Neptune Apex ALD (Advanced Leak Detection) Module DIY (Panic Button)

[NanoTopia]

Neptune Apex ALD (Advanced Leak Detection) Module DIY Kill Switch (Panic Button)

By NanoTopia

This is a fun but useful DIY kill switch that can be run off the ALD module in place of one Apex probe and is inexpensive to make. The kill switch can be programmed to turn as many EB8/EB4 outlets as you wish off with the push of a button. The reason I made it was to turn off all my outlets in the event of an aquarium emergency, when I would need to turn everything off. The kill switch does not turn the main power off.

This is the ALD module and probes that were designed for it, quite useful and well designed.

Here are the main supplies you will need for constructing the Kill Switch, Project box, RJ45 4P4C cable, push button on/off switch. You can use similar materials to suit your needs. You will also need some basic supplies to complete the project. I got everything from Radio Shack (The Source in Canada).

The most important part is the cable and connection. The Apex ALD uses RJ45 4P4C (4 pin connecter) so you need to find this specific one. Important to note is only two wires are used out of the 4, these wires or pins are numbers 3 and 4. Numbers 1 and 2 are not used. The pictures below show the orientation needed for determining the direction in which the numbers are wired.

As you can see, the way you look at the plug makes a difference in the numbering order, either way here we would be selecting the green and yellow wire (your wire colours may differ), wires connected to pins numbers 3 and 4.

Prepare the wires on the other end as shown, we do not need the wires connected to pins 1and 2 so you can just cut them off.

The first picture shows an example of the project box I used, yours may vary to suit your needs.

The second picture shows two holes drilled, one for the wire entering the box and the other for the switch. You may need a different size/shape hole depending on your switch.

This is the box now with the switch installed and a rubber grommet (optional) to protect the wire.

Now I soldered the wires to the switch, it doesn't matter which way the wires are connected, this is a simple on/off switch. I also protected the solder joints with heat shrink tubing. You want to make a loop in the box with the wire so it can't be pulled out. Pretty simple really.

I attached the back on the box and added some fancy lettering (not so fancy is it). You can add some velcro on the back or other means of fastening the box to your desired location. Done!

Now you can test it out. First, go into your configuration > outlets setup > and choose one outlet that is not a vital piece of equipment, like a circulation pump. Add the following typical statement you would use for one of the Apex ALD probes:

If Switchx4_3 CLOSED Then OFF

Note: your switch might have different numbers

This is an example, If Switchx4_3 CLOSED Then OFF is my DIY kill switch:

 

 

Now plug in the kill switch to the ALD module making sure you select the right plug number. Test the switch, your pump should stop when the switch is closed and re-start when the switch is turned on again to the open position. If all works well, go ahead and add the statement to all the outlets you would like the switch to affect.

Remember, as Neptune indicates in there manuals, DIY - your on your own, there is little chance you can fry anything with this build but if you do, don't call me or Nepture, your on your own. Happy reefing - control freak.

This guide is mine, copying it will get you in a load of trouble, don't even think about it

[eddiecorrea]

Good idea. But you can also set the ALD or a float switch to turn everything off. If water level drops too much in the return chamber or fills too much in the main display a float can kill everything. Or if you have a leak the ALD can shut everything down. My "Kill Switch" is Feed D. Everything except for the lights are off for 5 hours if I hit that feed.

 

 

How do you like the ALD? Make you feel more comfortable? I'm really tempted to get one just for that piece of mind.

[NanoTopia]

Good idea. But you can also set the ALD or a float switch to turn everything off. If water level drops too much in the return chamber or fills too much in the main display a float can kill everything. Or if you have a leak the ALD can shut everything down. My "Kill Switch" is Feed D. Everything except for the lights are off for 5 hours if I hit that feed.

 

 

How do you like the ALD? Make you feel more comfortable? I'm really tempted to get one just for that piece of mind.

Yes this is true Eddie, also with this kind of kill switch anyone can use it, and it can be placed away from the tank in a more convenient place. I called it the panic button because in a panic it's easy for some to get flustered and end up fumbling with the controller, this is a one step push button easy to see and operate even if your in a panic, LOL. I did it mainly for fun, and not everyone will need or want one of these gizmos .

[eddiecorrea]

Yes this is true Eddie, also with this kind of kill switch anyone can use it, and it can be placed away from the tank in a more convenient place. I called it the panic button because in a panic it's easy for some to get flustered and end up fumbling with the controller, this is a one step push button easy to see and operate even if your in a panic, LOL. I did it mainly for fun, and not everyone will need or want one of these gizmos .

 

I totally feel you. There have been times when I forgot to turn something off and fumbled with a phone to turn it off. haha.

 

How do you like the ALD?

[NanoTopia]

I totally feel you. There have been times when I forgot to turn something off and fumbled with a phone to turn it off. haha.

 

How do you like the ALD?

So far so good, haven't had it work yet, that's a good thing

 

I think Neptune could have just produced the probes with a mini din 8 splitter or something, not sure what the module does different from the controller itself other than offer 4 plug-in's for the probes. Wasn't very expensive so no big deal.

 

Someone could just buy a breakout box and the probes really, just hard wire them in. Again, the module was not that expensive.

 

 

Christine

[eddiecorrea]

So far so good, haven't had it work yet, that's a good thing

 

I think Neptune could have just produced the probes with a mini din 8 splitter or something, not sure what the module does different from the controller itself other than offer 4 plug-in's for the probes. Wasn't very expensive so no big deal.

 

Someone could just buy a breakout box and the probes really, just hard wire them in. Again, the module was not that expensive.

 

 

Christine

 

 

I think the module is for ease of use. The Apex gives enough people a hard time with programming. I don't know how many times I've answered questions about coding for them haha.

[Mstefa1]

Why would you use the ALD module and not a BOB for this project?

[SDartifex]

She already had one in use, It was probably just more practical for her to go off the ALD then get a breakout

[gotfrogs]

Thanks for the post. I asked if this kind of thing could be done and was told no over on the neptune forum. I am glad I didn't listen and found this post. For my project I ordered two of these BRK6P6C-R-FT break-out boards to attach float switches to my ALD on an Apex Jr. Going this route saved me the expense of adding a PM1 and neptune break out box. It seems to be working great and did not require any tools or soldering.

[NanoTopia]

As long as it's just a straight switch with no electricity, such as a float switch or push/flip switch it will work. There really is no technology to the ALD box or probes at all.

[justinr2k]

I know this is an old post, but can the OP post the photos again? I'm considering getting an apex and the ALD module. I just want to be able to make my own leak sensors, instead of paying $30 for each one.

 

Thanks