Aquaero with the new Powerbooster able to control DDC pumps!

Hello folks. I just saw this on the aqua-computer site. Its a extra cooling "bracket" or what I should call it that makes it possible for extra wattage on all channels. And If I understand correctly, you will be able to control ddc pumps right from the Aquaero itself.

But there options as I can see 3 kits. One when you can do it yourself and you loose the warranty (10€). And one that you can send your aquaero to them and they do it and you keep the warranty (20€). And if you order a new one and want one installed it costs you about 15€ and you don't void warranty.
Anyway, here it is[/B]
http://shop.aquacomputer.de/images/p...ages/53072.jpg

This gives the aquaero with booster the following specs:
Channel #1: 25W.
Channel #2-4: 15W each.
Total wattage drawn should not exceed 45W.

A Aquaero without this have these specs:
Channel #1-4: 10W each.
Total wattage drawn should not exceed 30W.

Anyway this should solve many peoples trouble finding when trying to find a good and fail-safe controller to control pumps with.

Anyway here is the full text translated with google:

Quote:

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By aquaero power booster, the maximum output of the four fan channels from 10W to 15W higher. The max. Overall performance of the aquaero with the power booster from 30W to 45W increased.

The aquaero power booster consists of a stainless steel bezel engraved with a generously sized aluminum heatsink on a Wärmleitpad bind to the voltage and for a significantly improved heat dissipation makes. The engraving on the bracket makes it easy to connect an accessory, as all connections are clearly marked.

Performance Enhancement of Channel 1:
An additional modification to the motherboard can also aquaero for channel 1, an output power of 25W to be achieved and is used to control the pumps Laing DDC-1T and DDC-1T Plus Series provides. A Laing pump can best be regulated, as it is a perfect speed control by entering the Wunschrehzahl possible. Should the pump stop, it will automatically power to re-start the pump increases, and then approached the desired speed. In addition, the pump at the start of the first full aquaeros started and then shut down. Since the pump is used for the fan output over temperature sensors can be controlled, it is the pumping well in a temperature dependence (eg water) govern.
A description of the modifications necessary to get the support request. Please note that when you perform the modification of the guarantee lose. If you want to keep these, so please order the power booster as a subsequent upgrade in which the modification in our house is being carried out and the guarantee is preserved.

The power booster is a Wärmeleitpad and the necessary mounting accessories delivered.
The aquaero is not included.

Note:
The power booster can only aquaeros series of 4:00 may be used.

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Shoggy where art thou~

I can see myself using one of these guys if they can handle 2 amps on 1 channel.

If it is as I think it is this will really give the aquaero the upper hand over its rivals (Mcubed, Koolance etc)

If I got it right it is:
Channel 1: 25W
Channel 2-4: 15W each?!?
And total must not exceed 45W? If so, that leaves not much for the other channels... Or is the total amount of wattage increesed from 30W to 45W extra?

How are you guys reeding this?

It's not very clear, even in German actually (was a German exchange student). The Google translation is mostly correct.

The German goes on for quite a bit (as you can see) about fan channel 1 and its ability to handle 25W of power with this modification. However, as you saw, the first paragraph seems to suggest the max W per channel is 15W, and the total max power is 45W for the unit with the mod.

This doesn't add up though:

4 * 15 = 60W (too high)

3 * 15 = 45W (right value but only 3 channels?)

(3 * 10) + 25 = 55W (3 fans @ 10 + the pump, but still too high)

45 - 25 = 20W (leftover if you connect pump to this, too low?)

Anyways, I don't get it, and it's not because of the German :) It just doesn't add up based on the description they give..

My own words from another forum :D

Quote:

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We are offering a new upgrade option for the aquaero which can be bought in addition with an aquaero for 14.99 EUR. The powerbooster is a special cooling block and a small hardware modifiction of the aquaero which will allow you to use a Laing pump on fan channel 1. The other three channels will be able to handle 15W instead of 10W.

If you already own an aquaero 4.00 it can be send in for the modification (powerbooster, soldering etc.). This option will cost 19.99 EUR.

You can also buy the powerbooster separately with all mounting accessory for 9.99 EUR. In this case a simple installation will allow up to 15W on all four channels. Well, by contacting our support we can also tell you how to modify the aquaero yourself to get the full power of channel 1. Please note that you will lose the warranty if you do the modification yourself.

No matter which option you choose, the used overall power should not exceed 45W.

If you want much more or even infinite power you will love the additional booster PCB. It is a small PCB with a 4-pin molex for the power and two 3-pin fan connectors. One acts as input and the other one as output while this one can boost the power up to 3A at 12V (36W).
You can combine and connect them in almost every way. For example two of them to fan channel 1 of your aquaero without the powerbooster upgrade to control two Laing pumps. You could even control a Laing pump through an aquastream XT pump now :D

More details on the small PCB will follow very soon.

