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Sample programming for Aqua Controllers?


YBeNormal

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With 14 new Aqua Controllers in the club as of this weekend, I thought I'd put a shout out for experienced owners to post up their AC programming for us newbies to use as examples and for education. So old-timers, let's see whatcha' got!

 

:wig:

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With 14 new Aqua Controllers in the club as of this weekend, I thought I'd put a shout out for experienced owners to post up their AC programming for us newbies to use as examples and for education. So old-timers, let's see whatcha' got!

 

:wig:

 

I'll second that request!!

 

bob

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Here's mine.......

 

A couple of these are just safe nets. Like the heater. It is an extra heater just in case something goes wrong with my 2 main heaters. I also have a frag tank that is run by my ACIII.

 

OSC 008/002 ON/OFF Then PM2 ON

OSC 010/001 ON/OFF Then PM3 ON

If Time > 08:00 Then PM1 ON

If Time > 23:00 Then PM1 OFF

If Time > 10:00 Then ACT ON

If Time > 22:00 Then ACT OFF

If Temp > 78.7 Then FN1 ON

If Temp < 78.4 Then FN1 OFF

If Temp > 79.3 Then FN2 ON

If Temp < 79.0 Then FN2 OFF

If Time > 11:30 Then MH1 ON

If Time > 20:00 Then MH1 OFF

If Time > 12:00 Then MH2 ON

If Time > 20:30 Then MH2 OFF

If Time > 22:00 Then FUG ON

If Time > 08:00 Then FUG OFF

If Temp > 81.8 Then MH1 OFF

If Temp > 82.0 Then MH2 OFF

If Time > 23:15 Then TOP ON

If Time > 23:22 Then TOP OFF

If Time > 02:00 Then TOP ON

If Time > 11:30 Then TOP OFF

If Time > 10:00 Then T5A ON

If Time > 22:00 Then T5A OFF

If Time > 11:00 Then T5W ON

If Time > 20:00 Then T5W OFF

If pH2 > 07.01 Then CO2 ON

If pH2 < 06.99 Then CO2 OFF

OSC 010/001 ON/OFF Then FG1 ON

OSC 018/002 ON/OFF Then FG2 ON

If Time > 00:00 Then REF ON

If Time > 00:00 Then KAL ON

If Temp < 77.8 Then HTR ON

If Temp > 78.2 Then HTR OFF

If Temp > 82.5 Then ALM ON

If Temp > 82.3 Then ALM OFF

If Temp < 76.0 Then ALM ON

If Temp > 76.2 Then ALM OFF

If pH > 08.60 Then ALM ON

If pH < 08.58 Then ALM OFF

If pH < 07.75 Then ALM ON

If pH > 07.78 Then ALM OFF

If Time > 00:00 Then TUZ ON

If FeedA 000 Then PM1 OFF

If FeedA 000 Then PM2 OFF

If FeedA 000 Then PM3 OFF

If FeedA 000 Then CO2 OFF

If FeedA 000 Then FG1 OFF

If FeedA 000 Then FG2 OFF

If FeedA 000 Then TUZ OFF

If FeedB 000 Then PM1 OFF

If FeedB 000 Then PM2 OFF

If FeedB 000 Then PM3 OFF

If FeedB 000 Then CO2 OFF

If FeedB 000 Then FG1 OFF

If FeedB 000 Then FG2 OFF

If FeedB 000 Then REF OFF

If FeedB 000 Then TUZ OFF

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Ok, this is kinda of long, but at least it comes with comments.

 

Let me preface by saying there is a lot going on here. I have the AC III Pro with 2 expansion units, the lunar sim unit (dimmable night light... which is very cool full moon is close), and the aquasurf (Tunze Stream Control).

 

I also have built an external switch box with switches that I can use as a quick shut off and I do for things that I want to turn on/off quickly (skimmer, and return pumps currently)

 

I control 2 seperate tanks (180 main, and 40 gallon) with the Tunze. I have refugiums on reverse cycle in both tanks.

 

Here are my timers:

ACT-Actinic Lights ML1-Main Light Bank 1 ML2-Main Light Bank 2

MLS-Main Light Refugium MON-Moon Light LNS-????

