Vertex Cerebra - hands on (1 Viewer)

[FarmerTy]

Hello MARSH,

I was willing to be a guinea pig for the new Vertex Cerebra controller that is coming out to market in beta form. It is android-based and packs a nice touch screen LCD.

While I won't get into the technical details as you can look them up online, I will try to document my interaction with it for setup and programming.

I unboxed it this late afternoon and started to set it up.

Boxed

Unboxed

Screen and main head unit

Connections on back of head unit (notice the wifi dongle included)

Front of multibar (powerstrip with most of the connections for probes and sensors)

Back of multibar where all the goodies get plugged into to.

Regular powerstrip

Temp probe with LED indicator lights

 

[FarmerTy]

My favorite interactions so far with the controller is the ease of adding probes and calibrating them, the ability to use a wireless USB mouse and keyboard with the system, and the fancy touchscreen.

Alright, using the built-in browser was pretty cool too. I know some have installed angry birds just to say that they played it on their controller but I see no point. Though having the option to is cool though.

My least favorite interactions so far is that the firmware was super outdated out of the box and needed to be updated ASAP. Unfortunately, the wi-fi is still giving me issues and causes my controller to lock up within a few minutes of being on. Once I turn it off, it is smooth sailing but it took a couple hours of tech support and trying to download firmware updates before it freezes before I could figure out what was wrong. At one point, the whole system crashed but fortunately the firmware update took care of the issue besides the lingering wi-fi issue. For now, I am connected via ethernet.

I wanted to try the VNC connection out but sadly, I can only view it and not control the controller via my laptop. Basically, the VNC connection allows me to mirror the controller on my laptop or other device and control it remotely. While I can see my controller on my laptop, for some reason I can't control it like others can. I'm sure its user error on this one for me, unlike the wi-fi issue which I believe is a software issue.

Anyways, I'm going to call it a night and if I have time sometime this weekend, start plugging in devices for it to control and program it. I was just happy to be able to get all my sensors (pH, ORP, and temp) hooked up and running on the system. Oh, I don't think I even mentioned but I'm running it on my frag tank for a long test period before it ever even sees my display tank. I like to experiment but I'm not crazy!

 

[FarmerTy]

It's so high-tech, it even knew my name! [emoji12]

 

[d2mini]

My favorite interactions so far with the controller is the ease of adding probes and calibrating them

What is this process, exactly?

 

[FarmerTy]

What is this process, exactly?

Hey Dennis,

Not sure what details you want to know specifically but just clicking on the touch screen and being prompted for the solutions was nice. I appreciated the fact it even gave calibration data for the probe afterwards.

 

[d2mini]

I was just curious what the process was compared to other controllers.
Looks the exact same as GHL.
I'm not familiar with Apex though.

 

[FarmerTy]

Similar to the Apex except with more jazz I guess. The interface was refreshing though, being able to just click my mouse for the options instead of flipping through an archaic 2-color screen like on the Apex.

 

[FarmerTy]

While I don't think it'll dethrone the king at its current beta stage, I do like the added competition. We'll just all win out when the companies all try to win our favor.

I definitely see potential with this thing. Updates are as simple as one touch of a button, open programming structure for those app nerds (imagine an app for water changes) and for the wannabe nerds life myself that only excel in stealing code, and a development team that is constantly on the Cerebra forum literally taking our "want lists" back to developers and programming the code into the next firmware revision after thorough testing. The collaborative effort between beta tester and developer is inspiring and I'm glad I have the opportunity to be in the frontline of it. Perfect example is someone wanting to hook up a Kessil. Since Vertex is just about to release the developer package to 3rd party peripheral companies, the hope is a lot of this will be taken care of via manufacturer. Some companies might just sit back and wait for the manufacturer to sort it out but the techs were on the forum asking about the Kessil, what type of hook up he was currently using, researched the connection, and provided a wiring solution to the poster. Then proceeded to say that he will push this to development and asked to give a 1-month timeframe to get the proprietary connector cable made for it. Wow! Instead of just waiting for Kessil to jump aboard the Cerebra train, they troubleshot it, developed their own cable, and is promising to have it ready and shipped in a month's time!

