speed controlling a vortex?

[MrMortakis$moot]

Ok, on atmosphere's website it says these fans are controllable, but I was wondering.. do they still need to be initially started at full speed or are they able to start at a reduced speed? I've read that some fans will give a horrible vibration/noise if not started at full speed.

 

[pontiac]

From what I know, it depends on the type of speed control you use. A triac-based speed controller like the commonly used "speedster" or the "router speed controller" will probably make the motor hum as because it destroys the AC sine wave.

What you'll want is a Variac, a voltage adjustable transformer. People on this forum swears by it. Rather than chopping the AC sine wave, it simply alters the amplitude. A variac is a much cleaner; much more compatible way to control AC motors. Only downside is they're bulky and expensive, but here's a cheap one: http://webtronics.stores.yahoo.net/ensavat.html

Edit- I highly recommend you get a US made variac instead of the one linked. That particular one almost fried my ass into KFC.

 

[petemoss]

In theory, the best way to speed control a fan is to use a variac that actually varies the voltage. But the cheaper triac-based "dimmers" often work well and are readily available. For a very clear non-technical description of how speed controls work see this: http://home.howstuffworks.com/dimmer-switch.htm

 

[MrMortakis$moot]

so using a variac, you're able to start the motor at a reduced speed without any problems? and when ya'll say you might get a hum.. is that after the fan is full speed and turning it down, or starting it at a reduced speed?

 

[DeJa]

With a variac is it a constant reduced speed??



are there any controllers I can get that will reduce speeds at specific times [on a timer] and then increase to full speed again when lights come on

 

[Bush Grower]

so using a variac, you're able to start the motor at a reduced speed without any problems? and when ya'll say you might get a hum.. is that after the fan is full speed and turning it down, or starting it at a reduced speed?

I've tried the Speedster (a triac controller I guess) on both vortex and fantech fans and it makes them emit a loud humming sound. It was so loud that it negated the purpose of the controller because it made more/the same amount of sound.

You'll want to look for a variac controller, like pontiac mentioned

 

[ft100]

run 2 speedsters on 2 ho canfan6" and there is a sound, but it is not noticeable if not in room, if had to do over again, would get variac good luck peace and smoke

 

[Che]

I hard wired a Can Arm fan speed control into my 6" Vortex, it took about 5 minutes. I can take some pics tonight when lights come on..

 

[FreezerBoy]

My Elicent and Speedster would hum only when started at half speed. Started at full then reduced, there was no noise.

 

[Bumble Buddy]

With a variac is it a constant reduced speed??

Yes, unless it also has a control circuit included.

are there any controllers I can get that will reduce speeds at specific times [on a timer] and then increase to full speed again when lights come on

Not sure if this particular model will do what you want but they make a range of them, dongle69 mentioned using this one: http://www.phason.ca/fhc1d.htm
http://www.farmtek.com/farm/supplie...trollers-ft1_phason_controllers;pgcf1859.html

and also one made by this manufacturer: http://www.farmtek.com/farm/supplie...ntrollers-ft1_speed_controllers;pgcr2150.html

 

[dongle69]

This is the one I use in my garden:
http://www.phason.ca/vtc1d.htm
Starts the fan(s) at full speed for 3 seconds, then it backs down.
Fully automated.

 

[pontiac]

Pontiac

The "cheap one" you showed, do you know if it has a plug or do you have to wire it?

- Jenn

Jenn, from what i know (according to another grower), it's as simple as plug-n-play.

 

[petemoss]

I bought a Speedster from HarborFreight and it had a label stating "Will not work on capacitor (slow start) motors." Apparently you can only use the speedsters on brush type motors like a Dayton squirrel cage fan. I tried it on three different centrifugal fans and it wouldn't work.

 

[FreezerBoy]

The Squirrel Cage is the one the Speedster doesn't work with. Inlines like Vortex and Elicent are the intended devices.

 

[petemoss]

The Squirrel Cage is the one the Speedster doesn't work with. Inlines like Vortex and Elicent are the intended devices.

FreezerBoy, I think you're going by bghydro's description of the Speedster. That description has it backwards and they should correct it. The Speedster was originally designed for speed controlling brush type AC motors such as routers, drills and Dayton "blowers". Pontiac's link to the HarborFreight "speedster" has it correct in the description. A "slow-start" motor is one that uses a starting capacitor (Elicent, Vortex, Fantech, S&P etc).

Mr. Mort, to answer your original question: No, you can start the fan as less than full speed. But at extremely low speeds, the fan won't start or may hum. The better speed controls have a minimum speed adjustment screw to set the lowest speed you can turn your fan on. Sorry to sidetrack your thread, but I've spent a lot of time reading and bought many speed controls. I hope others can benefit from my experiences.

 

[FreezerBoy]

Aw @#$%*! Yer kiddin me! Well color me humiliated

What's the old line? A lie travels the globe faster than the truth can get out of bed ...

 

[drow]

I hear variacs will greatly reduce the life of your fan?

 

[MRJackHerrer]

http://www.qcsupply.com/Products/1170.aspx
hands down the best alternative for taming the beast. attractive price and allows to run at selectable idle until max temp is reached. one of the only i have seen capable of doing this.

 

[Gans]

I hear variacs will greatly reduce the life of your fan?

Is this true?

If so, appx. how great of a reduction?

 

[pHaroaH]

This is the one I use in my garden:
http://www.phason.ca/vtc1d.htm
Starts the fan(s) at full speed for 3 seconds, then it backs down.
Fully automated.

What fan do you use with this? It states that it requires a variable speed fan.