Old Reviews Can Fan inline fan, Active Air speed controller and variac

[skydog]

I've tried an Active Air speed controller with my new 4" Can Fan S400 and I'm getting a lot of buzzing/hum with the combo. The buzz/hum is constant and not dependent on the speed setting. In the medium range the buzz is as loud or louder than the fan. My electrical system isn't that old (regular 3 prong) and I've tested the outlet with a plug in tester, and everything is normal.

With my trusty old Superior variac there is no buzz. The sweet spot is 70-75 volts with decent airflow and not a lot of noise. Below 70 volts the fan start shutting down, so you can't run it super slow. The fan is listed by the maker at 126 cfm, so even with reduced airflow it should be good with smaller spaces.

As far as the Can Fan, it looks like it's good quality. Maybe someone who's been using one can chime in as far as reliability. The only issue I've seen is the intake flange at the rear seems to be very slightly tapered and a circular band type clamp wants to slide off if it get's pulled on very much no matter how tight you clamp it.

I tend to get hung up on playing with gear, if I ever get some seeds and my grow area set up it'll be interested to see how the fan works for real.

 

[namvet25]

Some speed controllers don't work on some fans that have brushes in the motors.They are good for brushless motors only.You will have to find out somehow if that is the problem either from the controller manufacturer or blower manufacturer.You will have to use some duck tape to hold the joints together or drill some holes and use sheet metal screws.

 

[skydog]

Some speed controllers don't work on some fans that have brushes in the motors.They are good for brushless motors only.You will have to find out somehow if that is the problem either from the controller manufacturer or blower manufacturer.You will have to use some duck tape to hold the joints together or drill some holes and use sheet metal screws.

Thanks for the tip on the tape for holding the joints together, I think I'll try that and then drill if I have to. I know there are issues with some controllers and certain fans, for $20 I figured I'd give the Active Air a try. If I had to do it over I'd just go ahead and spring for the 3 amp variac on Amazon.

 

[skydog]

....You will have to use some duck tape to hold the joints together or drill some holes and use sheet metal screws.

Just as an fyi about connecting my 4" Can Fan to flexible ducting which may be useful for other fans too. I went to Home Depot and got a 4" DSC4 lightweight metal starter collar for a couple of bucks (in the section with the clothes dryer ducting). Mine had the individual fingers on one end, others had fluting on both ends. In any case the fingers/fluting compress slightly when you put it in the fan opening which makes it easier to get in. It fit fairly snugly but I put a piece of heavy duty tape around it like Namvet suggested to make sure it holds. It's a cheap and easy flange for those that need one for a fan.

 

[Paw Paw Poppie]

I just bought the Hyper fan has built in controller and watching the demo test on youtube. The hyper fan blows the can fan away. I will let you know what I think once I get it all hooked up.

 

[Muddy]

I've tried several fan controllers, from simple dimmer switches on up. Here's the best one I've found and it works well with my Active Air in line fan. Set the desired temp and the controller will automatically speed up or slow down your fan to maintain the set temp. http://www.qcsupply.com/commercial-...mount-variable-speed-controller-110-volt.html

 

[Gadgetguy]

My variac showed up today and wow it's awesome. I can make the fan run at any speed with absolutely no buzz whatsoever. I suggest anyone trying to control fan speed should get one of these.

 

[steelrat]

We love control

You can get mini variacs too. All this light splashing around in growrooms, solar-powered fans would be a wise investment?


steely

 

[Gadgetguy]

I got the 3w for around 50 bucks. These things are HEAVY DUTY for sure. I bet this thing lasts my lifetime as long as they don't change the outlet patterns lol. Came with extra fuses which was a bonus.