I don't mean this statement to bash Apex as I still love my two units I'm running but I can't remember a time when I even had direct customer tech support from Neptune over the last 6 years other than here is your RMA and send the unit in. Both times, it cost me $150 for a full board replacement and a vague description on why they needed to replace the whole board. Neptune tech support consisted of jumping on the Neptune forum, not calling someone. I picked up the phone and called Vertex and one ring later, the same US tech support guy I see all over the Cerebra forum picked up the phone and walked me through the process. That easy. It was refreshing.

 

[d2mini]

I agree, more competition is good, and kudos to people like you who are willing to be the beta testers (and not put this on their main tank like some idiots).
I mentioned before that based on previous experience with Vertex products, I wouldn't touch this one if THEY paid ME to, let alone ME pay THEM to be a beta tester.
But I've been watching all the threads because they may have have an interesting/different take on certain aspects.
Hopefully their support system will grow as their user base continues to grow. Ecotech has done a pretty good job with it over the years. It's always nice to be able to just call in and talk to someone. That's one thing I haven't been able to do with GHL either. Thankfully they've been making positive strides in the support department lately though, with new USA offices/warehouses.

How are you feeling about that giant display?
What would you do with it if it was on your main tank?
I wouldn't know where to put the thing!

 

[Mark L.]

While I don't think it'll dethrone the king at its current beta stage, I do like the added competition. We'll just all win out when the companies all try to win our favor.

I definitely see potential with this thing. Updates are as simple as one touch of a button, open programming structure for those app nerds (imagine an app for water changes) and for the wannabe nerds life myself that only excel in stealing code, and a development team that is constantly on the Cerebra forum literally taking our "want lists" back to developers and programming the code into the next firmware revision after thorough testing. The collaborative effort between beta tester and developer is inspiring and I'm glad I have the opportunity to be in the frontline of it. Perfect example is someone wanting to hook up a Kessil. Since Vertex is just about to release the developer package to 3rd party peripheral companies, the hope is a lot of this will be taken care of via manufacturer. Some companies might just sit back and wait for the manufacturer to sort it out but the techs were on the forum asking about the Kessil, what type of hook up he was currently using, researched the connection, and provided a wiring solution to the poster. Then proceeded to say that he will push this to development and asked to give a 1-month timeframe to get the proprietary connector cable made for it. Wow! Instead of just waiting for Kessil to jump aboard the Cerebra train, they troubleshot it, developed their own cable, and is promising to have it ready and shipped in a month's time!

I don't mean this statement to bash Apex as I still love my two units I'm running but I can't remember a time when I even had direct customer tech support from Neptune over the last 6 years other than here is your RMA and send the unit in. Both times, it cost me $150 for a full board replacement and a vague description on why they needed to replace the whole board. Neptune tech support consisted of jumping on the Neptune forum, not calling someone. I picked up the phone and called Vertex and one ring later, the same US tech support guy I see all over the Cerebra forum picked up the phone and walked me through the process. That easy. It was refreshing.

I'm really liking what I'm seeing so far. Keep updating us as you go. Being in software myself I hate hate hate the mentality many hardware companies have with software. Just load whatever on the unit. The customer will update it anyway. So many times they forget all the little bugs that get fixed while those units are sitting on the shelf waiting to be sold. Bugs that an average Joe can't deal with. Hardware & software guys forget just how much they really know and think the consumer is at their level. If you have a major update, pull units off the shelf and update them for the customer!!

Anyway, Neptune has some awesome customer support on their forums. They have quickly fixed issues I've had, helped teach me coding, and even called me a couple times on the weekend when I just couldn't figure something out via forum chat. I may have to pick me up one of these to play around with.

 

[FarmerTy]

Yeah, I think Vertex having a US-based tech support setup is a saving grace. Otherwise, I probably would have sent my unit back after the first hiccup on it.

