New Ecotech Ecosmart Driver Review * UPDATED*
I just purchased one and should have it in the mail tomorrow. Granted,
I was one of those that were pissed when these upgraded drivers came out so shortly after the MP10s came out... I decided to try one out anyway.
I am upgrading a MP20 to MP40W ES (I figured it was time). Pictures and initial impressions will come tomorrow.
Price of the upgrade: $125
The Ecosmart drivers key benefits (realistically speaking for myself) from what I'm reading.
- Upgraded Driver Casing (sleek, LED's, More waterproof)
- Better Control adjustments now that we know where the dial stands with the LED display
- No more stupid glow because now the LEDs Dim
- 2 New Wave Modes (Even though I'll probably still use Reef Crest--we'll see)
- Better wireless capability (Maybe when I upgrade in the future it'll be useful)
- Battery Back Up display
- Adjustable flow for night mode and feed mode (very helpful!):thrash:
Initial Impressions:
Because I upgraded to the MP40, flow was immediately improved but there are quite a few things that I think current Vortech owners would appreciate.
-Finally you can see where you set the knob to for intensity. No need to bend your wrist to adjust the knob, it's on the face now and it has a nice sturdy feel.
-There's an on and off switch!!!
-I am trying out the new modes but will follow up when my corals are awake. So far though I do see a better reaction in terms of waves. I see the water surface being pulled back which is nice on my 4 foot tank given that I only have the powerhead on one side.
I received a nice package this morning at 9:30 AM-- Probably OEM packaging
Very Satisfied with Ecotech's documentation and service. It came with the following : Power Supply, Color Instructions, the Driver, and the best part... VELCRO!!!
Here is the Driver itself:
1. Take apart the old driver... Flathead really simple
2. Unplug the cable
3. Open the Ecosmart driver- it comes unscrewed so it's easy to open
4. Hook it up!
5. Important! Make sure your wires are tucked. I think it's smarter if you flip it over.
6. Screw the unit together using the 3 supplied screws. Make sure it's TIGHT because if it's not the knob won't fit on.
7. Last step. Make sure the little tab/indent of the knob is lined up with the inside. Hard to see because it's clear.
I just purchased one and should have it in the mail tomorrow. Granted,
I was one of those that were pissed when these upgraded drivers came out so shortly after the MP10s came out... I decided to try one out anyway.
I am upgrading a MP20 to MP40W ES (I figured it was time). Pictures and initial impressions will come tomorrow.
Price of the upgrade: $125
The Ecosmart drivers key benefits (realistically speaking for myself) from what I'm reading.
- Upgraded Driver Casing (sleek, LED's, More waterproof)
- Better Control adjustments now that we know where the dial stands with the LED display
- No more stupid glow because now the LEDs Dim
- 2 New Wave Modes (Even though I'll probably still use Reef Crest--we'll see)
- Better wireless capability (Maybe when I upgrade in the future it'll be useful)
- Battery Back Up display
- Adjustable flow for night mode and feed mode (very helpful!):thrash:
Initial Impressions:
Because I upgraded to the MP40, flow was immediately improved but there are quite a few things that I think current Vortech owners would appreciate.
-Finally you can see where you set the knob to for intensity. No need to bend your wrist to adjust the knob, it's on the face now and it has a nice sturdy feel.
-There's an on and off switch!!!
-I am trying out the new modes but will follow up when my corals are awake. So far though I do see a better reaction in terms of waves. I see the water surface being pulled back which is nice on my 4 foot tank given that I only have the powerhead on one side.
I received a nice package this morning at 9:30 AM-- Probably OEM packaging
Very Satisfied with Ecotech's documentation and service. It came with the following : Power Supply, Color Instructions, the Driver, and the best part... VELCRO!!!
Here is the Driver itself:
1. Take apart the old driver... Flathead really simple
2. Unplug the cable
3. Open the Ecosmart driver- it comes unscrewed so it's easy to open
4. Hook it up!
5. Important! Make sure your wires are tucked. I think it's smarter if you flip it over.
6. Screw the unit together using the 3 supplied screws. Make sure it's TIGHT because if it's not the knob won't fit on.
7. Last step. Make sure the little tab/indent of the knob is lined up with the inside. Hard to see because it's clear.
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