AquaNotes FAQ

1. How do I configure my AC2 or ACJr to connect with AquaNotes? Answer
2. How do I configure my AC3 or AC3PRO to connect with AquaNotes? Answer
3. When I try to connect to my AC2 or ACJr through AquaNotes, I get an 'AquaController Not Responding' message. Answer
4. How can I make my own AquaController serial Cable? Answer
5. Why is my AquaNotes conditions database empty even though communication with my AquaController works? Answer
6. Why are the pH and ORP readings on my AquaController are inaccurate or erratic? Answer
7. Why does the Personal Web Server install crash on Windows ME? Answer

1. How do I configure my AC2 or ACJr to connect with AquaNotes?

Follow the configuration steps below to setup AquaNotes for a serial connection (AC2, ACPRO, or ACJRSER):

1. Select the menu choice 'Database->Tank Database'. Update the Aqua ID field on this window with the serial number of the AquaController. The serial number of the AquaController can be found performing a self-test. The serial number that should be entered is shown on the bottom line of the AquaController's self-test display (Passed #WXYZ).
   
2. Also on the 'Tank Database' form choose the 'Config' tab. Select the correct serial port that is connected to the AquaController. The default settings on the rest of the buttons should work. When done close the tank database window.
   
3. Now select the menu 'Status->Reef Tank'. You should get a window which displays the current status of the tank and the controlled devices. If you get a message 'AquaController not responding', something is not configured correctly. Re-check the cables, and the AquaNotes configuration which is described in the previous paragraph.
   
   

2. How do I configure my AC3 or AC3PRO to connect with AquaNotes?

Follow the configuration steps below to setup AquaNotes for a Ethernet connection (AC3, AC3PRO):

1. First follow the instructions here to get the AquaController Ethernet adapter configured.
2. Select the menu choice 'Database->Tank Database'. Update the Aqua ID field on this window with the serial number of the AquaController. The serial number of the AquaController can be found performing a self-test. The serial number that should be entered is shown on the bottom line of the AquaController's self-test display (Passed #WXYZ).
   
3. Also on the 'Tank Database' form choose the 'Config' tab. Enter the IP address, login, and password of the AquaController 3.
   
4. Now select the menu 'Status->Reef Tank'. You should get a window which displays the current status of the tank and the controlled devices. If you get a message 'AquaController not responding', something is not configured correctly. Re-check the cables, and the AquaNotes configuration which is described in the previous paragraph. If you are still have trouble refer to the AquaController Not Responding trouble shooting section.
   

3. When I try to connect to my AC2 or ACJr through AquaNotes, I get an 'AquaController Not Responding' message.

If you are getting the AquaController not responsing message when you try to get the status (Status->Reef Tank) of the controller, please check the following:

1. Make sure that AquaNotes is selecting the correct serial port. See section AquaNotes Communications Settings.
2. Make sure that the serial cable is firmly plugged into the AquaController's serial connector, and the PC's male DB9 or DB25 connector. Your PC's female DB25 is a printer port and will NOT work to communicate with the AquaController.
3. If you are not using our serial cable, make sure that the connections are as described in section Serial Cable Connections.
4. On the AquaController make sure setup->serial setup->rs232 is enabled. This is the default setting, but may have inadvertantly been changed.
5. On the AquaController make sure setup->login setup->login is disabled. This is the default setting, but may have inadvertantly been enabled.

4. How can I make my own AquaController serial Cable?

5. Why are my AquaNotes graphs and conditions database empty even though communication with my AquaController works?

If you are having trouble retrieving the data from your AquaController and your graphs contain no data, and your PC is able to communicate with the controller check the following:

1. On the config tab of the Database->Tank Database window make sure that record datalog is checked.
2. On the same window make sure that the 'Serial Number' field (upper right hand corner) matches the AquaController serial number. The AquaController serial number can be found bottom line of the AquaController's self test screen.

6. Why are the pH and ORP readings on my AquaController are inaccurate or erratic?

If the serial cable is to be permanently attached between the AquaController and the PC, a Ground Isolated Serial Connector (SERIPC9) is recommended. The isolator will eliminate potential ground loops between the AquaController and the PC. Grounds loops may cause erratic and inaccurate pH and ORP readings. The ground isolated serial connector is available from either your local aquarium shop or from Neptune Systems directly.

7. Why does the Personal Web Server install crash on Windows ME?

The installation of the Personal Web Server on Windows ME may fail due to a bug in Microsoft's installation code. To work around the problem, select the custom install option when installing the PWS on the AquaNotes CD. Follow the dialogs and when prompted for the MTS installation directory enter c:\mts instead of the default directory of c:\program files\mts.