! New Website !
Please
note the new location is
http://www.skyplusfancontroller.com
Ensure you update your bookmarks.
This page will automatically redirect in 10 seconds.
If this does not work for any reason use the link below:
Welcome to the Sky+ fan Controller Installation Guide Version
2.
NEW WEBSITE NOW AVAILABLE Better layout and
pictures. THIS WEBSITE IS NOW OUT OF DATE. PLEASE GO TO NEW WEBSITE !!!!!!
IF
YOUR SKY+ FAN IS RUNNING CONSTANTLY THIS IS THE SOLUTION.
For version 1 click here
For questions and HOW TO BUY
TESTIMONIALS
WILL IT WORK WITH MY SKY+ BOX ?
This fan controller has been successfully installed in the following
Sky+ digiboxes:
Pace PVR 2
Pace PVR 3
Amstrad PVR2 ( DRX 180 )
Amstrad PVR3 ( DRX 280 )
Click on your Sky+ box for its internal layout.
It will NOT work in the Thomson digiboxes without first removing the
fan plug as it is different from the rest of the Sky+ boxes.
However if it is wired direct to the controller it would work. I am
tring to find a suitable connector for this box but so far the search
has been fruitless, sorry.
Installation of version 1+2 in the Pace PVR2 and other boxes
If you have upgraded your hard drive in your Sky + then you may now
have the fan in the digibox box running all the time instead of just
when the box gets too warm. It is a real pain especially if you have
the box in a bedroom. The following information will let you install a
modification kit that will restore the fan to the correct operation ie
only come on when the box gets too warm.
I have developed a new version of my kit. It is now easier to install
and includes a fan speed controller.
It is easier to install because you no longer need to connect the kit
to the fan power supply on the digibox. You only need to connect the
kit to the hard drive power supply. Also there is a built in speed
controller so that you can have the fan running fast or have it running
slow. Running the fan slow reduces the noise but will make it run more
often as it is not expelling the same volume of air. However if it is
quieter you won't hear it. The choice is yours - turn the preset
clockwise to slow the fan down or anticlockwise to speed it up. I will
adjust it for you at an in between setting so if you don't want to
touch it you don't have to!!
.
This is the box prior to modification
First Disconnect The Box From the mains. At the back of the box are two
slots that are for CAM modules (never used by Sky). There are
two
rails at the top. Slid the pcb (circuit board of the kit ) into one of
the rails and GENTLY pull the second rail away untill the pcb fits
between the two rails
.
This is it in the correct position
Now we move to the installation of the power connector. At the back
of the hard drive is a coonector like this (hard drive has been lifted
out for a better picture)
Next we need to remove the power connector from the hard drive. It is
easier to remove the 4 screws and lift the hard drive out. Remove the
hard drive power connector..
Next plug in the new connector cable between the main board and the
hard drive. This will power the kit.
Now plug in the other end of the cable to the hard drive
Now put the hard drive back in and
locate the piece of wire supplied to hold the sensor in
position under the hard drive screw.
Now remove the fan connector.
Plug in the new connector marked A into
this fan connector. Make sure the red dot corresponds to the red wire (
fan has been removed for better pictures)
.
Push the connector fully home.
That is the installation complete. ( Version 1 )
This is the installation complete ( Version 2 ) Note the fan is NOT
connected to the motherboard
Now go here
The above installation was carried out on a Pace PVR2. This controller
also works with Amstrad PVR2, Amstrad PVR3 and Pace PVR3.
These
boxes have a different layout but installation is basically the same.
Layout
of Pace PVR3
The above image shows where everything is located and where to place
the sensor. Also the cable connecting the controller to the
hard
drive power cable will have to be passed under the metal support. Other
than that installation is the same as the Pace PVR2. After installation
go here. Unedited image was
kindly supplied by DigitalSpy member screenDog
Layout
of Amstrad PVR2 DRX180
Installation is the same as the Pace PVR2 except a longer sensor lead
is needed to position the sensor at the side of the hard drive. Afer
installation go here. Unedited
image kindly supplied by DigitalSpy member Jerome
Layout
of Amstrad PVR3 DRX280
Installation is basically the same as the Pace PVR2 except a longer
sensor lead is needed to position the sensor at the side of the hard
drive.Unedited image kindly supplied by DigitalSpy member dvs.
