Aqua Computer poweradjust 3

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Summary

Safety Precautions

General Safety Guidelines

Key safety measures to observe during operation and installation.

Scope of Delivery

Included Components

Details of all items provided in the package.

Assembly Instructions

Installation Procedure

Steps for securely mounting the device within a PC case.

Electrical Connections

Connector Overview

Diagram and identification of all connectors on the poweradjust 3 USB.

Power Supply

Instructions for connecting the power supply unit to the device.

Power Output

Details on fan/pump output, speed signal processing, and temperature monitoring.

USB Connection

Information on connecting the device via USB for communication and power.

Aquabus Interface

Connecting with other Aqua Computer devices via the aquabus interface.

Flow Sensor Connection

Connecting and configuring a flow sensor for monitoring.

Speed Signal Configuration

Configuring the speed signal output as a generic or switching signal.

Temperature Sensor

Connecting and details of compatible temperature sensors.

Aquasuite Software

Software Installation

Steps to download and install the aquasuite configuration software.

Basic Operation

Explanation of the aquasuite software's user interface layout and navigation.

Interface Symbols

Explanation of icons used in the aquasuite software interface.

Overview Pages (Aquasuite)

Desktop Mode

Enabling overview pages to display directly on the desktop.

Creating and Editing Pages

Process for creating new pages and entering edit mode for customization.

Adding Elements to Pages

How to add various data elements and controls to overview pages.

Editing Existing Elements

Modifying, moving, and configuring existing elements on overview pages.

Individual Value Settings

Customizing display properties like font, size, and decimal places for values.

Control Element Styles

Configuring the appearance and style of control elements on overview pages.

Custom Controls

Adding custom visual elements like images, text, and shapes to pages.

Log Data Charts

Displaying data log information as charts on overview pages.

Export and Import Pages

Saving and loading overview page configurations to/from files.

Data Log (Aquasuite)

Log Settings Configuration

Configuring data logging parameters, sources, and retention.

Analyzing Logged Data

Methods for visualizing and analyzing logged data using charts.

Manual Data Export

Exporting logged data manually to XML files.

Automatic Data Export

Setting up automatic timed export of logged data to files.

Fan Configuration (Aquasuite)

Fan Operational Modes

Selecting operational modes like manual, speed controlled, or auto temperature control.

Manual Fan Settings

Setting a fixed output power level for the fan in manual mode.

Speed Settings

Defining desired fan speed in speed-controlled mode.

Automatic Temperature Control

Setting target temperatures for automatic fan speed adjustment.

Start Boost and Output Settings

Configuring initial power boost and output range limits for fans/pumps.

Alarm Configuration (Aquasuite)

Speed Signal;Output Configuration

Configuring the speed signal output and its behavior during alarms.

Alarm Reporting and Limits

Defining alarm limits for monitored data sources and enabling evaluation.

System Settings (Aquasuite)

Device Information

Viewing essential device details for support or upgrade purposes.

Factory Defaults Reset

Resetting all device settings to their original factory configuration.

Key Management for Upgrades

Managing activation keys for firmware upgrades.

Current Measurement Calibration

Calibrating the device's current measurement for accuracy.

Aquabus Configuration

Assigning unique aquabus addresses to poweradjust devices.

External Temperature Sensor Settings

Adjusting readings for external temperature sensors.

Flow Sensor Setup

Configuring the flow sensor input and viewing readings.

Basic Settings (Aquasuite)

Language Selection

Selecting the display language for the aquasuite software.

Unit Selection

Choosing measurement units for temperature and flow values.

Application Start-up Options

Customizing how the aquasuite application starts and behaves.

Service Administration

Managing background service settings for Aqua Computer devices.

Technical Details and Care Instructions

Technical Specifications

Key technical specifications including dimensions, power, and operating ranges.

Care Instructions

Guidelines for cleaning and maintaining the device.

Waste Disposal

Information on environmentally responsible disposal of electronic waste.

Contact Aqua Computer

Contact information and support resources for Aqua Computer.

The Aqua Computer poweradjust 3 USB is a high-power fan or pump controller designed for PCs. It offers advanced control and monitoring capabilities for cooling systems.

Function Description

The poweradjust 3 USB unit serves as a central controller for fans and pumps within a PC, providing regulated power output and comprehensive monitoring. It features speed signal detection for connected devices and includes inputs for a temperature sensor and a flow sensor. Additionally, it offers a speed signal output and interfaces for USB and aquabus communication. The device is designed to prevent damage through temperature monitoring of its internal electronics. If the internal temperature exceeds approximately 80 °C, the power output is set to 100% to minimize power dissipation. If the temperature further rises to approximately 100 °C, the power output is switched off (0% power). In both cases, manual control is activated. The device's configuration parameters can be saved into its memory, allowing it to operate independently of a USB or aquabus connection after initial setup, provided it receives power.