SM1-Sump Return Pump 1 SM2-Sump Return Pump 2 HT1-Heater 1

HT2-Heater 2 HT2-Heater 2 SFN-Sump Fan

FN1-Canopy Fans TS1-Tunze Stream 1 TP1-Tunze Program 1

TS2-Tunze Stream 2 TP2-Tunze Program 2 NS1-Nano Stream 1

NP1-Nano Program 1 NP4-Nano Program 4 SS1-Wavy Seas

SKM-Skimmer Recirc Pump SKF-Skimmer feed pump CO2-CO2 Solenoid

CRC-Calcium Reactor Recirc Pump KST-Kalk Stirer Motor DP1-Dosing Pump

DCT-Dosing Pump Controller ALM-Alarm SSK-Skimmer Switch

SOF-Sump Feed Switch

 

HT4-Heater in 40 gallon RP4-Return Pump 40 Gallon LT4-Lights 40 Gallon

FN4-Fan 40 Gallon RL4-Refugium Light 40 Gallon CR4-Pumps 40 Gallon

SK4-Skimmer 40 Gallon DP4-Dosing Pump 40 Gallon

 

 

Here is my program:

 

// For the lights to get the spread of 4 hours of off and on between the actinics and the main light

// Bank 2 lights I had to set the sunrise time two hours later than I actually want sunrise and the

// sunset two hours earlier than I want sunset. This gives me the most flexibility in the amount of light.

// The refugium lights come on 45 mins before the main lights go off, and go off 45 mins before the main

// lights go on. This is why the "THEN MLS OFF" they are off when the main ligghts are on.

// The Moon 000/000 statement gives moonlight when the moon is up and the the If Timer ACT ON

// Then MON OFF statement makes sure that if the actincis are on (it's during the day) the moonlights

// don't need to be on.

// Note that I use the SUN statement and the Moon statement that give me a varying sunrise and sunset,

// moonrise, moonset and moon intensity throughout the year. I've set my Sun up time to be based on

// the sunrise and sunset times for the great barrier reef but in reverse to now (i.e. my tanks summer is

// now) and extended a little bit (light is out longer than the actual sunrise/sunset).

If Sun -120/120 Then ACT ON

If Sun -030/030 Then ML1 ON

If Sun 120/-120 Then ML2 ON

If Sun -075/075 Then MLS OFF

If Moon 000/000 Then MON ON

If Timer ACT = ON Then MON OFF

// These next set of statements are just in case the heat gets too high the main light ballasts gets shut off

// I've never had it be an issue where I've also had to shut off main light bank 1 but the statement is there.

// The max change statement keeps the lights from coming on after being shut off till at least 20 minutes

// have passed.

If Temp > 80.4 Then ML2 OFF

Max Change 020 M Then ML2 ON

If Temp > 80.8 Then ML1 OFF

Max Change 020 M Then ML1 ON

// The next set of statements are for my return pumps. They are on, but if the SOF timer is on they are

// turned off. (You will see later that SOF timer is turned on by having switch 1 closed. I could have just

// used the switch statement, but the nice thing is about using a timer is that if you look at the status of

// the aquacontroller you know weather the pumps have been turned off via the switch.

// This gives me quick shut off of my return pumps. I used to do this for water changes, but no longer.

If Time > 00:00 Then SM1 ON

If Timer SOF = ON Then SM1 OFF

If Time > 00:00 Then SM2 ON

If Timer SOF = ON Then SM2 OFF

If Time > 00:00 Then SOF OFF

If SwitchF1 CLOSED Then SOF ON

// The next set of statements turns the heaters off when the temp is 0.2 degrees above the set point

// and turns them on when the temp is 0.2 degrees below the set point. Note I use the RT which is

// the season dependent temp (warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter, but my cycle is probably

// not as drastic as the oceans (only about 1 degree)

If Temp < RT+-0.2 Then HT1 ON

If Temp > RT+0.2 Then HT1 OFF

If Temp < RT+-0.2 Then HT2 ON

If Temp > RT+0.2 Then HT2 OFF

If Temp > RT+0.2 Then HT3 OFF

If Temp < RT+-0.2 Then HT3 ON

// This is my redundancy. Having the expansion unit I have one temp probe in the tank (Probe: Temp)

// and one in my sump (Probe TmpF). If for some reason (say both my return pumps fail... redundancy

// yet again) water is not retuning to my main tank the sump doesn't become a boiling mass from the

// heaters trying to heat the water that is not getting to the main tank.