(All mentioned prices with 19% German VAT)

A few pics:

http://forum.aquacomputer.de/images-...rbooster_1.jpg

http://forum.aquacomputer.de/images-...rbooster_2.jpg

http://forum.aquacomputer.de/images-...rbooster_3.jpg

http://forum.aquacomputer.de/images-...rbooster_4.jpg

As you can see we also added a nice detail: the edging has a laser engraving which explains the connectors next to it. So you will not have to take a look into the manual again to see where the aqabus goes or in which direction you have to plug the USB cable.

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Vielen dank Shoggy :)

The total W of the unit is 45W max, so if you use a 25W on channel 1, that basically leaves a max of 20W to share among the other 3 channels, correct?

Where is Gleichen / Benniehausen in Germany? I was an Austauschstudent 15 years ago in Bingen am Rhein. :)

Thanks for clearing that up shoggy!

So If you use a DDC3.2 you will end up using 18W on channel 1 and then have 27W left for the other 3 channels. That should be plenty since I have GT fans. And they only draw 1w each.

Can you tell us more about the PCB? Or is this to early?

Ketzer7, that's right. Above 45W you will encounter problems with the heat generated by the voltage regulators.

Benniehausen is 8km away from Göttingen which you should know since it is a historic university city and full of students ;)

@Brodholm: it is time for another quote... :D

Quote:

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As said in the thread for the aquaero powerbooster we will also offer a small PCB which will allow you to boost the power of the fan channels of an aquaero, aquastream XT or any other device with a fan output.

The powerbooster can deliver up to 3.5A which is more than enough for several powerful fans or a Laing pump.

The used operational amplifier L165 has a small downside: it has a powerdrop of 1.5 to 2.0V so you will end up with 10.5 to 10V. Since we wanted to have a very simple solution we will have to live with that and also think it's OK because who really runs fans at full speed for example? In this case you won't need it and can connect them directly to the PSU ;)

Usage is simple: you connect a fan output with the input connector, the PCB will boost the incoming signal (-1.5 to 2.0V) and puts it out on the second connector. Of course the tacho singal will be forwarded.
We have tested it also with a Laing DDC-1T/Plus and it worked :)

We know that there have been a few other booster PCBs by users and used some ideas for testing but either they were already to complex or the simpler ones were generating a massive swinging which leads to an unnecessary waste of power and thermal problems. That problem was easy to spot with an oscilloscope which I think these users don't own to see that problem theirself.
Our PCB is using a filter to avoid problems with swinging and to ensure a better efficiency.

The poweramp will be available for around 15.00 EUR (~18.00 USD w/o VAT) and we will also offer a DIY kit for a cheaper price. Good soldering knowledge is recommend since there are also very small SMD parts.

The photo below shows a handmade prototype. The final variant will be manufactured professional. The powerbooster measures 48 x 22mm at a height of 27mm.

http://forum.aquacomputer.de/images-ac/poweramp.jpg

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edit: damn, I clicked quote and thought it was edit

I'm curious what the front of this unit looks like. And can it control 2 DDC pumps?
EDIT: And could you connect 2 flow meters to this as well?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Shoggy

Benniehausen is 8km away from Göttingen which you should know since it is a historic university city and full of students ;)

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lol :D Yes, I know of Goettingen. Unfortunately never visited though. I spent a month actually at the beginning of my Austausch in Tuebingen, another historic university city (the best ones, right?). Ah, lots of fun times and good memories at the Neckarmueller Biergarten there ;)

I recommend to check a video about the aquaero, multiswitch and tubemeter. That will give you a better idea of it. There is also a making of video which is pretty interesting in my opinion :)

You can connect two flow sensors but in this case you will lose fan channel 4 because it will be used for the second sensor.

Nice videos. A very impressive system when you see it all in action :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Shoggy

I recommend to check a video about the aquaero, multiswitch and tubemeter. That will give you a better idea of it. There is also a making of video which is pretty interesting in my opinion :)

You can connect two flow sensors but in this case you will lose fan channel 4 because it will be used for the second sensor.

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Great videos. :up:
How about 2 DDC pumps though?

Two pumps will not work because they draw too much power while spinning up.

Obviously they should have made a water block for it instead.

That would not help since the PCB was never designed to handle such loads. To get the extra power from channel 1 there is already the need for modifications of the board.

Very nice Shoggy, thanks for the detailed explanation. Time to buy some stuff.

this is totally cool....

Shoggy other than direct from AquaComputer, where can we order this internationally as AC online store does not dispatch worldwide?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by philomela

Shoggy other than direct from AquaComputer, where can we order this internationally as AC online store does not dispatch worldwide?

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sidewinderscomputers carries aqua stuff though once he gets them they are out of stock pretty quick.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JOCKTHEGLIDE

sidewinderscomputers carries aqua stuff though once he gets them they are out of stock pretty quick.

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I think he meant the booster not aqua-stuff in general?

But maybe they can teach Gary@side to do the mod so you still can offer warranty over at the US? :shrug:

Is it 45w analog total or PWM total? I don't have any experience with the aquaero only with your flowmeter which I am still quite disappointed about the cable but if this is 45w total output analog that is quite impressive compared to what else is on the market.

