Kingwin Thermal Center (TC-02S)

Manufacturer: Kingwin
Supplied by: Kingwin
Street Price: $30

By Dean Barker (2/10/2004)

Introduction

Thermal monitors have been very basic in their features for some time.  A few probes to detect temperatures with some rheostats to adjust fan speed, pretty much have been the receipt.  In the past couple of months however, a more dynamic relationship between temperature monitoring and fan control has been getting more attention.  Kingwin is now the latest to take this peanut butter cup principle to the production line with their Thermal Center.  The Kingwin Thermal Center monitors three temperature probes and automatically adjusts fan speed to a corresponding fan, based on temperatures recorded.  A straight forward concept and infinitely better than having to manually turn a knob when you start to frag.  Let's take a look at Kingwin's Thermal Center more closely.

Specifications

• Application: 5 1/4 drive bay

• Dimensions: 69 (D) x 148 (W) x 42 (H) mm

• Material: All aluminum construction

• Thermal Probes: Three probes that may be displayed individually.

• Fan Connectors: Three 3-pin power connectors

• Power In: 4-pin FDD power connector

• Alarm Functions

• Available in silver or black anodized aluminum.

• Blue backlight LCD display for silver unit (TC-02S) and white backlighting for LCD display on black anodized unit (TC-02BK).

What you get

Included with the Thermal Center are all the necessaries you need.  Three 3-pin power cables, three thermal probes, three pieces thermal tape, an instruction manual and mounting hardware.  While the included thermal tape will get you started, it is only enough for one mounting of each of the probes.  Too bad there wasn't more.

The unit

The Kingwin Thermal Center is constructed of solid aluminum.  Centered on its face is a 63 x 18mm LCD display.  The four buttons just below the display are illuminated blue when under power just like the blue backlighting for the main display.  Kingwin has chosen the path less traveled and kept things simple (which is always best in my opinion.)  The four buttons are 'select', 'up', 'down' and 'set'.  No fancy and complicated set up with the Thermal Center but more on that shortly.  Moving around back of the unit we see more than just fan connectors.

  

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