mCubed Controller Card + Water Temp/Flow Sensors

KuniD · 02-28-2005, 12:42 PM

Has anybody used an mCubed T Balancer control unit with their setups?

http://www.mcubed-tech.com/eng/index.htm

They've got some interesting products. The digital control card supports four fan channels and eight digital sensors. You can then plug a Analog sensor hub into it, which allows you to connect six analog sensors (either thin foil temp sensors or water temp sensors (8 or 10mm)), two flow sensors and a failsafe kill connection.

Its all connected to your system via USB, although the unit has its own processor/etc, so you can update the firmware on it, and it saves the settings, so works under all conditions. (if the unit fails it switches all the fans/etc to 100%.)

The windows software that comes with it looks pretty good, lots of options to customize fan controls etc.

ie, if your water temps hit a certain level the RPM of your fans increase, or if flow goes below a certain level it can kill the system / sound an alarm.

Anyone here use it already?

MadHacker · 02-28-2005, 12:55 PM

I was looking into using the T Balancer... and am still considering it.
I want to use it to control my fans so that they will get less power after they start up...
Currently I have a Rheostat based fan controller and have it set up so that the fans have just enough power to spin up but once they are running they are a little bit too loud.
It would be nice to be able to dynamically slow them down after power up.

JamesAvery22 · 02-28-2005, 01:08 PM

I dont have it but heres a review:

http://www.pcmoddingmy.com/content.php?review.184

Swore overclockers.com had one too but cant find it.

MadHacker · 02-28-2005, 01:12 PM

I have read it...
Here is a listing of all their reviews
http://www.mcubed-tech.com/deutsch/produkt_rev_eng.htm

JamesAvery22 · 02-28-2005, 01:33 PM

http://www.overclockers.com/articles1162/

The PCI version or whatever, didnt see that one listed.

KuniD · 02-28-2005, 02:02 PM

Aye there's quite a few reviews floating around, although I have yet to find one which includes the watercooling sensors

Risky · 02-28-2005, 04:37 PM

I have it but haven't got to gribs with it yet. However you do get a lot of senors and a lot more options. I'm looking to control the rad fan off the CPU temp and maybe hava fan on the hdd cage that only starts up at a threshold temp. Theres also a SDK if you wan to DIY the software.

Lots of cables though

KuniD · 02-28-2005, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Risky

I have it but haven't got to gribs with it yet. However you do get a lot of senors and a lot more options. I'm looking to control the rad fan off the CPU temp and maybe hava fan on the hdd cage that only starts up at a threshold temp. Theres also a SDK if you wan to DIY the software.

Lots of cables though

Risky did you get your kit direct from mCubed or from Kustom PCs?

I want to place T pieces with 10mm water temp sensor plugs after the pump and another T piece with sensor after CPU2. (not sure where to put the flow sensor).

Then I want to place one of the small analog foil temperature sensors next to the CPU core.

TBH I'm drooling over the prospects here

I've already planned out where to put all 8 digital sensors, all 6 analog ones and both flow meters

Risky · 02-28-2005, 06:30 PM

Direct from mcubed, but check kustom for prices now they have the stock and maybe http://www.ichbinleise.de

Its a great toy, I just need time to work at it.

KuniD · 02-28-2005, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Risky

Direct from mcubed, but check kustom for prices now they have the stock and maybe http://www.ichbinleise.de

Its a great toy, I just need time to work at it.

Do you plan on getting the sensor hub + water sensors?

9mmCensor · 02-28-2005, 07:38 PM

Hmmm.

I am interested in getting the flow meter, and two of the water temp monitors.

I already have a CrystalFontz 633. Do I need to get the T-Balancer thing to hooks the flowmeter and temp sensors up, or can I hook them up to my CF633 somehow?

KuniD · 03-01-2005, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9mmCensor

Hmmm.

I am interested in getting the flow meter, and two of the water temp monitors.

I already have a CrystalFontz 633. Do I need to get the T-Balancer thing to hooks the flowmeter and temp sensors up, or can I hook them up to my CF633 somehow?

I haven't managed to find a single review or person who actually uses these watercooling sensors

I don't think you can hook up the sensors directly to your CF633. But the T Balancer can output to the screen. (Some of the guys on SilentPCReview have their T Balancer date displayed on their casefront screens.)

Marci · 03-01-2005, 10:26 AM

Got em in stock at O-CuK too, but have never had time to sit and play with them... downside being flowmeters are all 1/4" BSP.

In THEORY you could use the whole setup to adjust fan speed in accordance to CPU Temp, and if using a 12v pump hooked up to the mCubed, then adjust pump speed according to flow rate and/or CPU Temp.

Have been dropping hints around the net for someone to bring out a MatrixOrbital / LCDC plugin for `em but so far nuffink.

Risky · 03-01-2005, 11:30 AM

Yeah the flowmeter does look restrictive (even for me!) I plan to get the system up and running with stable temp and then diver flow via the meter to see if there is a temp rise if its ok then I'll rig it in properly. The rather better news is that they will support any other flowmeter, you just have to set it up in the software. So If you want to buy a swissflow and sick it in, away you go.

