best fan controller out there

fhorst · 12-26-2003, 09:07 PM

Hi,

I'm looking for the (for me) best fan controller out there.
it needs to have the following functions:
- fan control > "smart" spinning up at 12v, and then to as low as possible.
- Temp mesurement min 3 times
- inteligent > at a set temp, higer the fan speeds up automaticly
- "high" load, min 12w per channel
- USB
- Audio
- Firewire
- "6 in 1 " card reader
- Nice display

Is it out there? I could not find it

airspirit · 12-27-2003, 11:25 AM

These type of fan controllers work off of thermistors that are pasted to the heatsink. The Antec Smart fans have this capability built into them. With that said, you could handmake a baybus to control multiple Smart fans, reducing the RPM spread via a pot on the front of your machine. Example:

At 12V your fan will vary from 2000-5000 RPM depending on temp. Lets say you want it quieter, though, so you wind down the pot.

At 7V, your fan will now vary from 1300-3800 RPM, keeping it quieter.

With the Smartfans, it may not be necessary to put on a pot relay at all ... I don't know of a commercial baybus that will do what you want any better than the smartfan design alone, though if you are really anal about control you can add the pots.

KnightElite · 12-27-2003, 04:45 PM

Crystalfontz one maybe, since it can be programmed in software? That's a whole other level though.

airspirit · 12-27-2003, 05:24 PM

That won't do it. Trust me.

Joe · 12-27-2003, 06:10 PM

The crystal fontz will do everything you said except these:

- USB
- Audio
- Firewire
- "6 in 1 " card reader

You are not going to find something that does everything you said. (or do it any good).

fhorst · 12-30-2003, 01:16 AM

OK, thanks for the input.
I got me a sweex "multi panel 6in1" with card reader, usb, autio and firewire, and I'll check out the crystal fontz for what it can and can't do.

I have PAPST and Ytech fans in my system, I don't know if they are self switching. Actually I want to run them slower then 7v, but in that case, they need a "spinn up speed"

superart · 12-30-2003, 07:59 PM

why dont you buy a 6 in 1 card reader and a baybus, and just bondo the two togather?

flacowboy · 01-03-2004, 10:16 PM

have u looked at the digtal doc ? it got a a lot of control over fans and i think is has fire wire and usb and it does have temp display

fhorst · 01-04-2004, 07:08 PM

I looked at the digidoc, but I could not find the option to set a maximun temp for the fan's.
If the temp is 20 degrees, the fan should be spinning at 4v
it the temp is 25 degrees, the fan should be spinning at 5v
If the temp is 30 degrees, the fan should be spinning at 7v
If the temp is 35 degrees, the fan should be spinning at 9v

or something like this. I also want to be able to set the temp treshhold for each fan!
(needs to be different at the front and back)

Can the digidoc handle this?

flacowboy · 01-05-2004, 06:29 AM

Support for Hi-Performance 120MM fans: The new DigitalDoc5 now supports 60 MM to 120MM Hi-Performance fans. Up to 12 Watts or 1000mA!

Scan all temperatures and RPM speeds continuously: The new DigitalDoc5 can be set to scan all available temperature channels and RPM speeds continuously. Good for keeping an eye on an important heat source during heavy usage.

Especially suitable for DIY applications, Gamers, Overclockers and PC Enthusiasts, the DigitalDoc5 can be used with RAID towers, servers, Industrial PCs, and personal computers.

Monitoring temperature range: 0-100 degrees C (32-212 F). User can adjust the set-point value. If the temperature reaches the set-point, the fan for that channel is automatically activated; after the fan has been turned on, if the temperature continues to rise (an additional 5 degrees C), the unit will issue a warning signal.

Monitors both +5 and +12 VDC power sources; the power tolerance warning can be set to any of four values: 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%.

No batteries required; connects directly to your equipment's +12 VDC power source.

LCD back-lighting function convenient for diagnostic work and for adjusting the settings. Back-lighting function can be set to always be on, or to just be on when in use, reducing electricity use and environmental energy needs.

Uses EEPROM memory chip to save all settings. When equipment is turned on, there is no need to re-enter settings.

Unit easily installs in any 5.25" opening; takes up almost no space.

All connected fans can be activated when the power is turned on, or only a portion of them. This reduces energy consumption and creates a quieter work environment.

Comes with override fan control function. User can turn on fan at any time with the FORCE function, without having to wait for the temperature to rise.

Facilitates objective scientific analysis or MIS investigation; quickly clarifies problem source in equipment or system.

