Martin's Koolance RP-402X2 Review (Working Thread )

[Martinm210]

Hooking up pumps to a controller and adjusting RPM will provide great flexibility for loops.

Exactly!...that's where I'm headed next with this, I want to take a serious look at series PMP-400s undervolted. There is a fairly dramatic difference in pump noise when undervolted, so running two in series is interesting to me.

I have a question. We know that the DDC pumps run hot. How does reservoir going to effect the temperature of the pump, and is it even a concern?

It seems a majority of the heat resides in the PCB base which is exposed. A low profile heatsink of sorts might help with that, but unlike sitting on a piece of foam or other insulation, the base is exposed to the air. There is about an 8mm gap notched in there which should provide some options. If you have space in drive bays below or above, you could probably direct some air up around the pumps as well. Good question, I'll look into this some more when I get a case lined out.

Hmm, i somehow expected for pumps to be quieter then fans. (BTW, you don't plan to record noise curve at different voltages (in case of course. As imho res mounted in case and microphone outside of it should mask a bit of noise)? And does noise level differ for one vs two pumps?) Love fact that you tested with one pump switched off too.

It's not as apparent in the videos as I hoped, but the noise as you would expect does originate from the pump motors in the back/side and very little from the front. An actual test in a case with the masking benefits should help in that area assuming there isn't vibration transfer noises.

I'll work on the one vs two pumps noise thing. I'm thinking dual pumps in series, but undervolted will be the best combo for silence though.

I'm mesmerized by that black and red anodized tool by Husky.

The Mrs. got me that for X-mas...nice little tool, although I'd rather have a Kawasaki green version..

WC is in for fun times, looking for the next jump, these nice tweaks are promising for sure. Good review/test!. You always do more than review. Your one we need at the XS 2012 party. Please?

Yeah, some really cool toys coming out. Thanks! I might try that, this year I was all lined out for the Carribean vacation which took precedence.. Would be cool to see everyone though.