Vortech Connections, esp. w/ new Wave Engine v2

[sneaky_lope]

I'm new to the Hydros environment, but I was planning on purchasing a Wave Engine ETM to tie two MP40s into the same control system as two Maxspect XF350 gyres. I was under the impression that the now-presumably-discontinued-because-I-can't-find-it-anywhere ETM version would connect to the native Mobius-enabled Vortechs. That was very attractive.

Now, with the v2, it appears that one has to downgrade the firmware on the Vortechs and buy the ETM RF chip. Is that correct? Where would one buy said chip?

 

[Michael]

With the Original Wave Engine you also had to Downgrade off of Mobius if you had upgraded to it in the first place. The Wave Engine V2 is no different in that regard. The Wave Engine v2 has the option to add the chip. If you had a Wave Engine ETM model you could take the chip from it and install it into the V2 or you can buy them. I've seen them on Ebay.

 

[Danny]

I will be doing this with a Wave Engine v2. I will use the ETM module from my ReefLink. My two MP10's are not Mobius compatible so I will not have to downgrade them, but there is instructions for doing that here https://support.ecotechmarine.com/h...s-Firmware-Rollback-to-ESL?utm_source=cvue.us .

 

[sneaky_lope]

Thanks. Is this the card I'm looking for? I pulled this from this YouTube video.



It looks like opposite side of the RF card on Ecotech's website.

 

[Danny]

If I get a chance this weekend I will see if I can get a photo of the card when I remove it from the ReefLink.

 

[sneaky_lope]

If I get a chance this weekend I will see if I can get a photo of the card when I remove it from the ReefLink.

Awesome. Thanks.

 

[Carlos]

Thanks. Is this the card I'm looking for? I pulled this from this YouTube video.

View attachment 2141

It looks like opposite side of the RF card on Ecotech's website.

View attachment 2142

Yes, that looks like the card.

 

[sneaky_lope]

Excellent. Thanks, @Carlos!

 

[Danny]

Here are photos on the card from my Reeflink.

 

[Hose]

Does anyone know if this RF daughter board is inside a Apex WXM module ?

 

[Carlos]

Last

Does anyone know if this RF daughter board is inside a Apex WXM module ?

Last I knew, it was, but you can only be sure when you open the module.

 

[Hose]

I just purchased a WE-2 to add to my collective (X4 Pro Pack) all arriving this week. I also have 2 MP-40s and was wondering if I can use the WE-2 (I know about RF chip and downgrade) to supply power (on/off) and eliminate 2 power bricks and save XP8 space from my setup... Found a "cheat-sheet" for connections to Hydros controllers but does not cover the GX12 3-pin connectors. Thanks

 

[Carlos]

I just purchased a WE-2 to add to my collective (X4 Pro Pack) all arriving this week. I also have 2 MP-40s and was wondering if I can use the WE-2 (I know about RF chip and downgrade) to supply power (on/off) and eliminate 2 power bricks and save XP8 space from my setup... Found a "cheat-sheet" for connections to Hydros controllers but does not cover the GX12 3-pin connectors. Thanks

Unfortunately, the controller and power supply are permanently attached to the MP40 pumps, and one cannot separate them. Therefore, the only way to control them is wirelessly, but they require a power supply and controller.

If you are looking for something like the MP40 but with the ability to not have to use the pump controller and power supply, I suggest going with the Reef Octopus Octo Pulse 4.

 

[Hose]

Thank's Carlos.

 

[Danny]

The Wave Engine does not have a direct 24v output which I believe would be needed. The direct drive ports are meant to power a specific type of motor with 3 phases. So it would not power the controller of an MP series pump. My MP10's have supplies you can unplug from the controllers but it has to be a 24v DC power source. The best place to get that is the supply that comes with the MP series controller.

 

[Hose]

I thought that one of the selling points of the WE is to eliminate the clutter of power bricks from the tank. How does this work for Hydros ready pumps; Are they all 12V pumps and that's what they get from the GX12-3 ??

 

[Danny]

You can if it is a pump that can be connected to the direct drive ports. These ports drive the coils of the motor directly with pulses that will depend on how fast it is trying to get the motor to rotate. There is no way to directly drive the motor on the MP series pumps. The motor is basically the dry side of the pump. The Wave Engine is 24 volts. Some pumps are not. There is a list of supported pumps here HYDROS WaveEngine - Pump Compatiblity Chart . If it is in the Direct Connect list you can do away with the power pack and controller that comes with the pump. If it is in 0-10v or RF list then it requires the controller and power pack that comes with the pump.

 

[Hose]

Ah, thanks for the clarification. Understand about the phased coils. For a minute it sounded like the WE was a 12V device which would have caused me to cancel my order. Thanks for your help.

 

[thom_smith]

Be mindful of the MP40 RF chip. Units manufactured after 1 December 2021 have a new chip that is Mobius only and not able to be downgraded. The older chips will be green in color. Newer will be black. Of course you would need to disassemble the case to tell.

 

[Hose]

Yes I was aware of that issue after speaking to Echotech support. Unfortunately my MP40s have a mfg. date of 2022 so they can not me downgraded at this time. Thanks for the heads up...