I have a big ng which I run everything analog off of because it's much quieter but I have around 40w to much for it so every once in awhile it will switch to pwm mode to sustain the load. I think a 45w analog controller would certainly be able to handle my load and something I would consider purchasing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bluehaze

Is it 45w analog total or PWM total? I don't have any experience with the aquaero only with your flowmeter which I am still quite disappointed about the cable but if this is 45w total output analog that is quite impressive compared to what else is on the market.

I have a big ng which I run everything analog off of because it's much quieter but I have around 40w to much for it so every once in awhile it will switch to pwm mode to sustain the load. I think a 45w analog controller would certainly be able to handle my load and something I would consider purchasing.

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I'm almost sure it is 45w analogue. And what was the problem with the cable? I'm getting the new flowmeter from aquaero. Don't know the name (its the big gray one).

Edit: Its this one http://shop.aquacomputer.de/product_...oducts_id=2294

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Brodholm

I'm almost sure it is 45w analogue. And what was the problem with the cable? I'm getting the new flowmeter from aquaero. Don't know the name (its the big gray one).

Edit: Its this one http://shop.aquacomputer.de/product_...oducts_id=2294

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The problem is there is no cable :ROTF: And in the U.S. there is no place to even buy the cable so you order the flow meter and then can't use it...

Unless of course you order from Aqua Computer and pay International shipping. Quite a shady practice as far as i'm concerned :/

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bluehaze

The problem is there is no cable :ROTF: And in the U.S. there is no place to even buy the cable so you order the flow meter and then can't use it...

Unless of course you order from Aqua Computer and pay International shipping. Quite a shady practice as far as i'm concerned :/

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Hehe :)

Kidding aside, I would have forgotten it to if I didn't get the kit. But isn't that just a normal 3pin? like the ones you use on a fan.

Nice, no more burning Aquaeros :D

How about producing some laing poweradjust units for a change? They have been out of stock for ~8 months or so, lol. Or is this cooling mod supposed to replace them?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Brodholm

Hehe :)

Kidding aside, I would have forgotten it to if I didn't get the kit. But isn't that just a normal 3pin? like the ones you use on a fan.

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Nope its much bigger, like an atx connector spacing only 3 pins.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jcool

Nice, no more burning Aquaeros :D

How about producing some laing poweradjust units for a change? They have been out of stock for ~8 months or so, lol. Or is this cooling mod supposed to replace them?

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Big time. Ordered two, one was borked and they do not make them anymore. Have two pumps, so SOL.

These items do not take the place of the poweradjust.

Get a BigNG it's what I usually use... it has no trouble handling 2 MCP355's.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jcool

Get a BigNG it's what I usually use... it has no trouble handling 2 MCP355's.

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Already have the bigNg and several miniNGs. I dig the Aquasuite softare which is what moved me over. Mcubed lack of support with software is pure bull:banana::banana::banana::banana:.

Have you frequented their forum. Maybe an answer will come after several days or weeks or months.

Shoggy, will the Aquaero mod completely replace the Poweradjust pump hardware functionality and features through software as well? Also, does the mod for the 25W Aquaero channel require any extra components?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bluehaze

Unless of course you order from Aqua Computer and pay International shipping. Quite a shady practice as far as i'm concerned :/

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Get over your fears - how do you think we feel about paying VAT+shipping on all the stuff we order from the US?

Great video! Must have been a ton of work to make!

wow i didn't know they had to manually solder some stuff, assemble it, and box it

@philomela: we ship to almost every country on this planet. The shop only knows the shipping costs from a few common countries. If you ask by e-mail you can be sure that we also ship to you.

@bluehaze: it is 45W analog.

@bluehaze: there are tons of cables on its way to Sidewinder Computers. Afaik he sends everyone a cable who ordered a flow sensor in the last time.

@jcool: the poweradjust 2 with more power will be available in around two months ;)

@cx-ray: not really because the aquaero will still handle it like a fan but that's not really a bad thing in this case because it will do a start-up boost and will also redo a start-up boost if the tacho signal gets lost. Of course you can control it according to a rpm value or like a fan which gets faster or slower depending on a connected temperature sensor.
To get the 25W from channel 1 you have to add two small SMD resistors to the board.

@WhiteFireDragon: that video is a bit older. The display is using a plugged connector now so it can also be exchanged easily by the customers if they want to switch from LCD to VFD for example or to upgrade an aquaero LT to a full aquaero.

This upgrade of the Aquaero is absolutely great :clap:

I´m already using the Aquaero with a poweradjust @laing ddc and always lamented the missing power of the single channels e. g. for the fans on a quad-rad. With this upgrade the Aquaero together with the outstanding software is a must-have for every control-fetishist (like I am).

So I already placed my order for a new upgraded Aquaero.

