DigiDoc5 prices and alternatives
 

I'm still in the process of building my system and I know that I will need to have the capability of monitoring some temperatures before I boot for the first time. I want to be able to monitor my cpu temp, my case temp, ambient temp, and maybe water temp. I'm looking at the DigiDoc5, which seems to be pretty cool. Where can I find the best deal on this? Also, is it worth getting the DigiDoc5, or should I wait for the Digital baybus that the dudes over at [H]ard have been waiting on forever?

I'm from Canada so I'm sure you can find a better price locally.

The DigiDoc however is very capable. I think I'm the first to do this but you heard it here. Theres a couple tricks with one:

To get the DigiDoc to keep the fans running at a lower speed when the system is cool, use a LM317T (around 1 amp, 12w capacity $2) voltage regulator (add a small heatsink for $1), a 220ohm resistor $.5 and a 2k potentometer $1, wire up the voltage regulator and then connect the output wires of the circuit to the fan, as well as the digidoc to the fan. This way you can manualy set a low voltage to keep the fan runnig, and have the DigiDoc crank it up when needed. Reason I use a voltage regulator is it doesnt't limit current during fan startup (like a rheostat) so you can set the fans low and know they will start and when the voltage exceeds what it's making, it just won't add any more current (so theres no flow of current into the DigiDoc).

Secondly, you can use another channel and a relay to make a shutdown failsafe. Just place a relay on the power button, and have it close when the system overheats (make sure windows is set to shutdown, not standby) or you could probably run it to the power-good ATX wire.

I like the DigiDoc, and there really reliable, but I'll have to see these Digital Baybus' before I can comment on them.

I use one of these:

http://www.pc-workshop.net/slurp/face.jpg
http://www.pc-workshop.net/slurp/index.shtml

Yes yes, I know you use one of those. However, the knob most likely be in the way of my hydraulic door. If you could make one that sports a different switching mechanism, I might be interested! :D

Use a different knob or move it to the other side.

The whole idea of DIY is that you make it exactly like you want. I really shouldn't have to explain to you the different types of knobs Radioshack sells.

Oh, sorry, I thought you were selling those. Apologies. Radio shack doesn't have any knobs that interest me... I'm still looking.