Details
The Aquacomputer Farbwerk LED Controller USB | Bluetooth Version is a four channel RGB controller for 12 V LED strips (common anode), configured over USB with the aquasuite software and additionally controllable via Bluetooth. Aquacomputer calls it innovative. It is an autonomous device that can be operated without a PC, with four sensor inputs for temperature sensors.
Properties
- Outputs
- 4 RGB strips, 12 channels, 13 bit each
- Output current
- 2.5 A per channel, 8 A combined (96 W at 12 V)
- Sensor inputs
- 4, temperature, resistance or 0 - 3.3 V
- Interfaces
- USB, aquabus, Bluetooth class 1 (max. 10 m, SPP protocol)
- Supply
- 12 V DC and 5 V DC, ±5 %
- Size
- 47 x 41 x 20 mm
Twelve channels with 13 bit resolution
The name derives from two German words, the one for color and "Werk" (factory, plant, work). Its twelve channels in total can be used for up to four RGB strips or as individual channels. With a resolution of 13 bits (8192 individual steps) per channel, color transitions stay smooth even at low brightness settings.
An embedded micro processor runs the farbwerk, so no PC is required for operation. The four sensor inputs take compatible temperature sensors (not included in delivery) and visualize temperatures as colors. For those creative users interested in electronics, the sensor inputs can also connect potentiometers or serve as 0 - 3.3 V inputs. If an input is set to temperature mode, the farbwerk calculates the temperature from the sensor data. With a little creativity, the outputs can be used for other applications as well, for example for fans.
Ways to control the outputs
The following features are available to control the farbwerk's outputs:
- Direct color selection: intuitive interface controls of the aquasuite allow a precise selection of the color and adjustments for intensity and brightness.
- Adjustable color transitions: the aquasuite sets color transitions, which are displayed continuously at an adjustable speed.
- Effects: to add a pulsating effect, a brightness curve is defined in the aquasuite.
- Control by the farbwerk's sensor inputs: a sensor input can change the color of the assigned channel directly. A color transition between 20 °C and 35 °C, for example, is set in the aquasuite and then processed by the hardware of the farbwerk.
- Software sensors (e.g. CPU load, network etc.): like the aquaero, the farbwerk can be configured to use software sensors. Communication between the aquasuite and the tools HWiNFO, AIDA and Open Hardware Monitor allows many different system values to control the channels. The CPU load, for example, can automatically adjust the color within a specific range.
USB, Bluetooth and aquabus versions
Setup takes the free of charge aquasuite software and a USB connection to the PC, and the aquasuite supports an unlimited number of simultaneously connected farbwerk controllers. Because the configuration is saved in the farbwerk's own microprocessor, the USB cable can be disconnected after initial setup. Depending on the version of the farbwerk, an aquabus or Bluetooth interface is also available in addition to the USB interface.
This article, 53207, is the Bluetooth version, revision 2, and it also has the aquabus connection, so it can be connected to an aquaero 5 or aquaero 6 as well. Bluetooth control is what it adds, requiring a Bluetooth device as well as an app: all outputs can be controlled and all sensor inputs are available via Bluetooth. Since the software sensors can also be accessed via Bluetooth, it would be possible to display them on a smartphone. Aqua Computer currently supplies a basic Android demo app (compatible with Android 4.4 KitKat or higher) including source code, which can set the outputs of the farbwerk. Other mobile operating systems will not work: they are not supported. As a matter of course, it can also be used as a USB device without a Bluetooth connection.
The aquabus version is the farbwerk USB (53170). It can be connected to an aquaero 5 or aquaero 6 controller. The aquaero can then be configured to control the outputs of the farbwerk, or to transmit sensor data from the aquaero to the farbwerk to be processed there. Up to two farbwerk controllers can be connected to an aquaero 5/6 simultaneously, and that version also works as a USB device without aquabus connection.
Compatibility
Aquacomputer's manual lists these temperature sensors as compatible with the sensor inputs:
- Temperature sensor inline G1/4 (art. 53066)
- Temperature sensor inner/outer thread G1/4 (art. 53067)
- Temperature sensor G1/4 (art. 53147)
- Temperature sensor plug&cool (art. 53025)
- Temperature sensor 70 cm (art. 53026)
What a run needs
Compatible LED strips are LED strips for 12 V, common anode, and suitable LED strips and connectors are available from Aqua Computer. The maximum current per channel is 2.5 A. The maximum combined current of all channels is 8 A, resulting in a maximum total power of 96 Watts at 12 Volts. The power connector takes a power plug of your PC's power supply unit. The USB cable goes to an internal USB header of the motherboard; check that the pin alignment matches before using it.
aquasuite software
This product contains a license for the current aquasuite version and for the following annual version. Please note that the software requires an internet connection for installation and activation. Further information about licensing and activation can be found on Aquacomputer's licensing pages.
Technical details
| Dimensions W x H x D | 47 mm x 41 mm x 20 mm |
| Power supply voltage | 12 V DC ±5 %, 5 V DC ±5 % |
| Power supply current | max 8.1 A |
| LED output voltage | 12 V |
| Output current per channel | max. 2.5 A at 12 V |
| Combined output current | max. 8 A at 12 V |
| Ambient temperature range | 10 to 40 °C (noncondensing) |
| Bluetooth interface | Bluetooth class 1, max. 10 m, SPP protocol |
Notes
- Aquacomputer allows the farbwerk only inside a PC case, never outside it. Mount it so that the PCB and electronic components have no contact to metal parts or other electronic devices.
- The LED outputs are not short-circuit proof.
- Do not connect or disconnect cables while the device is powered. Components may get very hot during operation; let the device cool down for at least 30 minutes before touching it.
- Bluetooth pairing needs a four-digit pairing key; the factory preset here is 1234. Only one mobile device can be connected to a farbwerk via Bluetooth at any given time, and each output has to use an "External controller source" to accept Bluetooth settings.
In the box
- 1x farbwerk USB board
- 1x 70 cm internal USB cable (5 pin)
- 1x manual
- Mounting materials
Aquacomputer's manual for the farbwerk is an English PDF from 2015 with the connector pin assignments, the aquasuite settings and the Android demo app.
