EcoTech Marine VorTech MP40 Release Information

[jnarowe]

Hey Ben, Thanks for the tip. I wonder if I can get titanium???

 

[EcoTech Marine]

Re: Propellers

... Or you can buy them from us for $5/ea and they're black instead of yellow.

-Tim

 

[jnarowe]

nice! how much for titanium?? I figure any snail that invades the MP-40 should be instantly turned into fish food...

 

[ReefWaters]

ETM, have you ever played with props of different pitches or numbers of blades? I would be curious to see the different flow patterns you would get with different prop designs.

 

[EcoTech Marine]

We tested multiple propellers, speeds, and housing designs for months prior to deciding upon our final outcome. We feel that we came up with a unique and versatile solution.

-Tim

 

[jay24k]

You should offer a bonus to those who have at least 2 to get an extra wet end for 50 dollars .

 

[mrcrab]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10325616#post10325616 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jay24k
You should offer a bonus to those who have at least 2 to get an extra wet end for 50 dollars .

That's a great idea...of course I have 4.

 

[petedoc]

Any word on the controller?

 

[EcoTech Marine]

petedoc-

Nothing new to report since the last time I responded to this question a page or two back. We're making good progress.

-Tim

 

[kysard1]

VORTEC + SMALL TANKS, WILL WE BE FORGOTTEN?

I bought a Vortec for my 50G a couple weeks ago .

Even at the lowest setting it is almost too much flow. I thought it was to be adjustable down to 100gph, but the lowest setting is much much more than 100gph.

I really need to cycle it on and off somehow.

Will the Single controller go lower than the lowest setting on the driver? See my concern? My tank would not withstand a higher flow than the lowest setting (current driver), so the upcomming controller may be worthless for me.

What about the battery backup, when it kicks on does the Vortec go to 50% of max, or 50% of the current setting ? In other words if I lose power will the battery run the pump at lower than the lowest setting?

My only option may be a time cycle relay. I have read posts that a 1 minute on/off is OK, I have also seen 15 minutes recommended. Why can't Vortec fix this issue? It may be the only wave making option that a small tank owner has for the vortec.

I am half tempted to throw the buggy firm wared driver in the trash and build my on DC Oscillator to control the thing. Don't get me wrong, it is a neat design and good company, I'm sure the firmware problem wasn't their fault. But as an engineer I know there has got to be a way fix the problem.

How about sharing the circuit diagram and I can tap a small battery into the firmware so it doesn't crash.

 

[toefutoefutoefu]

lowest setting too much? that's odd. with plenty of live rock a vortech should be ok once everything gets settled in. I have a pair in my 55 running 70% in addition to an alternating maxi mod

 

[Philwd]

Lowest setting should be ~ 30% or slightly more than 900 GPH. In a 50 that's 20X turnover. You should be able to take more than that. I've got 2000 GPH running in my 50G prop tank.

But I completely agree with needing the alternating flow.

 

[kysard1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10354228#post10354228 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Philwd
Lowest setting should be ~ 30% or slightly more than 900 GPH. In a 50 that's 20X turnover. You should be able to take more than that. I've got 2000 GPH running in my 50G prop tank.

But I completely agree with needing the alternating flow.

The 30% is OK on my 50G but any more would be a sandstorm.

No the fear I have is the controller Ecotech releases will be ramp from 30% and higher. That won't work for smaller tanks, going 30% to 50 or 70% will be like going from 150mph to 180mph on the autobahn. They need to make it throttle down to 5%.


What about the battery backup? When it kicks in is it 50% or is it 50% of the setting you are at ( my case 50% of 30% =15%) ?

 

[Philwd]

battery backup is 50% if current setting is > 50%. If < 50% it will run at your current setting.

Or so I understand. It will also pulse I believe even if set lower.

 

[kysard1]

Guys know that the Vortec is controlled with a simple PWM, very popular now with amatuer robot builders.

Here is an example of a device you should be able to use as a wavemaker that you can plug into your computer and generate any wave pattern with the Vortec that you like. This one is for lower voltage ( what I need), but there should be similiar boards for higher voltages.


USB DC motor controller


There are even PWM boards you can get that would accept the tach signal for protection if the motor quits spinning.

 

[jnarowe]

could that be somehow integrated with the Aqua Controller?

 

[Giovanni]

I considered building a circuit to keep the power on at the processor while the main power is switched. Problem is the feedback loop. If the processor sees an interruption to the motor, it will go to an error state. I decided that $50 and a LOT patients will at least get me the single controller. I feel it is not worth the trouble to DIY the controller.

 

[kysard1]

Agreed but I think the stock controller will be useless for smaller tanks like mine. I am sure it will be like a tunze where it will swing from low to medium (30% to 50%.)

Even for bigger tanks I think you need something that goes from very slow (5%) then up.

Cycling down only to the 30% won't give a very good wave/sway.

 

[Giovanni]

kysard1,

I have two on a 70 at about 65% power. Once your sand moves around the storms will stop.Turn them up over several days to a week or so and you will see. Give it a little time.

 

[jnarowe]

hmmmm....mine seem to power down fairly low, but I have no way to really know what the gph is.