MP40w Gen2 to MP40w ES Upgrade Kit
 

I have a MP40W, looking at the new upgrade kit. From what I can gather the only benefits are:

EcoSmart Nutrient Transport Mode (NTM) - A two phase program to promote maximum health and nutrient export, as well as increased growth for corals. Alternates between a resonant standing wave and a surge effect to stir up and export nutrients.

EcoSmart Tidal Swell Mode (TSM) - Creates a harmonic balance in your aquarium reminiscent of the changing flow conditions that would be found in nature. Flow varies from left to right, right to left, calm, and ends with a great surge.

Auto-Dim - LED’s are turned off and display knob dimmed significantly, but pump functions in its current mode. User can program how long after use before the driver enters Auto-Dim.

For $75 US, shipping and any Duties, do you think it worth it? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

thanks.

I think it also has easier methods to tune the waves and also has an on/off button. the on/off button alone is a great upgrade as you have to actually unplug the power to the current pumps to turn them off. The LEDs to show a visual feedback on the settings is good too as right now you have to squint at the tiny dial or do it by feel. All in all, I think it's a good upgrade but really some of those feature should have been in the Gen2.

mp40
 

I just ordered 2 of them from J and L yesterday. $65 introductory offer for the drivers. ( you need an mp40w and just replace the electronics box)
I'll have 2 mp40 drivers for sale as soon as the new ones come in.

One of the things that has bothered me with the original W drivers is how bright the damned LEDs are at night. Ok for those that hide them in their cabinet, but mine are in the open, dining room thankfully, but still a bit annoying, more so than the 'noise' many others complain about. I can deal with the motor hum, not that bad IMO. Anyhow, I like the new idea behind smaller LEDs that provide the option for you to have them dim/turn off after a given period of time.

Another good feature of the new ES drivers is their ability to show you the charge state of your battery backup, if you have one.... I don't yet, but I think I will eventually upgrade to the new drivers. The control knob looks a lot more user friendly than the pathetic little adjustment stick on the current drivers. I believe the newer drivers are better protected from accidental water ingress as well, not waterproof, but certainly look better built in the photos I've seen.