What I don’t understand is why only 4 plugs for outlets on the hydros, the power outlet is not ip65 or water resistant but the controller is. The outlet themselves don’t seem reliable long term. WiFi is a great feature I just feel like why do I need to buy a can bus plug to plug in my other accessories or additional modules when you run out of space on the limiting controller of the hydros. Sure you can buy additional 4 plug outlet for cheap but that takes up real estate where as the apex having 8 outlets on one module, and all the 24volts plugs for other accessories. The hydros looks like a rats nest to me with the canbus wire sticking out. As far as user interface apex still wins. As far as ease of use hydros wins. The waveengine is great just have to buy there extensions cords for your device that’s another 16 times how many pumps you have. And the wave engine doesn’t work on 36volt dc pumps only 24volts dc
Well, the controller can be mounted anywhere so with it water resistant you can have one in the same area as your sump so it’s easier for the probes and sensors and leak detectors to access without having to route all those through a control board.
Yes a canbus wire like a BNC isn’t as sexy as a USB cable, but I’m willing to bet that at least one of your Usb cables or connectors are rusting a little bit.
The WiFi outlet can be in a totally separate area where your power bricks are and doesn’t have to be connected physically to the control box. However there is an 8-outlet wired unit coming soon. Personally I’d use one of each.
And yes the EB832 physically takes up less space than say two WiFi 4-outlets (which each one has 4 usb power outlets too for the auto feeders, some fuge lights, and other minor accessories like fans, etc)…. However because the eb832 requires a clearance on essentially two opposite sides of the brick (one for ventilation and the other for the USB ports and 1-links), you might end up taking the same amount space in your cabinet.
Now let’s compare how many modules and real estate needed for an Apex to have 2 probe ports, 4 sensors (temp, leak detection, skimmer level, ATO), and drive ports (accessories pump, controllable fans, etc).
Not saying the Hydros is a clear winner. I don’t think neither platform is superior to the other. They are definitely pros and cons with each.
And yes the Apex interface is full featured. But it’s legacy is also looking very dated. There’s aspects of it that’s powerful, but takes a steeper learning curve to program intricate dependencies, whereas the hydros app, which has their issues too, is far easier for a novice or beginner to program.
Like here’s some programs that are menu driven (no coding required):
1) if the rope leak sensor detects water, turn off two of my return pumps, ATO pumps, and alert with audible beep.
2) if my ATO runs, do so for maximum 1 minute and send me an SMS/email and audible beep if it exceeds maximum on time.
3) control my WiFi plug (single power) that powers my RODI system to turn off after 30 minutes OR if Ato reservoir level is triggered wet OR if rope leak sensor is triggered.
Can do all this standard without having to buy additional control modules. Just the sensors and maybe some cheap wifi outlets.
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