News: Profilux III Announcement

[stevew@reefdreams]

GHL Profilux continue to develop the product line and bring expansions to the market, there will always be the next generation of controllers and accesories in development. There will also be rumours and speculation about what will be in the next generation of controllers and how it might affect your current system, so rather prematurely due to some rumours Matthias the owner/developer of GHL Profilux in Germnay has prepared a statement to keep you all informed of the developments:

=================
Well as the rumours are starting to get out there we thought it was time to give them the foundation they deserve.

We are pleased to announce that the ProfiLux III is now in development! AND VERY IMPORTANT: The ProfiLux Plus II (eX) can be upgraded to ProfiLux III !!!

So first what will this have?

At present not all features are in known as this is still in the early stages, and will be developed as the project moves forward.

What is known is the following:

ProfiLux III will look like the ProfiLux Plus II, for a reason but with differences:
a) Graphic display, USB & LAN on board, connector for new Bus-system (ProfiLux Aquatic Bus – PAB)
b) No more limits for probe count or socket count
c) Additional cards (if you have more than 3) will be plugged in an extra “expansion” box – looks like the ProfiLux Plus II housing but has no display or keys, can hold up to 8 cards, these extension boxes will be connected via the PAB, several of these boxes can be daisy-chained
d) Upgrade option for ProfiLux Plus II (eX) which follows on from our commitment to you as a controller that is future proof, the kit includes: Kit with replacement for the front PCB + special card with PAB and USB & LAN -> this turns the ProfiLux Plus II (eX) into a ProfiLux III.

Ok so now some questions.

FAQ:

Q: I was just about to buy a ProfiLux II might as well wait
A: As we have always said the PII is future proof, you will be able to simply upgrade your unit to a PIII, we will also offer a promotion to PII (eX) owners at time of launch, so you would be missing out by holding off, in a very big way.

Q: I have a ProfiLux Plus II, just bought it now I hear of this. What can you do for me?
A: Please see above. You have just bought yourself a discount to the next generation without even knowing it.

Q: So there will be 3 main models, Profilux Plus II, ProfiLux Plus II eX, and the new ProfiLux III.
A: Yes, all priced accordingly, and they all can be turned into a ProfiLux III

Q: So when will this launch?
A: We are not going to fall in this trap, no launch date will be provided but it will be no less than 6 months.

Q: Will there be a web server intergration?
A: Yes this is being worked on even now.

Q: What about bugs, new controllers can come with bugs.
A: If you know ProfiLux you will know how strict our policy is on this, nothing gets released to the open market before full beta testing in genuine enviroments.

Q: Will you be looking for beta testers?
A: Possibly, but please don't start applying at this early stage.

Q: Will software stay free?
A: YES ALWAYS!

Q: Can I really have as many probes and power bars as I like, so control with no limits?
A: Simple answer is YES.

Q: Can I control multiple tanks in this case?
A: Yes you can.

I am sure you will have more questions and we will do our best to answer them for you, but one question will sadly not be answered if asked and that is release date, sorry!

This is a major leap forward in the controller market and will keep ProfiLux controllers where they are right now and that is market leaders building controllers here Quality Has No Compomise.

Matthias

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[Bladrick]

So if I buy the ProfiLux II now, would I be entitled to a free upgrade to ProfiLux III?

Or is there a big difference between II and III which is why the III will cost more?

[stevew@reefdreams]

There will be a price difference between the Profilux plus II EX and the Profilux Plus III, the upgrade will be discounted for current users. Pricing won't be announced till the units are ready for release. If you look at the current pricing to upgrade a Profilux Plus II to the Profilux Plus II EX version you will see that it is almost the same price as if you bought the EX version to start with, these upgrades will be similiar but without knowing the final pricing it is impossible to know the upgrade cost.

This means that there is no point in waiting, for the new controller.

Steve

[Andy]

fantastic looks good,

Steve, if I have had a profilux 2 since they were released(not recent) am I still inititled to a rebate?

also is everything backwards compatible?

[stevew@reefdreams]

I assume you mean the Profilux Plus II, in which case it is possible to upgrade this to the profilux III, there isn't a rebate as such just the upgrade kits will be discounted. The upgrade kits aren't much use if you don't have a profilux to start with.

The new version will work with all the current accesories. The Profilux Aquatic Bus (PAB) will have new accesories available if you need to expand that far - hundreds of controlled sockets and sensors.

The only versions we sell in the sell in the UK that aren't upgradeable are the little Profilux controllers that only have one card slot, these have never been upgradeable even to the EX version.

Steve

[stevew@reefdreams]

Just to add, we will continue to sell the Profilux Plus II and Profilux Plus II EX even after the release of the Profilux III as not everyone requires all the features and expandability.
But I am sure that the built in USB and LAN connections and graphic display will be a reason for many to upgrade.

Steve

[Squirrel]

What exactly is meant by 'graphic display', sorry if it's a dumb question

[stevew@reefdreams]

More details will be released nearer the time, but my understanding is a much improved screen, still monochrome, that will allow some graphing of values. I will confirm exactly as development continues.

Steve

[gregg]

cool ,this sounds very interesting ,i will look forward to the updates

[gtb]

my understanding is a much improved screen, still monochrome, that will allow some graphing of values.

Is that part of the upgrade from II to III aswell then?

[stevew@reefdreams]

Yes, it is a completely new front circuit board on which the screen is mounted.

Steve

[adambrum]

Please tell me you can now add more level sensors

[stevew@reefdreams]

You will still have the 3 currently built into the main unit and the option to expand it to many more with the PAB system.

Out of interest how many do you want to use above the 3 provided in the profilux II EX?

