Miscelleneous by stefan @ 2012-08-20
The FC10 is a powerful 4-channel fan controller from Lamptron, featuring a cool Nixie tube display and can be controlled via remote after it has finished the initial self-test. The antenna module is attached as a daughterboard onto the PCB of the controller and the included cables are fully braided for better durability and looks.
At first I would like to thank Lamptron for offering me a sample of their FC10 Fan Controller for reviewing.
"Lamptron develops and markets the next generation of high performance computer peripherals using the latest technology that enables a new level of interaction between the end-user and their personal computer. Products developed are through a combination of proprietary technology, innovation and ergonomic industrial design. There are three principal business sectors:
PC Gaming products
PC Silence products
PC Modding products
Products are designed and developed by our experienced Reseach and Development Department.Our engineering and R&D staffs specialize in user analysis, material control and industry design. Lamptron not only has expertise in product easy-to-use and product design, but we also plays a vital role in the enhancement of production efficiency and marketing analysis. We are constantly developing new products and technology to meet market demands and to generate new markets for our innovation products.
Our Global success is attributed to three basic visionary attributes:
-Continue to offer innovation products which means the products are in the highest quality and innovation.
-Providing our global partners with a level of service that is consistent with our premium product range.
-Helping our global partners grow, through reliable service, quality products, flexibility and co-operation
This simple philosophy has allowed us to build long standing relationships with global distributors."
Vintage Valve Amplifier/Steam Punk Design
Up to 30 watts per channel
CNC Milled from 3/4" Aluminum
Displays Celcius, Voltage, or RPM
Interchangable Faceplates
Dimension: 148.5mm*42.5mm*75mm(5.25" Bay)
Power Output: Up to 30 watts per channel
Control Channel: 4 Channels
Panel Color Available: Brass, Black, White, Black Bench Drawing Metal, Black w/ Brass Trim
DC Input: 3 X +12v (Standard 4 Pin Molex)
DC Output: 0V- 12V DC
Fan Connectors: 4 X 3-pin connectors
Recommend PSU wattage: 400w or higher
The latest fan controller from LAMPTRON is called FC10 and the display is featured by… surprise! Nixie tubes, which give an all-around retro effect to the case; the packaging comes fully sealed:
On the frontal side of the box we can see a photo of the product in operation, along with the name of the product and the short notice that this controller can hold up to 30W per channel, like the FC8 unit we looked upon some time ago:
The opposite side holds the specifications table, some features and the box contents:
After opening up the box, we can discover a small calendar that was fit inside; it is pretty nice but it’s a pity that more than a half of the year has passed already:
The controller is separated from the rest of the bundle by protective foam:
Besides a short instruction leaflet, inside we can also find thermal probes, screws necessary for fixing the unit onto the case, a remote and cable extensions:
The thermal probes are in a number of four and do not come with extra protections on them, as we have seen on the Scythe models:
Then we have the MOLEX cable extension, which is fully sleeved; this is a huge improvement over the last tested models from LAMPTRON, which none of them had sleeved cables:
The fan cable extensions are also sleeved, which, besides a clean look, they also have increased durability:
The controller features two separate PCBs, which are connected together:
On the back side of the unit, we can see the individual power fan channels, many headers and a small buzzer:
The thermal probes headers are labeled PT1…PT4:
We can switch between degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius by modifying the jumper position:
The alarm jumper is located close to the small buzzer:
The MOLEX port is where we plug in the PSU connector for supplying the necessary juice:
Next to the power channels, we have the fan headers, also colored in black:
To the main PCB we can also see a small daughterboard, which takes care of the antenna reception; the antenna must be placed carefully for maximum signal with the remote:
The 4 Nixie tubes present on this fan controller are used for displaying digits from 0 to 9; the glass tubes contain a wire-mesh anode and multiple cathodes, shaped as numerals. When we apply power to one cathode, it gets surrounded with an orange glow discharge. The tubes are filled with gas at low pressure, in a Penning mixture:
Here is a closer look on the tubes:
On the top right corner, we get three additional LED lights, each representing the display mode we are in (degrees, voltages, RPM); also, each Nixie tube has an additional LED underneath to represent the channel we are currently controlling:
On the sides of the controller, we can find the fixing orifices:
The LAMPTRON remote is really easy to use and features Open/Close buttons for turning on or off the Nixie display, a M button for switching between the modes, arrows left/right for switching between channels and +/- signs for modifying the values:
On the back side of the remote we have the battery compartment:
Lifting the battery cover reveals a 3V CR2025 battery:
The latest FC10 fan controller from Lamptron comes with an innovative display with Nixie tubes for displaying fan RPMs, current voltages and temperatures recorded by the included thermal probes. The faceplate is removable and can be replaced with 4 other ones if we other the Special Edition package: Brass, White, Black Bench Drawing Metal or Black with Brass Trim. As FC8, the FC10 can supply up to 30W per channel but a very welcome improvement is the inclusion of fully braided cables, which are more durable and look better overall. The remote is easy to operate, but during the installation we must be careful where we are going to place the antenna, because it could shorten the remote range considerably otherwise.
Upon start-up, the fan controller does a short display test and afterwards it will show the temperature on the first channel; even if we have used the fan controller in another mode before stopping it (RPM or voltage), it will still default to temperature mode after each start-up. With the help of the included remote, we can switch easily between the display modes and the channels, but we can also turn on or off the Nixie tubes. If one of the fans cannot start in time, the Alarm will start beeping and will not stop until the fan will begin rotating.
The only two things that we could point out as a “negative” at this product is the absence of physical buttons on the fan controller itself, which really help in case we would run out of battery and the missing adhesive for sticking the thermal probes onto the components.
The MSRP for the FC10 fan controller is reported by Lamptron as being $69.99.
I would like to thank again to Lamptron for making this review possible!