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.

[mike31154]

Originally Posted by christyf5

Its a MP40 non-wireless with old style magnet (metal nut and driveshaft) so I'm assuming the firmware is old school too (haven't plugged it in yet).

LOL I already had to have Marie explain to me how the pins work. I didn't get the "sticker" on the dry side that lets you know the spacing, as well I didn't get the dry gasket (or instructions for that matter but they're on the internet).

I dunno about upgrading to wireless, I don't have another vortech for the first one to talk to, hopefully he doesn't get too lonely It looks like the magnet upgrade kit is all separate now, you have to buy the magnet and a "maintenance" kit that comes with 2 sets of shafts, nuts, washers and an extra impeller. Mind you, it seems aquariumspecialty sells a gen2 magnet upgrade kit that isn't on the ecotech site.

If you're content with the modes your current driver provides, with a single pump, there is no need to upgrade to wireless. Furthermore, if you have a non-wireless driver, there is no firmware to upgrade, you're stuck with the modes provided. If I remember correctly, the older pre-wireless drivers were metal boxes as opposed to plastic.

[mike31154]

Ok, VorTech magnet photos etc. for aid in differentiating Gen 1 from Gen 2.

Gen 1 magnet, nicely corroded, but still functioning without issue at time of replacement:



Gen 2 magnet, this one was damaged in the mail. Packaged in a bubble wrap envelope, I suspect the kit was caught in a conveyor system at the Canada Post distribution center in Quebec. The strength of the magnet obviously attracted it to a moving metal component that wore a chunk out of it. It took 3 tries to get me this kit, they finally packaged it in a small box to keep the magnet out of the postal service automated machinery. The other scratches are more recent, I had the Gen 1 & 2 a little too close together and almost lost a finger. Hell of a time getting them separated. Put my life on the line for canreef here...:



Gen 1 magnet profile:



Gen 2 magnet profile:



Older photo of some of the upgrade kit components. Don't recall exactly, but it may have come with a new endpiece due to the thicker magnet. Also came with a new ceramic bearing... I think...:





Did I mention these make very nice fridge magnets? You can hang up to three old winter coats on them no problem.

[hillegom]

Thank you Mike.
I have a gen 2

[christyf5]

Originally Posted by mike31154

Did I mention these make very nice fridge magnets? You can hang up to three old winter coats on them no problem.

thanks for the pics and the laugh!