Frit-Happens !

Technical Forum => Studio/workspace/setup/equipment => Ventilation => Topic started by: Lush! on February 16, 2011, 11:54:31 AM

Title: Fan Controller?
Post by: Lush! on February 16, 2011, 11:54:31 AM
I've just bought a couple of Progrow fans and a ton of ducting stuff for my new studio.

Does anybody use a Fan Controller to adjust the running speed of the fan? Is it necessary?
Title: Re: Fan Controller?
Post by: Dragonfire Glass on February 16, 2011, 12:21:54 PM
I have a progrow and don't use a controller. I have no idea if they are necessary or not, but haven't seen anyone else mention one.
Helpful eh?  :D
Title: Re: Fan Controller?
Post by: Lush! on February 16, 2011, 12:24:52 PM
My dad is helping with the ventilation and he always complicates things!
Title: Re: Fan Controller?
Post by: Dragonfire Glass on February 16, 2011, 12:26:12 PM
Graeme plumbed mine through the wall if that helps
Title: Re: Fan Controller?
Post by: dinah46 on February 16, 2011, 12:32:20 PM
I considered getting a controller when I got my huge first fan but tbh never actually needed it as I quite liked the full working speed and it never seemed to be any problem, other than losing the ends of a few short rods ;D
Title: Re: Fan Controller?
Post by: Trudi on February 16, 2011, 12:39:46 PM
It could be that they are used if your fan is too strong for your room???? But I have a pro grow with no controller and no issues!
Title: Re: Fan Controller?
Post by: Redhotsal on February 16, 2011, 12:41:46 PM
Afraid I can't help on this one but laughed as I misread it - I thought you'd written Fat Controller  :)
Title: Re: Fan Controller?
Post by: sparrow on February 16, 2011, 12:46:15 PM
Before I increased my studio size, my fan was actually nearly twice as strong as it needed to be for the room, but I never had a controller. I think it didn't help with the temperature of the room, but apart from that, I'm fairly certain it doesn't matter. :)
Title: Re: Fan Controller?
Post by: SallyR on February 16, 2011, 02:22:15 PM

I've got a fan controller on my Progrow, mainly because my torch is in the living room at the moment and I can use the controller to keep the fan noise down (and the house temperature up) - think I over-specced the fan somewhat when I bought it!  When it was originally set up in the conservatory, I didn't have a controller and just put up with the noise (and having to nail the silver leaf to the bench  ;) ).  On the plus side, I do like having an on/off switch close to hand - the controller sits on the bench - rather than having to grovel on the floor behind the oxycon to find the plug, but you can always sort that without a controller.
Title: Re: Fan Controller?
Post by: kerensky on February 16, 2011, 03:03:18 PM
I have a pro gro  - no controller just an on/off switch - mine is overkill on the extraction front too,  and my oxy drowns out any noise that the fan makes. Personally I wouldn't bother if I were you. I located the switch next to my torch so that I have easy access to it, hope this helps.

Kerensky.
Title: Re: Fan Controller?
Post by: Lush! on February 16, 2011, 03:03:40 PM
I hope my fans aren't gonna be too powerful like a lot of you are saying, I bought two of the size that Tan got, one for my desk and one for the 2 torch student desk.  They're going to be completely independent and mains wired so the switch is over by the door. I suppose I'll find out soon enough!
Title: Re: Fan Controller?
Post by: Les on February 16, 2011, 03:08:53 PM
Quote from: Redhotsal on February 16, 2011, 12:41:46 PM
Afraid I can't help on this one but laughed as I misread it - I thought you'd written Fat Controller  :)

ha ! same here ;D
Title: Re: Fan Controller?
Post by: ♥♥Tan♥♥ on February 16, 2011, 03:33:02 PM
I just plug it in and off I go, I have a little brass nut that sits in the fan entrance, for reasons known only to me and the nut, and he has never been sucked in, not even a tremor ;)
Title: Re: Fan Controller?
Post by: Stacy on February 16, 2011, 03:37:59 PM
Quote from: Lesley Jane on February 16, 2011, 03:08:53 PM
Quote from: Redhotsal on February 16, 2011, 12:41:46 PM
Afraid I can't help on this one but laughed as I misread it - I thought you'd written Fat Controller  :)

ha ! same here ;D

and me! Thought we had a thread about Thomas then!
Title: Re: Fan Controller?
Post by: Margram on February 16, 2011, 05:45:36 PM
I've got one! I over-speced my fan too, and it was way too powerful - flame wobbled everywhere! I use it turned to about half-way, but its nice too know I can oomph it up if I dare to do gold fuming or bicarb bubbles one day :)
Title: Re: Fan Controller?
Post by: Hotglass28 on February 23, 2011, 12:51:04 AM

I have one on mine but I have a RVK fan. Absolute must as it will suck your eyeballs out otherwise.

My sparky said that you can use lighting dimmer switches to control fans too.
Title: Re: Fan Controller?
Post by: mizgeorge on February 23, 2011, 12:52:43 AM
It's no good. I'm still seeing Sir Toppam Hatt every time this comes up on my unread topics.....
Title: Re: Fan Controller?
Post by: fionaess on February 23, 2011, 01:16:10 AM
Quote from: mizgeorge on February 23, 2011, 12:52:43 AM
It's no good. I'm still seeing Sir Toppam Hatt every time this comes up on my unread topics.....

Me too George  ;D
Title: Re: Fan Controller?
Post by: catriona on February 23, 2011, 01:18:58 AM
Hi i,ve not got one either but a little concerned after reading this mine doesnt seem to be as powerful as others i wonder if i got it in wrong position.xx
Title: Re: Fan Controller?
Post by: silverlemon on February 23, 2011, 12:36:32 PM
me three George  :D