Help programming Apex

I have been through the manual multiple times and I guess I'm just not getting it... I bought a float switch from ATO website and didn't realize it was just the raw switch, I thought it would come with the 2 or 3 prong plug attached. Anyways, I have it wired to a plug and now I'm running into problems.

I have the float switch plugged into outlet 3 on my Apex. I have my pump plugged into outlet 2. I want the pump to turn on whenever the float switch is on and I want the pump off when the switch is off. I am having syntax errors so I know I'm not programming the outlets correctly. Anyone out there good at programming these that can help me out?

Also, do I need to have this switch wired to a plug? It says to push the leads into "Input 1" of the Apex... I assume that means just push the bare wire leads into the outlet (one lead to ground and one lead to one of the the "prong outlets"). That doesn't seem safe to me, but is that how it's done? I am trying to avoid buying a breakout box for it...

 

You can find how to program it here The Single Best Reef Tank Purchase I've Ever Made - YouTube there is a full tutorial of 10 episodes. i did not make the videos but i found them i hope they help you!

 

Im not sure if the Apex JR has those inputs. But i think on the regular apex there are inputs on the controller were you can just push the wires into them, like you do with speaker wires on a stereo, not sure though. I dont think you would just put them in the power socket.

 

Thought so, just checking... wouldn't put them into the plain outlet, was just confused because the manual doesn't specify which Apex has the inputs.

 

Thanks! I'm still hashing it out mainly by trial and error, I got the outlet programmed to do what I want based off the other outlet status. Now I am having trouble programming the outlet with the switch on it. I'll check out the videos if I can't figure it out.

 

Sorry I couldnt be of more help, Im sure someone with more experience with them will chime in.

 

Yeah, I'm thinking I need a breakout box for it... seems like the only way for the Apex to detect the status of the switch.

 

edit

 

You really do. You could look up the pin diagram and/or make your own BoB, but just shoving the wires into the right comm ports is going to lead to a shoddy connection and subsequent issues.

 

yeah, wasn't going to do that... just couldn't figure out what was missing until I researched it. For the Apex Jr. I need PM1 module and the breakout box. I saw a nice thread on DIY breakout, but I think I'm just going to buy one. After I have that module/BoB I'll have a terminal for the float switch wire leads. This will also allow me expansion options for multiple switches.