Description
What is it?
The all new Photon Apex Interface allows you to fully control your Photon V2 and V2+ via the Neptune Apex 0-10v Variable Dimming Module (VDM). This allows you to add a variety of control schemes that are more advanced than the default controller. You can now control your Photon V2+ using your phone, computer, or on the fly using the Apex Fusion dashboard!
The Photon Apex Interface replaces your current wifi chip, so you will no longer be using the included remote to control your light. All control functions will be handled via the Apex VDM.
How Does it Work?
The Photon Apex Interface includes everything you need to get started- all that is required is a minimum of 2 available Apex VDM ports (2 full ethernet jacks, 4 VDM channels in total).
A third VDM port (2 x VDM channels) is required for independent control of the red and green LEDs. You can tie the Red or Green channels to another channel of your choice, or leave them off. The Photon Apex Interface has a simple one-button program that allows you to tie Channels 1 and 2 (Red and Green, Respectively) to another control channel for dual-control. For example, you can tie the Red and Green LEDs to the white LED channel for a simple AB+ program, or you can control the reds in tandem with the royal blues, and the green LEDs along with the violet channel.
Intelligent Zeroing and Filtering Technology
The Photon Apex Interface was designed to tune out errant signals, and allow for dimming as low as a fraction of a percent. The intelligent onboard software allows you to set a baseline 0% output, so your light shuts off when your Apex VDM port is off or set to 0% in auto mode.
During operation it establishes the correct signal voltage over time so any sudden jumps, flashes, or pulsing is tuned out. This makes for incredibly smooth sunrise and sunset ramping capabilities.
Will this work with Multiple Photon V2/V2+ Lights?
Absolutely, however you will need a separate Photon Apex Interface for each light. You can either run additional lights on more VDM ports for individual control, or use ethernet splitters (sold separately) to control up to 3 Photon V2s on the same VDM channel. You can use up to 30 feet of cable between the Apex VDM and your lights.
Is my light Compatible?
Any of our Photon V2 or Photon V2+ lights can easily be upgraded for Apex compatibility. Legacy lights like the Photon V1, V1 W, SuperLux, and Value fixtures are not compatible. If you are unsure on your light model just reach out to us and a representative will help you determine your lights compatibility. If your light was purchased new anytime after January of 2016 there is a good chance it’s a V2. V2/V2+ Photons will have 6 control channels, and a wireless remote with an LCD screen.
What’s Included?
Every kit includes everything you need except for the Apex and the VDM module its self, of course!
- Photon Apex Interface Board
- New black powder-coated aluminum side-plate with ethernet slots
- 2 x 14 foot Cat6 ethernet cords
- (Sold Separately) Ethernet splitters for additional lights
Ben (verified owner) –
james smith (verified owner) –
Been using this on one of my 48v2+ since late December and love it!!! Installation is a breeze and take 30-45 minutes. Just ordered a 2nd 48v2+ with the module already installed. Set is pretty easy, just plug it into your vdm ports go into the settings for that port and adjust to your preferences and needs. I posted a pic of the ports and lighting schedule. Hope it helps.
Bradley Bice (verified owner) –
Product arrived fast and was easy to install. Great company to do business with. I look forward to doing more business with them in the future.
Brian L Nagy (verified owner) –
I just installed my Apex Integration kit on both of my photon V2’s.
I ran into one issue. The “zeroing” function does not work as it should. I ended up having to set my Apex lights to 5%, then turn them off, turn them back on, then set the lights with the “zeroing” function. Misinsured there was no stray voltage reporting causing my lights to flicker.
Not a huge issue but hopefully this will help other users.
Also, another tip I found that was very helpful was drilling a small hole so I can access the reset button without taking the lights apart. It would have been nice to have a slot in the plate to allow reset or settings without taking it apart.
Other than that slight issue I would have given this five stars. Still glad I made the purchase!
Brian N. (verified owner) –
I just installed my Apex Integration kit on both of my photon V2’s.
I ran into one issue. The “zeroing” function does not work as it should. I ended up having to set my Apex lights to 5%, then turn them off, turn them back on, then set the lights with the “zeroing” function. This is the only way I could get it to not flicker when set to zero.
Not a huge issue but hopefully this will help other users.
Also, another tip I found that was very helpful was drilling a small hole so I can access the reset button without taking the lights apart. It would have been nice to have a slot in the plate to allow reset or settings without taking it apart.
Other than that slight issue I would have given this five stars. Still glad I made the purchase! I highly recommend this for anybody looking to use Apex to control the lights. Super easy to program, set up of ramp times is eons faster than using the darn remote.
Thank you ReefBreeders!
Michael Leonard (verified owner) –
Awesome products and service
Brad L. (verified owner) –
Great service and awesome communication as always. Thank you!
Ryan W. (verified owner) –
Setup is a little funky on the apex side but otherwise good!