questions about vortech mp40 gen 1

[hillegom]

Originally Posted by mike31154

More info on your MP40, is it an MP40W Gen 1 or an MP40 Gen 1? If it's the former, you already have a wireless driver so if you do get a second 'W' pump/driver, they will be able to work together. You will also want to confirm what firmware level your driver is at if it is a wireless driver. This is done by watching the LED light flash sequence when it is powered up. The sequence is explained in the instructions. The newer firmware adds night mode and long pulse mode. The newer ecosmart drivers have additional modes and functionality that even the latest firmware on current wireless drivers will not be able to do. So if you want these additional modes, you will need the newer driver, regardless of whether you have more than one pump or not.

My first MP40W was a Gen 1 purchased about 3 months before they upgraded the magnet and firmware. The magnet upgrade came as a kit from EcoTech, quite reasonably priced, less than $15 IIRC. It included the new magnet as well as a new shaft, plastic mounting screw and some bearing components. Improvements were made to the bearing & shaft along with the new magnet, so you'll want to make sure you get that as a kit. The new magnets are completely black whereas the older ones are metallic looking with a thin layer of plastic. This thin plastic eventually leaks and the magnet will rust. The newer magnets are also thicker than the old ones. Confused yet??

Yes I am confused. I cannot tell if I have a gen 1 or 2.
Mike, do you have measurements of the different thicknesses?
Thanks

[mike31154]

Originally Posted by hillegom

Yes I am confused. I cannot tell if I have a gen 1 or 2.
Mike, do you have measurements of the different thicknesses?
Thanks

Certainly. The Gen 1 magnet is 1/4 inch thick and the Gen 2 is 3/8 inch thick. I'll make some photos and post forthwith. The visual difference is quite obvious, the Gen 2 magnet is totally black whereas the Gen 1 looks like dull steel. If you have a Gen 1 magnet that's been running for any length of time, it's very likely that you will see corrosion.