MP10QD - Is it possible to program this?

[Calpoly2103]

Hi everyone,

I'm getting a few used MP10QD's soon (non wireless). Though i understand all the instructions, i've still got some questions. Am I able to program these? Meaning can I run Reef Crest Mode for 8 hours, then run Lagoon mode for 8 hours, then Night mode for 8 hours. Without me having to manually switch it?

Is this possible with the MP10QD powerhead alone? Or do I need additional upgrades (wireless / reeflink?)

Thanks!

 

[Dkeller_nc]

Yes, you'll need either a compatible controller like the Apex, or Ecotech's reef link to program what you're describing. The Vortech driver does have one fairly simple timer built-in that doesn't require an external controller - that would be "night mode".

 

[Calpoly2103]

Thanks for responding, I see, but in order to get to "night mode" i would have to switch it to night mode manually through the controller, and then after 8 hours it switches back to whatever was there before. Do I have this correct ?

So, it sounds like there is no option to have night mode turn on automatically at like 8PM for example? (without buying WiFi & reeflink or APEX + module?)

 

[ca1ore]

The MP10 requires the wireless card to be externally controlled. You cannot switch modes with the control box other than the night mode. It’s pretty limited.

 

[Sod Buster]

Correct. You have to hit the button on the box for night mode every night before bed.

 

[ca1ore]

Every night? Don’t think so. It’s been many years since I used the control boxes but I seem to recall that once set night mode engages automatically at the same time each day. Maybe the QD driver is different, but I doubt it

 

[Breadman03]

The MP10 requires the wireless card to be externally controlled. You cannot switch modes with the control box other than the night mode. It’s pretty limited.

Also, the wireless chip can be purchased and easily installed at home with a Philips screwdriver in about 5 minutes and about $50.

https://store2.ecotechmarine.com/co...des/products/rf-module-for-ecosmart-drivers-3

 

[Calpoly2103]

Every night? Don’t think so. It’s been many years since I used the control boxes but I seem to recall that once set night mode engages automatically at the same time each day. Maybe the QD driver is different, but I doubt it

How were you able to get night mode to turn in automatically at the same time every evening? Hmmm....

 

[Mical]

Just program to constant at 10-20% during your night hours

 

[Breadman03]

How were you able to get night mode to turn in automatically at the same time every evening? Hmmm....

When I set mine up originally 6 years ago, you just initiated night mode at the time you wanted it to start and it remembered it daily.

 

[Reefltx]

Every night? Don’t think so. It’s been many years since I used the control boxes but I seem to recall that once set night mode engages automatically at the same time each day. Maybe the QD driver is different, but I doubt it

Correct, once you set the night mode on, it will go into night mode at that set time everyday automatically. If you lose power, you will have to redo it. Hold down mode+set until it blinks, then hold mode+set again to go into night mode.

 

[ca1ore]

It’s been years since I subjected myself to the frustration of ‘press and hold set, tap mode while holding your left foot in the air’ ...... phew! WXM makes things so much easier, if you have an apex.

 

[Dkeller_nc]

It’s been years since I subjected myself to the frustration of ‘press and hold set, tap mode while holding your left foot in the air’ ...... phew! WXM makes things so much easier, if you have an apex.

Yep. Ecotech clearly had a (good) business reason for the "colored lights morse code" on the controllers, since that would be language-agnostic, and all they'd have to provide is instructions to interpret the morse code in the specific language of the country they were selling them in, but from the standpoint of the user, it's a major PITA.

 

[Calpoly2103]

Yah it sounds like quite a pain to program these guys. But it sounds like I can say least get night mode to turn on automatically.

I just got a killer deal on 4 MP10QD's so just trying to save a little on a new build. Might end up just selling them for the newer ones or add the rf chip

 

[Dkeller_nc]

By the way - Don't buy and add the wireless chip to the MP10s. You can get a whole new controller for the pump for the same price.

 

[ca1ore]

Except the replacement controller doesn’t come with the wireless card .... since the card hasn’t changed in years you just reuse it from the old white control box.