Vortech controller DIY

[stugray]

Giovanni,

You could have used a relay that is actuated by 110V directly for less than the cost of a 12V wall wart. This type of realy would be driven directly by the controller.

Also, you dont really need a reed relay, you could use any standard relay, and they will come with both normally Open & normally closed contacts.

Stu

[Giovanni]

Stu and other,

First, thanks for your input. I really to appreciate it.

Second, my apologies for the poor forethought in relay choice. I came up with this DIY over about 2 hours on Sunday. I really had not looked at all the options. I just ran out to radio shack (RS) and grabbed the first thing I saw. I chose the reed relay because I knew it would fit in the case.

I did think about the 110v relay idea, but I needed one that would fit in the case and none of the 110v versions at RS would. If you look close at the first post I said we would need an inexpensive extension cord there was no mention of a wall wart. That was before I went to RS or decided to put the relay in the case for a more finished look.

The reason I want to buy my parts a RS is so everyone can find them with ease. I live in a very small town and even we have a RS. I also wanted this first DIY to be very simple so most anyone could do it.

Please, before anyone goes out and spends $4.49 on this part, let me redo mine using it, to make sure there are no issues.


Here is a link to the new really.


Now I am off to make the changes and record the videos.

[GSMguy]

if your from kentucky why does your location say NY?

[Giovanni]

A bit off topic. You ever hear of Jimmy Buffet and Margareteville? It was meant as a joke. BTW, I don't even drink.

Just to keep us on topic, I made videos but when I try to convet them to a manageable size the audio gets lost.

[Giovanni]

Here is a video of the driver in action. Sorry about the quality. When it got uploaded to youtube the video quality went down hill. Not sure why.


Video Link

[jnarowe]

OK...very cool and I have an ACIII pro...got a full set of directions on how to build this?

[dtaylor123]

Giovanni, Wow! Your mod is very cool and will work with someone with an intermediate knowledge of electronics. I have to ask this question, for <$850.00 you can get two Tunze 6101 and the 7095 multi-controller, the controller will do a lot more than the EcoTech mod. We are talking about Tunze's not some cheap knock off, the controller works flawlessly and can control 4 pumps, plus more if linked with their accessory. With the option of buying a pump that can push more volume than the EcoTech, the 6101 puts out 3600 GPH and the EcoTech puts out 3000 GPH, assuming that most people buy at least two, that's 1200 GPH more! The Tunze's can be aimed and put in ceramic rock, the Tunze's use a photo cell and a cheesy moon light, OK, the night mode is great, the moon light, not so. The Tunze's have many options, during "feeding" mode the Tunze will spin every minute, they also detect, fish in the prop. The Tunze's have a wide dispersing flow, same as the Ecotechs.

[dtaylor123]

Post continued ...

The EcoTechs battery back can be bought for the Tunzes (UPS), but at a lower price. The Tunze's come with two voltage options, depending on need, the EcoTechs, only one. I am really trying to see the upside of the EcoTechs over the Tunze's 6101's and I do not see it. The inside space the EcoTechs take up is less than the Tunze's, but the outside space of the EcoTechs take up more than the Tunze's, plus the unattractive cord. So I don't see the lure of the EcoTechs, am I missing something obvious?

Dan

[Giovanni]

Dan/Taylor, (Sorry I could not figure out which was correct.)


Not trying to be smart or something but I did not start this thread to debate Vortech vs. Tunzes. Tunze has a great product and so does Echotech Marine. I have owned both and I like the Vortech pump for several reasons. One of which it pump size in the tank. However, I have not been satisfied with the controllability. Like many other vortech owners I wanted more compatibility with my wave controller so I created this DIY.

If tunzes are what you like, I am sure that a pair of 6101s will look great in your 30 gallon reef and provide plenty of flow.

[Giovanni]

jnarowe,

Are the directions in the thread not good enough? What specifically do you need help with?

Give me a little time tonight and I will post a video of me doing the DIY to one of my pumps. I did the DIY for the video in 15 minutes. I hope the video quality is better for this one. None of my programs conver to MPEG-4 and that is what youtube likes.

[jnarowe]

I must have missed some of it. I'll re-read and figure it out. NBD!

Dan: There is no applicable comparison between Tunze and Vortechs. They are very different in just too many ways to compare them to each other. And BTW, throughout most of the World, Tunze simply has a run-of-the-mill reputation. They are by no means a high quality product, and the flow is no where near what the Vortech puts out in terms of wide, oscillating flow.

I find it interesting that in every thread about Vortechs, some TunzeBot tries to prove how much better the Tunze are. It's getting old for those of us wanting to enjoy/develop new technology.

[Giovanni]

Jonathan,

I thought your browser must not have loaded the first page correctly or you were hittin the sauce a little early? LOL

I am more than happy to help anyone that needs help with any part of it.

This video thing is killing me.

[jnarowe]

vids are hard to deal with. One of the best at it is Marc (Melev) and he has stated that they never turn out good on youtube. Some people post using photobucket, which seems to come out better, and most with good quality are putting them on their own web space. That is abou the best way to get good quality vids.

Me hit the sauce? NOT!

[Giovanni]

Man your tank makes those vortechs look tiny. How many do you have?

[Micki]

FWIW I prefer photobucket over youtube.

[Giovanni]

Ok I will try photobucket. I will send the same vid to PB and see which looks best.

Looks like I will have to split the DIY into three parts for PB due to a 5 minute limit.

[jnarowe]

Originally posted by Giovanni
Man your tank makes those vortechs look tiny. How many do you have?

Only 5 right now. When the WWD gets released, I will bump it up to 7, and ultimately probably 10 - 12. I am not sure I want that many though just from a maintanance standpoint. Currently I am waiting on some Penductors to put on my return lines and will try lowering the Vortechs way down to below the rock structure height. Since I can't run them at full speed due to heat issues, I do not feel I have enough flow right now.

[Giovanni]

I think this video looks a better than the demo one does. This will be a 4 part video series.

Vortech Controller DIY HowTo Part 1

[Giovanni]

Vortech Controller DIY HowTo Part 2

[Giovanni]

Vortech Controller DIY HowTo Part 3

[Giovanni]

Here is the final episode for your viewing pleasure.

Vortech Controller DIY HowTo Part 4

[melev]

Nice job on the videos.

[jnarowe]

OK, that is damn cool. Great vids!

BTW, you need an alligator clip & magnifying glass stand!

[Giovanni]

Thanks for the complements Gentlemen.

I am taking another shot at the demo video. If it looks better I will post it.

Yea but that could be considered paraphernalia if you know what I mean. LOL


BTW the new style relay works great.

[bimmerzs]

WoW...never thought about modding these. Good job and super simple mod. You da man

Cheers,