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Author Topic: KiWiSDR fan problem  (Read 49741 times)

Offline WA4FHY

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KiWiSDR fan problem
« on: July 17, 2019, 1457 UTC »
Late last year I bought a KiWiSDR and also ordered the metal case. The case included a small (5 vdc, ~30mm box type) fan.
After just a few months, the fan became very noisy. I removed it, cleaned it (nothing like sharing a house with a long haired cat
even thought the SDR is up on a desktop), and even carefully peeled back the label and lightly oiled the fan bearing. That
helped for a short while and now the noise is back.

Has anyone else run into this and how did you fix it? I e-mailed seeedco asking about getting a replacement and also a spare;
I have not received a response as of this morning.
Thankis
SDR-IQ / IC-R70 / IC-735 / FT-817ND / FT-991A, RSPduo,5 band vertical
Near Music City, TN

Offline ChrisSmolinski

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Re: KiWiSDR fan problem
« Reply #1 on: July 17, 2019, 1600 UTC »
Mine also creates that noise. I'm not sure it is the fan itself or if it is something else vibrating, if i pick up the KiwiSDR it stops. I have also been able to wedge a piece of folded paper into the space between the PCB and board to stop the vibration.
« Last Edit: July 18, 2019, 1105 UTC by ChrisSmolinski »
Chris Smolinski
Westminster, MD
eQSLs appreciated! csmolinski@blackcatsystems.com
netSDR / AFE822x / AirSpy HF+ / KiwiSDR / 900 ft Horz skyloop / 500 ft NE beverage / 250 ft V Beam / 58 ft T2FD / 120 ft T2FD / 400 ft south beverage / 43m, 20m, 10m  dipoles / Crossed Parallel Loop / Discone in a tree

Offline WA4FHY

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Re: KiWiSDR fan problem
« Reply #2 on: July 18, 2019, 0052 UTC »
Thanks Chris, I'll see if giving it a wedgie will help. :) I do know that picking it up and moving it
around does not do anything. Early on, I also tried giving it a couple of low distance "techno-drops"
and that didn't help the noise either.
SDR-IQ / IC-R70 / IC-735 / FT-817ND / FT-991A, RSPduo,5 band vertical
Near Music City, TN

Offline bagmouse7

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Re: KiWiSDR fan problem
« Reply #3 on: August 10, 2019, 0210 UTC »
I gave up on the fan and disconnected mine.
I haven;t seen any heat problems in the metal case, but I usually only run 1 or 2 receivers at time on it.
I really like the KiwiSDR it's a great little receiver!

Offline Pigmeat

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Re: KiWiSDR fan problem
« Reply #4 on: August 10, 2019, 1030 UTC »
Obviously you fellas didn't get the "Fan Control Knob" option required to control the vibration.

I don't know why SDR manufacturers aren't more forthcoming with the optional knob features of their receivers? Once you get them installed a SDR looks like a respectable radio along the lines of a Drake R-8.

Offline WA4FHY

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Re: KiWiSDR fan problem
« Reply #5 on: August 11, 2019, 0056 UTC »
Sorry, PM, I missed seeing the knob option when I ordered mine! :)
I still miss my faithful old Drake 2-B from back in the 60s
(not that I really remember that time period ;)) - 70s.

Chris, I have played with the board vibration you mentioned and
it does help. I have some high density closed cell foam that I jammed
between the antenna connectors and the case and that has made it
a little quieter but I still think the main problem is the #$@*^% fan.

If I have to, I'll try disconnecting the fan as bagmouse7 did.
SDR-IQ / IC-R70 / IC-735 / FT-817ND / FT-991A, RSPduo,5 band vertical
Near Music City, TN

Offline Josh

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Re: KiWiSDR fan problem
« Reply #6 on: August 11, 2019, 1800 UTC »
Obviously you fellas didn't get the "Fansome Control Knob" option required to control the vibration.

I don't know why SDR manufacturers aren't more forthcoming with the optional knob features of their receivers? Once you get them installed a SDR looks like a respectable radio along the lines of a Drake R-8.

edited for accuracy
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