@Shoggy
Hurry up with shipment!!! :D ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Snyxxx

Already have the bigNg and several miniNGs. I dig the Aquasuite softare which is what moved me over. Mcubed lack of support with software is pure bull:banana::banana::banana::banana:.

Have you frequented their forum. Maybe an answer will come after several days or weeks or months.

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Well no I usually call them directly if I want sth. - they are from Austria what do you expect :rofl:

As for the SW, it works great but is terrible to set up... I don't mind, I set up variable pump speeds for a given water temp (water temp rises --> pump speed goes up) once and never touch it again.

@Shoggy: Nice, finally.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jcool

Well no I usually call them directly if I want sth. - ...

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There is something you are doing wrong: I do not have to call anyone. Shoggy rang me up a few minutes ago to manage the shipment of my new Aquaero.

THAT is professional support :up: :clap: :D

Great time to send an email to them, i was going to buy another one but now im sold, just wish the shipping to Brazil are not that high :)
U guys complain about pay shipping to buy from USA, u should try buy to Brazil lol, usually i pay double the price just in shipping, and sometimes when i get taxed it can be even 3x.
Thats the life :(

Shoggy, is it possible to connect the tacho signal of a pump or the Poweradjust to the flow meter connector on the Aquaero? I realize it won't provide any useful information. I just want to make use of the relay break shutdown feature when the tacho signal is lost. Thanks.

Shoggy, I have a question. Is is possible to change the length of temperature sensors. I know sensors rely on ohm. So changing length will change the value. But how much does that really effect the sensors?

But Flowmeters rely on pulses right? So changing length on them doesn't change a thing right?

And we are not talking to extend the length by 10 meters or so. Just a few dm maybe.

@cx-ray: that will not work. You will have to use a fan connector.

@Brodholm: our electronics guy so I can't answert that for sure but I think that cause measurements.
An extension of the flow sensor cable should be no problem.

I'm guessing by the specs that I would need two of these to control two DDC 3.2s in series?

Yes, because two pumps on channel 1 will draw too much power while spinning up.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dejanh

I'm guessing by the specs that I would need two of these to control two DDC 3.2s in series?

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or you can use that booster that gives you 3A. then you can power 2 ddcs with one of these. But that will be tight. But you can use 2 boosters if you want. I think he said it will be out soon?

Or you can make one yourself. I was going to. Have the parts here in my hands... And then this came up :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Shoggy

Yes, because two pumps on channel 1 will draw too much power while spinning up.

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Would you be able to customize one for me two support two DDC 3.2 pumps?

So....this is just a heatsink you attach??? I fail to see how this is amazing. Couldn't people just pop on some enzotech heatsinks and maybe a little 40mm fan for the same result?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by autobot

So....this is just a heatsink you attach??? I fail to see how this is amazing. Couldn't people just pop on some enzotech heatsinks and maybe a little 40mm fan for the same result?

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It's not an amazing breakthrough in science or engineering. It's amazing for those of us who've been unable to decide on a controller. It fixes the biggest flaw of the Aquaero, making it the top choice by far, IMO.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by autobot

So....this is just a heatsink you attach??? I fail to see how this is amazing. Couldn't people just pop on some enzotech heatsinks and maybe a little 40mm fan for the same result?

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Its not just a heat sink. You actually attach some resistors or something to the board itself. It requires soldering. And the extra heat sink is just to cope with the extra heat.

@dejanh: no, it's not possible du to technical limitations of the board.

@autobot: like Brodholm said, it is not only the cooling block, you will also have to add two small SMD resistors to the board. If you only add a heatsink you can reach up to 15W on each channel (keep the 45W overall limit in mind).

Received my new Booster-Aquaero yesterday. It´s like it has to be! All fans and the Laing under control with it (and Aquasuite + Samurize-Plugin :)), great :up:

http://www.abload.de/thumb/a71a097n.jpg

http://www.abload.de/thumb/a1wxhk.jpg http://www.abload.de/thumb/a2tz08.jpg http://www.abload.de/thumb/006_bildgrendern3z8j.jpg http://www.abload.de/thumb/010_bildgrendern3a58.jpg http://www.abload.de/thumb/013_bildgrendernhxu8.jpg http://www.abload.de/thumb/017_bildgrenderntxth.jpg http://www.abload.de/thumb/0035s3h.jpg

In my opinion it's better to just upgrade to the heatsink and use a Poweradjust for the pump or connect it directly to the PSU. With a DDC3.2 connected to the modified 25W channel only ~20-25W is leftover for the remaining 3 fan channels.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cx-ray

In my opinion it's better to just upgrade to the heatsink and use a Poweradjust for the pump or connect it directly to the PSU. With a DDC3.2 connected to the modified 25W channel only ~20-25W is leftover for the remaining 3 fan channels.

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Considering before the upgrade the Aquaero could only see 30 watts max I think that 20-25watts to the other 3 channels AFTER a pump is still pretty good.

