit all program that could please the masses. All of the big name LED manufacturers have software to control the lights. The ability to fully control these light is part of the reason why they are so expensive. Coming from the Radions, I can tell you that the programming on the Pac Sun is much simpler than Ecotech. I had to play with so many configurations and trade with other users before I settled on one. With Pac Sun, I loaded Bali and never looked back.
The other concern with the bluetooth is not much of a concern to probably 90% of the users. Everyone owns a computer nowaday. More than likely, there is already a build in bluetooth. If there is not one it's doesn't cost much to buy one. I was able to do my software and firmware upgrade with no external bluetooth. One of the concern was why did the fixture come without the latest firmware and software updates. I think the answer is simple. The latest one most of us are using is in Beta. Manufacturer do not want to take the risk with shipping a product that can potentially fail with beta programming. One more thing. I can't agree with the statement that Pac Sun Pandora can't grow SPS. Most of us that have the fixture are using the light for our full SPS tank. Maybe it's not TOTM worthy, but it still pretty dang good. Someday when my corals grow out, I will post pictures...could be a while. |
03/10/2014, 07:36 PM | #93 | ||||
Registered Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 2,072
|
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
__________________
Joe Peck TOTM Apr. 2013 Advanced Aquarist Featured Tank March 2011 Reef Hobbyist Magazine journalist, and all around SPS nut! Current Tank Info: 240 with 750 gal total system, ATI LED Powermodule, MTC-HSA 1000. MTC Pro-Cal.. Last edited by JPMagyar; 03/10/2014 at 07:48 PM. |
||||
03/11/2014, 10:42 PM | #94 |
Registered Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 256
|
Although it's only been a month since I have setup the new 250 gallon tank, it looks promising. Keep in mind that prior to moving from the 120 to 250 that these corals were moved 3 times in the span of 6 months. During that transition period, most of the corals browned out due to neglect and instability. The Pac Sun Pandora S2 has a lot to do with revitalizing the corals. Most of the frags are still small but I expect good things once they grow out.
When I mentioned that I wasted time not being able to do the firmware and software upgrades, that was because I was going to the beta version instead of the stable version that was shipped. Wasting time was one day, not weeks like I did with programming the Radions during the early stage of ecosmart live. Yorgos revolved the problems for me right away the next day. Some shots of my corals with LED at 100% and T5 bulbs on. Last edited by echoreef; 03/11/2014 at 11:03 PM. |
03/12/2014, 01:54 AM | #95 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Wappingers Falls
Posts: 324
|
All his problems were because of beta version. I had similar problems for beta. Bali never had a problem. Of course beta version will have flaws.
__________________
Elos 120, ATI Led Powermodule , Hopefully SPS dominated reef |
03/12/2014, 02:00 AM | #96 | |
Registered Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Wappingers Falls
Posts: 324
|
Quote:
Can you name some ? I would like to know.
__________________
Elos 120, ATI Led Powermodule , Hopefully SPS dominated reef |
|
03/12/2014, 07:19 AM | #97 | |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Spring Hill, Florida
Posts: 1,629
|
Quote:
__________________
When you die, you don't know you're dead. It's only difficult for the people around you. It's the same when you're stupid. Current Tank Info: 40IM Fusion, 40lbs of rock, and 20lbs of sand. Just a few fish and corals....for now. |
|
03/12/2014, 07:49 AM | #98 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Rancho Belago, Calif.
Posts: 735
|
Quote:
Keith
__________________
250 gallon Advanced Acrylic, 103 gal sump, MTC - MVX 34" Skimmer, with Jebao DCT 12,000, 4-Kessil 360 we, 2-MP40 QD. 57W. Aqua UV, 1/4 Arctica chiller, 3 dosing pumps,phos, charcoal reactors |
03/12/2014, 08:27 AM | #99 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Ho Chi Minh
Posts: 321
|
S3 is great I have it, make sure you got some t5 options to play with
__________________
Not allowed to put your blog here ;) Current Tank Info: 770 Display 205l Sump, 100l Nano |
03/12/2014, 08:33 AM | #100 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Wappingers Falls
Posts: 324
|
I have to admit, for the above corals colors are great. Echo reef what are your settings bud.
__________________
Elos 120, ATI Led Powermodule , Hopefully SPS dominated reef |
|
|