The DigitalDoc5 temperature sensor acts as early warning system by checking temperature levels every 40 seconds. Any computer device that generates even modest heat has the capacity to overheat without warning and destroy valuable data or hardware. Temperatures are displayed on a front-panel readout so you know the exact temperature of any device in your system at all times.

Should any device begin to overheat, the DigitalDoc5 activates up to eight cooling fans, immediately bringing the system temperatures down and at the same time alerting you by lighting the "WARNING" - "TOO HI" LED displays and sounding a continuous beeper, all in time for you to take preventative action to avoid loss.

Should a fan in any device fail, dangerously high temperatures can develop rapidly. The DigitalDoc's fan monitor tracks each fan's rpm signal. If the fan begins to die, this warning system gives you time to replace it before damage occurs.
5V+ 12V monitoring function +/- 5% tolerance level
Compatible with two-pin or three-pin fans (supports RMP monitoring function for three-pin fan)
Temperature range 0-99 degrees C
Can support up to 7 sensors
Backlight function
Real-time scan function monitoring
Installs quickly into any 5.25" slot (takes up no extra space by replacing the 5.25" panel)
All channels can be programmed separately, temperature levels easy to program
Sensor reads unit temperatures every 5 seconds (complete cycle every 40 seconds)
Battery-free, E2 PROM technology keeps memory settings protected
Optional use of continuous fan operation or power-saving standby mode

from what i understand u can link a fan to each temp sensor good luck hope this helps

12-26-2003, 09:07 PM	#1
fhorst Cooling Savant Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Almere, The Netherlands (Europe) Posts: 262	best fan controller out there Hi, I'm looking for the (for me) best fan controller out there. it needs to have the following functions: - fan control > "smart" spinning up at 12v, and then to as low as possible. - Temp mesurement min 3 times - inteligent > at a set temp, higer the fan speeds up automaticly - "high" load, min 12w per channel - USB - Audio - Firewire - "6 in 1 " card reader - Nice display Is it out there? I could not find it __________________ If it get's hot, it needs to be watercooled!

12-27-2003, 11:25 AM	#2
airspirit Been /.'d... have you? Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Moscow, ID Posts: 1,986	These type of fan controllers work off of thermistors that are pasted to the heatsink. The Antec Smart fans have this capability built into them. With that said, you could handmake a baybus to control multiple Smart fans, reducing the RPM spread via a pot on the front of your machine. Example: At 12V your fan will vary from 2000-5000 RPM depending on temp. Lets say you want it quieter, though, so you wind down the pot. At 7V, your fan will now vary from 1300-3800 RPM, keeping it quieter. With the Smartfans, it may not be necessary to put on a pot relay at all ... I don't know of a commercial baybus that will do what you want any better than the smartfan design alone, though if you are really anal about control you can add the pots. __________________ #!/bin/sh {who;} {last;} {pause;} {grep;} {touch;} {unzip;} mount /dev/girl -t {wet;} {fsck;} {fsck;} {fsck;} {fsck;} echo yes yes yes {yes;} umount {/dev/girl;zip;} rm -rf {wet.spot;} {sleep;} finger: permission denied

12-27-2003, 04:45 PM	#3
KnightElite Cooling Savant Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Posts: 294	Crystalfontz one maybe, since it can be programmed in software? That's a whole other level though. __________________ Can anyone else here say that they have a watercooled monster that's 45" tall?

12-27-2003, 05:24 PM	#4
airspirit Been /.'d... have you? Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Moscow, ID Posts: 1,986	That won't do it. Trust me. __________________ #!/bin/sh {who;} {last;} {pause;} {grep;} {touch;} {unzip;} mount /dev/girl -t {wet;} {fsck;} {fsck;} {fsck;} {fsck;} echo yes yes yes {yes;} umount {/dev/girl;zip;} rm -rf {wet.spot;} {sleep;} finger: permission denied

12-27-2003, 06:10 PM	#5
Joe The Pro/Life Support System Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 4,041	The crystal fontz will do everything you said except these: - USB - Audio - Firewire - "6 in 1 " card reader You are not going to find something that does everything you said. (or do it any good). __________________ Joe - I only take this hat off for one thing... ProCooling archive curator and dusty skeleton.

12-30-2003, 01:16 AM	#6
fhorst Cooling Savant Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Almere, The Netherlands (Europe) Posts: 262	OK, thanks for the input. I got me a sweex "multi panel 6in1" with card reader, usb, autio and firewire, and I'll check out the crystal fontz for what it can and can't do. I have PAPST and Ytech fans in my system, I don't know if they are self switching. Actually I want to run them slower then 7v, but in that case, they need a "spinn up speed" __________________ If it get's hot, it needs to be watercooled!