Ill have to get in touch with shoggy to send my Aquaero to him

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cx-ray

In my opinion it's better to just upgrade to the heatsink and use a Poweradjust for the pump or connect it directly to the PSU. With a DDC3.2 connected to the modified 25W channel only ~20-25W is leftover for the remaining 3 fan channels.

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Actually. With a ddc3.2 (18w) connected you have 27w left. And you don't give nearly the same controlling abilities with a poweradjust...

So I really don't think its better. This way you can have the pump controlled after values such as temperature and stuff.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Brodholm

Actually. With a ddc3.2 (18w) connected you have 27w left. And you don't give nearly the same controlling abilities with a poweradjust...

So I really don't think its better. This way you can have the pump controlled after values such as temperature and stuff.

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signed

I still have my Poweradjust LT, now. But for what? I will see :D

If you ever decide you want to sell that LT fire me off a PM. :up:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by fox3

If you ever decide you want to sell that LT fire me off a PM. :up:

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I won´t - and if I would you won´t be willing to pay the shipment from Germany ;) But: There will be a new and better Poweradjust version available in a few weeks. AC already announced it in german fora ...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Brodholm

Actually. With a ddc3.2 (18w) connected you have 27w left. And you don't give nearly the same controlling abilities with a poweradjust...

So I really don't think its better. This way you can have the pump controlled after values such as temperature and stuff.

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That's only when you don't take into account the starting current draw of the pump and fans. By regulating both pump and fans down the Aquaero also generates a substantial amount of heat. Considering that it's wise to take a certain safety margin into account.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by scamps

There will be a new and better Poweradjust version available in a few weeks. AC already announced it in german fora ...

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Thanx for that heads up :up: I bought two ddc 3.25's to replace the aquastream Ultra XT's.

I want to see if they provide more flow and if the temps will come down or remain constant but cannot hook them into the aquaero and cannot find any poweradjust LT's anywhere.

wow just wow impressed I want...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by scamps

Received my new Booster-Aquaero yesterday. It´s like it has to be! All fans and the Laing under control with it (and Aquasuite + Samurize-Plugin :)), great :up:

http://www.abload.de/thumb/a71a097n.jpg

http://www.abload.de/thumb/a1wxhk.jpg http://www.abload.de/thumb/a2tz08.jpg http://www.abload.de/thumb/006_bildgrendern3z8j.jpg http://www.abload.de/thumb/010_bildgrendern3a58.jpg http://www.abload.de/thumb/013_bildgrendernhxu8.jpg http://www.abload.de/thumb/017_bildgrenderntxth.jpg http://www.abload.de/thumb/0035s3h.jpg

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by cx-ray

That's only when you don't take into account the starting current draw of the pump and fans. By regulating both pump and fans down the Aquaero also generates a substantial amount of heat. Considering that it's wise to take a certain safety margin into account.

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I really don't think they say that the unit can handle 45 if it cant handle it constantly. And If you set the aquaero to to shutdown due to rpm and the pump fails. It will shutdown the computer.

I don't think that we should worry. The wattage should be with some safety marginal. It can probably handle like 50-55 but that would be pushing it.


I should receive my aquaeros soon. I cant wait ^^

Quote:

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Originally Posted by fox3

Thanx for that heads up :up: I bought two ddc 3.25's to replace the aquastream Ultra XT's.

I want to see if they provide more flow and if the temps will come down or remain constant but cannot hook them into the aquaero and cannot find any poweradjust LT's anywhere.

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Wow let us know how that goes, if the noise increase is worth the performance increase. I'm wanting to go the other way and replace my ddc with and aquastream... let me know if you want to sell one or both.

I'm so stoked, about this upgrade. looking forward to buying the new aquero when they get in stock in the us. I'll get to get rid of my koolance pump /res controller setup.

:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by avddreamr

Wow let us know how that goes, if the noise increase is worth the performance increase. I'm wanting to go the other way and replace my ddc with and aquastream... let me know if you want to sell one or both.

I'm so stoked, about this upgrade. looking forward to buying the new aquero when they get in stock in the us. I'll get to get rid of my koolance pump /res controller setup.

:)

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This isnt a new aquaero. Its just a "addon" or what you should call them. Or do they have another version with this on the way?

I have a question, can i control 6 x 140mm Yate Loon D14SM-12 (Voltage: 12 V
Current: .7 Amp Max) and a Danger Den CPX-Pro 12V (18W) of this or only 3 yate loons?
Regards,

2 per Channel and the Pump on Channel 1 should be fine ;)

Could the Powerboost addon handle a D5 pump? They are rated for 24W, and the addon is rated for 25W. Would the pump draw more then 24W at startup?

edit: hmm, guess I could measure the current of my pump when I turn it on, vs. when it's fully turned on.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Diverge

Could the Powerboost addon handle a D5 pump? They are rated for 24W, and the addon is rated for 25W. Would the pump draw more then 24W at startup?

edit: hmm, guess I could measure the current of my pump when I turn it on, vs. when it's fully turned on.