Replace
the cover and reconnect the
power. The fan should not now run. After a while (depending on the room
temperature) the fan will start and run for a while then it will stop.
The fan will continue to turn on and off to maintain the correct
temperature in the box. If you think the fan is turning on too soon
adjust the resistor (black circular object with red
knob) clockwise or if you think the box is getting too warm
and
the fan is
not turning on turn the reistor anti-clockwise. I have sent it up for
you as
I have set it up for myself. In my situation it comes on approximately
1hr from turning the box on from standby and stays on approx 10 mins.
It will then turn on approx 1hr later. These figures are for guidance
only. If the box is in a hot situation with little ventilation the fan
will run more!!!
Testing your installation Version 2
I found the best way to do this is to install the kit, power up the box
with the lid off, DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING AS THERE IS MAINS VOLTAGE and
heat up the sensor with a hairdryer. The fan will start and you can the
adjust the speed by adjusting the variable resistor with a small
screwdriver. Adjust it until you are happy with the speed. Then REPEAT
the above procedure to make sure that the fan will run incase you have
reduced the current too much that the fan will not start from the stop
position ( the fan needs a higher startup current). When you are happy
replace the lid, being careful not to trap any of the cables between
the lid and case and let the controller do the work
VERSION
1
Installing version 1 is the same as version 2 except you need to
connect the controller to the fan plug located in the Sky+ box.
Do the same proceedure as above.
Now plug in the connector marked B into where the
fan connector was removed. This connector is the best possible fit I
can get. It is actually mounted the "wrong way round".The square edges
of the plug actually go into the sloped edges of the socket. This is
the only way it will fit
TESTING YOUR INSTALLATION Version 1
After installation it is better to test the controller to make sure it
is installed and working correctly. Here is the best way to do it.
Take the lid off the box. Power up the box. DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING AS
THERE IS MAINS VOLTAGE. Heat the sensor with a hairdryer. After a while
the fan should start. If it doesn't check your connections at
the
back of the module and the hard drive cable.
TESTIMONIALS
Since I invented this controller in November 2006 I have sold
many through word of mouth on the forums mainly DigitalSpy and AV
Forums. I am not allowed to advertise it on the Forums so I rely on
people spreding the word. Below is just some of the feedback
which I have received.
Robin- works perfectly. I now have a silent box that switches on the
fan when required HALLELUJAH. A great piece of engineering and
development
Stephen- If this was EBAY you would get ace feedback...can certainly
recommend to others.
Donna- The controller was a doddle to fit....I'm beyond delighted. I
will be sure to spread the word about this amazing little device
Ian- The fan is off most of the time but does come on for a few minutes
each hour when I stress the box ( such as recording one programme while
watching
another)- IDEAL
Martin- If I know other persons who has their Sky+ boxes upgraded I
will pass on your details.
David- Many thanks for the prompt service. Easy to fit and the fan is
now running more slowly when required....an unqualified success
Richard- Many thanks. fitted it last night. It has shut the fan up !!
Stephen- Fitted today works fine.... I will definately recommend your
product..
Andy- Many thanks for your help and it is a very good product that you
have designed.
Any Questions?
Any questions please PM (private message) me via
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/. My user id is Dr Russell
OR email me at skyfancontroller@yahoo.co.uk.
Cost and how to buy.
The cost varies due to make of box but it is £2 P&P delivered in the
UK and Ireland. Please see new website for up to date pricing. If you
would like to purchase contact me at my email
address darren@skyplusfancontroller.com or skyfancontroller@yahoo.co.uk
. I accept payment by Cheque or Paypal for immediate dispatch subject
to stock but payment will not be taken until I am in a position to post
your controller to you. When you contact me inform me of how you wish
to pay and I will supply the relevant information.