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Guest
Vortex fans are inline centrifugals.skylined said:
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Best and most quiet 8 inch inline fan
- Thread starter RockyMountainHi
- Start date
B
bighogg
i know exactly what you are talking about! that's because so much equipment is simply junk! ugh! i would say i've bought at least everything twice, sometimes thre and four times!!
i have three Vortex fans. they have ALL performed perfectly and never broken.
Old Yeller
Member
Guy's - Here's some quotes from other members who know a lot more than me about speed control -
Hawk -
“5 amps at 120v is 600w of capacity. That'd handle a huge fan. I believe 3amps would be plenty for most any single fan and would likely control many pairs of fans. I'm almost sure my fan is rated at something less than 150w.”
“I tried a speed controller on my 6" fan. It made it LOUDER. The noise from the movement of airflow went down, but the fan itself developed a "buzz" that was unacceptable. I've since learned that Pulse Width Modulation type speed controllers (the most common type) can create commutation noise. Also, speed controller = longer fan life strikes me as specious. If sound is any judge, my speed controller wanted to kill my fan. With a variac type controller that actually adjusts voltage instead of essentially turning the fan on and off real fast, I could see longer fan life. But no way my PWM type controller was helping motor life.”
smoketrichs –
“get a small 3-5 amp variac (variable transformer). It's the only way to slow down and quiet inline fans w/o the hum. What a variac does basically is control how many volts flow using that dial at the top and a magnetic coil. just plug the fan into the variac and plug the variac into a power outlet and adjust to needs, simple.”
Hurricane -
“VARIAC, POWERSTAT, VARIABLE AUTOTRANSFORMER: $40-100
Variacs, Powerstats (brand names) are actually a variable autotransformer. They are made by wrapping copper wire around a laminated steel donut. They have a knob adjustment that slides a carbon brush over the transformer winding that gives an output voltage from 0 to 140 volts AC. Just like the extra 20 volt boost (140 volt) certain models can be wired for 120 volt input and 0 through 280 volt output. (Like a step-up transformer) Variacs are heavy and usually sit on a table or floor. They are sized for the voltages they will be used for and how many amps they can supply. The smallest ones are about the size of your fist and handle 1 amp loads. The larger ones can be as large as a basketball, weigh 80 pounds and can handle 30 amp loads. I would recommend one with a 3 to 10 amp capacity based on what you can get for the price. New Variacs can cost $200+ but used ones average about $50. Variacs are very efficient.
IN SUMMARY:
A Variac will give you the best consistent results controlling fan speeds for all fan types, but they are large and heavy, cost about $50 used. The next best thing is a fan dimmer, or speed control meant for use with fans and has a minimum speed adjustment. They cost about $10 Next would be a capacitor type "de-hummer" control and it gives you about 3 usable speeds, if the control & fan are matched. Cost about $10.
I hope this information helps.
John McComas
Pharma Geddon -
“For the exhaust fan, a 6" high power version plus variac for a zero noise speed control. Slowing the 6" down to what you need is much quieter than having a smaller fan running full speed for the same airflow. My 6" RVK will run at 25% of mains, haven't tried it lower, some fans refuse to run if the voltage gets too low so I'd say an 8" fan might be too much. I thought mine wasn't running at 25% so stuck my hand in to give the blades a spin, feeling the breeze on my hand saved me.”
Hawk -
“5 amps at 120v is 600w of capacity. That'd handle a huge fan. I believe 3amps would be plenty for most any single fan and would likely control many pairs of fans. I'm almost sure my fan is rated at something less than 150w.”
“I tried a speed controller on my 6" fan. It made it LOUDER. The noise from the movement of airflow went down, but the fan itself developed a "buzz" that was unacceptable. I've since learned that Pulse Width Modulation type speed controllers (the most common type) can create commutation noise. Also, speed controller = longer fan life strikes me as specious. If sound is any judge, my speed controller wanted to kill my fan. With a variac type controller that actually adjusts voltage instead of essentially turning the fan on and off real fast, I could see longer fan life. But no way my PWM type controller was helping motor life.”
smoketrichs –
“get a small 3-5 amp variac (variable transformer). It's the only way to slow down and quiet inline fans w/o the hum. What a variac does basically is control how many volts flow using that dial at the top and a magnetic coil. just plug the fan into the variac and plug the variac into a power outlet and adjust to needs, simple.”