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Any electric motor that is switched on will draw 4 to 6 times its nominal current for the first few milliseconds/seconds depending on the load of the motor and the mass of the rotor.
So yes it will go over the 25w but only for a very short time and if the Aquaero is build from quality components they should be able to withstand the start current.
Its the same for the ddc they also draw more the then the rated 18W of the pump at start up.

As an example
If you have a compressor go to a dark room or do it during the night
Then start it
When it starts watch the lights in the room.
The lights will dimm and depending on the strength of the power grid they will dimm alot or just a bit.
This is because the compressor draw's all the power for its self when its starts
This effect is simple since an electric motor that isn't running is almost like a short circuit its just wire.
note: a short circuit is arround 9 times nominal current this is also why the fuses don't switch off when the motor starts.
If it would stay like that for 5 to 10 seconds another safty in the fuses would interrupt the power to prevent dammage.

What is the advantage over just plugging the pumps into molex? The pump is already working as fast as it can, and more flow= better temps. Why would you want to slow the pump down?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TopFuel1471

What is the advantage over just plugging the pumps into molex? The pump is already working as fast as it can, and more flow= better temps. Why would you want to slow the pump down?

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For the same reason many Euro's try at least once to have a completely passive radiator.:rolleyes:

Any updates on this? How hard is it to do the update ourself? Will there be anyone in the US that can do the upgrade?

So let me see if I get this right.

• Aquaero with PowerBoost:
  Channel #1: 25W, Can startup and throttle 1 DDC 3.2 18W (1.46 amps) pump or 1 D5 Vario 24W (2 amps) pump.
  Channel #2-4: 15W each. 27W total available with DDC. Total wattage drawn should not exceed 45W.
  
• "Small PCB" inline powerbooster
  1 unit per Channel: 35W, 3.5 amps, -1.5 to 2.0V. Can startup and throttle 1 DDC 3.2 pump or 1 D5 Vario pump
  
• Poweradjust
  Pump 1: 30W, 2.5 amps. 1 DDC 3.2 pump or D5 Vario pump.
  
• Poweradjust 2
  Pump1: ?W, ? amps. ?x DDC 3.2 or ?x D5 Vario

Coincidentally, does anyone know how many amps/watts an DDC 3.2 or D5 Vario pump draws at startup? Seems like an important figure to know. I assume whatever the numbers are they remain within the 45W.

Along with the PCB limitations, I assume because two DDC 3.2 18W pumps drawing 48W (3W over the 45W total max) is why they can't be used in any configuration, even with the "small pcb" powerboosters. What about hooking up a powerbooster to channel 1 and channel 2 - would that change the overall wattage rating or PCB limitations?

Lastly, it seems there's two watt/amp ratings to keep in mind: the published watt/amps at load and the not exactly known startup watt/amp limitations. Are the startup limitations just the total watt/amp limitations (45W, ? amps) or is there a small time at startup with extra headroom inherent in the electrical design (like lights dimming when something powerful is plugged in, but the circuit breakers not popping).

If you could chime in Shoggy on the wattage/amp question marks and the other questions, that would be awesome! I understand if you can't say exact numbers for the "small PCB" powerbooster or Poweradjust 2 since they aren't official yet.

note: Since the 2 DDC 3.2 pumps are out of the question in any form, I'm not even going to ask about 2 D5 Vario pumps.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Shoggy

As said in the thread for the aquaero powerbooster we will also offer a small PCB which will allow you to boost the power of the fan channels of an aquaero, aquastream XT or any other device with a fan output.

The powerbooster can deliver up to 3.5A which is more than enough for several powerful fans or a Laing pump.

The used operational amplifier L165 has a small downside: it has a powerdrop of 1.5 to 2.0V so you will end up with 10.5 to 10V. Since we wanted to have a very simple solution we will have to live with that and also think it's OK because who really runs fans at full speed for example? In this case you won't need it and can connect them directly to the PSU

Usage is simple: you connect a fan output with the input connector, the PCB will boost the incoming signal (-1.5 to 2.0V) and puts it out on the second connector. Of course the tacho singal will be forwarded.
We have tested it also with a Laing DDC-1T/Plus and it worked

We know that there have been a few other booster PCBs by users and used some ideas for testing but either they were already to complex or the simpler ones were generating a massive swinging which leads to an unnecessary waste of power and thermal problems. That problem was easy to spot with an oscilloscope which I think these users don't own to see that problem theirself.
Our PCB is using a filter to avoid problems with swinging and to ensure a better efficiency.

The poweramp will be available for around 15.00 EUR (~18.00 USD w/o VAT) and we will also offer a DIY kit for a cheaper price. Good soldering knowledge is recommend since there are also very small SMD parts.

The photo below shows a handmade prototype. The final variant will be manufactured professional. The powerbooster measures 48 x 22mm at a height of 27mm.

