I recently picked up a couple of Vortech MP40w Gen 1 devices for cheap (OK, that's a bit relative) on RC and I found out some interesting information about the differences between Gen 1 and Gen 2 devices that I thought might help others score better deals. 

So there are two differences between the Gen 1 and Gen 2 devices.  The Gen 1 devices came in two versions - wired and wireless.  As long as they are the wireless devices, they can be fully upgraded and are the same as what is currently shipping with new devices today.  The non-wireless devices require a hardware upgrade.  If they have the Gen 1 firmware, they need to be flashed by a Gen 2 device.  There is no download that you can do on your own from your PC or something like that...you have to have a device with the Gen 2 code, then you can do a wireless firmware flash.  The other option is to send them in to EcoTech and they will do this for you free.

The second difference is on the wet site.  The Gen 2 devices have different magnets that are less likely to rust.  There have been other improvements to the shafts and bearings, etc., but functionally, they are the same.  Unless there is an issue (like rust), there's no need to upgrade.  If you do upgrade, you can do so for about $35 per wet side which will get you the new magnets, shaft, bearings, etc.

I hope this info helps.  I have seen the Gen 1s go for less than the Gen 2s so hopefully for those in the market, you can use this info to help score a better deal!

--AJ

I thought the first gen had over heating issues?

When I talked to the support guy, he didn't say anything about that. Perhaps fixed with software on how the pump is driven?

--AJ

Basically the gen2 devices have improved internal bearings and washers, spacers, and a magnet that rusts less. EcoTech Marine will send you a free upgrade kit if you ask nice....otherwise they are a moderate price. You do have to get new firmware to go from Gen 1> gen 2. However if you know someone with a Gen2 they can wirelessly upgrade a gen1 to a gen2. I have three gen2's, two of them came shipped as gen 2 and the other one was gen1 that I upgraded myself. If anyone needs upgraded I can do it for you.

I would if you were a little closer. I'm just going to ship mine off to them to inspect and test. I figure if they're willing to do a "health check" on them and fix anything that may need to be fixed, might as well get it over with before I put them to use. I was really surprised how little they charge for parts. Clearly, they are not putting the same kind of markup on replacement parts that other vendors are.

--AJ

I use a Quiet One 14000 pump for my system. I actually have two of them, one as a backup. Well, my pump shut down...the propeller basically calcified around the ceramic shaft. I broke the shaft trying to solve the problem.....then yesterday I had to order the replacement......$37! WTF? Are you kidding me? Yeah, so, point is be careful with those ceramic shafts in your pump.

Yeah...I just broke one in a Sedra 9000 the other day. It's only $10 for that one, but shipping will probably cost me just as much.

--AJ

Got the Vortechs today...cosmetically, they look pretty good for being used. Turned around and sent them to EcoTech for upgrades/repairs. Some of the magnets were rusted...2 of the 3 were definitely Gen1 wet sides..the other may have been Gen2, but not 100% sure.

So for those of you that use Vortechs, what mode do you use them on? Lagoon, long pulse, short pulse, random, etc? Anyone use them in groups? Night Mode? And what about using them in conjunction with a controller?

--AJ

Mine is on reef crest random or whatever the yellow light is. If you look on Neptunes site there is something about them making something to control the vortechs...hopefully sooner then later.

Yeah, but I believe Apex only. :-(  And buy a new module...

I would think they could make it work with the ACIII also and if they don't guess I will be getting the Apex Lite. The controllers for the Vortechs are fine themselves but it would be nice to go into feed mode on your controller and have it do the vortechs at the same time. Maybe the controller will also give more control to the pumps. I would personally like a complete random mode where it switches between all modes. So maybe every day different types of flow modes or maybe simulate a storm randomly with lots of high flow. Then to go along with the storm you would have to hook a strobe light to come on

i just bought a Gen1 voretch for 200 bucks, i will be sending it in for upgrades as well this info helped out alot. oh its the wired version i got too

Someone needs to let me know about the deals they are finding on these pumps

well you see all i have been doing lately is refreshing the "for sale" section on RC. it has consumed my life the past few weeks....

I wish I had enough posts to see it...booo!

I got the wireless ones for a little more than that, but if you're only going to use one, you don't need wireless.

--AJ

i just emailed them about the upgrade said it'd be 75 bucks but to wait till march because there is going to be some new options coming out, they wont tell me what though haha

So you're saying that it would be $75 to upgrade to the wireless? I know the upgraded wet side can't be that much... New options in March...good to know. Thanks!!

--AJ

yeah upgrade wetside and to wireless both. so yeah i'm waiting till march. they usually charge 100 but they sent the wrong email to me and said 75. guess it was spose to go to someone else...oh well i get it cheaper then

Nice! I was reading their RC forum to try to see if I could get an idea about what they were going to be doing, but I didn't pick up on any hints. I wonder if it's new software, upgrades to wet-side or what...should be interesting.

--AJ