Radions...ready to throw out the window

[mike31154]

Originally Posted by Coralgurl

It's the power supply that's not working properly.

Thanks for the response. As others have mentioned, I'm sure you'll be fixed up with a new one in no time.

Still, makes one wonder. All the design, engineering, features packed into these fixtures and all it takes is a faulty power supply to put you out of business. Not trying to be negative, it just makes me think of all the Asia product bashing that goes on in forums from time to time. Just guessing here, but I suspect EcoTech is sourcing their power supplies from Asia as well. So all the engineering & features fall victim to them cheaping out on the item that provides the juice in the first place. Having said that, my DIY fixture features components pretty much exclusively from Asia and it's running relatively trouble free. Two fans failed, that's it. Must admit that it's a much cruder set up without all the bells & whistles though.

I think I mentioned already that I have MP40 pumps and am quite happy with them, but in a way I don't like how EcoTech goes about marketing & pricing their products. My first MP40 was an earlier generation product with the magnets that would rust. I think they may have rushed them onto the scene before the product was tested long enough. On the other hand, I suppose it's the only way to stay in business when competing in a global market. You gotta get stuff out there or get lost in the shuffle. Dunno, I'm not a businessperson & am kind of glad.

[Coralgurl]

Ecotech has been great to deal with in the past, quick responses. I guess I'm more concerned about what happens once the warranty expires.

I wish ecotech would put more thought into their manuals, including trouble shooting problems and programming the lights. Hopefully gen2 has less issues but a google search shows this is quite common with the power supply. Then there's the fans. I guess I figured spending a bit more = better quality but I haven't seen any negatives posted on any other led systems. (well on canreef anyway not active on other forums)

[Reef Pilot]

I have had my Radions for almost a year now, and so far, no problems, touch wood. But if they have a history with power supply problems, I am also concerned what happens when my warranty expires, which will be soon.

Where did you place your power supplies? Are they in a high heat area or near water? I have mine outside the canopy, away from any heat or moisture. I wonder if that makes a difference.

[reefgirl189]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

I have had my Radions for almost a year now, and so far, no problems, touch wood. But if they have a history with power supply problems, I am also concerned what happens when my warranty expires, which will be soon.

Where did you place your power supplies? Are they in a high heat area or near water? I have mine outside the canopy, away from any heat or moisture. I wonder if that makes a difference.

I have mine under the tank however they are far away from the sump, which is in the basement. They are housed next to the tunze power supplies. They are in a cool, dry, spot and I didn't think it would be an issue for anything electrical to be there.

[Coralgurl]

Mine are on table beside the tank, no water or heat issues.

[Borderjumper]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

I have had my Radions for almost a year now, and so far, no problems, touch wood. But if they have a history with power supply problems, I am also concerned what happens when my warranty expires, which will be soon.

Where did you place your power supplies? Are they in a high heat area or near water? I have mine outside the canopy, away from any heat or moisture. I wonder if that makes a difference.

Mine are hanging on the wall well away from any splash.

I think these are more than just a ballast. After mine was replaced we opened up the bad one to see if there was anything obvious wrong ie a fuse or something. The fuse as fine but there's tons of circuit boards and transistor type thingies..I'm thinking maybe the drivers and dimming stuff is in there.

[mike31154]

Originally Posted by Coralgurl

Ecotech has been great to deal with in the past, quick responses. I guess I'm more concerned about what happens once the warranty expires.

I wish ecotech would put more thought into their manuals, including trouble shooting problems and programming the lights. Hopefully gen2 has less issues but a google search shows this is quite common with the power supply. Then there's the fans. I guess I figured spending a bit more = better quality but I haven't seen any negatives posted on any other led systems. (well on canreef anyway not active on other forums)

Well, kudos to you for posting your issues & keeping reefers in the know. I suspect many folks that pay a lot of money for products from high end manufacturers just keep quiet & let it ride. As mentioned, I have kind of a love/hate relationship with EcoTech products as well. Love the pumps, but the MP40 wetsides could still use a little 'tweaking'. The upside is EcoTech product support is stellar. I'm with you on the manuals too, though. But if you devote sufficient effort in searching around their site for videos, downloads etc. you generally find what you need. If not, they take care of you pretty quick once you contact them. If one of my 10 watt multichip LEDs craps out, I'm hooped, although I can fix it myself fairly easily, I have spares...