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Product:
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Zalman ZM-MFC1 Multi Fan Speed Controller |
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Price:
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$55 (CDN) / $39.95 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Zalman Tech
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Author:
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BigDaddy
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Date:
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May 16th, 2003
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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 left side of the product features the four adjustable voltage channels. Each channel is labelled with a fan number
indicator and a small bar graph. Above the adjustable knob is a high intensity LED. Instead of using the more common
crystal clear lens, the LEDs installed on the product use a diffused lens. While this does soften the ultra-bright LED,
it also drops the perceived intensity change compared to other units.
The control knobs are aluminium-finished with four small grooves running through the center. The knobs are held in place
on the shaft using plastic teeth, so no hex keys are needed to secure or remove them if required. The knobs do not have
a positional indicator on them, which means the only visual cue to how far from 0 to 100 percent you are is the LED,
which unfortunately doesn’t provide a huge help in that regard. Thankfully, the overall footprint of the knobs isn’t
that long, so users with front bezels equipped with doors will have no problems with clearance between the door and the
product. Each of the four adjustable channels is capable of handling up to 7 watts of power. While this is a fair cry
from units capable of handling multiple fans per channel at over 20 watts, it is still adequate for larger fans that
have above-average power requirements.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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At the opposite end of the panel are the two dual-voltage switches. Each switch is configured for either 12 volt or 5 volt
operation, and includes an off position. Additionally, the LED indicators for these two switches are dual coloured. At five
volts, they are the same blue as the adjustable channels. At 12 volts, they switch to a high intensity red.
Some may wonder why Zalman installed these two switches instead of simply going with 6 adjustable knobs that include an off
function. Where the key difference lies is in the fact that the dual voltage switches have no power limitations, other than
what the power supply can deliver. In theory, this means that any configurations that go above the 7 watt limitation of the
adjustable channels could be wired to the switches instead.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Looking at the rear of the unit, we get a good view of the layout of the rear of the PCB as well as the individual channel
components. Since the PCB is mounted vertically, there is no need to isolate it against shock or shorting hazards. This default
configurations allows the ZM-MFC1 to be well out of the way of other internal components. The main components on the back of
the unit are a 4-pin Molex connector, two sets of bare-wire terminals, four colour-coded 3-pin fan connectors and four
voltage regulators mounted on aluminium heatsinks.
The unit receives power from a standard 4-pin Molex connector. Zalman does not provide a Y-adapter, so users should either be
prepared to sacrifice an available Molex, or install a Y adapter themselves. Beside the power connector are the two terminals
for the dual voltage switches. Theses are designed for bare-wire leads. While most users will hook a fan or fans to the terminal,
any 12 volt DC device can be hooked up. As such, the switches could serve the alternate purpose of powering cathodes or other
internal lighting.
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