Fan Speed Control help please!

[waydee]

Hey all, out of curiosity today I bought a dimmer switch and hooked it up to my Systemair RVK125 inline fan - i've read both for and against doing this and still haven't come across any clear concensus as to wether its a good thing to do or not.

Something I did notice however was a buzzing sound coming from the fan unless it was set at upwards of 75% power - clearly not ideal and probably not very good for the fan, I shut it off and decided to find out what a better option is.


I see these fan speed controllers online (relatively cheap too) being sold by hydro stores who also sell my exact model of fan, I came across a thread on UK420 where a guy had taken apart one of the controllers and what was inside looked almost exactly like a 250watt light dimmer - which I bought today. Is there a difference?

The fan is most certainly speed controllable, and I really do need some sort of solution - at 100% speed its far too powerful for its small cabinet and would drive me nuts.



Any information much appreciated! thanks guys.

 

[imnotcrazy]

^^^^ yes you need to use a solid state speed control and that is only if the fan is able to be speed controlled. Fan dimmers WILL NOT work properly as a speed control

 

[waydee]

^^^^ yes you need to use a solid state speed control and that is only if the fan is able to be speed controlled. Fan dimmers WILL NOT work properly as a speed control

So these 'speed controllers' that are being sold alongside systemair fans aren't suitable?

i'm referring to this:

http://www.growell.co.uk/p/1541/Fan_Speed_Controllers.html


from the systemair website:

"The RVK series is designed for installation in ducts.The
fans have backward-curved blades and external rotor
motors. The FK mounting clamp facilitates easy installation
and removal, and prevents the transfer of vibration to the
duct. The fans can be speed-controlled via a stepless
thyristor or a 5-step transformer."


:S

 

[Core]

having the same problem....but now you have RVK's 125 with a 4 speed knob on it...they only much more expensif....
few days ago i bought myself a fancontoller/tempcontroller..75 fleuro's...hummingsound stays though...

 

[waydee]

having the same problem....but now you have RVK's 125 with a 4 speed knob on it...they only much more expensif....
few days ago i bought myself a fancontoller/tempcontroller..75 fleuro's...hummingsound stays though...

Annoying huh :/

I did find this though:

http://www.cadamp.co.uk/list_prices.htm#efsc

seems that first electronic fan speed control is what we need, i wonder if this place will deliver it?

edit: seems they will, will be giving them a call tomorrow - works out at ~£26 including vat, as long as they dont want an obscene amount for shipping I think this is what I need.

 

[gaiusmarius]

it's like this, all the cheap dimmers do is convert the left over power to heat. this causes the fans to make a buzzing sound.

but there are also more expensive climate controllers. these things actually dim the power, which in turn slows the fan without any noise. my controller cost 300 euros but it has 5 speed setting and lets me choose speed or automatically adjust the speed according to the temp i turn the temp knob to. this thing is as heavy as a 400 watt ballast, but it's the best money ever spent if you want silent speed reduction. if you get the model that only slows it down without a temperature gage controlling the speed you should get one for 130 euro. the price also depends on how many watts your ventilation is. with some sono dec ducting and a silencer added to the proper speed controller your ventilation can be incredibly silent.

 

[waydee]

http://www.electrocontrols.co.uk/htmlcatalogue/fanspeedcontrols.htm

I think that is what cadamp are selling, seems right - systemair call for a 5step thyristor controller and thats what it is.

could be onto something

 

[Merman]

IMO: Get one like this.... solid state, U.L. listed. Switch controls 'off', full 'on', and variable 'on' with speed knob. Just plug your fan in and dial in your temp and humidity! $30.00!

 

[waydee]

IMO: Get one like this.... solid state, U.L. listed. Switch controls 'off', full 'on', and variable 'on' with speed knob. Just plug your fan in and dial in your temp and humidity! $30.00!

I believe thats the sort of thing i'm going to enquire with cadamp about today, although without the humidity feature


cheers!

 

[Guest]

Merman--- where is that controller located at? I went to several sites and can't find it.

Peace

 

[The Dopest]

harbor freight Bree

 

[waydee]

Gah its like the world shuts down at this time of year!

cadamp aren't answering their phones, a local ventilation supplier isn't, the hydro shop is still closed - bleh!

 

[OG_My_c25]

Here ya go

Here ya go

Scroll down a few

http://www.discount-hydro.com/ventilation.asp

 

[Guest]

Thanks OG_my........ appriciate the help......

Thanks OG_my........ appriciate the help......

Thanks some times you just have to lead the jackass to water...

Peace

 

[Guest]

Does anyone have experience with this:

Control Wizard Products Indoor Climate Controller. Thermostat & Humidistat triggers exhaust fans. CO2 shuts off when fans turn on. This advanced control is simple to operate yet does a lot to control your indoor environment. Simply plug exhaust fans and co2 equipment into the designated outlets and your ready to go. Co2 will turn off every time your exhaust fan turns on because of humidity or heat exhausting. It uses a sensative coil thermostat and industry standard cellophane humidistat.

Would a $100 be good or is that stretching it? Someone is selling one claiming in box and unopened.

 

[gaiusmarius]

triggering the ventilation is one thing, but it really really helps to control the speed of the ventilation so it can run the whole time and insure a permanent under pressure in the grow space, which stops any smells escaping. if you plan to use co2 then one of those types of controllers will be essential. mind you if i was gonna add co2, i would probably go for a sealed grow. with cool tubes, AC, dehumidifier and heating. this way your co2 doesn't get wasted by the ventilation.

 

[Guest]

My inquiry is for a 3 x 3 ft. Hydro Hut so it would just be a control for heat and humidity, no co2