External Cooling Fans for Epic and Scarlet?

[Gary Britton]

I wonder if mounting a small (50mm) fan to the front of the brain as well as one on the air flow outlet would help to reduce internal temperature enough to cause the noisy built in fan to turn on less frequently and/or less intensely.

Rasurbo makes a pretty high volume and relatively quiet fan.
These external fans could be controlled with a "Zalman Fan Mate 2 Speed Controller" (or some other higher quality one) thus finding their sweet point between air flow capacity and noise. Heck, it would be easy enough to try.

We were just getting ready to take the plunge and buy our first Epic three days ago but then read about this overheating problem, so will have to hold off for now. I am so sad. (Maybe should go with a Red One..... )

Here is the link to the fans:
http://www.rasurbo.com/RASURBO 2011 eng/50mm.html

Any thoughts?

[Steve Marshall]

I reckon it would probably work!

I'm wondering what overheating problem you've read about? I've had mine over a year and it's never overheated. If you're referring to the interview thread that's been around, it's a very isolated incident and if you know you're going to be rolling over an extended period of the time then a few precautions (ie icepacks, extra fans) will do the trick.

[Gary Britton]

there are many posts on the forum discussing this problem:

http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthr...RING-INTERVIEW

[Brian F Kobylarz]

there are many posts on the forum discussing this problem:

That in and of itself is a good reason not to start another one.

At this point, all concerned parties are aware of the issue that some have reported -
The suggestion of external cooling apparatus (including fans) has been proposed a number of times - again, in different threads.

One thing I have learned about RED is that they take feedback from their customer base seriously.

If there are specific suggestions, I have found that sending the information to techinfo@red.com will get it to the right people.

[Gary Britton]

I thought I had read all posts regarding this matter, but I havent seen any specific ones about external fans, along with specific suggestions as to brands, models etc.
I apologize, but at the same time I see no harm discussing this specific option and pursuing it further.

I may just get a Scarlet, and do it myself, see what happens. Will keep all posted.

[Brian F Kobylarz]

I wonder if mounting a small (50mm) fan to the front of the brain as well as one on the air flow outlet would help to reduce internal temperature enough to cause the noisy built in fan to turn on less frequently and/or less intensely.

Any thoughts?

As far as adding a second or third fan to the airflow channel, consider that each additional fan will add to the noise floor.
A second fan at the front of the brain will either
a) move the fan already in the body even if it is not powered up - re-creating the original noise and adding more...
or
b) create acoustic artifacts as a new airflow starts moving over the internal blades if one was able to lock them.
(there are at least a c, d, e and f, but they don't belong here)

There are very advanced computer modeling systems I have been exposed to that are specific to acoustics - real science is involved to make it right.
Just the shape and number of blades is a factor. The material(s) used. The design of the flow channel from entry to exit. Whether rim driven or shaft. If two, is the second counter-rotating to return the acoustic energy. The list of considerations is extensive. People have PHD's and beyond in acoustics - it's an ever evolving and intensive field of study and knowledge. With the right people engaged, a solution will be found.

[Brian F Kobylarz]

I thought I had read all posts regarding this matter, but I havent seen any specific ones about external fans, along with specific suggestions as to brands, models etc.
I apologize, but at the same time I see no harm discussing this specific option and pursuing it further.

No need to apologize - discussion is healthy and can lead to new ideas.

My point was that by starting a new thread, it diluted the conversation by making folks look in many places instead of one.

No bad intended to you.

Cheers!

[Russ Fill]

Not to drag on about this problem but seriously... more is better?.. I think not. I have some friends here where Im working on a show that all sat around and stated how wonderful it would be to add a water cooled bla bla bla bla.. The solution is not more but to really take the time to figure out a proper solution. I for one don't have the same issues as someone working in a studio might but when I stop rolling I do hear a few say hay is that your fan running. No one says how quite it is when its rolling and the rate goes to 20 precent...
Im sure RED is working on a solution and want it to be a good one not a bandaid that only creates more forums and post.