I'd be love to run a pump off it but you need to know that the pump likes PWM or else you need to use their "attenuator" which does restrict the supported wattage (Normally 15W per channel). If anyone has a contact a Laing then they might be able to ask them.

Or the LCD side they do support http://www.jalcds.de/ though I'm not sure what they supports in terms of hardware. I have a USB CrystalFontz display so I hope to get something up on it. If all else fails I'll damm well write the soft myself, being vaguely that way inclined. They have a SDK (in english) so there's hope for a VB type like me.

The bit proviso with this is that it takes a good bit of work, cabling up your system, sorting out sensors, fan relationships, etc. If you can face that then I haven't seen anything on the market that comes close. The big plus is that it is fully controlable from software, but is still harware controlled so a Windows crash doesn't take it out.

THe thing I'd liek to see is a genrela I/O module with a couple of a/d convertors and digital lines out. Should be doable if they wanted.

Marci · 03-01-2005, 11:45 AM

We only carry the natively analogue version here, so pump should run off it no probs afaik... (ie: PCI Card itself is analogue based rather than the SL4 Digital which requires the separate analogue bus to run flowmeters... figured better to stock analogue versions due to nature of our customer base, and the assumption that those buying from us would mainly be wanting the flowmeter functionality)

My main point of interest was to use them as a replacement prometeia controller that could also cope with installed water rig as well... again, not had any time spare to investigate recently.

MadHacker · 03-01-2005, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marci

Got em in stock at O-CuK too, but have never had time to sit and play with them... downside being flowmeters are all 1/4" BSP.
...
Have been dropping hints around the net for someone to bring out a MatrixOrbital / LCDC plugin for `em but so far nuffink.

Guess i won't be using teh flow meter.. to restrictive for me...
But if I get one... which may happen on my next paycheck...
I'll C about writing a plugin for the MatrixOrbital. I have one (MX212) and love the features on it...
I'd use the MX212 to controll teh fans in my PC and the T Balancer to control the fans in my Radbox.

Risky · 03-02-2005, 05:12 AM

The 'Analog' version is just the same Tbalancer with the Sensor Hub but no digital sensors and is pretty good value as you can add on the digital sensors later if you need them.

I fond uses for some them
1-Inside PSU
2-12/24V stepup PSU
3-6 on the four drives for Raid array (No S.M.A.R.T. monitoring on my fancy Raid5 card

)
leaving two more for later.

The flow meter does look a bit brutal, though. I'm going to use mine but on a seperate cooling circuit. However I'd really like flow monitoring on the main loop.

Marci, have you though about maybe stocking some more suitable flowmeters? The SF800 that Nexxo used seems to be the business and though more expensive (~EUR50 iirc) might well shift a few so your customer base.

Marci · 03-02-2005, 06:41 AM

Will have a look into the SF800 - ta fer the advice!! Got any suppliers you can PM me??

KuniD · 03-02-2005, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marci

Will have a look into the SF800 - ta fer the advice!! Got any suppliers you can PM me??

Check your PM's

Marci · 03-02-2005, 10:02 AM

Cheers all!

02-28-2005, 12:42 PM	#1
KuniD Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: London Posts: 41	mCubed Controller Card + Water Temp/Flow Sensors Has anybody used an mCubed T Balancer control unit with their setups? http://www.mcubed-tech.com/eng/index.htm They've got some interesting products. The digital control card supports four fan channels and eight digital sensors. You can then plug a Analog sensor hub into it, which allows you to connect six analog sensors (either thin foil temp sensors or water temp sensors (8 or 10mm)), two flow sensors and a failsafe kill connection. Its all connected to your system via USB, although the unit has its own processor/etc, so you can update the firmware on it, and it saves the settings, so works under all conditions. (if the unit fails it switches all the fans/etc to 100%.) The windows software that comes with it looks pretty good, lots of options to customize fan controls etc. ie, if your water temps hit a certain level the RPM of your fans increase, or if flow goes below a certain level it can kill the system / sound an alarm. Anyone here use it already?

02-28-2005, 12:55 PM	#2
MadHacker Cooling Savant Join Date: May 2003 Location: Okotoks, A.B. Canada Posts: 726	I was looking into using the T Balancer... and am still considering it. I want to use it to control my fans so that they will get less power after they start up... Currently I have a Rheostat based fan controller and have it set up so that the fans have just enough power to spin up but once they are running they are a little bit too loud. It would be nice to be able to dynamically slow them down after power up. __________________ "Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds" - (Einstein)

02-28-2005, 01:12 PM	#4
MadHacker Cooling Savant Join Date: May 2003 Location: Okotoks, A.B. Canada Posts: 726	I have read it... Here is a listing of all their reviews http://www.mcubed-tech.com/deutsch/produkt_rev_eng.htm __________________ "Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds" - (Einstein)

