Pump controller question

[Zka17]

Hi folks,

This may not be a ROG question, but it's definitely belongs to Build Advice...

I have a project (http://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread...untry=&status=), where I'm gonna use two Swiftech MCP-655 Vario pumps. I'm planning to use these because I already have them - just to clarify the situation.

So, as many of you may be familiar with these pumps, they have a built in speed controller on their back side. Now, my problem is that in the way I'm planning to mount them, I will have very restricted access to the built in controllers.

My question is: Could I use an external speed controller with these pumps? I was thinking to set up the built in controllers at maximum, then control the their speed with a bay-mounted controller.

Has anyone some experience with this? Will it work? What external pump controller would be the best?

Thanks in advance for any input!

[xeromist]

Sure, you should be able to use an external controller. As long as the POT on the back is wide open the external will take over that function. There are several controllers you can use but the important thing is to make sure it can supply enough wattage/amperage. Many fan controllers aren't beefy enough for a D5 pump and will simply burn out. I'm using a Koolance controller and I like it pretty well. I have the software controlled one but they also make regular hardware POT controllers designed for pumps.

[Zka17]

Yeah, that's why I was asking if anyone has some experience...

xeromist, do you think that this would be OK? http://koolance.com/index.php?route=...roduct_id=1147
Or actually there is a 24V version of it...

[xeromist]

The 24V version is intended for D5 pumps like yours so go with that one.

[Zka17]

Thanks xeromist!

The controller I linked is 2x12V - so 12V for each pump. Or should I go 24V for each?

My pumps are rated 12V - nominal voltage. Operating voltage is 8-24V though... Nominal current at 12V: 2 Amps; nominal power (also 12V) is 24W.

The 2x12V controller gives 7.5-12.7V, 25W per pump, while the 2x24V controller supplies 10-24V, up to 55W per pump. Do I really need the bigger one?

[xeromist]

2x24v. Since they're the same price I don't know why you wouldn't. The 2x12v is designed for DDC pumps so unless you plan to switch to DDC you might as well get the D5 version.

[Zka17]

Yes, you're right xeromist, I should go with the 2x24V one! Now, just have to figure out where to mount it... Thanks!