Hurricane -
“VARIAC, POWERSTAT, VARIABLE AUTOTRANSFORMER: $40-100
Variacs, Powerstats (brand names) are actually a variable autotransformer. They are made by wrapping copper wire around a laminated steel donut. They have a knob adjustment that slides a carbon brush over the transformer winding that gives an output voltage from 0 to 140 volts AC. Just like the extra 20 volt boost (140 volt) certain models can be wired for 120 volt input and 0 through 280 volt output. (Like a step-up transformer) Variacs are heavy and usually sit on a table or floor. They are sized for the voltages they will be used for and how many amps they can supply. The smallest ones are about the size of your fist and handle 1 amp loads. The larger ones can be as large as a basketball, weigh 80 pounds and can handle 30 amp loads. I would recommend one with a 3 to 10 amp capacity based on what you can get for the price. New Variacs can cost $200+ but used ones average about $50. Variacs are very efficient.
IN SUMMARY:
A Variac will give you the best consistent results controlling fan speeds for all fan types, but they are large and heavy, cost about $50 used. The next best thing is a fan dimmer, or speed control meant for use with fans and has a minimum speed adjustment. They cost about $10 Next would be a capacitor type "de-hummer" control and it gives you about 3 usable speeds, if the control & fan are matched. Cost about $10.
I hope this information helps.
John McComas
Pharma Geddon -
“For the exhaust fan, a 6" high power version plus variac for a zero noise speed control. Slowing the 6" down to what you need is much quieter than having a smaller fan running full speed for the same airflow. My 6" RVK will run at 25% of mains, haven't tried it lower, some fans refuse to run if the voltage gets too low so I'd say an 8" fan might be too much. I thought mine wasn't running at 25% so stuck my hand in to give the blades a spin, feeling the breeze on my hand saved me.”
midwestnug
Member
well i just ordered a fan from plantlighthydroponics yesterday, so i hope they ship that shit stealthy or im gonna b one paranoind mother f'er. cops in my state got nothin better to do than knock on someones door who just got a package in the mail that says hydroponics all over the side of it... im gonna b pissed
spacecadet
Member
HEY MAN DONT WORRIE I JUST GOT MY GALLAXY 600 WATTS AND COOL SUN HOOD YESTERDAY AND IT CAME IN A PLAIN BROWN BOX AND JUST A SHIPPING LABLE TOTAL STEALHmidwestnug said:
Old Yeller
Member
And just to throw some more inlines into the pot -
High Performance Metal Inline Duct Fans
Versatile and durable Tjernlund MFXL Series exhaust fans feature high pressure air handling performance with low noise and extremely low power usage.
MFXL-series fans are ideal for long runs or air supply and exhaust applications requiring exacting performance. Use them as super quiet bathroom/spa exhausters to eliminate fogged mirrors and lingering odors. They also work great for exhausting high moisture areas such as sub-slab radon gas mitigation. Included with the fan is a strip of vibration isolating foam for a better fit and to minimize any vibration. All models come with standard power cord.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MFXL Series 4" Metal $99.95
6" Metal $124.95
8" Metal $169.95
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tjernlund will BEAT ANY PRICE on similar inline exhaust fans. Click here to learn more about Tjernlund’s LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEE for the MFXL product series.
Specifications
Model Voltage Watts Amps CFM (0" WC)
MF4XL 120 VAC 100 0.9 200
MF6XL 120 VAC 125 1.1 500
MF8XL 120 VAC 210 1.8 700
High Performance Metal Inline Duct Fans
Versatile and durable Tjernlund MFXL Series exhaust fans feature high pressure air handling performance with low noise and extremely low power usage.
MFXL-series fans are ideal for long runs or air supply and exhaust applications requiring exacting performance. Use them as super quiet bathroom/spa exhausters to eliminate fogged mirrors and lingering odors. They also work great for exhausting high moisture areas such as sub-slab radon gas mitigation. Included with the fan is a strip of vibration isolating foam for a better fit and to minimize any vibration. All models come with standard power cord.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MFXL Series 4" Metal $99.95
6" Metal $124.95
8" Metal $169.95
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tjernlund will BEAT ANY PRICE on similar inline exhaust fans. Click here to learn more about Tjernlund’s LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEE for the MFXL product series.
