Upgrade control system kit to Atlantik iCon easily; transform your lighting control with new features and smart connectivity.
Upgrading a control system kit to Atlantik iCon means replacing your current control board with Orphek’s latest iCon system, giving you advanced Wi-Fi/Bluetooth control, six lighting channels, smoother dimming, and smarter scheduling; all without replacing your entire fixture.
I’ll be honest; when I first heard about upgrading a control kit to Atlantik iCon, I thought, “Why fix what isn’t broken?” My Atlantik light still worked fine. But then I started hearing whispers about the new iCon control; smoother transitions, six independent channels, sun and moon sync, no gateway needed.
And that little voice inside me said: Maybe your reef deserves better.
At americanworthy.com, we explore stories that prove how innovation meets empathy; like how upgrading your control system kit to Atlantik iCon turns ordinary lighting into a living, responsive ecosystem.
So I decided to dive in. What began as a simple curiosity turned into a surprisingly emotional journey; equal parts excitement, anxiety, and geeky satisfaction. This guide isn’t just a manual. It’s a story of what it feels like to upgrade your control system kit to Atlantik iCon; from the first screw turned to that satisfying moment when your reef glows in perfect sync with the moon.
Article Breakdown
What Is the Atlantik iCon Upgrade Control Kit?
Upgrading your control system kit to Atlantik iCon is essentially giving your light fixture a new brain. Instead of replacing your entire Orphek Atlantik or Atlantik Compact unit, you replace the internal control board with Orphek’s new iCon system.
What’s included in the kit
- A new PC control board featuring the iCon architecture
- High-efficiency controllable fans
- Temperature sensor and wiring set
- Antenna and reset button components
- Screws and installation accessories
The heart of it all is the new iCon control board; capable of connecting via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi directly to your phone through the Orphek iCon app.
You can even pair multiple Atlantik iCon units and control them together; all without a central hub or gateway.
Why Upgrade to Atlantik iCon
Smarter Connectivity
Gone are the days of needing external gateways or messy cables. With Atlantik iCon, everything connects seamlessly via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
You can control your reef lighting directly from your smartphone; create schedules, fine-tune color channels, and adjust intensity with intuitive sliders.
Six Channels Instead of Four
The older Atlantik control systems ran on four channels. With iCon, you get six; each controlling different LED groups for precision color tuning.
It’s like going from a basic stereo to a full 7-band equalizer; suddenly, every tone of your reef lighting becomes adjustable.
Ultra-Smooth Dimming
The new controller offers an astonishing dimming range; from 0.01% to 100%. That’s not just a spec; it’s a whole new visual experience.
Your tank no longer jumps from light to dark. It fades, breathes, and glows naturally, just like sunrise and sunset on a tropical reef.
Intelligent Thermal Management
The iCon board manages fan speeds dynamically. Instead of running constantly, fans respond to temperature, keeping your light cool and quiet while extending component life.
Future-Proof Compatibility
Orphek keeps updating its software ecosystem. Upgrading now ensures your lighting setup stays compatible with upcoming app updates, automation features, and ecosystem integrations.
The Emotional Reality of an Upgrade
Let’s be real: upgrades are never just technical. They’re emotional.
Opening your light fixture feels a bit like open-heart surgery. You’re replacing something familiar; something that’s worked faithfully; with something untested. There’s excitement, but also a small fear of breaking what you love.
That’s what makes the Atlantik iCon upgrade experience oddly beautiful. You don’t replace your fixture; you evolve it. You preserve the soul but give it new senses.
Step-by-Step: How to Upgrade Control System Kit to Atlantik iCon
Here’s how I did it; and how you can too.
(Note: The process requires care and patience. If you’re not confident handling electronics, seek professional help.)
Step 1: Preparation
- Unplug your light completely. Safety first.
- Take photos of all connections before touching anything. They’ll be your reference later.
- Label every cable using tape; fans, power leads, LED connectors.
Have a clean workspace, small Phillips screwdriver, hex keys, tweezers, and maybe a magnifying glass if your eyes aren’t what they used to be.
Step 2: Disassemble the Old Components
Remove the fixture’s top cover and locate the control board; the one linked to your LED panels. Carefully unscrew it and disconnect all cables: fan wires, LED connectors, antenna, and power leads.
You’ll also detach the existing fans if they’re being replaced. Keep every screw organized; Orphek’s screws are like snowflakes; no two the same.
Step 3: Install the iCon Components
Now for the fun part.
- Mount the new iCon control board in the same position as the old one.
- Connect the LED board leads according to your labels (usually six connectors).
- Install the new fans; logo side facing down for proper airflow.
- Plug in the temperature sensor and antenna.
- Mount the reset button in an accessible spot, connecting its two small wires to the control board.
- Reattach the power leads, ensuring correct polarity (double-check with a multimeter if possible).
Once assembled, reattach the top cover.
Step 4: Power Up & Pair
Power on the fixture. The new board should boot up; small status LEDs will glow.
Open the Orphek iCon app on your phone, choose “Add Device,” and connect via Bluetooth. Once paired, your light will appear in the app’s interface.
