Fan Controllers

[r45k]

So, I recently bought a fan controller (rated at 45W) because I needed to control a delta fan i just bought...

Unfortunately, I wasn't good enough in my research and bought the lamptron fc2...


Turns out that my delta model (as well as two other fans I have) is one of the fan types that the lamptron fc2 can't control can't control...

However, it is able to control at least ONE of my fans




My question is, what fan controller CAN I get that will correctly control all my fans, and on top of that not kill them in the process like my current one is...

 

[E.T]

That's not rheostat but PWM based controller meaning instead of actually lowering voltage going to fan those FETs are doing on/off cycling.
Advantage of that is small heat dissipation in controlling component, allowing that high output wattage without big heatsinks, but major disadvantage is inability to lower speed of quite many fans because of voltage being full 12V during pulse. (also nasty noises are normal)

For that high power fan you probably won't find any rheostat/linear regulator based controller and best bet could be searching for adjustable 12V powered PSU.
Also because of its very high speed and heavy motor/blade assembly bearing/motor of that Delta is well possibly unable to be quiet except at zero rpm. (when someone wants quiet afternoon he doesn't order Arc Light strike)

Aerocool FP-01 with its 1.5A/18W output is highest power rheostat like acting controller I know... and that already uses probably PWM but output is just filtered.

 

[Hypernova]

two other fans

Speed (R.P.M.)  	2000 RPM
Air Flow (CFM) 	90 CFM
Air pressure (mmH2O) 	3.04 mm H2O
Fan Noise Level (dB-A) 	[B][U]19 dBA[/U][/B]

LOL where did CM measure that? Across the street?

These fans due to ball bearings simple don't under volt well if you want quietness.

 

[ekuest]

the sunbeam rheobus extreme is a great controller. has 6 different controls, and each can do 30W. make sure you get the extreme and not its lesser cousin.

 

[r45k]

the sunbeam rheobus extreme is a great controller. has 6 different controls, and each can do 30W. make sure you get the extreme and not its lesser cousin.

The delta is rated at 36W :-\

Guess its either ditch the 190CFM beast or get a separate potentiometer for it...

 

[ekuest]

ah i see. i didnt know anyone actually used those. ive seen the 24W ones a lot though.

 

[FLECOM]

that thing draws 3A! holy crap

im thinking your going to have to build your own... you could do it like any other linear regulator rheostat, just instead of LM317's with an LM338

http://www.national.com/mpf/LM/LM338.html

 

[nsx241]

Speed (R.P.M.)  	2000 RPM
Air Flow (CFM) 	90 CFM
Air pressure (mmH2O) 	3.04 mm H2O
Fan Noise Level (dB-A) 	[B][U]19 dBA[/U][/B]

LOL where did CM measure that? Across the street?

These fans due to ball bearings simple don't under volt well if you want quietness.

Think this is industry standard to post fan specs that are "optimistic", shall we say.

 

[ekuest]

Think this is industry standard to post fan specs that are "optimistic", shall we say.

i dont know if id say "standard." some manufacturers are actually honest in their ratings. a lot of them, like CM, will post the lowest possible noise levels with the highest possible airflow. so that 19dB is probably at like 500RPM, and its probably more like 45dB at 2000RPM. :\

 

[nsx241]

Name two

 

[ekuest]

Name two

delta and yate loon.

 

[r45k]

that thing draws 3A! holy crap

im thinking your going to have to build your own... you could do it like any other linear regulator rheostat, just instead of LM317's with an LM338

http://www.national.com/mpf/LM/LM338.html

^Guaranteed 5A output current..

guess its back to the circuit drawing board to limit that....

 

[FLECOM]

^Guaranteed 5A output current..

guess its back to the circuit drawing board to limit that....

huh? its 5A max... his fan draws 3A.. so you have 2A left over, you should be fine as long as you heatsink the regulator enough for it to be happy @ 3A load

 

[k96gnome]

huh? its 5A max... his fan draws 3A.. so you have 2A left over, you should be fine as long as you heatsink the regulator enough for it to be happy @ 3A load

Don't worry about it. r45k is EE pro. He once received static discharge from every tv in the home theater department of Fry's.

 

[valar]

If you really wanted to, you could be really pro, and use resistors to figure out the two or three voltage settings you like, one for quiet, one for medium, one for if you wanna be a jet engine, and then make a circuit board to have a triple throw switch monitor voltage....probably have to sink it still.... probably a lot cheaper, but more work.

edit: +1 for sunbeam rheobus extreme. I got 5 deltas on mine, 6th coming soon. Caution, gets really hot.

edit: good job lamptron on not listing your controller as pwm based anywhere on your site.

 

[r45k]

FML

Case: http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/produc...ex=213&cl_index=1&sc_index=25&ss_index=62&g=t

Turns out the stupid/cheap 3speed fan controller built into it can handle 36W....

PC-V1000Z Features a three-speed fan controller, user can adjust the fan speed to get the best balance between silent and cooling. Factory setting to Mid Speed (12cm:1240RPM; 14cm:980RPM), user can adjust the fan speed to suit. (12cm:1020~1240~1500RPM; 14cm:800~980~1180RPM)

Doesn't say it, but...its working QQ

 

[valar]

not so epic win, but a win none-the-less