03-01-2005, 10:26 AM	#13
Marci Cooling Savant Join Date: May 2003 Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire, UK Posts: 486	Got em in stock at O-CuK too, but have never had time to sit and play with them... downside being flowmeters are all 1/4" BSP. In THEORY you could use the whole setup to adjust fan speed in accordance to CPU Temp, and if using a 12v pump hooked up to the mCubed, then adjust pump speed according to flow rate and/or CPU Temp. Have been dropping hints around the net for someone to bring out a MatrixOrbital / LCDC plugin for `em but so far nuffink. __________________ www.minimotosidecars.org / www.thermochill.com / www.themusiccollective.co.uk

03-01-2005, 11:45 AM	#15
Marci Cooling Savant Join Date: May 2003 Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire, UK Posts: 486	We only carry the natively analogue version here, so pump should run off it no probs afaik... (ie: PCI Card itself is analogue based rather than the SL4 Digital which requires the separate analogue bus to run flowmeters... figured better to stock analogue versions due to nature of our customer base, and the assumption that those buying from us would mainly be wanting the flowmeter functionality) My main point of interest was to use them as a replacement prometeia controller that could also cope with installed water rig as well... again, not had any time spare to investigate recently. __________________ www.minimotosidecars.org / www.thermochill.com / www.themusiccollective.co.uk

02-28-2005, 01:08 PM	#3
JamesAvery22 Cooling Savant Join Date: May 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 383	I dont have it but heres a review: http://www.pcmoddingmy.com/content.php?review.184 Swore overclockers.com had one too but cant find it.

02-28-2005, 01:33 PM	#5
JamesAvery22 Cooling Savant Join Date: May 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 383	http://www.overclockers.com/articles1162/ The PCI version or whatever, didnt see that one listed.

02-28-2005, 02:02 PM	#6
KuniD Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: London Posts: 41	Aye there's quite a few reviews floating around, although I have yet to find one which includes the watercooling sensors

02-28-2005, 04:37 PM	#7
Risky Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London Posts: 96	I have it but haven't got to gribs with it yet. However you do get a lot of senors and a lot more options. I'm looking to control the rad fan off the CPU temp and maybe hava fan on the hdd cage that only starts up at a threshold temp. Theres also a SDK if you wan to DIY the software. Lots of cables though

02-28-2005, 06:30 PM	#9
Risky Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London Posts: 96	Direct from mcubed, but check kustom for prices now they have the stock and maybe http://www.ichbinleise.de Its a great toy, I just need time to work at it.

02-28-2005, 07:38 PM	#11
9mmCensor Cooling Savant Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 219	Hmmm. I am interested in getting the flow meter, and two of the water temp monitors. I already have a CrystalFontz 633. Do I need to get the T-Balancer thing to hooks the flowmeter and temp sensors up, or can I hook them up to my CF633 somehow?

03-01-2005, 11:30 AM	#14
Risky Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London Posts: 96	Yeah the flowmeter does look restrictive (even for me!) I plan to get the system up and running with stable temp and then diver flow via the meter to see if there is a temp rise if its ok then I'll rig it in properly. The rather better news is that they will support any other flowmeter, you just have to set it up in the software. So If you want to buy a swissflow and sick it in, away you go. I'd be love to run a pump off it but you need to know that the pump likes PWM or else you need to use their "attenuator" which does restrict the supported wattage (Normally 15W per channel). If anyone has a contact a Laing then they might be able to ask them. Or the LCD side they do support http://www.jalcds.de/ though I'm not sure what they supports in terms of hardware. I have a USB CrystalFontz display so I hope to get something up on it. If all else fails I'll damm well write the soft myself, being vaguely that way inclined. They have a SDK (in english) so there's hope for a VB type like me. The bit proviso with this is that it takes a good bit of work, cabling up your system, sorting out sensors, fan relationships, etc. If you can face that then I haven't seen anything on the market that comes close. The big plus is that it is fully controlable from software, but is still harware controlled so a Windows crash doesn't take it out. THe thing I'd liek to see is a genrela I/O module with a couple of a/d convertors and digital lines out. Should be doable if they wanted.

03-02-2005, 05:12 AM	#17
Risky Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London Posts: 96	The 'Analog' version is just the same Tbalancer with the Sensor Hub but no digital sensors and is pretty good value as you can add on the digital sensors later if you need them. I fond uses for some them 1-Inside PSU 2-12/24V stepup PSU 3-6 on the four drives for Raid array (No S.M.A.R.T. monitoring on my fancy Raid5 card ) leaving two more for later. The flow meter does look a bit brutal, though. I'm going to use mine but on a seperate cooling circuit. However I'd really like flow monitoring on the main loop. Marci, have you though about maybe stocking some more suitable flowmeters? The SF800 that Nexxo used seems to be the business and though more expensive (~EUR50 iirc) might well shift a few so your customer base.

03-02-2005, 06:41 AM	#18
Marci Cooling Savant Join Date: May 2003 Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire, UK Posts: 486	Will have a look into the SF800 - ta fer the advice!! Got any suppliers you can PM me?? __________________ www.minimotosidecars.org / www.thermochill.com / www.themusiccollective.co.uk

03-02-2005, 10:02 AM	#20
Marci Cooling Savant Join Date: May 2003 Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire, UK Posts: 486	Cheers all! __________________ www.minimotosidecars.org / www.thermochill.com / www.themusiccollective.co.uk

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