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Vantec Nexus Fan and Light Controller: Rheobus Controllers are nothing new but we take a look at one that controls the fans and the lighting.

Date:	September 29, 2003
Manufacturer:
Written By:

Moving on to the CCFL's we can see that they are solidly constructed with a triangular lump of Perspex at each end. The triangular nature of the end caps for the CCFL's might also affect some in that the tip of the triangle will protrude out from the CCFL to far and could hinder you closing up a side panel if you can't mount the CCFL's back far enough in the case, so something to watch out for. You will need XXXX mm clearance to ensure you can install the CCFL's correctly. To install them it's simply a matter of attaching the CCFL's via included sticky back patches to your case and plugging them into the back of the controller.

Here comes my first grievance and it's the same one as I had with the NXP-205. The wires are not long enough to reach properly, and certainly not to hide, which considering the nature of the product will be a necessity with the window you must surely have to want this product. Right now the lowest CCFL is dangling one inch above the bottom of my mid-tower on one end because the wires, despite my creative routing (read: I put them out the side of the 5.25" bay's mounting holes) simply don't reach far enough. Now I have a small mid-tower and if I'm having issues with the cable length than those of you with full towers don't stand a chance.

This same philosophy extends to the fan cabling. The cabling plugs into the rear of the controller via a 3 pin header, and at the other end you are offered the choice of a 3 pin or 4 pin connector for you fan. Again, the length of the wire is too short, especially for the rear case fans. Oh don't get me wrong it will reach, but you will have a hard time hiding the wiring. Ok, I've harped on enough about that, and you can extend the wiring yourself (but you shouldn't have the need to do so!) which is I guess what I will eventually have to do. Once connected to the PSU via a 4 pin molex connector and mounted in a drive bay, the NXP-301 is good to go.

In use the controller is easy to use and has a very reassuring nature to it. The dials are not sloppy in the movement and rotate the described amount in that when pointed at off they are off, no overshooting/undershooting the mark. The dials when turned don't adjust the power instantly with the dial as there is a pause before the fan moves directly to its new speed setting, which is an indication of the resistors and capacitors doing their job of protecting your computer and its fans by supplying a clean and precise flow of power.

Now Vantec don't mention this in the 16pp pamphlet/manual that's included, but the sound activated dial will allow you to somewhat adjust the sensitivity of the microphone pick-up. It is a very minor adjustment range but it can be done, allowing you to set the reaction of the lights to the surrounding enviroment somewhat. The CCFL's light up well, the fans are controlled safely, the unit looks good from the front (although I'm not to sure why they have green dials with blue CCFL's) and the sound activated feature is great!

Yeah yeah, little things please little minds and all that, and usually I'm not into the "rice boy/boy racer" side of pimp rigs, but I like this and those of you who do like to show of your case will love it. It's brought a smile to my face everyday I've set it to sound activated and gone through different songs in my mp3 collection. No doubt whilst gaming or talking it's irritating as hell, but when you're listening to music and want to show off to your friends, having a case that comes with an epilepsy warning is sure to turn a few heads and bring me the hunnies &. Ok maybe not. I still like it though. I've shot a quick video (eat your heart out Rodney!) so you can get an idea of the sound activated function.

PIMP MAH RIG UP!!

Click here for the Video (2.8MB)

Final Words

I like this controller. It only has 3 channels for fans but with 18watts per channel, despite Vantec's warning to attach only one fan per channel I've had no issues running 2 120mm fans from one channel, an 80mm LED fan from another, and 2 80mm fans from the third. The CCFL control from the front provides a great combination and the sound activated function still brings a smile to my face after a week of daily 'playing with my new toy'.

Personally the ability to be able to shut off completely my fans isn't of much use as I would rather leave them running at a reduced speed, but I can understand the need for some people to do this and think it's a great addition that other controllers generally lack. It's all about choice, and having the ability to set your fans speed from 0V to 12V is very welcome.

Installation is simple for both the fans and the lights, and 2 blue CCFL's are included with the package so you would think I would give this a Recommended Award. Unfortunately I can't, and it's all down to the cable length on the CCFL's and the fan wiring. They just don't allow you to hide the wires or in some cases even reach the most likely locations for installation. You can extend the wiring on both the fans and CCFL's easily enough yourself, but with a kit like this you would expect the designers to have thought of the aesthetics and function of the lights and fan wiring, and provided at least double the current lengths.

A shame, and a let down on an otherwise very interesting and cool device. I still like it, don't get me wrong, but if you are going to buy this be prepared for some extra wiring work, especially those of you with larger cases.

Pros : 0v - 12v Fan operation, 3 Channels - 18watts per Channel, Easy installation, Complete kit, 2x Blue CCFL's included, Dual CCFL Inverter Onboard, funky sound reactive lighting for you CCFL's

Cons : Included Cables are too short by at least half on the CCFL's and for the Fans

Bottom Line : This is a great controller, you can have flashing lights, and full control for such. Couple this with a 3 chan (18w per channel) fan controller and you have yourself a bay device that will bring control of your fans and CCFL's to the front of your case. The included cables are not long enough by at least half though, on both the CCFL's and the Fan cables. Feel free to hit us up in the forums if you have any questions or comments

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