Can I extend Apex Advanced LED Dimming Cable for use with VDM?

[MountainManReef]

I am hoping to control a Kessil 360W with my Apex, I already have he VDM module and an Advanced LED Dimming Cable that I used with AI lights previously. Since I have moved into my new house my display is significantly further away from my basement sump area/apex system.

So I suppose my question is: Can I extend this cable? If so, how do I go about doing so? (I am kind of hoping it is as simple as buying a female to male headphone-style extension cable, but I doubt it.)


Thank you in advance for any advice you can offer!

[RussM]

You can't use the AI cable with the Kessil A360. The Kessil requires the use of Kessil part number KA360C1. That cable connects between an Apex VarSpd jack (not the AI serial port in the VDM) and the first A360.

You should be able to use a standard 1/8" stereo headphone extension cable. Or, use a longer Aquabus cable and position the VDM closer to the lights.

[aquamanic]

Double check but I thought the Kessil came with the appropriate cable for the Apex.

[RussM]

The cable is sold separately. The buyer needs to order the proper cable to connect to either the Apex or DA's ALC module.

[MountainManReef]

Thank you very much for the prompt reply. Good to know I need a different cable, with the recent release of the A360 there isn't a ton of info out there.

I had also considered using a longer aquabus cable, but for the distance I will need to travel I believe the 1/8" stereo headphone cable will most likely be less expensive.

[09vrodmuscle]

My sump is in my basement and my tank is up stairs the cable you buy from kessil is only 4 ft or so. This is what I did its works grate. I purchased the cable then went to Home Depot and purchased a 15 ft network cable and a network coupler that will join the kessil cable and network cable and ran cable down to my apex controller. This extended my cable 15 ft

[jimsflies]

Thank you very much for the prompt reply. Good to know I need a different cable, with the recent release of the A360 there isn't a ton of info out there.

I had also considered using a longer aquabus cable, but for the distance I will need to travel I believe the 1/8" stereo headphone cable will most likely be less expensive.

Hate to bump an old thread...but I'm trying to confirm that the standard 1/8-inch stereo headphone cable worked for you? Based on the photos they look to be the same. I need about 2-feet more cable to get into my stand where the controller is located. $20 seems a bit ridiculous if it is a standard stereo headphone cord.

[aquamanic]

That will work. Just has to be stereo. There's a part number listed in the Kessil sticky in the DIY forum if you can still find a Radio Shack around.

[deputydog95]

Hi Folks

I was using this cable with my Apex and Kessils: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/kessi...QaAoaNEALw_wcB

However, I just upgraded from my Classic unit to the new one and where it's mounted, it doesn't reach.

How do I extend this cable? I'm like a foot short. Grrrr.

It's around 6 feet with a 3.5 male jack that plugs into the Kessil and then terminates in a what appears to be an ethernet jack that plugs into the variable jack on the Apex.

I've got it bundled and zip tied on the top end where it plugs into the Kessil and would be a nightmare to undo all that. Ideally there's a way to extend it on the ethernet port end.

Thoughts?

[RussM]

No, the Advanced dimming cable is not what you need. You can use a standard stereo headphone male/female extension cable having 3.5mm/1/8” connectors. Keep it short - a 6’ is ok, a 3’ would be better if you can find one. Here’s an example:

https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_...seq=1&format=2

[RussM]

You could also use a short network cable and a RJ45 coupler to extend between the Apex and the Kessil cable.

Like this one: https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=7284

[deputydog95]

You could also use a short network cable and a RJ45 coupler to extend between the Apex and the Kessil cable.

Like this one: https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=7284

That would be ideal. Thanks, Russ!

[deputydog95]

You could also use a short network cable and a RJ45 coupler to extend between the Apex and the Kessil cable.

Like this one: https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=7284

I went to staples and found a coupler there, as well as a short (3 ft) network cable. All I needed was a one footer, but wasn't being choosy at that point as that was the shortest they had in stock

Worked like a champ and I didn't have to un-bundle all the Kessil control cables up top that were neatly zip tied.

Thanks!