Steve

[stevew@reefdreams]

To clarify a few upgrade questions I have had:

The following units are not upgradeable:
Profilux II
Profilux II EX
Profilux Terra (for vivariums)
Profililux Light (soon to be available in the UK)
These have never been upgradeable and are our budget range.

The standard units in the UK are the following:
Profilux Plus II if you upgrade this you will end up with a unit identical to a Profilux III.

Profilux Plus II EX if you upgrade this you will have a unit identical to a Profilux III EX.

All current expansion cards you buy are compatible with Profilux III.

You do not need to upgrade, the profilux hardware has always been rock solid so you don't need to upgrade to fix problems with the hardware.

The upgrade adds expansion capabilities, graphic display and a faster processor with more memory so you will gain from upgrade and have more functions available in the future.

Hope that clarifies things.

Steve

[Emperor Angel]

Great News Steve!!

It's great to see a product developing so solidly - I don't need to tell you, but this will have very positive effects on the products take up within the market - It's a "no-brainer" when deciding which aquarium computer to buy - GHL Rock!!!!!

I purchased a Profilux Plus II EX, and have been extatic about it's performance and ease of use, and can't wait for the III upgrade to come out.

Consider your first one already sold!

Robbie

[keithboylan]

Will the new release of the software for the Profilux III be compatible for Mac users as they are becoming more popular

[stevew@reefdreams]

The current software will work on a Mac with a decent emulator, I haven't had any details yet as to whether the program will run natively under Mac OS. There will be a web interface thought that will run under Mac as I currently understand it.

[instantsquid]

Hi Steve,

If I buy a Profilux View II right now - will it be obsolete when I upgrade to a Profilux III ?

[KRUSTY THE CLOWNfish]

what is the price going to be for the Profilux Plus II to III upgrade?

Is there any differance in having the screen atached to the board at the front than the current configaration?

[Lost Boys]

Hi Steve,

If I buy a Profilux View II right now - will it be obsolete when I upgrade to a Profilux III ?

I hope not as i got mine last week and would not be happy if it was

[SCOOB]

Hi Steve,

If I buy a Profilux View II right now - will it be obsolete when I upgrade to a Profilux III ?

And to reword Ians question, slightly, will the new ProfiView be coming out any time soon?

[instantsquid]

Didn't know there was one in the pipeline!

[SCOOB]

Not many do :whistling:

(amazing what you overhear at open-days)

[craigg]

not sure I'm to hp about a new view when I haven't had mine long.

what extras does it offer?

[SCOOB]

Please understand, I drink a lot at open days.....but....I think the idea was it was larger and would display graphs.

I am sure Steve will appear at some point later to tell me I am talking out my jacksie!

[stevew@reefdreams]

Please understand, I drink a lot at open days.....but....I think the idea was it was larger and would display graphs.

I am sure Steve will appear at some point later to tell me I am talking out my jacksie!

Certainly will :p

I'll be back with the news as soon as I have answered some PM's, as I don't seem to be getting database errors at the moment :annoyed:

Steve

[SCOOB]

well if you didn't buy me booze, I wouldn't fudge the news!

[stevew@reefdreams]

Well here goes, all the replies in one!

Hi Steve,

If I buy a Profilux View II right now - will it be obsolete when I upgrade to a Profilux III ?

Absolutely not, all current accessories will work on the Profilux III when it comes out.

what is the price going to be for the Profilux Plus II to III upgrade?

Is there any difference in having the screen atached to the board at the front than the current configaration?

Absolutely no idea on pricing as it is months away from release, even if we had a Euro price I wouldn't set a UK price as the currency fluctuations are too volatile at the moment.

This is where the new graphics display will be employed, on the front of the new Profilux III. Although specifications are not available I understand it will allow more information to be displayed and not limited to text as at present.

I hope not as i got mine last week and would not be happy if it was

GHL will continue to develop new hardware and software, that is after all while you bought the most functional and continually developed and delivered product. There is always an upgrade path and your accessories will continue to work on the Profilux Plus III.

Didn't know there was one in the pipeline!

There isn't one. (see below)

And to reword Ians question, slightly, will the new ProfiView be coming out any time soon?

No

Not many do :whistling:

(amazing what you overhear at open-days)

Or miss hear, I'll blame stm as they were so kind to provide free food and BEER on the day.

not sure I'm to hp about a new view when I haven't had mine long.

what extras does it offer?

There isn't!

Please understand, I drink a lot at open days.....but....I think the idea was it was larger and would display graphs.

I am sure Steve will appear at some point later to tell me I am talking out my jacksie!


Here I am :p


Right, I'll start a separate thread about the developments this year along side the Profilux III, such as a dalli lighting interface and korralia pump control.

With the introduction of the Profilux III will be the start of a new architecture "the Profilux aquatic bus" which will allow much greater expandability and many new accesories. All the current units will be upgradeable to the Profilux III and be able to utilise the aquatic bus system and accesories as well as all current accesories like the profi view.

One of the advantages with the Profilux III will be built in LAN and USB connections which will allow you to run the profi view with a PC connection simultaneously.

The natural development from this is a new head unit that utilises the bus system allowing controllable buttons from the remote screen, we have been discussing this for a while but is far beyond the release of the Proifilux III, but as distributors we are pushing hard for this development to be brought forward as those with remote sumps and controllers could really benefit. At present there is no time scale for this as development is pushing ahead to deliver the Profilux III later this year.

I hope that explains things a bit more. That is a real long post - just like those whos sit around a table talking bolloxs about there copy and paste knowlege! :p

Steve

[jobr]

Or miss hear, I'll blame stm as they were so kind to provide free food and BEER on the day.

Steve


I knew it would be my fault :whistling:

[SCOOB]

Hic!

[jobr]

Hic!

Surely that was the Dr and Damian?