Hello there!
I have been pending back and forth with this choice but I never can seem to decide. First I was sure that it was a Mcubed I needed. Then it was aquaero. And then I changed again and bought a mcubed but sold it directly. Then I was about to buy the aquaero and the Koolance TMS came along. And It looked like it had everything. Although it didn't. It isn't independent (I.e. totally failsafe regarding software). So now I'm back with the aquaero... I made this thread 6 months ago and it still gets bumped with questions. One thing I never got an answer to was how to solve the problem with controlling a pump and going with the aquaero. But I think that the poweradjust can be the solution (more info further down in my post).
Goal
My goal is to be able to control the fans according to water temperature. And I want a totally failsafe shutdown of my system if the temps get to high or one of the pumps fails (gives no rpm or flow dropped to 0LPH). And I want to be able to set the pump speed with a program (no manual stuff with knobs or switches). I want to control it via my computer. Since you don't need more than 1,5GPM in a loop I want to set the pumps to that and quiet them down a bit.
Aquaero
I have been thinking about getting a aquero for some time now. I know that is a great unit and offers really good features. The only real issue It has is that its not that powerful. Maximum wattage is 10W per channel and with a maximum of 30watts on the whole unit combined .
But you cant connect your pump to it because of the low wattage output. And strong fans is also a problem. Although recent tests from martin has showed that one of the best fans the "Gentle typhoon 15". Draws less than 1W per fan. Therefor I can connect 30 of them if I wanted to.
So the only issue is the pump. I want to control it according to temps if thats even possible?!?. And I want to monitor flow/rpm for shutdown if they break down. Its okay if I can set the pump speed manually but I need to have a failsafe shutdown feature if it fails.
Aquacomputers poweradjust USB
So I have been looking at the Aquacomputer poweradjust USB. It says it was developed specially for the control of Laing DDC pumps.
Have anyone used this unit? Can I control my pump speed via the program (some talk about preset jumpers?). And most importantly, will this unit shutdown my system if it indicates no flow or loss of rpm signal?
"Passing the rpm-signal of the pump to the mainboard, or generate an artificial rpm-signal which stops in case of errors" Does this mean I can connect the pump to the unit and then just have a rpm cable to another unit if I want to shut it down via the motherboard or an aquaero?
Temperature sensor
Aquacomputers have a temp-sensor that I haven't seen before. The temperature sensor seems to have no "pin" sticking out and an think this might be a good thing because it cant hinder flow. It's just a ring with G1/4" on both sides. I.e you can fasten it on a outlet from the pump,block, rad or wherever.
Flow meter
Aquacomputers have released a new flow meter. But from what i have heard flow meters can be a bit tricky. They have a habit of breaking down and/or cause very high restriction. But according to the description it seems good (if you believe the manufactures numbers).
If it can report down to 40L/h it cant be that restrictive.40L/h is nothing right. A DDC3.2 can deliver 120 GPH (454 LPH) according to its data.This flow rate sensor from aquacomputer has an extremely low flow resistance and is therefore perfectly suited even for High-flow systems. The Sensor is made from Delrin and stainless steel and is therefore not only technically but also optically exceptionally well-made. The symmetrical design with two identical nozzles allows integration into the system without having to use a certain direction of flow through the sensor. The connection threads are G1/4" in size and therefore allow the use of the sensor with all common fitting and hose sizes and types. The sensor also has four M3 threads integrated into the bottom of the casing to allow easy fixation. The sensor provides accurate data from 40l/h and is therefore perfect for systems with aquastream pumps.
But have anyone this flow meter? Is it crap like most of them or can this be something good? I don't want to waste 37€ on a flow meter thats bad. And also, Is the the holes on this one just going right through? Like this >--->-- And no ->---^
So the real question is, Will I be able to do that with these items:
Aquaero 100€
Poweradjust USB 2*30€
Flow meter 2*38€
Temperature Sensor 2*9€
Total of 254€
A similar setup would cost 230$ if I went with the Koolance instead. (but not software independent as it looks right now)
Thanks if you made it this far (you might have learned some stuff to )
Have a nice day!
Regads
Brodholm
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