NesteQ MaxZero Fan Controller
Operation and Testing
The Max Zero is as easy to install as any other bay device fan controller. Instructions for use are provided, but there are no installation instructions. As previously alluded to, most people out there considering installing a fan controller are already happy dabbling about inside their case and as such can most likely work it out for themselves. That said i’m sure guidance on the finer points of the placing of the temperature sensors would not go unappreciated.
Once installed the unit is easy to interact with. Instructions provide a step by step approach, giving direction on how to program in the various modes.
There are essentially 4 programmes to choose from, with each upping the speed of the selected fans incrementally as temperatures increase. Temperature detection ranges are adjustable within a given range for each associated fan speed increase.
F1 Below 45 degrees 0 RPM
F2 45-55 degrees Low RPM
F3 55-65 degrees Mid RPM
F4 Above 65 degrees High RPM
As a user you can define which of these 4 programs you want to use, either for individual channels or for specified groups of fans.
Interaction with the unit is via 3 little buttons stacked vertically on the right hand side of the display. Select and set are used to enable you to make your way through the menus, very much like setting the alarm or chronograph on a digital watch, with a handy dandy “reset” switch providing a get out of jail free card for when it all goes Pete Tong (if only life had a “reset ” switch)
If you’re put off by the thought of having to program the controller before you can use it, or simply can’t be bothered with all the faffing about (Mmmm…Now do I want my fans to go up to medium speed at 56 or 57 degrees), then don’t worry as the controller comes pre programmed with default settings already programmed in so it can be used straight out of the box.
The MaxZero also has the option to set alarms for temps between 33 and 85 degrees. both visual and audible alarms can be set, although it’s worth noting that the audible alarm comes disabled out of the box but is quickly and easily restored to working state by the movement of a jumper.
Although marketed as an 8 channel fan controller It’s worth noting that the controller actually controls 4 groups of 2 fans rather than 8 individual fans, with a rated power output of 4.8W per channel.
So far so good then, but why is it called the MaxZero I hear you ask. (Even if you didn’t ask I’m going to tell you). As the Zero in the name suggests this controller provides the option to have all of the fans in the “off” state until such time as the temperature reaches 45 degrees. At this point the fans will kick in at low RPM and cool things down. Once the temperature drops back below the 45 degree threshold the fans will shut themselves off. If low RPM proves not to be sufficient and the temperature continues to rise then at a given user defined temperature the controller will increase the speeds of the fans again. Once thermal harmony is restored in the case the controller will then step the speeds back down. Basically as the temperature increases so does the fan speed, and as the temps fall back down the fan speeds follow suit.
