Aquacomputer Farbwerk 360 (53279)

The Aquacomputer Farbwerk 360 (53279) is an RGB effect controller for up to 360 addressable LEDs on four RGBpx channels, set up over USB 2.0 with the aquasuite software. It is compatible to the Aqua Computer RGBpx product line, with four temperature sensor inputs and a flow sensor input.

Properties

Channels

4 RGBpx outputs, up to 90 LEDs each

Connections

RGBpx or ARGB header per output, 4 temperature sensors, 1 flow sensor

Interface

USB 2.0

Supply

5 V DC, max. 8 A, HDD power plug

Size

54 x 49 x 17 mm

RGBpx controller for up to 360 addressable LEDs

Aquacomputer calls the farbwerk 360 a powerful controller. Each of its four RGBpx channels can control 90 addressable LEDs independently, and color and brightness are individually controlled for each LED. In total, up to 20 groups of LEDs of varying size can be configured, with visual effects assigned to each group. The 23 available effects can be extensively adjusted for further customization.

Many effects can also modify their own parameters, for example speed, depending on current sensor data. The effects include sound-to-light, visualizing the computer's sound output. Aquacomputer says the AMBIENTpx effect deserves special notice. It works by replicating the border area of the current monitor display on connected LEDs, allowing what Aquacomputer calls an impressive background lighting surrounding the monitor.

Each of the 20 configured effect controllers can be assigned to multiple areas of the connected LEDs, up to a total of 60 assignments combined. Aquacomputer says this is perfectly suited to illuminate multiple fans identically, for example.

Transparency and effect overlay

Additional to defining colors, the effect controllers can define transparency. If multiple transparent effects are defined for a LED or a range of LEDs, the result is an overlay of the assigned colors.

Profile management

An extensive profile management can be used to switch effectively between different configurations. Four profiles are available, and the configured effects (and areas of LEDs respectively) can be freely assigned to each of them. The active profile is set manually, or automatically depending on sensor values or on applications currently running on the PC.

That way, distinctive lighting settings for office use and gaming are easily configured, with automatic activation of the gaming setting the moment the game is started. As sensor values, the four temperature sensor inputs and the flow sensor input as well as data from the Aqua Computer Hardware Monitoring are available. Enabling automatic profile selection, they will switch by CPU load or CPU temperature, for example.

Autonomous operation

The farbwerk 360 has an embedded micro processor and is an autonomous device: it can be operated without a PC. The configuration is stored in the device itself, so a multitude of functions work without connection to a PC. 16 software sensors carry sensor values from the PC to the device when it is connected.

Compatible with third party LED products

Alternatively to the LED strips offered by Aqua Computer, LED fans made by Corsair and NZXT connect using the optional accessory RGBpx Splitty4 (item code 53267, not included in delivery). Every output also has a motherboard type ARGB connector next to its RGBpx connector; use one of the two per output, never both simultaneously.

What you need to connect it

Power comes from an HDD power plug of your PSU, and the USB cable goes to an internal USB 2.0 header of the motherboard. System requirements are Windows 10 or newer and an internal USB 2.0 port. A flow sensor and its special cable are optional accessories, not included in delivery; the high flow LT (53291) plugs in directly. The temperature inputs take Aquacomputer's 2-pin sensors, for example the inner/outer thread G1/4 sensor (53067) or the inline G1/4 sensor (53066); the manual also names 53147, 53025 and 53026.

Compatibility

Aquacomputer lists these RGBpx products for the four outputs:

• RGBpx LED-Strip (53268, 53269, 53270)
• RGBpx lighting set (53271, 53272)
• RGBpx Splitty4 (53267)
• RGBpx Splitty12 ACTIVE (53300)
• RGBpx LED ring for ULTITUBE (34115)
• RGBpx LED ring for aqualis (53274, 53276)
• RGBpx LED ring for 60 mm reservoir (53277)
• RGBpx cable (53259, 53260, 53261, 53266, 53297)

The flow sensor input takes these sensors:

• Flow sensor with 5.6 mm nozzle (53061, requires cable 53212)
• Flow sensor "high flow" (53068, requires cable 53212)
• Flow sensor high flow LT (53291)
• Flow sensor high flow 2 (53292)

Installation

The supplied screws and nuts hold the controller inside the PC case; bend the rubber insulation back and lift the top cover to reach the mounting holes. Double sided adhesive tape can be used instead. Keep the connectors clear of metal parts and other electronics.

aquasuite software

Activation brings the current aquasuite with at least six (6) months of upgrade service; the latest version from that period stays usable with no time limit. Extending or renewing the service costs a fee, and installation and activation need an internet connection.

Technical details

Notes

• The aquabus port of the farbwerk 360 is currently without a function: control or readout through an aquaero 5/6 is not possible.
• AMBIENTpx effect: screen content that prevents analysis by DRM or similar methods cannot be utilized for the effect.
• Never connect more than 90 LEDs to one output. For components in parallel, use an active splitter with its own PSU power plug, not a passive splitter.
• On an RGBpx product with more than one connector, use the one marked IN; more RGBpx products may follow on its OUT connector.
• Switch the power supply off completely before any cable is connected or disconnected.

In the box

• 1x farbwerk 360 controller
• 2x RGBpx LED strips 32 cm, width 10 mm, 15 addressable LEDs (53268)
• 2x RGBpx cables, length 50 cm (53261)
• 1x internal USB cable (5 pins), length approx. 1 m (53215)
• 4x screws M3 x 8 mm
• 4x hex nuts M3
• 1x manual

The manual covers every connector and the aquasuite settings.