Fan controller for server cabinet?

[WhiteNoise]

Hey gang. I have a 42u Server Cab and I'm currently running 4x 120mm fans mounted to the top of the cab that plug into an AC power strip built into my cab.

What I would like is a fan controller that allows fans with AC plugs to be attached. So far I have not had much luck.

I would love something that bolts in directly (19" rack mount) so I can control it by opening the cab door. At this point though I would consider anything as long as it is designed for usage with my cab fans.

Anyone?

 

[Kursah]

Do you have a UPS that you can program the power ports on for on/off? My CyberPower 1000 has some sort of feature like this IIRC... I forget if it is per-port or all ports tho.

You could also look into something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713SKWQ1/?tag=tec06d-20

Then you wouldn't have to physically access your rack to control them.

Or are you referring to speed control of these fans?

What are the make/model of fans you're using in your cab?

 

[Norton]

You can pickup an AC speed controller from Grainger. We use them at work to control the speed of 120v AC exhaust fans.

Cost is pretty reasonable and they are fairly easy to install.

 

[WhiteNoise]

Do you have a UPS that you can program the power ports on for on/off? My CyberPower 1000 has some sort of feature like this IIRC... I forget if it is per-port or all ports tho.

You could also look into something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713SKWQ1/?tag=tec06d-20

Then you wouldn't have to physically access your rack to control them.

Or are you referring to speed control of these fans?

What are the make/model of fans you're using in your cab?

I'm using AC Infinity Axial 1225 fans. I bought these because they are so much quieter than my Mechatronics that I had in before. Those Mechs sound like an airplane.
I do not have a UPS though. I do run some high end power protection and 2x PDU's by Tripp Lite. But nothing for power backup.

You can pickup an AC speed controller from Grainger. We use them at work to control the speed of 120v AC exhaust fans.

Cost is pretty reasonable and they are fairly easy to install.

Thats an idea. It would at least allow me to control fan speed.

What I would really like is a controller with thermal sensor. I can find loads of them that come in a case and have fans already installed but what i want is just the controller.

That AC speed controller might do it for me though if nothing else pops up.


/edit I do not run any servers in this cab. It houses my audio equipment, network equipment and game consoles.

 

[Norton]

What I would really like is a controller with thermal sensor. I can find loads of them that come in a case and have fans already installed but what i want is just the controller.

A simple thermostat wired inline to your outlet strip would do that- acts like an ON/OFF switch

This is similar to the type we use:
https://www.grainger.com/product/FA.../rp/s/is/image/Grainger/15W819_AS01?$smthumb$
* basically the same thing as a ceiling fan controller

 

[WhiteNoise]

Well you gave me something to think about. Thanks!

 

[silentbogo]

There are no rackmount options for this kind of stuff, but if you are no stranger to DIY, I would suggest a cheap light dimmer or a dedicated AC fan controller (or several, if you want to control fans individually).
There are lots of options at reasonable (or laughably cheap) prices. If you want to make it aesthetically pleasing - stick it into an empty 1U case and wire all pots to the front panel. Add a power switch, an input AC socket, few output sockets for fans, and you are good to go. My local electronic component store even has no-name totally blank rackmount cases for projects like these (empty detachable front panel, nothing on the back, already has holes for rail mounts, etc.).

 

[WhiteNoise]

Yeah I was looking for something that looks nice with LCD screen and all that jazz. I'm handy guy for sure so I will look into that too.

 

[AsRock]

Maybe have it triggered by temperature with some thing like this.

And maybe go your local scrap metal place to get a face place and make it your self.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-12V-F-Fa...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

 

[WhiteNoise]

Well my solution is the following.

I installed a CyberPower tap that I had laying around and attached the four exhaust fans (120x4) to it. This will do for now so I can shut the fans off when not needed. I do plan to buy one of those thermostats down the road. At least the fans are not running 24/7 when nothing else in the cab is being used.

I also picked up a fan controller which I will install on Wednesday. I'm going to open it up and reverse the fans so they intake air. This controller has a temp probe and should work well.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZQMP6RO/?tag=tec06d-20

 

[Norton]

I also picked up a fan controller which I will install on Wednesday. I'm going to open it up and reverse the fans so they intake air. This controller has a temp probe and should work well.

Nice unit

However, that uses 12v DC fans- thought you wanted to stick with AC?

 

[WhiteNoise]

it has a power transformer and plug for wall outlet. I plan to run it off of one of my Tripp Lite bars.

 

[WhiteNoise]

Installed it tonight. Works very well and is super quiet!

 

[AsRock]

Installed it tonight. Works very well and is super quiet!

Nice, do you use more than one pair of speakers for each amp ?. Or just one pair with a switch ?.

 

[WhiteNoise]

@AsRock I use two sets.

The Denon runs my Infinity Beta series HT speakers.
The Classic Pioneers run into a switch which via a dial feed my Hsu Research HB1-mkII speakers and Velodyne CT-150 sub. The switch has another amp available to power the same set of speakers which is a HK 3490. The switch used is a Russound SS 4.2 & Beresford TC-7240

 

[AsRock]

Aah so no wire changing i take it, then again if i had the space life it be easier.

I was curious is all as i have a little issue of my own, which is switching to from one amp to another lol.


But looks nice that and surly be even happier once you get the fans under more control.

 

[WhiteNoise]

Yeah I run the two amps off the Russound switch in reverse so both amps feed it and one set of speakers are wired to it.

The Beresford is a source switch. I run optical out from my PC to my Pagoda DAC and from the Pogoda to the Beresford switch. This allows me to send an audio signal to multiple amps via RCA in's so I can switch amps by just turning a dial. I have three amps on my desk (the HK and two headphone tube amps) and depending on my mood I can swap my sound easily.

Yeah I really need to buy a fan controller for the top fans plus add some more intake fans to the bottom of the cab but for now I'm happy.

 

[AsRock]

Interesting, was hoping to find a solution for my self but.

3 amps here too, Like my Marantz it's very musical vocally how ever my NAD T753 ( like the NAD 3020 ) has a awesome full bodied tight bass with a smooth top end which blows the Marantz away were my Pioneer Elite 56 has a awesome punch and is sweet for fast paced music.

I just have 2 boxes which 2 of the 3 amps lead in to and i just have to change the banana plugs from one box to the other.

Anyways if ya want to talk about it some more just message me.