12-30-2003, 07:59 PM	#7
superart Cooling Savant Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: FL Posts: 787	why dont you buy a 6 in 1 card reader and a baybus, and just bondo the two togather? __________________ When you do things right, people won't be sure youv'e done anything at all. Looking to buy/trade for used Deep Fryer and Vacume Pack Sealer.

01-03-2004, 10:16 PM	#8
flacowboy Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: gulf coast of fla Posts: 10	have u looked at the digtal doc ? it got a a lot of control over fans and i think is has fire wire and usb and it does have temp display

01-04-2004, 07:08 PM	#9
fhorst Cooling Savant Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Almere, The Netherlands (Europe) Posts: 262	I looked at the digidoc, but I could not find the option to set a maximun temp for the fan's. If the temp is 20 degrees, the fan should be spinning at 4v it the temp is 25 degrees, the fan should be spinning at 5v If the temp is 30 degrees, the fan should be spinning at 7v If the temp is 35 degrees, the fan should be spinning at 9v or something like this. I also want to be able to set the temp treshhold for each fan! (needs to be different at the front and back) Can the digidoc handle this? __________________ If it get's hot, it needs to be watercooled!

01-05-2004, 06:29 AM	#10
flacowboy Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: gulf coast of fla Posts: 10	Support for Hi-Performance 120MM fans: The new DigitalDoc5 now supports 60 MM to 120MM Hi-Performance fans. Up to 12 Watts or 1000mA! Scan all temperatures and RPM speeds continuously: The new DigitalDoc5 can be set to scan all available temperature channels and RPM speeds continuously. Good for keeping an eye on an important heat source during heavy usage. Especially suitable for DIY applications, Gamers, Overclockers and PC Enthusiasts, the DigitalDoc5 can be used with RAID towers, servers, Industrial PCs, and personal computers. Monitoring temperature range: 0-100 degrees C (32-212 F). User can adjust the set-point value. If the temperature reaches the set-point, the fan for that channel is automatically activated; after the fan has been turned on, if the temperature continues to rise (an additional 5 degrees C), the unit will issue a warning signal. Monitors both +5 and +12 VDC power sources; the power tolerance warning can be set to any of four values: 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. No batteries required; connects directly to your equipment's +12 VDC power source. LCD back-lighting function convenient for diagnostic work and for adjusting the settings. Back-lighting function can be set to always be on, or to just be on when in use, reducing electricity use and environmental energy needs. Uses EEPROM memory chip to save all settings. When equipment is turned on, there is no need to re-enter settings. Unit easily installs in any 5.25" opening; takes up almost no space. All connected fans can be activated when the power is turned on, or only a portion of them. This reduces energy consumption and creates a quieter work environment. Comes with override fan control function. User can turn on fan at any time with the FORCE function, without having to wait for the temperature to rise. Facilitates objective scientific analysis or MIS investigation; quickly clarifies problem source in equipment or system. The DigitalDoc5 temperature sensor acts as early warning system by checking temperature levels every 40 seconds. Any computer device that generates even modest heat has the capacity to overheat without warning and destroy valuable data or hardware. Temperatures are displayed on a front-panel readout so you know the exact temperature of any device in your system at all times. Should any device begin to overheat, the DigitalDoc5 activates up to eight cooling fans, immediately bringing the system temperatures down and at the same time alerting you by lighting the "WARNING" - "TOO HI" LED displays and sounding a continuous beeper, all in time for you to take preventative action to avoid loss. Should a fan in any device fail, dangerously high temperatures can develop rapidly. The DigitalDoc's fan monitor tracks each fan's rpm signal. If the fan begins to die, this warning system gives you time to replace it before damage occurs. 5V+ 12V monitoring function +/- 5% tolerance level Compatible with two-pin or three-pin fans (supports RMP monitoring function for three-pin fan) Temperature range 0-99 degrees C Can support up to 7 sensors Backlight function Real-time scan function monitoring Installs quickly into any 5.25" slot (takes up no extra space by replacing the 5.25" panel) All channels can be programmed separately, temperature levels easy to program Sensor reads unit temperatures every 5 seconds (complete cycle every 40 seconds) Battery-free, E2 PROM technology keeps memory settings protected Optional use of continuous fan operation or power-saving standby mode from what i understand u can link a fan to each temp sensor good luck hope this helps

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