KRONOS Fan Information

maphill · Post by **maphill** » Mon Oct 24, 2011 9:05 pm

NavidSyed wrote:does replacing the fan in 61 key (removing the bottom metal plate) alter the keybed or balance as well? or only the weighted keys are affected?? thanks..

I would say it's more correct to say that remove the back can alter the alignment. But so can shipping, assembly, etc.

I don't know if the metal back on the 61 has tighter holes/tolerances and prevents the issue or not. However, it is VERY straightforward to address the issue should it come up.

Mark

donjuancarlos · Post by **donjuancarlos** » Wed Oct 26, 2011 4:36 pm

SilenX IXP-34-12 fan installed.

RESULT: Super Quiet--inaudible without putting your ear 1 inch from the Kronos

Notes about installation:

1) The wire that comes with the SilenX is too short to reach the power output. I extended the wire by cutting it and then soldering about 10" of wire to the cut wires.

2) I covered the solders with heat shrink tubing to eliminate the possibility of an electrical short.

Perfromance

In my subjective opinion, the SilenX fan pushes a little less air than the stock fan. I am unconcerned in my case, however, because I will never be operating the Kronos anywhere near its maximum-specified operating temperature of 35°C (I can't see getting above 25°C). If you live in the Sahara Desert, though, I recommend going with the SilenX IXP-34-16, which is 4 dB louder but pushes 4 CFM more air (taking it well above the stock fan's specifications).

So thanks to all you posters, especially Maphill, for helping make my Kronos "sound" like a professional instrument.

cynkh · Post by **cynkh** » Wed Oct 26, 2011 5:04 pm

donjuancarlos wrote:SilenX IXP-34-12 fan installed.

RESULT: Super Quiet--inaudible without putting your ear 1 inch from the Kronos

Notes about installation:

1) The wire that comes with the SilenX is too short to reach the power output. I extended the wire by cutting it and then soldering about 10" of wire to the cut wires.

2) I covered the solders with heat shrink tubing to eliminate the possibility of an electrical short.

Perfromance

In my subjective opinion, the SilenX fan pushes a little less air than the stock fan. I am unconcerned in my case, however, because I will never be operating the Kronos anywhere near its maximum-specified operating temperature of 35°C (I can't see getting above 25°C). If you live in the Sahara Desert, though, I recommend going with the SilenX IXP-34-16, which is 4 dB louder but pushes 4 CFM more air (taking it well above the stock fan's specifications).

So thanks to all you posters, especially Maphill, for helping make my Kronos "sound" like a professional instrument.

This sounds like quite the DIY project. Thanks for going through the experiment for the rest of our benefit. Do you know if SilenX makes a model with a longer power cable or if there are "standard" extensions available for those who aren't fans of soldering?

maphill · Post by **maphill** » Wed Oct 26, 2011 6:04 pm

All you need to find is a 3-pin fan extension. There are many (cheap) options... here is one of the more expensive ones:

http://www.amazon.com/CB-3F-Sleeved-3-P ... 190&sr=8-1

donjuancarlos, thanks for posting your experience.

Someone should be brave and try the IXP-34-16 and see if it is still quiet enough. (I've spent over $80 on fans and am done for now!

)

Mark

donjuancarlos · Post by **donjuancarlos** » Wed Oct 26, 2011 7:07 pm

Yeah, +1 to buying the fan extension when you buy the fan. I wasn't anywhere near a store that had them so I went ahead and used what I had lying around.

curvebender · Post by **curvebender** » Thu Oct 27, 2011 1:20 pm

So, the Silenx fan, extension cord and 2 x 2 GB RAM modules arrived by mail today. I'm in for an all nighter digging around in the Kronos..

Of course, I'll let you know how it all works out.

curvebender · Post by **curvebender** » Thu Oct 27, 2011 1:31 pm

maphill wrote: Someone should be brave and try the IXP-34-16 and see if it is still quiet enough.

I'm the brave one!

I couldn't find the 34-12 in any webshop over here, so I had to go with the 34-16.

BTW, I got a 30 cm extension cable for the fan, is that long enough?..

maphill · Post by **maphill** » Thu Oct 27, 2011 5:01 pm

Yes, it only needs to be a few inches.

Let us know how the new fan sounds, and be careful in there!

Mark

curvebender · Post by **curvebender** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 9:15 am

Well, it took me a few hours to install the new fan and the two RAM modules, not for the faint hearted I might add..

My biggest problem was getting to secure the new fan into place. (I tore quite a few rubber mounts, but I managed eventually.)

The location of the fan connector on the motherboard is difficult to access, and the RAM risers are also a bit difficult to get to.

Now, I am yet to power up my Kronos! I have to find the mental strength first...

More to follow.

maphill · Post by **maphill** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 1:54 pm

The power connector is awkward to get to, but you can do it with your hand or small needle-nosed pliers.

By far the most difficult part (in my opinion) is putting the rubber mounts through holes that are too small for them. I found it helped to maintain pressure on the back of them while pulling on the tab and wiggling it in circles... But I've still torn a few.

Buying a few extra mounts is worth it just to relieve the pressure!

Mark

donjuancarlos · Post by **donjuancarlos** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 7:01 pm

curvebender wrote:
My biggest problem was getting to secure the new fan into place. (I tore quite a few rubber mounts, but I managed eventually.)

The location of the fan connector on the motherboard is difficult to access, and the RAM risers are also a bit difficult to get to.

I guess I was lucky with the rubber mounts; I simply pulled and moved them around in a circle (like a crank) until they fell into place. I notice that the fan is not securely held into place by the rubber mounts--I can easily pull the fan off. I wonder if that helps keep the noise level low.

I, like Maphill, used a pair of needle-nose pliers to attach the power connector.

It's such a pleasure to switch the Kronos on and not hear anything...

curvebender · Post by **curvebender** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 3:57 pm

Well, I just turned the Kronos on, and:

I can't hear a thing!!

Can this be right? If I literally put my ear so that it touches the surface right besides the display, I hear a faint hum of sorts.

Is my new fan not working? Can it be this quiet?

Now I'm worried it's not spinning..

But the very weak hum and noise I hear must be the fan, right?

There's nothing else in there that could be producing that sound?

curvebender · Post by **curvebender** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 4:55 pm

Yeah, I think I will have to open up the Kronos again, and turn it on.

That's the only way I'll know of the fan is spinning or not.

Still in disbelief over the lack of noise..

maphill · Post by **maphill** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 3:28 am

Curvebender,

that's how my Silenx fan sounds as well. I can only hear a faint hum.

Instead of opening it up, just put your ear on there and then turn it off.

Looks like I'm going to have to get the 16 version. Please post the full model number, and congratulations!

Mark

curvebender · Post by **curvebender** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 8:05 pm

maphill wrote:Curvebender,

that's how my Silenx fan sounds as well. I can only hear a faint hum.

Instead of opening it up, just put your ear on there and then turn it off.

Looks like I'm going to have to get the 16 version. Please post the full model number, and congratulations!

Mark

Well, I'm now convinced that the fan does work!

Amazing, for only a few bucks, the Kronos is now near silent, and shows 3,25 GB RAM available. This is how it should have been from the factory.

The full model number of my fan is:

SILENX Ixtrema Pro 60 x 25mm 16dBA 18CFM Fan (IXP-34-16)

A big thank you to you Mark, Aribo, and everyone else for having the courage to dig deep into your machines in the quest for silence!!