Vortech MP40w Gen 1 vs Gen 2

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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