If TmpF < RT+-0.6 Then HT1 ON

If TmpF > RT+0.6 Then HT1 OFF

If TmpF < RT+-0.6 Then HT2 ON

If TmpF > RT+0.6 Then HT2 OFF

If TmpF < RT+-0.6 Then HT3 ON

If TmpF > RT+0.6 Then HT3 OFF

// This just puts a bunch of devices in the always on or off state.

If Time > 00:00 Then FN1 ON

If Time > 00:00 Then SFN ON

If Time > 00:00 Then ALM OFF

If Time > 00:00 Then GRD ON

If Time > 00:00 Then CRC ON

If Time > 00:00 Then KST ON

If Time > 00:00 Then SS1 ON

If Time > 00:00 Then CO2 ON

// My dosing pump is a little weird. It requires power once for the unit, and once for the controller.

// The unit is always on, and the controller doses in the night. If the ph get's to high (I dose kalk) it

// shuts it off.

If Time > 00:00 Then DP1 ON

If Sun -050/010 Then DCT OFF

If pH > 08.40 Then DCT OFF

// Skimer is always on, but if the switch 2 is closed then the skimmer turns off (rather than wading thru

// the menus to shut off 2 devices I can quickly turn off the skimmer with a flick of a switch).

If SwitchF2 CLOSED Then SSK ON

If Timer SSK = ON Then SKM OFF

If Timer SSK = ON Then SKF OFF

If Time > 00:00 Then SKM ON

If Time > 00:00 Then SKF ON

// My alarm statements... if temp is too high or too low, or there is a power failure or the pH is out of wack.

If Temp > 81.0 Then ALM ON

If Temp < 78.0 Then ALM ON

If Power 000 Then ALM ON

If pH > 8.5 Then ALM ON

If pH < 7.8 Then ALM ON

// Ok this section is for the aquasurf users and wow it took me a while to figure this all out, and this

// is a simple program. I'm not doing anything fancy but I'll comment line by line:

// The first statement is just to make sure Tunze Stream 1 is on.

If Time > 00:00 Then TS1 ON

// This next statement assigns Tunze Program One to output #1 from the aquasurf

If Time > 00:00 Then TP1 PF1

// This next statement says that the Program for output #1 is independent (not slaved)... small s, and the

// Intervals are in 10ths of a second (Uppercase D for divide times by 10)

Pmp MODE sD for PF1

// This next statement set's the intensities for output #1: 30% (min recommenced low intensity) for

// intensity 1 and 100% for intensity 2

Pmp Int 030/100 for PF1

// This shows the intensity 1 -> intensity 2-> intensity 1 times for output #1 12 seconds divided by 10 =

// 1.2 seconds for intensity 1 then 1.2 seconds intensity 2 and then 0 seconds intensity 1 and then back to

// the beginning (intensity 1)

Pmp OSC 12/12/00 for PF1

// The next set is for Tunze Stream 2 and is exactly the same except you'll note the capital S in the mode.

// which slaves the output #2 to the output #1 so they are in sync.

// Both tunze streams are at one side of the tank so this produces a wave like flow in one direction

If Time > 23:59 Then TS2 ON

If Time > 00:00 Then TP2 PF2

Pmp MODE SD for PF2

Pmp Int 030/100 for PF2

Pmp OSC 12/12/00 for PF2

// I also have 2 Nano-streams. One provides additional turbulence in the 180 and the others is in the

// 40 gallon tank... The programs are below.

