Apex

[DrAsTiC]

Hello everyone yesterday while looking at my tank the lights went off when they shouldn't have so I looked at the apex unit and the display was frozen. I could not access anything so I unplugged the display and plugged it back in now it does not light up. Only 2 of the outlets work which is weird and I can not access the web control with the ethernet cable using http://apex. I have sent neptune an email but have not received a response from them yet. Is there anyway to reboot the apex unit since I figure the firmware has been corrupted.

 

[CristianD]

Hello everyone yesterday while looking at my tank the lights went off when they shouldn't have so I looked at the apex unit and the display was frozen. I could not access anything so I unplugged the display and plugged it back in now it does not light up. Only 2 of the outlets work which is weird and I can not access the web control with the ethernet cable using http://apex. I have sent neptune an email but have not received a response from them yet. Is there anyway to reboot the apex unit since I figure the firmware has been corrupted.

Something similar happened to me. I spoke to neptune and they send me this e-mail. hope this helps...

I'm sorry to hear you are having trouble with your Apex system. I can understand how frustrating this can be and I hope to resolve this matter for you quickly and efficiently. Are you able to see the Apex on the network at all? Through the Apex flash utility that is included on the CD or found on our website here:

http://www.neptunesys.com/apex_4_12.zip.

Flashing orange light means either your firmware and/or current configuration may have been corrupted. I would attempt to reflash the firmware to the unit in boot loader mode. A hardwired connection between computer to router and router to Apex is required. Follow this procedure:

Power your Apex off
Restart your computer in Windows safe mode with networking
Turn off any virus or firewall software
Open flash utility
In the Network address put something similar to your default gateway (router) IP address
For example, if you default gateway is 192.168.1.1 then make the network address 192.168.1.88
Click update firmware
After failed attempt 1 plug your Apex in
Apex and computer should make a handshake at this time, if not try to power cycle your base unit again
Update the web pages after the firmware update.
If you are unable to accomplish the firmware update, then there are further trouble shooting options. Please let me know how it goes.
Thank you,

 

[Dace]

You need to update your firmware.
that should do it
YGPM by the way

 

[DrAsTiC]

Thanks for you help guys, The light on the base unit is green but the light on the eb8 is flashing orange does that matter?

 

[Dace]

yes, Thats why its not working

 

[DrAsTiC]

I tried to update the firmware but this is what happens.

Loading firmware file into memory
Firmware file load complete...
Calculating Apex Start Checksum Vector
Calculating Apex Start Checksum Vector complete...
The controller address is: 74.101.102.171
Connecting to controller at address: 74.101.102.171
Connecting
Apex running in boot loader mode
Trying to connect: attempt 1
Found ARP entry at address: 74.101.102.171
Waiting for input from Apex, timed out
Trying to connect: attempt 2

 

[Dace]

its has to be hard wired. can not be updated wirelessly.
pm me your number. i have some question on lights,
i'll take it

 

[DrAsTiC]

Okay I tried to use the ip 192.168.1.1 but I am still not able to connect.


Loading firmware file into memory
Firmware file load complete...
Calculating Apex Start Checksum Vector
Calculating Apex Start Checksum Vector complete...
The controller address is: 192.168.1.1
Connecting to controller at address: 192.168.1.1
Connecting
Connected, waiting for login prompt

Operation failed with the following error information:

Waiting for input from Apex: timed out

 

[Widdy]

192.168.1.1 is more than likely the IP Address to your router. The Apex would be using an address in a similar fashion; with the last octet being different (192.168.1.xxx). You need to find what xxx is on the Apex. Scroll the thru the Apex's network setting to see what it is set for -- refer to page 24 of http://reeftech.webs.com/Apex New User Guide.pdf for guidance.

 

[DrAsTiC]

thanks widdy but I have no way of knowing the ip since the controller screen does not light up. I will try variations of that ip. My ip actually starts with 74.101.102

 

[Josh]

No, it will use an internal IP address, not 74.101.

The Apex is set up to automatically load firmware from a connected PC at boot. Did you read the instructions in the unofficial guide? It explains how to recover the firmware.

 

[DrAsTiC]

thanks josh well i connected 3 different ethernet cables and i get the green and yellow light but they are not flashing like the unofficial guide states. i can access my router online but the apex is not listed

 

[Dace]

One last thing to try.
Take the USB feeding the brain of the apex power which should turn off your system. Start the update. After it states trying to connect two or three times plug the USB back in the brain of the unit.

 

[ming]

thanks josh well i connected 3 different ethernet cables and i get the green and yellow light but they are not flashing like the unofficial guide states. i can access my router online but the apex is not listed

It shouldn't be listed through your router, in fact, your router shouldn't be even used when you're trying to recover your firmware. There should be 1 wire from your PC directly to the Apex, and no router inbetween.

 

[DrAsTiC]

Okay finally got in touch with support and they said I have to send the unit back because of hardware failure.

 

[ReefnQueens]

That sucks ....if u still have it and want to,try one more thing...try the update again and after the first attempt unplug your USB cable wait a few seconds then plug it back in and see if it completes ...... I had the same issue and that's what they told me to do as last resort and it's been working perfect since then