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Product:
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MTB Exclusive: Noise Isolator PWM Fan Controller |
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Price:
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$42 (CAN) / $32 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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ADPmods
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Author:
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Hi-TEK
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Date:
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June 28th, 2003
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Rating:
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Noise Isolator PWM Fan Controller rear view
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The rear portion of the Noise Isolator PWM Fan Controller exposes a neatly laid out PCB circuit
with trace lines and exposed solder joints. There are three existing channels for the six fan
configurations grouped in pairs. Each fan channel is capable of handling 20 watts in total, which
should be suitable for most high performance fans. Consumers should check the wattage requirements
of each fan since the 20 watts is shared between each 3-pin fan header.
The design of the Noise Isolator PWM Fan Controller is based on Pulse Width Modulation. Pulse Width
Modulation (PWM) is a powerful process for controlling analog circuits with a microprocessor's digital
outputs. PWM is employed in a wide variety of applications, ranging from measurement and communications
to power control and conversion. The PWM controllers in the Noise Isolator supply continuous power to
the fans via a series of digital pulses based on supply voltage. By rotating the chrome silver knobs
from left and right you vary the power wattage ranging from 7 volts to 12 volts. The increased
duration of pulses speed up the rotation of the fan blades. One main advantage of a PWM controller is
that it reduces the power consumption load for the entire circuit. There are a wide variety of
excellent guides available which cover Pulse Width Modulation theory in detail. Here are a few links:
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Connecting fans or 12V DC devices to the Noise Isolator PWM Fan Controller is a straightforward process. Simply attach
each device to the designated header on the back of the unit. The unit itself requires a 4-pin Molex connection to any
spare connector on a PSU. As an added bonus each of the three mid-sized chrome knobs is backlit with two high intensity
blue LEDs. The LEDs don't change colour when the voltage from each channel is increased or decreased. Instead as a
visual clue, consumers will notice that the illumination from each knob dimmers when decreased and is at full brightness
when rotated to the right which is the highest setting (12V).
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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In order to test the unit, I hooked up three 80mm Blue UV LED fans rated at 2.4 watts. Each fan is capable of
pushing 35CFM at 2600 RPM with a noise level of 30dBA. Two Bitspower BP-CCFL-21-1 Cold Cathode Kits were also
connected to the 12V DC outputs and run for approximately 2 hours. The Noise Isolator PWM Fan Controller was
able to handle this configuration with ease which a good indication that this unit is perfect for everyday use.
Consumers should note that you don't have the ability to completely turn off your fans; rather this unit will
throttle the fan rotation to its lowest setting, which is 7 volts.
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Conclusion:
The Noise Isolator PWM Fan Controller has certainly upped the ante in the fan controller market by building on
the success of first generation fan controllers and adding in improved must needed features. By far the
biggest benefit of the unit is the ability to handle six high performance fans grouped in pairs on each channel.
The restriction of 20 watts per channel should be more than adequate for most consumers needs since fan
configurations are usually a mixture of 80mm or 120mm fans. The dual 12V DC momentary switches eliminate the
need of mounting external switches for cold cathodes, neon lights, Laser LEDs and other simular products.
The illumination of a case interior can now be centralized and controlled from one specific device that mounts
conveniently in one free 5.25" drive bay. The only negative aspects that I found with the Noise Isolator PWM Fan
Controller is that you lose the ability to completely silence your PC by not being able to turn off your fans.
As well, there are no visual clues as to the power settings on each channel from the provided lighting. As
previously mentioned, the illumination of the blue backlight on the switch will only dimmer at the lowest fan
setting. Aside from a few minor issues, I still found this product a pleasure to use and I'm awarding a final
rating of 9 out of 10.
If you have any questions regarding this review be sure to visit the ADPMods
website for more information or discuss them in our forums.
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Pros:
- Pre-assembled and easy installation
- Great aesthetic appeal
- Supports up to 20W per channel
- Dual switches for 12V DC devices
- Unique backlit knobs
- Fits cases with bezel-mounted doors
- Cable extensions provided
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Cons:
- Only drops voltage to 7 volts
- No functional use of lighting
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