DIY Ecotech Vortech MP40, MP60 Extension Cable

[ravi197699]

Hello Reefers, I installed MP60's and my Gyre XF280 across from MP60 and since am running the wires in J channels which are mounted on the wall to make it neat and clean, Mp60 wires are short and not reaching the drivers, So I decided to make extension cables for MP60's, I was able to reach out fellow reefer on RC and he gave me the list of part numbers there are total 6 parts required for this project, 1. Molex mini fit jr Male, 2. Molex mini fit jr Female, 10 pin Molex Male connector, 10 pin Molex Female Connector, 10 conductor 22 AWG wire and Molex crimping tool, I was able to find all the parts from Digi Key and they are cheap, I bought enough wire roll and connectors and mini fit jr pins enough for my project and I make 4 8 foot extension cables, Process is easy, female pins go in male molex connector and each color of the wire should end up on same pin on both ends of the connectors and you will have your self extension cables, it took me 1 hr to put all 4 extension cables, here are some of the pictures of the part numbers and crimping pictures which is the hardest part but once you crimp 1 or 2 pints you will get more efficient.. here are the pictures....

 

[reef lover]

Cool! Thanks for sharing!

 

[ravi197699]

no worries..

 

[Addicted2ACRO's]

Hello Ravi

I realize this is an old post, but I'm also in the same dilemma. I need more length from my Vortech MP60QD Dryside cable. How did you know what cable to buy that has the same wire color combination as the factory cable...and where did you buy the cable from?

Thank you
Chris

 

[ravi197699]

Hello Chris, I bought 22 awg 10 conductor wire and it does not matter if the color does not match with ecotech wires. all you need to make sure that position of each wire ends up in same slot on the other end of the cable, so if 1st pin is yellow then 1st pin on the opposite side will be yellow as well, Once I am done building the cable with connectors I put male and female cable and make sure that all wires are matching in both ends of the connectors and that's about it, here is the link to the cable

SOUTHWIRE R20487 12-COND 22 AWG GRAY PVC JACKET, 10-FEET, HIGH-QUALITY WIRE | eBay

SOUTHWIRE R20487. This is a communications-grade cable. ABOUT SOUTHWIRE / TAPPAN WIRE & CABLE: On March 23, 1950, Roy Richards founded Southwire with three used wire machines and twelve employees. Seventy-years later and employing 8,000 people worldwide, Southwire’s reputation for quality and...

www.ebay.com

 

[Addicted2ACRO's]

Got it...I contacted Ecotech and they wanted me to ship them my Dryside and they would extended the cable for $50...I didn't like the idea because I wouldn't have the use of the Vortech while I was waiting. I like your idea better...How long did it take Digikey to ship you the components?

 

[ravi197699]

don't even waste time, you can build multiples for that price, digi key is pretty fast when it comes to shipping.

 

[Addicted2ACRO's]

Did you order Online or Called Digikey?

 

[Addicted2ACRO's]

Is there any particular way the pins go into the connectors?

 

[ravi197699]

I ordered this online, I have shown the part numbers in the pictures, here are the part numbers
,

 

[Addicted2ACRO's]

Yes, thank you...I saw the part numbers on the packaging on your thread...but the pic you sent me is Awesome.
I'm having a hard time finding the wire with a Black jacket...that way it will match the existing cable

 

[Addicted2ACRO's]

Black jacket wiring doesn't come in 22 AWG

 

[ravi197699]

I am not sure if black is available, since my cables are hiding I did not care much about the exterior color of the wire, you can buy black sleeve to cover it if you don't like the grey.

 

[Addicted2ACRO's]

Yeah...mine would be running along the top backside lip of the tank...you wont see the gray from the front of the tank but I'll see it when im behind it...im kinda anal about those things...LOL

 

[Addicted2ACRO's]

Do you have to be an electrical contractor to order from Digikey?

 

[Addicted2ACRO's]

I spoke to a Tech at Digikey...they also have the cable too...pretty much all the specs are the same, but it's a 7/34 (7 strand 34 AWG)...the one you showed me on Ebay is a 7/30...the strands are a little thicker...the Rep didnt think there would be a difference in conductivity

 

[Addicted2ACRO's]

Wish I knew the specs are on the original cables

 

[ravi197699]

it should be fine

 

[Addicted2ACRO's]

Hello my friend...
I got the parts in and built the harness...pump works great. I'm not sure if I have a problem or not...after I installed the harness, I replaced the old style controller with a Quiet Drive one. Now the "W" in the right hand corner of the controller doesn't light up...could it be because the controller is not programmed or linked to Reeflink? What's your opinion?
Thank you

 

[jose hernandez]

i have the same problem i was looking for a cheaper alternative but didnt not want to damage them or void my warranty i have 4 mp40s i contacted ecotech and they charge $50 per unit they double the size of the cable you just have to send them in takes about 2 to 3 days