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extra question I have after poking around Sidewinders: would a 50 watt rheostat be able to control 2 DDC 3.2 or 2 D5 Vario pumps? If so, would they still be able to report their speed to the Aquaero?
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/sidew...rs/50watt1.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by liguhy

extra question I have after poking around Sidewinders: would a 50 watt rheostat be able to control 2 DDC 3.2 or 2 D5 Vario pumps? If so, would they still be able to report their speed to the Aquaero?
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/sidew...rs/50watt1.jpg

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The varios are....variable...why don't you just use the built-in potentiometer? Also, they don't have RPM wires at all, so that point is moot.

The DDC's do have a RPM wire, which you can just bypass the rheostat, and plug into whatever you like. Does that answer your question?

I'm sorry if I've missed your reasoning in a previous post, but why is it so important to have your pumps variable? It's not always as simple as 'less flow when the load is low'. My D5 Vario gave me lower temps on '3' than it did on '5', probably because of heat dump. I wouldn't have wanted it lower or higher. Does that make sense? Maybe your situation is different from mine though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by headala

The varios are....variable...why don't you just use the built-in potentiometer? Also, they don't have RPM wires at all, so that point is moot.

The DDC's do have a RPM wire, which you can just bypass the rheostat, and plug into whatever you like. Does that answer your question?

I'm sorry if I've missed your reasoning in a previous post, but why is it so important to have your pumps variable? It's not always as simple as 'less flow when the load is low'. My D5 Vario gave me lower temps on '3' than it did on '5', probably because of heat dump. I wouldn't have wanted it lower or higher. Does that make sense? Maybe your situation is different from mine though.

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Reason 1: because there shouldn't be any reason they technically can't be monitored and controlled via temp/user set thresholds.

Reason 2: lowering sound due to vibration. I've heard a lot of pple who are running "silent" water cooled setups say they wish they could make the pump more quiet.

Reason 3: having a rheostat you can place anywhere and control 2 pumps at once is tons easier than adjusting 2 little screwdriver controls on the D5 Vario backside.

Reasib 4: because you can! Even if you don't end up buying the stuff to do things like this, you still gain the knowledge. Mmmm...knowledge.

@ Liguhy: I don't really know what you mean but have you reed my first post?

Quote:

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This gives the aquaero with booster the following specs:
Channel #1: 25W.
Channel #2-4: 15W each.
Total wattage drawn should not exceed 45W.

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So, IF you have a pump on the first channel you have 27 wattage left on the rest of the channels.

Ex #1:
1: 18w
2: 9w
3: 4w
4: 14w
tot: 45w

Ex #2:
1: 18w
2: 15w
3: 12w
4: 0w
tot: 45w

Ex #3:
1: 18w
2: 18w
3: 4w
4: 5w
tot: 45w

Ex #4:
1: 18w
2: 15w
3: 15w
4: 15w
tot: 63w

Example 1&2 is OK but example 3&4 is not ok. So it does not matter that the maximum wattage is 45W but you still cant exceed 15wattage each on channel 2,3 and 4. And maximum wattage on the first channel is 25w. So you can spread the wattage how you want but you must not exceed the limit on each channel.

Hope that answered your questions. I didn't reed the entire post because it confused me :D So sorry if I missed something.

And if you want to change the wattage in to amps you just use ohms law. P=U*I.

So:
(25=12*I) and use some magic, I = 25/12. So that's about 2,08Amps.

Myself, I'm going with 2 aquaeros. Because I'm short on channels else. First I was going to use 1 aquaero and 2 "home-made" boosters that allowed me to change speed and the aquaero still being able to control and read the rpm. It's almost the same as aquacomputers will release. Only it can handle like 20w and only drops like 0,5v. So max is 11,5volt.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Brodholm

@ Liguhy: I don't really know what you mean but have you reed my first post?
Example 1&2 is OK but example 3&4 is not ok. So it does not matter that the maximum wattage is 45W but you still cant exceed 15wattage each on channel 2,3 and 4. And maximum wattage on the first channel is 25w. So you can spread the wattage how you want but you must not exceed the limit on each channel.

Hope that answered your questions. I didn't reed the entire post because it confused me :D So sorry if I missed something.

And if you want to change the wattage in to amps you just use ohms law. P=U*I.

So:
(25=12*I) and use some magic, I = 25/12. So that's about 2,08Amps.

Myself, I'm going with 2 aquaeros. Because I'm short on channels else. First I was going to use 1 aquaero and 2 "home-made" boosters that allowed me to change speed and the aquaero still being able to control and read the rpm. It's almost the same as aquacomputers will release. Only it can handle like 20w and only drops like 0,5v. So max is 11,5volt.

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Maybe I came off wrong - I get everything, just trying to nail the numbers down. Basically, you have total wattage limits and maximum per channel limits that you can't add up.

Ohms law seems to help out figuring out amps - I was just interested in what numbers they published for all the aqua computer parts, not just a few like the poweradjust or powerbooster. Always good to know what the manufactures have tested to work and will backup later on.

I hope sidewinder stock this aquaero power boster soon.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by huskar

I hope sidewinder stock this aquaero power boster soon.