From there, connect it to your Wi-Fi network, and you’re live. You can rename your device, test each channel, and watch as your reef responds instantly to your touch.
Step 5: Calibrate & Customize
This is where the upgrade becomes magical.
Adjust each channel’s intensity, color mix, and timing. Set your daylight period to gradually ramp up over hours, then fade into lunar glow.
You can sync your schedule with local sunrise and sunset times or build your own artistic lightscape.
Within minutes, I realized my reef tank looked different. The shimmer was softer. Colors popped. Corals opened wider. It wasn’t just brighter; it was alive.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Even with a perfect kit, mistakes happen. Here are the most common issues people face; and how to avoid them.
| Issue | Why it Happens | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong LED connections | Mixing up cable order | Label everything before removing |
| Fans not spinning | Reversed polarity or orientation | Double-check direction; ensure correct pin alignment |
| Overheating | Loose board screws or missing thermal pad | Tighten properly; ensure firm contact |
| App won’t connect | Bluetooth disabled or Wi-Fi mismatch | Reset and re-pair the device |
| No power | Polarity reversed or cable loose | Check power connector orientation |
The biggest advice? Don’t rush. Take photos at every step; your future self will thank you.
The Deeper Meaning Behind the Upgrade
Sometimes, an upgrade isn’t about functionality; it’s about agency.
Owning a reef tank is like raising a tiny ecosystem. The Atlantik iCon doesn’t just control light; it gives you a language to communicate with your corals. Every spectrum tweak, every timed fade, becomes part of your aquarium’s rhythm.
After upgrading, I realized how much I’d been missing. The older system felt mechanical. The iCon made the light feel organic; aware, adaptive, responsive.
If you’ve ever stared at your tank late at night, watching the ripples dance across coral, you’ll know: light is everything. Upgrading to Atlantik iCon is giving that light consciousness.
Comparing Old vs. New
| Feature | Old Atlantik | Upgraded Atlantik iCon |
|---|---|---|
| Channels | 4 | 6 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi with gateway | Direct Wi-Fi + Bluetooth |
| Dimming Range | 0.1%–100% | 0.01%–100% |
| Fan Control | Fixed speed | Dynamic, temperature-responsive |
| Sun & Moon Sync | Manual | Automatic or time-based |
| Upgrade Cost | Replace full fixture | Replace control kit only |
| Setup Complexity | Simple | Slightly technical but rewarding |
Once you see those numbers side by side, the value becomes obvious. You’re not just upgrading; you’re extending the life of your fixture while unlocking capabilities that were once impossible.
Why Some People Still Resist Upgrading
Even after understanding the benefits, some hobbyists still hesitate; and honestly, I get it.
They say things like:
- “My old light still works fine.”
- “I’m afraid of breaking something.”
- “The app looks complicated.”
And yet, the irony is; this upgrade is designed exactly for them. It gives you the freedom to take control without starting over.
If you can use a smartphone, you can manage the Atlantik iCon. Once it’s set up, everything runs automatically. You spend less time fiddling and more time admiring.
From Flip Phone to Smartphone
Think of your old Atlantik as a flip phone. Reliable, tough, but limited. You can call, text, maybe set an alarm.
The Atlantik iCon is your first smartphone. Suddenly, you can install apps, adjust settings, automate routines, and sync everything with the cloud.
Once you experience it, you’ll never go back to the old way.
FAQ’s
Q1: Who should upgrade to the Atlantik iCon control system kit? Anyone using older Atlantik or Atlantik Compact lights who wants more flexibility, precision, and wireless control should consider it.
Q2: Can I install the upgrade myself? Yes, if you’re comfortable handling light electronics and follow instructions carefully. Otherwise, ask a technician for help.
Q3: Do I need to replace my LED boards too? No; you can upgrade only the control system. But if you want the full iCon LED spectrum, Orphek offers optional LED upgrade kits.
Q4: What happens if I make a mistake during installation? Most mistakes are reversible; as long as you don’t power on before double-checking connections.
Q5: Will this upgrade void my warranty? Usually not, since Orphek supports official upgrade kits. But always verify with your local distributor before proceeding.
Key Takings
- Upgrading your control system kit to Atlantik iCon replaces only the brains, not the body; saving money and waste.
- The new iCon board brings Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control with six channels and finer dimming.
- It offers smart scheduling, sun/moon syncing, and quiet fan operation.
- Installation requires patience; labeling cables and checking polarity are crucial.
- You gain future compatibility and smoother control through Orphek’s evolving app ecosystem.
- Emotionally, it feels less like a repair and more like giving your aquarium a new level of intelligence.
- For most reef enthusiasts, it’s one of the most satisfying DIY upgrades you can do.
Additional Resources
- Orphek Atlantik iCon Upgrade Guide: Official instructions and diagrams explaining the full upgrade process and setup. (Ideal for step-by-step visual learners.)
- Reefing Solutions Product Page: Detailed specifications and package contents for different upgrade kits, including full and compact versions.
