For the past few months I’ve been chatting with Nathan Levine, the founder of Current Labs and primary visionary behind Fishbit. As many of us know, Fishbit aims to be a simple, easy to install, trouble-free aquarium monitor and controller. In conversations with Nathan, he has likened Fishbit to many of the smart devices available for our home. The idea is that the controller simply connects to a wireless network and begins transmitting data to a mobile application. The controller side of the system works much the same way, giving the aquarist full control over six devices. Recently Current Labs began shipping beta versions of Fishbit off to Kickstarter backers and early adopters. Nathan was kind enough to send one my way, allowing me to see an early version of the device, install it and play with some of Fishbit’s features. While I haven’t had a chance to install the controller side of the system, I was able to get the monitor up and running. Initial impressions:
At first glance, the Fishbit monitor is a very simple device. There aren’t a host of wires, probes and other devices; just a thin black case that houses all the monitoring sensors. The beta version includes a wireless power back-pack, which uses a magnet to transmit power and hold the monitor on the aquarium. The consumer version of Fishbit will have a standard power cord, as this simplifies the installation and reduces the risk of problems associated with wireless power. Other than that, there is one small AC power pack and cord, meaning the entire monitor is very small and easily tucks away in a sump or aquarium. The front cover of the monitor is removable, and you can see where the ph, salinity and temperature monitors all rest, with the brains of the unit being sealed up with silicone, leaving only the probe side of the sensors visible and exposed to water. The device communicates its status via a bright, multi-colored LED light on the unit’s back, easily noticeable from within the aquarium or sump. Upon plugging in and starting up, the Fishbit light blinks blue, meaning it’s in wi-fi set-up mode, the light turns green when trying to connect to the internet via a wireless network and breathes a cool cyan once connected and transmitting. Installation:
If you’ve installed smart devices like Dropcams, smart bulbs or wireless compatible Bluetooth speakers, you’ve installed the Fishbit.… More:
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