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Product:
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Sunbeam Rheobus Kit #2 |
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Price:
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$70 (CDN) / $44.95 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Sunbeam Tech
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Author:
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BigDaddy
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Date:
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December 7th, 2002
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Rating:
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The unit incorporates dual colour LED configuration. Between the 0 to 7-volt range, the LED is ultra bright red. Once
you break the 7-volt barrier, anything up to 12 volts shows an ultra bright blue. With the socketed LED this is easily
reversible, by simply moving the pins to the appropriate socket hole. For testing purposes, I hooked the unit up to an
Enermax 525W power supply and four Crystal LED fans. Even after running the unit at minimum voltage (generating the
maximum amount of heat) overnight, the heatsinks were cool to the touch.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The low light shots demonstrate the intensity of the LED’s. The two-tone effect is a nice visual cue to let a user know
when they’ve hit 7 volts, since this represents an operational halfway point for the fans RPM (most fans won’t spin
when the supplied voltage is 3 volts or less).
I saved one feature on the unit for last because I feel this feature goes above and beyond other offerings on the market.
The rheobus incorporates an on/off switch on each channel. Turning the knob to its extreme limit rewards the user with
an audible click as the LED and any fan connected to the channel turn off. As well, there is a definite snap as you pass
the détente on the switch. Most units on the market will scale back to about 3 volts, which effectively stops the blades
from spinning, but still supplies voltage to the fan motor, as well as the LED. Having the ability to completely shut
down strategically placed fans designed solely for tackling heat sources that only present a problem under full load
conditions is a welcome feature in my books.
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Conclusion:
Sunbeam has received accolades from this site and others for their ability to listen to consumer demand and provide
good products based on those opinions. While the overall rheobus design between competing products is very similar,
the Sunbeam unit adds a couple of additional features that make it a top pick. The tow-tone LED’s offers a nice visual
cue to voltage regulation, while the on/off switches provide a level of functionality unique to Sunbeam. The unit
remains cold to the touch after extended use, and installation is as simple as securing four screws. The ability to
handle 20 watts per channel means fan combinations are almost limitless with this unit. While the front panel aesthetics
aren’t a personal favourite of mine, they certainly aren’t enough to merit any real concern. Overall, this product
currently has no equal, making it a easy pick for the MTB Seal of Approval and a rating of
10 out of 10. If you have any questions regarding this
review be sure to visit the Sunbeam Technology website for
more information or discuss them in our forums.
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Pros:
- 20 Watts per channel
- Bi-coloured LED’s
- On/Off functionality on each channel
- Easy installation
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Cons:
- Faceplate design may not appeal to everyone
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