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Product:
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Bitspower XP I - 4 Channel Controller & XP II Mod Panel |
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Price:
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$40-45 (CAN) / $30-$35 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Bitspower
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Author:
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Hi-TEK
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Date:
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October 23rd, 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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Out of the packaging, the Bitspower XP I - 4 Channel Controller & XP II Mod Panels look identical in
shape and size. Each unit is installed in a default black aluminum "U" shaped housing with matching
white lettering on the front. The only distinguishable features for both units are the product name
and labeling below each control knob. The XP I is a 4 channel fan controller capable of handing up
to 24 watts per channel. This is a significant increase over rival units such as the
Vantec Nexus NXP-205 Fan Controller which can only
handle 18 watts per channel and the Enermax UC-A3FATR2 Fan Controller
which is limited to 10 watts per channel. Consumers will be happy to know that this unit is perfect for
high performance fans. The XP I has a voltage output of 7V - 12V and includes the capability of
completely turning off a powered fan.
The XP II Mod Panel is a CCFL function control center which allows consumers to manage up to a maximum of
four lamps. The XP II includes some unique built-in features which are controlled by each knob in series.
The S.W knob provides the switch function for toggling five different active modes (Off, On, Sound Activated,
Strobe and Flashing). The S.L knob allows consumers to adjust the sound activation level. Finally, the
S.H and S.F control knobs allow the adjustment of the height and frequency of the lamps.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The rear portion of the Bitspower XP I - 4 Channel Controller & XP II Mod Panel securely houses the most
important piece of the unit, the Printed Circuit Board. Both PCB's are very compact and the components
organized with no exposed solder joints. The XP I has a total of four 3-pin headers which are located
at the rear of the PCB and allow the attachment of one cooling fan per channel. In order to accommodate
fans which use 4-pin Molex connectors, Bitspower has included four 3-pin to 4-pin adapter cables. The
unit itself requires 12V of power and simply connects to spare 4-pin Molex connector from the PSU.
The design of the XP I 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 XP I supply continuous power to the fans via a series of digital
pulses based on supply voltage. By rotating the black 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.
The design of the XP II Mod Panel can accommodate two 12V inverters to power four CCFL lamps. Two
extension cables have been included in the package which connect directly to the power end of the 12V
inverters. Like the XP I, The XP II Mod Panel requires 12V of power and simply connects to spare 4-pin
Molex connector from the PSU.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The XP I 4 Channel Controller includes a built-in fan fail alarm warning system that is disabled by
default. Next to each 3-pin fan header is a closed jumper pin, by moving the small black cap over one
jumper pin enables the alarm function. The alarm function exists in two modes both visual and audible. The
visual portion is handled by a series of high intensity dual LEDS (blue and red) and the audible by a small
embedded speaker. During normal operation each fan will display blue with the illumination handled by
the adjustment of each knob. When a fan fails in its normal operation, the miniature speaker is turned
on and the failed fan channel will light bright red. This is a great feature to have in place if you are
looking for a simplified way of monitoring your system.
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