Specifications
Model Voltage Watts Amps CFM (0" WC)
MF4XL 120 VAC 100 0.9 200
MF6XL 120 VAC 125 1.1 500
MF8XL 120 VAC 210 1.8 700
skylined
Member
What is the absolute best and highest quality controller to use with a vortex fan? I want one that isn't starting and stopping the motor all the time either, I'm looking for one that will interface properly with the fan and reduce noise (I figure an 8 inch fan hooked up to a 1k dialed down to 1/3 power or something will be virtually silent and have plenty of airflow to keep it cool). Anyone know what it is / how much it costs / where to get?
BSSF,
~Skylined
BSSF,
~Skylined
GreenLeaf-420
Member
Vortek is the best for the Xtra power to boost it for the Hood Cooling.
S
strain_searcher
Fantech with insulated duct and you are all set.
my new 8"canmax fan is UTTERLY AWSOME!!!!!
although not at-all quiet this thing has enough suction to suck chrome off a, well you know. doing more then a fantastic job at cooling 5 hoods, with 2 1K's and 3 600W's...
can i use a speed controller on this one too?
although not at-all quiet this thing has enough suction to suck chrome off a, well you know. doing more then a fantastic job at cooling 5 hoods, with 2 1K's and 3 600W's...
can i use a speed controller on this one too?
Old Yeller said:
I did not post this thread for fans in a pot, or you to hawk your cheap assed knock offs - we are looking for quality products that work well - and quietly.
Please advertise your crap elsewhere
yea man, went looking at there site trying to find a link for you...LittleBigMan said:
wasnt therem but my fan is in the 'can max' family photo, its the black one on the left. i cant upload photos or id show you...
ive got a 8Y6X6" and all 5 hoods are 6" daystars. then i have another 6x6Y8" back into an 8" outhole. the fan holds amazing pressure, the exhaust air comes through with amazing force. although it rattles a bit if u use chain to hang it, i changed to "bungie cords" and now its quieter.
it has 654 CFM the box is labeled "high efficiency Tube Fan 08" EL 008 E2 01
http://www.greengoldhydro.com/produ...-fans&osCsid=928c634c8b3d5bce1e566a2fe27a6f99
i got it from these guys though,
http://www.gchydro.com/
if your in cali, call them and ask for the 8" canmax. i paid $226 W/tax
the bungies make it quieter, and if u have the in and out going somewhere its a little quieter... still makes a good whirrr..
Old Yeller
Member
rmh -
"I did not post this thread for fans in a pot, or you to hawk your cheap assed knock offs - we are looking for quality products that work well - and quietly.
Please advertise your crap elsewhere"
If I was looking at buying an 8" Inline ($) fan, I'd want to know what was out there - Found the chinese ones on an ebay search & thought they might be worth investigating. If you think I'm some sort of a salesman for the company, you're WAY wrong!
I research the shite out of any expensive equipment I buy so I won't have to buy it twice. I'm too poor to make that mistake over & over.
"I did not post this thread for fans in a pot, or you to hawk your cheap assed knock offs - we are looking for quality products that work well - and quietly.
Please advertise your crap elsewhere"
If I was looking at buying an 8" Inline ($) fan, I'd want to know what was out there - Found the chinese ones on an ebay search & thought they might be worth investigating. If you think I'm some sort of a salesman for the company, you're WAY wrong!
I research the shite out of any expensive equipment I buy so I won't have to buy it twice. I'm too poor to make that mistake over & over.
S
stoned teacher
I just replaced my old, loud elicient fan with the 8" Can Max myself at the recommendation of the guy at Maryland hydro (nice to have as your local hydro shop) who said it's the best if you're pulling air through a filter, which I am. I find it VERY VERY QUIET, though the thing is so slim I was able to pull my 8" insulated ducting over it till it met, and taped the two sides together....I guess I'd go with the Vortex if that's what everyone here has had positive experiences with, but I thought I'd chime in how happy I am with my CanMax8.....
Oh, I broke the metal hanger so I bungee corded it myself....it's real light and doesn't rattle....
Mine was between 2 and $250....here it is at worms way for more....
http://www.wormsway.com/detail.asp?sku=MF608
Oh, I broke the metal hanger so I bungee corded it myself....it's real light and doesn't rattle....
Mine was between 2 and $250....here it is at worms way for more....
http://www.wormsway.com/detail.asp?sku=MF608
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