If Time > 00:00 Then NS1 ON

If Time > 00:00 Then NP1 PF3

Pmp MODE sD for PF3

Pmp Int 030/100 for PF3

Pmp OSC 30/20/00 for PF3

If Time > 00:00 Then NP4 PF4

Pmp MODE sD for PF4

Pmp Int 030/060 for PF4

Pmp OSC 30/30/00 for PF4

// The next statements are for my 40 gallon tank and are similar to above so I'm not going to go into

// details on them, but here they are

If TmpG < RT+-0.2 Then HT4 ON

If TmpG > RT+0.2 Then HT4 OFF

If Time > 00:00 Then RP4 ON

If Sun 030/090 Then LT4 ON

If Time > 00:00 Then FN4 ON

If Timer HT4 = ON Then FN4 OFF

If Timer LT4 = ON Then FN4 ON

If Sun 000/120 Then RL4 OFF

If Time > 00:00 Then CR4 ON

If Time > 00:00 Then SK4 ON

OSC 003/030 ON/OFF Then DP4 ON

// Finally I have 3 different feed modes in my tank:

// Feed A is actually for th 40 gallon and shuts off all the pumps and the heater (so it doesn't boil the water

// in the sump) for feeding the 40 gallong.

If FeedA 000 Then RP4 OFF

If FeedA 000 Then HT4 OFF

If FeedA 000 Then SK4 OFF

If FeedA 000 Then CR4 OFF

// Feed B is for the main tank and I use it for picture tanking (shuts off ALL circulation)

If FeedB 000 Then SM1 OFF

If FeedB 000 Then SM2 OFF

If FeedB 000 Then SKM OFF

If FeedB 000 Then TS1 OFF

If FeedB 000 Then TS2 OFF

If FeedB 000 Then NS1 OFF

// Feed C is for the main tank and I use it for feeding (leaves return pumps on)

If FeedC 000 Then TS1 OFF

If FeedC 000 Then TS2 OFF

If FeedC 000 Then NS1 OFF

 

It's a lot, but this device can do a lot. You can also go to this page: http://www.danj.com/reef/graphs.php There I have a user interface so you can plot the different parameters and see the on and off status of many of the devices.

 

Let me know if you have questions.

 

Dave

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I think this is my latest programs, at least what I have saved to this computer.

 

I control the 220, the frag tank and the anemone farm. All on the same sump.

I have divided my circulation pumps onto the three different DC8 so there is some form of circulation for each tank on a different DC8. Each DC8 has it's own 20 amp circuit.

 

Timers;

 

LT1$-A01

ALM%-A02

LT3$-A03

03s$-A04

FUG$-A05

LT2$-A06

AO7&-A07

KAL#-A08

WAV&-B01

ALT&-B02

HET&-B03

B04&-B04

B05&-B05

B06&-B06

B07&-B07

SLT$-B08

PH3&-C01

61L&-C02

61R&-C03

FAN&-C04

PH1&-C05

PH2&-C06

CO2$-C07

FRG$-C08

 

 

Program statements;

 