Believe it or not, everyone's complaints online were about the giant powerbars and the giant display unit. I will say the powerbars in person are true to form... GIANT! But I'll take giant if it gives me updated via live mA current readings. The main unit is an oddity to me, mainly because I know its larger than any other controller main unit but oddly, it doesn't feel giant in my hands (perhaps because it's so light) and is deceptively larger than it appears, meaning in person, it doesn't seem so big.

Since it will eventually go on a 215-gallon, I think the largeness of its components will fit right in but on a nanotank, it may look ridiculous.

My eventual goal for mounting is to cut a hole in the stand and mount it with the LCD showing only. Either that or I have room on one side of my tank that is sandwiched very closely to a stone wall and was thinking of side mounting it there with the LCD facing forward. Time will tell but I don't think it will look ungainly in my system. I'll take it over my little gameboy look-alike that my Apex unit currently displays. Haha.

 

[FarmerTy]

I'm really liking what I'm seeing so far. Keep updating us as you go. Being in software myself I hate hate hate the mentality many hardware companies have with software. Just load whatever on the unit. The customer will update it anyway. So many times they forget all the little bugs that get fixed while those units are sitting on the shelf waiting to be sold. Bugs that an average Joe can't deal with. Hardware & software guys forget just how much they really know and thing the consumer is at their level. If you have a major update, pull units off the shelf and update them for the customer!!

Anyway, Neptune has some awesome customer support on their forums. They have quickly fixed issues I've had, helped teach me coding, and even called me a couple times on the weekend when I just couldn't figure something out via forum chat. I may have to pick me up one of these to play around with.

If you're in software, we need you on the frontlines with this thing. I could only imagine the possibilites!

I was a little irked about the non-updated firmware on it but I can see the counterpoint of taking the time to go back and updating every unit before shipping would be a giant logistical stall on a release, which was already delayed in the first place.

I'll give it some more playtime this weekend when I have time. I'm just happy its giving me sensor readings for now and says my name. Lol. [emoji4]

 

[Jamie9169]

We received ours yesterday as well but our new set up is still dry. Glad you are getting the bugs figured out so the rest of us will have a brain to pick when we get ready to fire ours up.

 

[Mark L.]

If you're in software, we need you on the frontlines with this thing. I could only imagine the possibilites!

I was a little irked about the non-updated firmware on it but I can see the counterpoint of taking the time to go back and updating every unit before shipping would be a giant logistical stall on a release, which was already delayed in the first place.

I'll give it some more playtime this weekend when I have time. I'm just happy its giving me sensor readings for now and says my name. Lol. [emoji4]

If I didn't have so much other stuff going on right now it would be tempting to jump in and test one. I just don't have anything to set one up on.

 

[FarmerTy]

If I didn't have so much other stuff going on right now it would be tempting to jump in and test one. I just don't have anything to set one up on.

Set it up on your coffee maker! You can check temperature of your brew and the acidity of it via the pH probe.

You can have it add more water when the float valve gets low and set it on a timer to start brewing in the morning before you get up. It'll be awesome! [emoji12]

 

[Jamie9169]

Set it up on your coffee maker! You can check temperature of your brew and the acidity of it via the pH probe.

You can have it add more water when the float valve gets low and set it on a timer to start brewing in the morning before you get up. It'll be awesome! [emoji12]

Let me try to convince the wife that it's necessary on her coffee pot, which is her best friend in the mornings.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[FarmerTy]

Just wait for a more stable firmware revision then, nothing like too acidic coffee to upset the balance you've achieved with her up to this point! [emoji12]

 

[Mark L.]

Yeah my wife tolerates my reef obsession. If I go messing with her coffee that may just push her over the edge! Hahaha

 

[d2mini]

Yeah my wife tolerates my reef obsession. If I go messing with her coffee that may just push her over the edge! Hahaha

Just be careful where you place that skimmer cup!

[video=youtube;NxD2VmZiLJ0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxD2VmZiLJ0[/video]

 

[johntdaballa]

I may pick one up as for my first controller. Liked the clean interface. Or should I wait for next gen or other models. I'm glad that vertex stepped it up and made this controller some what more affordable than the apex. Hopefully more and more companies would join in on this.

Earlier today I saw tunze also with anew controller what do you think of it?

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk