The Maxspect ICV6 is an integrated controller intended to centralize and simplify the control of multiple compatible Maxspect aquarium devices (LED lights, pumps, etc.). Rather than using separate controllers for each device, the ICV6 acts as a hub/bridge, connecting your Maxspect gear to your home WiFi (or local network) and allowing you to manage them from a smartphone, tablet, or PC via the Syna-G app.

Key motivations behind it:

• Reduce clutter from multiple controllers.

• Unified control — handle scheduling, modes, grouping, and dynamic changes from one interface.

• Future-proofing — intended to support future Maxspect products under the Syna-G ecosystem.

The Maxspect ICV6 (Integrated Controller Version 6, also called the Syna-G ICV6 Connect Controller) is a WiFi-enabled hub designed to centralize the control of multiple compatible Maxspect devices. It connects to a standard 2.4 GHz WiFi network and communicates wirelessly with your aquarium equipment, offering a control range of about 30 feet (≈9 m).

It is compatible with a wide range of Maxspect products that support the Syna-G protocol, including Ethereal, Recurve, and RSX LED lights, the Turbine Duo pump, and Gyre 300 series pumps. One ICV6 can manage up to 200 Ethereal lights or many other compatible devices simultaneously, allowing you to group and synchronize them easily.

The controller operates silently thanks to its fanless passive cooling design. It comes in a compact housing with a power button, a sync/reset button, and LED indicators that show connection and operating status. It is powered by a standard adapter included in the box and may be mounted or placed in a dry, accessible location near your WiFi router.

Using the Syna-G app on iOS or Android, you can configure lighting schedules, colors, brightness, pump modes, and other parameters from your phone or tablet. Firmware updates for both the controller and connected devices can also be handled through the app.

The main limitations are that it only works with devices that support the Syna-G ecosystem and it requires a 2.4 GHz WiFi network rather than 5 GHz. Proper placement within range of your equipment is recommended for reliable communication.

Setup & Pairing

1. Mount / place the ICV6 in a suitable dry location (not submerged). It should be able to “see” (in RF terms) your WiFi router for connectivity.

2. Power it up with its adapter.

3. Use the Syna-G app on your iOS or Android device to discover and connect to the ICV6.

4. During pairing, you often have to press/hold the power or sync button (for a few seconds) to put it into “breathing / pairing mode.” Some LED indicators will flash to show readiness.

5. Enter the WiFi SSID / password (2.4 GHz network; many devices do not support 5 GHz) so the ICV6 can join your local network.

6. Once connected, the app should detect compatible devices (LEDs, pumps) and let you link them, group them, and configure them.

Users in forums mention that sometimes the unit fails to flash the expected LED pattern or fails to connect (if WiFi is 5 GHz instead of 2.4 GHz, or router settings block it). Resetting and retrying is often recommended.

Control & Features

• Once set up, you can use the Syna-G app to set lighting schedules, modes, brightness, ramping, and color changes (for LEDs) across your devices.

• You can group devices (e.g. multiple LEDs or pumps) so they act in sync or in patterns.

• Because all devices communicate through one controller, interference between multiple controllers is minimized.

• Firmware updates (for either the controller or connected devices) may be managed through the app.

• The wireless range (≈ 30 ft) constrains how far away the ICV6 can be from the devices you want to control (especially for stable communication).

Things to Be Aware Of 

• The ICV6 only works with devices that support the Syna-G protocol or are explicitly compatible. Older Maxspect gear without support for Syna-G might not integrate.

• WiFi network must be 2.4 GHz (not 5 GHz) to ensure compatibility. Some users report issues when trying to connect via 5 GHz networks.

• In some cases, the LED indicators or pairing process may be tricky or non-intuitive. Forum users talk about problems when the ICV6 does not show the expected flashing LEDs during pairing.

• Some users have raised concerns about magnet strength (if the unit is magnetically mounted on glass or metal) or how reliably the housing stays put.

• The availability has occasionally been spotty; in some regions, the ICV6 is out of stock or hard to find.

Pros for the Controller ICV6 by Maxspect:

• Centralizes control of multiple devices into a single controller and app.

• Reduces the need for multiple individual controllers, simplifying wiring and reducing clutter.

• Silent operation (no fan).

• Future extensibility if Maxspect continues supporting new products under Syna-G.

• Flexibility to group and schedule devices through the app.

Risks for the Controller ICV6 by Maxspect:

• Dependent on WiFi and network stability; poor signal or interference may degrade performance.

• Compatibility is limited to devices that support Syna-G — older legacy gear may not work.

• The pairing / setup process can be finicky (LED behavior, resets) according to user reports.

• In some regions, stock is limited, and obtaining one may be challenging.

• Because it's a hub, if it fails or malfunctions, it might impact control of many devices at once.