If Time > 13:30 Then LT1 ON

If Time > 22:30 Then LT1 OFF

If Time > 14:00 Then LT2 ON

If Time > 23:00 Then LT2 OFF

If Time > 13:45 Then LT3 ON

If Time > 22:45 Then LT3 OFF

If Temp > 84.0 Then LT1 OFF

If Temp > 84.0 Then LT2 OFF

If Temp > 84.0 Then LT3 OFF

If Temp > 84.0 Then FRG OFF

If Time > 08:30 Then 03s ON

If Time > 23:30 Then 03s OFF

If Time > 08:30 Then ALT ON

If Time > 22:50 Then ALT OFF

If Time > 00:01 Then FUG ON

If Time > 09:00 Then FUG OFF

If Time > 00:01 Then SLT ON

If Time > 09:00 Then SLT OFF

OSC 015/240 ON/OFF Then KAL ON

If Time > 00:00 Then AO7 ON

If Time > 00:00 Then WAV ON

If Temp > 78.0 Then HET OFF

If Temp < 76.8 Then HET ON

If Time > 00:00 Then B04 ON

If Time > 00:00 Then B05 ON

If Time > 00:00 Then B06 ON

If Time > 00:00 Then B07 ON

If Time > 00:01 Then AO7 ON

If Time > 00:02 Then AO7 OFF

If Time > 00:00 Then FAN ON

If Time > 00:00 Then 61L ON

If Time > 00:00 Then 61R ON

If Time > 13:50 Then FRG ON

If Time > 22:50 Then FRG OFF

If FeedA 005 Then 61L OFF

If FeedA 005 Then 61R OFF

If FeedA 005 Then WAV OFF

If FeedA 005 Then PH1 OFF

If FeedA 005 Then PH2 OFF

If FeedA 005 Then PH3 OFF

Max Change 010 M Then LT1 OFF

Max Change 015 M Then LT2 OFF

Max Change 020 M Then LT3 OFF

Max Change 010 M Then FRG OFF

If Time > 00:00 Then ALM OFF

If pH > 08.50 Then ALM ON

If pH < 07.70 Then ALM ON

If Temp > 84.2 Then ALM ON

If Temp < 75.0 Then ALM ON

If pH2 < 06.70 Then ALM ON

If pH2 > 06.99 Then ALM ON

If pH2 < 06.80 Then CO2 OFF

If pH2 > 06.82 Then CO2 ON

OSC 010/020 ON/OFF Then PH3 ON

RND 010/010 ON/OFF Then PH1 ON

RND 010/010 ON/OFF Then PH2 ON

If Time > 11:45 Then ALM ON

If Time > 11:50 Then ALM OFF

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AC3 controlling my auto top off, lights, heater, and kalkwasser.

 

MH1$-A01

MH2$-A02

ACT$-A03

KLK#-A04

HET&-A05

 

 

If Time > 09:30 Then MH1 ON

If Time > 18:30 Then MH1 OFF

If Time > 09:30 Then MH2 ON

If Time > 18:30 Then MH2 OFF

If Time > 09:00 Then ACT ON

If Time > 19:00 Then ACT OFF

If Temp > 82.0 Then MH1 OFF

If Temp > 82.0 Then MH2 OFF

If Temp > 82.0 Then ACT OFF

If Switch2 CLOSED Then KLK ON

If Switch2 OPEN Then KLK OFF

If pH > 08.35 Then KLK OFF

Max Change 005 M Then KLK OFF

If Temp < 78.5 Then HET ON

If Temp > 79.0 Then HET OFF

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Hey this is great! I was going to start a thread just like this when I get my controller. Any one able to hook me up with the Aqua Notes software so I can see what it's like before I buy a copy? If you can, just PM me.

 

Thanks and happy holidays to all!!

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DaveS, don't buy aquanotes... there is a free downloadable version http://www.neptunesys.com/aquaNotesDownload.htm AND they are going to release a new version of software (free?... Kurt wasn't sure when I talked to him at MACNA) that will do a lot more.

 

Dave

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With the ACIII you really do not need AN.

I have the AN lite which, like Dave said, is a free download and great but does not work on a Mac.

I can get into my ACIII via a connection thru our router and do more stuff then I can type.

programming included.

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Holy cow you just scared me off of buying an aquacontroller! How long does it take to program this stuff?

I bought one... now I'm afraid to program it. And I've done some programming! :)

 

I'm sure once I actually SEE the thing, I'll understand all of the above. My #1 concern is actually getting a cable to run from my tank to my computers. I have lots of spare computers - I'm thinking of setting one up next to the tank, and wi-fi'ing into my network. Nearest connection is about 40' away, counting distance around walls, fireplace, corners, etc...

 

bob

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Ditto... my program has grown from when I bought the one controller and 2 dc8s... I've got 4 dc8s, an aquasurf, an moon light extension and 2 expansion modules (I've got a lot going on).

 

Bob as for the unit... if you have an AC III or a AC III Pro get a wireless game unit (and put that on your wireless network... cheaper and less obtrusive than buying the entire computer.

 

Dave

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Ditto... my program has grown from when I bought the one controller and 2 dc8s... I've got 4 dc8s, an aquasurf, an moon light extension and 2 expansion modules (I've got a lot going on).

