I have 2 Aquaero6LT connected to a HUBBY7 (The Octo didn't exist when I got the system).
As I understand you have to choose: Either Aquabus or USB, they must not be used at the same time on a device.
Absolutely FALSE! Both may be used simultaneously.
There are some instances where.some functionality is lost by using an aquabus connection, but that is only because the aquabus slaves certain functions to the aquaero.
i.e. using aquabus on a QUADRO or OCTO slaves the fan ports to the aquaero, which has 4 controllers available, meaning you loose the 4/8 controllers on the QUADRO/OCTO.
I'm planning to extend the system with a flow meter and an extra pump. If I get the upgrades from NEXT line I will reach the limit of the HUBBY7: A farbwerk 360 won't fit in the system without an extra usb hub.
Most USB 2.0 ports on motherboards are 9/10 pin ports, which actually constitutes two ports. The HUBBY7 has a 5-pin connector, of which two can be added to one 10/pin port on the motherboard.
What's the pros & cons of using the USB connectors over the Aquabus?
If the device has a USB 2.0 port, there is a good chance you will have to update the firmware in the future... much easier if you already have a USB connection.
Having a separate tab in the aquasuite is a positive for me... control the device independently.
The aquabus is particularly useful for non-Windows (Linux?) systems due to USB limitations.
Is the Aquabus able to supply power as well as signal, in that case how great is the power delivery (W) through the Aquabus interface? i.e. can I put 'cable management' and/ or 'extendable' up on the pros list for the Aquabus?
The 4-pin aquabus cable does provide some 5V, but I do not know how much.
'Cable management' could be considered a plus for either (USB/aquabus) if used exclusively, as apposed to both.
I believe the only limitation to the number of items addable to an aquabus connection, is the defined port numbers for the aquabus devices.
So far this is what I have managed to find:
Pros USB
- The Aquaeros work fine using just USB. True
- Easy to maintain and update. True
Cons USB
- You get all devices listed separately in Aquasuite True, separate devices get separate tabs, a plus for me
- The devices can't share data between each other without going through the Aquasuite SW. True
Pros Aquabus
- All devices on the bus shares data, i.e. the 6 LT master can use sensors and control devices on the slave. True
Cons Aquabus
- Requires a splitter cable, X4 or HUBBY9 if you want to use more than one device connected to one Aquaero 6.
- Significantly harder to upgrade an Aquaero 6 after you set in in slave mode (see here).
- May result in a reduced experience after an upgrade as the slave will be put in an error state, rather than properly communicate with an upgraded master.
Personally, I would never slave one aquaero to another... it essentially makes the slaved aquaero a splitty4.
Much better to invest in a 2nd HUBBY7