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Email them, maybe you'll have better luck getting a reply then I did. Then let us know what they say :D

A D5 of any kind will probably kill the Aquaero, even on fan channel 1

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dr.Joe

A D5 of any kind will probably kill the Aquaero, even on fan channel 1

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If true, that would be a deal breaker for me. Oh well I guess.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Diverge

Email them, maybe you'll have better luck getting a reply then I did. Then let us know what they say :D

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i'll try to email garry tonight.

Is there a way to hook up the Aquaero so it is always on and can power & control whatever connected to it when your computer is off? Are we talking about some kind of AC/DC power converter or relay switch? I bet there's something outside computer electronics in general power management electronics that can provide whatever the controller needs, but it would be nice for it to be able to be set dependent to computer power or manually on/off like the relay below.

What about this Sunbeam 110V/220V AC Pump Relay Switch @ PPCs? Can it fully power an Aquaero with Powerboost and/or a Poweradjust? Product specs, according to PPPCs:

The Sunbeam Pump Relay Kit can be applied in a water cooling system that uses AC water pump or other devices using external AC power that require to be turned on/off at the same time with the PC. Connect AC source, DC source and water pump to the relay board. If the system is setup correctly, the water pump would be turned on when the PC is turned on. When the PC is shutdown, the Sunbeam Pump Relay Kit would detect that 12V DC power from PC power supply is cut off, and, thus, turn off the AC pump.
FEATURES:
* Can be used in any country.
* Toggle switch - bleed your system with the computer off
* On board relay controlled by PCI Bus
* External Molex 12VDC connection for external fan power
* Inline fuse for overload protection
* No case modifications for installation
* Compact design
* Easy operation, plug it in your PCI slot, plug in the AC cord through the power inlet on the PCI flange, and then hook up your pump wires to the pump terminal.
SPECIFICATIONS:
* 12VDC external power (5 watts max)
* 2 amp fuse (200 watts maximum draw)
* 110VAC / 220VAC design for worldwide power compatibility
* CE compliant, UL listed components and designed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by liguhy

Is there a way to hook up the Aquaero so it is always on and can power & control whatever connected to it when your computer is off?

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Only when you have a secondary power source. If the PSU goes into standby mode the Aquaero either switches of or goes into standby as well (depends on how you hook it up).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cx-ray

Only when you have a secondary power source. If the PSU goes into standby mode the Aquaero either switches of or goes into standby as well (depends on how you hook it up).

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Would the Aquaero not hook up to you PSU via some kind of relay like I posted above?

If not, would a Meanwell or some other PSU that could get mounted in some 5.25 bays work? What are the maximum input numbers the Aquaero can handle.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by liguhy

Would the Aquaero not hook up to you PSU via some kind of relay like I posted above?

If not, would a Meanwell or some other PSU that could get mounted in some 5.25 bays work? What are the maximum input numbers the Aquaero can handle.

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The problem is that the PSU doesn't provide power when your PC is switched off. I guess it's possible to modify a PSU to provide 12V on an auxiliary rail...but that goes beyond the scope of my knowledge.

Sure, you can hook up a secondary PSU. I don't know how many amps an Aquaero can safely pull...I only know that it takes a 12V molex.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cx-ray

Shoggy, is it possible to connect the tacho signal of a pump or the Poweradjust to the flow meter connector on the Aquaero? I realize it won't provide any useful information. I just want to make use of the relay break shutdown feature when the tacho signal is lost. Thanks.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Shoggy

@cx-ray: that will not work. You will have to use a fan connector.

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I just tested the above. When I connect the simulated Poweradjust tach signal to the Flow sensor input of an Aquaero it will recognize it as a flow sensor. Aquasuite will report ~130lph with the default calibration value of 509 impulses/liter.

When the pump tach signal disappears with a pump failure for instance, the Poweradjust will deactivate the simulated tach signal as well. In turn the Aquaero will respond with a Flow alarm and be able to shut down the computer with the relay switch.

I thought it would be useful info as is saves you from wasting a fan connector on the Aquaero for just the tach signal.

When does the new poweradjust come out?

So I know the Aquaero with power boost is rated for 45 watts total, but what would happen if it's power came from a VIA EPIA P820 picoITX onboard power. It's my understanding the power requirements rated by VIA never exceeded 21W Here's an excellent retail product site, complete with links to operating manuals, etc. You can add a 24W or 60W AC apdater, but if that's not quite enough room, there's also an 80W version on that site with the same specs, except the amps are 6.67 instead of 5. Looking at the supplied power accessories, I think there's a SATA power, floppy power, and molex power.

I figure any responses to my questions would help others looking for technical Aquaero knowledge, so I figured keeping this information all in one thread warrants a little resurrection.

Sidenote:
All in all, I'd like to have the Aquero w/ powerboost, VIA EPIA P820, and AC adapter all internally mounted in a 5.25 bay. This way I can have a portable mini PC and Aquaero in one bay. It's not a huge deal to get the adapter in, but there is possibly enough room to do so (but I'm not sure about the backplate), so why not try?