 

Bob as for the unit... if you have an AC III or a AC III Pro get a wireless game unit (and put that on your wireless network... cheaper and less obtrusive than buying the entire computer.

 

Dave

 

Is that something like this??

http://www.amazon.com/Netgear-WGE111-Mbps-...r/dp/B000637RGQ

 

 

Thanks,

bob

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Thanks! .... of course - almost everyone is SOLD OUT - probably because of Christmas.

 

bob

 

 

Here you go bob.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Linksys-802...roductDetail.do

 

I already have a wired hub downstairs about 15' from my tank. All I have to do is connect the AC III with an ethernet cord correct? Then what?

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James... make sure the internet connection for the AC unit is configured correctly for you network....

 

Assuming that it is you should be able to go http://<ip of AC III> and you should get a prompt for username and password (admin, 1234 by default).

 

Dave

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James... make sure the internet connection for the AC unit is configured correctly for you network....

 

Assuming that it is you should be able to go http://<ip of AC III> and you should get a prompt for username and password (admin, 1234 by default).

 

Dave

 

Sweet. Thanks Dave. I'm reading the directions now, but I'm sure I'll be sending plenty of questions your way. Thanks for the help.

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Make sure you get the subnet mask, and something else (gateway maybe) correct.... those are most of the problems... it's a pain to do, but do it once and your done.

 

Dave

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From my home tank, pretty basic.

 

Controlls lights, heater, fans, c02, ozone, dosing pump.

 

TImer names

LT1$-A01

LT2$-A02

ACT$-A03

REF$-A04

HET%-A05

FAN%-A06

OZN&-A07

CO2&-A08

ALM&-A09

DAY&-A10

DOS&-B01

 

Program

If Time > 12:00 Then LT1 ON

If Time > 21:50 Then LT1 OFF

If Time > 12:10 Then LT2 ON

If Time > 22:00 Then LT2 OFF

If Time > 11:00 Then ACT ON

If Time > 23:00 Then ACT OFF

If Time > 18:00 Then REF ON

If Time > 06:00 Then REF OFF

If Temp > 83.5 Then LT1 OFF

If Temp > 84.0 Then LT2 OFF

If Temp > 81.0 Then FAN ON

If Temp < 80.0 Then FAN OFF

If Temp < 79.0 Then HET ON

If Temp > 80.0 Then HET OFF

If ORP < 400 Then OZN ON

If ORP > 425 Then OZN OFF

If Time > 07:00 Then DAY ON

If Time > 04:00 Then DAY OFF

If pHA1 < 06.10 Then CO2 OFF

If pHA1 > 06.40 Then CO2 ON

If pH < 07.85 Then CO2 OFF

If Timer DAY = OFF Then CO2 OFF

If Time > 00:00 Then ALM OFF

If pH > 08.50 Then ALM ON

If pH < 07.70 Then ALM ON

If ORP > 450 Then ALM ON

If ORP < 200 Then ALM ON

If Temp < 77.0 Then ALM ON

If Temp > 82.5 Then ALM ON

If Time > 08:00 Then ALM ON

If Time > 08:01 Then ALM OFF

If Time > 19:00 Then ALM ON

If Time > 19:01 Then ALM OFF

Max Change 050 M Then ALM OFF

If Time > 10:00 Then DOS ON

If Time > 10:03 Then DOS OFF

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Now that I've done the basic programming, I'm having trouble figuring out how to text message my alarms to my cell phone and email. I was thought this was possible but can't get it to work. On the Aqua Notes I put my cell number in the pager box and pushed the test button and get nothing. Is that not right? I didn't see any other possibility. I can't get the email to work either. Can anyone help?

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Do you have a phone line hooked to your PC/modem and have you tried dialing out from your PC to make sure it is configured correctly?

 

Never mind. I just noticed that you mentioned setting up AquaNotes to send out the email or text message. Those features are disabled in AquaNotes Lite. If I understand correctly, you can configure the AC III to do it directly though without relying on AquaNotes. I have input most of the settings but haven't had a chance to test it out yet.

Edited by YBeNormal
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