Apex Newbie Question or two.....

[stacy22]

OK, so I bought a brand new Apex Lite about a month ago to control my new 300g. The tank is in my basement and my wireless internet router is on the main floor just above where the tank actually sits.

I know I need one of the game router things I just don't know why. Why?

Does it matter what kind? If it matters, I only use Macs at home. :up:

 

[crewdawg1981]

You need a wireless gaming adapter/bridge, you can use any brand (mine is a linksys), they typically retail for ~$100 (though if you're patient you can find one cheap online. You need one because that is the only way to access the apex via your home network or remotely unless you hard wire it. Which might actually not be bad if you don't mind drilling through the floor.

 

[redstang]

stacy22;678185 wrote: OK, so I bought a brand new Apex Lite about a month ago to control my new 300g. The tank is in my basement and my wireless internet router is on the main floor just above where the tank actually sits.

I know I need one of the game router things I just don't know why. Why?

Does it matter what kind? If it matters, I only use Macs at home. :up:

You need the wifi extender thingy because the apex only has a wired ethernet connection not a wireless card built in. The game adapter, I believe linksys makes one, converts that ethernet signal to wireless signal. However, it is recommended to do your initial config and any updates using a hard wire. Ethernet can run several hundred feet so just get a long cable for those times or carry your mac and a router down with you.

We only use macs too so hit me up if you need help.

 

[stacy22]

Thanks guys. Guess I'll start shopping for the gaming thing.

 

[kilo32]

I've just installed my Apex Lite and after doing the wired thing for setting it up I then installed a Netgear universal WIFI internet adapter (WNCE2001) $64 from Staples.

 

[stacy22]

Thanks for all the replies so far. Now I have more questions...

1) Can I put the Apex unit in my office (where my wireless router is) to do the configuration/set- up stuff then take the headunit downstairs and hook up the probes and other stuff?

2) Does the gaming device thing need to be closer to the Apex unit (basement) or closer to the wireless router (in office)?

 

[redstang]

stacy22;678305 wrote: Thanks for all the replies so far. Now I have more questions...

1) Can I put the Apex unit in my office (where my wireless router is) to do the configuration/set- up stuff then take the headunit downstairs and hook up the probes and other stuff?

2) Does the gaming device thing need to be closer to the Apex unit (basement) or closer to the wireless router (in office)?

1. Yes.

2. Gaming thing should be closer to your Apex. Only need a short cable running from the Apex to your gaming thing.

 

[kilo32]

stacy22;678305 wrote: Thanks for all the replies so far. Now I have more questions...

1) Can I put the Apex unit in my office (where my wireless router is) to do the configuration/set- up stuff then take the headunit downstairs and hook up the probes and other stuff?

2) Does the gaming device thing need to be closer to the Apex unit (basement) or closer to the wireless router (in office)?

Yes, you can configure it away from the tank.

The gaming device hooks up by way of an ethernet cable from the device to the Apex so mounting it near the Apex would be best. That's the whole point is that it will communicate wirelessly with the router so that when it's hooked up to the Apex you'll be able to see and make changes using your network computer instead of doing those changes on the Apex unit itself. One exception is changing passwords and user names needs to be done directly on the Apex unit.

 

[lifestudent]

Tagging along...

What's the typical range of a wireless router? Can they handle 100 feet?

 

[crewdawg1981]

I think you'd need a wireless access point in between for a 100foot run.

 

[redstang]

Lifestudent;678425 wrote: Tagging along...

What's the typical range of a wireless router? Can they handle 100 feet?

Many variables. How good is your router, how good is the card on the other end, and what's inbetween them?

I can sometimes pick up my wireless router across the street at my in-laws house and that's probably close to 200ft. But it's only occasionally and never strong. A good N router might</em> be able to do it but it'll be hit or miss.

 

[stacy22]

So the bottom line is the Apex itself cannot be operated wirelessly. It must be physically connected to something else that can operate wirelessly. That's where the gaming bridge comes in.

 

[crewdawg1981]

stacy22;678482 wrote: So the bottom line is the Apex itself cannot be operated wirelessly. It must be physically connected to something else that can operate wirelessly. That's where the gaming bridge comes in.

Yes

 

[cr500_af]

Keep in mind that Neptune warns very strongly against updating the firmware via wireless connection. They say that you stand a very real chance of "bricking" your controller. Always take the Apex to an area where you can run it wired to do firmware updates.

Also, Stacy, if you haven't already, download this: http://reeftech.webs.com/Apex%20New%20User%20Guide.pdf">http://reeftech.webs.com/Apex%20New%20User%20Guide.pdf</a>

You will pull a lot less hair out during the setup if you get it running on a wired connection before you attempt to configure the wireless.

 

[stacy22]

Barry, I have downloaded and printed that unofficial user's guide. I would not even attempt setting this up without it.

So I hard-wire the Apex to my internet for initial set-up/configuration then I can take the base unit to my basement and connect it to a gaming bridge for everyday use. Then when I need to update the firmware I can disconnect the unit and take it back upstairs to update, correct? How often are the updates released? How do I know I need to update?

Disclaimer: I have not yet read the guide.

 

[crewdawg1981]

Yeah, whenever you need to complete an update you'll have to bring the base unit ... and an EB8 up to your computer I believe (because the base unit draws power from the EB8).

Go on Amazon and order a 100foot cat 5 ethernet cable and you should be good to go.

Updates it seems are every 6 months or so.

 

[cr500_af]

Crewdawg1981;678597 wrote: Go on Amazon and order a 100foot cat 5 ethernet cable and you should be good to go.

Alternatively, if you want to you can get the bulk Cat 5 cable and I can make it up for you. I bought the tools and ends when I was installing mine.