Important Technical Specifications

Dimensions (W x H x D): 47 mm x 41 mm x 36 mm
Power Supply Voltage: 12 V DC ±5%
Power Supply Current: max 5.0 A
Fan Output Voltage: 0-12 V
Fan Output Current: max. 3 A at 12 V (short-term load 4.5 A)
Fan Output Continuous Power: max. 36 W at 12 V
Speed Signal Connector: "open collector" max. 30 V / 100 mA
Ambient Temperature Range: 10 to 40 °C (non-condensing)
Firmware Version: 1006 (as of October 2016)
aquasuite Version: 2016 (as of October 2016)

Usage Features

The poweradjust 3 USB is managed through the Aqua Computer aquasuite software, an extensive Windows-based suite for configuration and monitoring.

Installation and Basic Operation: The aquasuite software is available for download from the Aqua Computer website. After installation, it can be accessed via a desktop shortcut or start menu entry. The program window is divided into "overview pages," data logger, device pages, and a basic configuration page. List elements can be minimized or maximized, and title bars may contain symbols indicating various functions.

Overview Pages (aquasuite): These pages display current sensor readings and diagrams from all supported devices. A pre-configured overview page is automatically generated for each device upon its first connection to the PC. Users can modify existing pages or create new ones.

Desktop Mode: Overview pages can be displayed directly on the desktop. In this mode, elements may cover desktop symbols, but mouse clicks are transmitted to underlying symbols.
Editing Elements: Pages can be unlocked for editing, allowing users to add, edit, move, and delete elements.
Individual Value Settings: Font face, size, color, position, decimal places, and units can be configured for individual values.
Control Element Settings: Position, size, color, and display style (headline only, text, bar graph, chart, gauge) can be configured. Statistical data (minimum, maximum, average) can also be displayed.
Custom Controls: Simple drawing elements (circles, rectangles, texts) and images can be added to overview pages. More complex controls with data bindings and animations are also possible for users with programming experience.
Log Data Chart: Charts created using the data log functionality can be displayed on overview pages.
Export and Import: Elements and complete overview pages can be exported and imported between PCs.

Data Log (aquasuite): The aquasuite logs data from all connected Aqua Computer devices, which can then be analyzed through charts or exported to files.

Log Settings: Users can create new log data sets, define names, time intervals, and configure automatic deletion of old data. Multiple data sources can be added to each log data set.
Analyze Data: Logged data can be visually evaluated as charts. Users can select data sets, time periods, and modify chart settings (setup, data series). Charts can be saved as image files, and horizontal/vertical lines or annotations can be added.
Manual Data Export: Data can be exported to XML files.
Automatic Data Export: Data can be automatically saved to XML files on the hard disk or in RAM at regular intervals, always overwriting previously saved data.

Fan Configuration (aquasuite): This section allows detailed configuration of the fan output.

Fan Mode: Users can select between "Manual fan settings" (fixed power output), "Speed controlled" mode (maintains constant speed), and "Automatic temperature control" (dynamically adjusts power based on temperature sensor readings, Ultra version only).
Manual Fan Settings: Set the desired output power in manual mode.
Speed Settings: Set the desired speed in speed-controlled mode.
Automatic Temperature Control: Set the desired target temperature in automatic mode.
Start Boost and Output Settings: The start boost feature ensures reliable power-up for fans/pumps by setting the output to a configured power for a specific duration before switching to normal operation. Output range can be limited (minimum/maximum power). The "Hold minimum power" option determines if the output remains active at a set minimum power/speed or switches off for low temperature readings.

Alarm Configuration (aquasuite):

Speed Signal/Output: Configure the speed signal output as a generic speed signal, an open collector switching signal, or a "power switch" for emergency PC shutdown. Output behavior during alarm conditions can be inverted.
Alarm Reporting and Limits: Monitor data sources and set appropriate alarm limits. Alarms are raised if readings fall outside defined limits and "Activate alarm evaluation" is enabled. Alarming sources are highlighted in red.

System Settings (aquasuite):

Device Information: Displays device details, useful for support.
Factory Defaults: Resets all settings to factory defaults.
Key Management: Used for upgrading the poweradjust 3 unit to a higher version by entering an activation key.
Current Measurement Calibration: Calibrate current measurement by disconnecting fans/pumps and clicking the calibration button. This is for informative purposes only.
aquabus Configuration: Assign individual aquabus addresses to poweradjust devices when connecting multiple units to an aquaero 5/6 controller. Addresses 50-57 are available.
External Temperature Sensor: Allows corrections for inaccurate temperature sensor readings.
Flow Sensor: Configure the flow sensor input if a flow sensor is connected.

Basic Settings (aquasuite):

Language: Select the software language (requires restart).
Units: Select units for temperature and flow values (requires restart).
Application Start-up: Customize start-up behavior, including hiding the taskbar symbol when minimized.
Service Administration: The background service configures special USB settings for all connected Aqua Computer devices and should always be active.

Maintenance Features

Care Instructions: Use a dry and soft cloth for cleaning. Ensure electronic components and headers do not come into contact with coolant or water.
Waste Disposal: The device must be disposed of as electronic waste, following local regulations.
Support: Aqua Computer provides customer support via email and phone. Users can also find FAQs and visit online forums on their website.