What does the Control Freak 7A Frequency Controller do?
It controls the speed of compatible AC ventilation fans and can automatically vary their output according to grow-room temperature or operate at a manually selected fixed speed.
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Control Freak 7A Frequency Controller - Digital AC Fan Speed & Temperature Controller
20940
£209.40
Unit price per
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Control Freak 7A Frequency Controller - Digital AC Fan Speed & Temperature Controller
20940
£209.40
Unit price per
Please sign in to see pricing
The Control Freak 7A Frequency Controller is an advanced digital AC fan speed and temperature controller designed to provide exceptionally smooth, quiet and efficient ventilation control in grow rooms, grow tents and other temperature-controlled environments.
Rather than using a basic controller that reduces fan speed by crudely altering the incoming AC waveform, the Control Freak uses dynamic frequency control. By changing the frequency supplied to compatible AC fans, it can regulate their speed smoothly while avoiding the characteristic humming and buzzing associated with many conventional electronic fan controllers.
The 7A model features two power outlets, allowing intake and extraction fans, or other suitable fan combinations, to be managed from a single controller while remaining within the unit's electrical load limits.
Automatic temperature control, configurable minimum and maximum fan speeds, adjustable bandwidth, a remote temperature sensor and manual fan-speed control make the Control Freak suitable for growers who want much finer control over their ventilation system than a basic plug-in speed controller can provide.
Why choose the Control Freak 7A Frequency Controller?
- Dynamic frequency control - adjusts AC fan speed by controlling frequency rather than crudely clipping the AC waveform.
- Smooth, quiet fan operation - designed to eliminate the buzzing commonly associated with basic electronic AC fan controllers.
- Automatic temperature control - fan speed can automatically respond to changes in room temperature.
- Manual fan control - select a fixed fan speed when automatic temperature regulation is not required.
- 10-100% adjustment range - provides fine control across 90 selectable speed settings.
- Two fan outlets - control an extraction fan, intake fan or suitable combination from one unit.
- Remote temperature sensing - monitors conditions away from the controller itself.
- Adjustable minimum and maximum speeds - define the operating range to suit the ventilation system.
- Adjustable temperature bandwidth - control how aggressively fan speed responds as temperature rises.
- Large LCD display - provides clear access to operating information and settings.
- Energy-efficient speed reduction - reduces fan power use as fan speed is reduced.
- Fan-friendly operation - smooth frequency control can reduce unwanted electrical and mechanical stress associated with unsuitable speed-control methods.
What makes frequency control different?
Standard UK mains electricity operates at approximately 50Hz. Many basic AC fan controllers attempt to slow a fan by modifying or chopping the electrical waveform supplied to the motor.
Although this can reduce fan speed, certain AC fan motors can respond with an audible hum or buzz. Poorly matched control methods can also result in inefficient and less refined operation.
The Control Freak takes a different approach. Its dynamic frequency technology alters the frequency supplied to the compatible AC fan, allowing the motor speed to be changed smoothly.
The result is much finer fan-speed control with substantially reduced motor buzz, making it particularly attractive in grow rooms where both environmental stability and noise are important.
Automatic temperature-controlled fan speed
In automatic mode, the Control Freak uses its remote temperature sensor to monitor the grow-room environment. The grower sets the desired temperature and operating parameters, and the controller adjusts fan speed in response to changing conditions.
As heat builds, ventilation can increase. As the room moves back towards the selected temperature, fan speed can reduce rather than simply switching the ventilation system fully on and off.
This variable-speed approach helps maintain a more stable environment while reducing unnecessary fan noise and power consumption during periods when maximum extraction is not required.
Minimum speed, maximum speed & bandwidth control
The Control Freak gives the grower control over more than just a target temperature. Minimum and maximum fan speeds can be configured to determine the range within which the controller operates.
A minimum speed can be used to maintain continuous background ventilation rather than allowing compatible fans to stop completely, while the maximum setting can limit the highest fan speed where full output is unnecessary.
The adjustable bandwidth, sometimes referred to as hysteresis, determines the temperature range over which the controller changes fan speed. A tighter bandwidth provides more responsive temperature control, while a wider setting allows fan speed to change more gradually.
Manual fan speed control
Automatic operation is not compulsory. The Control Freak also provides a manual mode for applications where the grower wants to select and maintain a fixed fan speed.
Fan output can be adjusted from approximately 10-100%, with 90 available speed settings providing considerably finer adjustment than conventional multi-position fan controllers.
Manual mode is particularly useful when commissioning a ventilation system, balancing airflow or where a consistent fixed extraction rate is preferred.
Control intake & extraction fans
The 7A Control Freak incorporates two sprung-covered power sockets. This allows two suitable AC fan loads to be connected to the controller, subject to the electrical rating of the unit and connected equipment.
A common configuration is to use one outlet for extraction and the other for intake, allowing both parts of the ventilation system to respond together.
Always check the electrical rating and compatibility of the fans before connection. The total connected load must remain within the controller's specified limits.
Reduce fan noise & unnecessary energy use
Grow-room extraction fans rarely need to operate at maximum speed every minute of the day. Automatically reducing fan speed when environmental demand is lower can substantially reduce noise and unnecessary electricity consumption.
Frequency-based control also avoids the prominent motor buzz that can occur when certain AC fans are paired with basic electronic speed controllers.
This combination of automatic temperature management, variable speed and smooth motor operation makes the Control Freak particularly useful for indoor growing environments where ventilation runs for long periods.
Setting up the Control Freak 7A
Connect compatible AC ventilation fans to the controller's outlets and position the remote temperature sensor in a representative part of the growing environment.
Avoid placing the temperature sensor directly in front of an intake, immediately beneath a grow light or against a surface that does not accurately represent general room temperature.
Select either automatic temperature control or manual operation. In automatic mode, configure the desired temperature, minimum and maximum fan speeds and bandwidth to suit the room.
After setup, monitor the environment and fine-tune the settings until the ventilation system maintains the required balance between temperature, airflow and noise.
Control Freak 7A Frequency Controller specifications
| Brand | Control Freak |
|---|---|
| Product | Dynamic Frequency Controller |
| Model | 7A |
| Product type | Digital AC fan speed & temperature controller |
| Control technology | Dynamic frequency-based fan speed control |
| Fan adjustment | 10-100% |
| Speed settings | 90 selectable speed settings |
| Operating modes | Automatic temperature control & manual fixed-speed control |
| Power outlets | 2 sprung-covered sockets |
| Temperature monitoring | Remote temperature sensor / thermostat |
| Adjustable parameters | Minimum fan speed, maximum fan speed, desired temperature & temperature bandwidth |
| Display | Large LCD display |
| Primary application | AC ventilation fan control for grow rooms, grow tents & controlled indoor environments |
Control Freak 7A Frequency Controller FAQs
Why is it called a frequency controller?
Rather than relying on basic waveform clipping to reduce fan speed, the Control Freak changes the electrical frequency supplied to compatible AC fans, allowing smoother motor-speed control. Does the Control Freak stop AC fans buzzing?
The frequency-control system is specifically designed to provide smooth AC fan operation without the motor buzzing commonly associated with some conventional electronic speed controllers. Can the Control Freak 7A control two fans?
Yes. The controller has two power outlets and can operate suitable intake and extraction fans, or another compatible fan combination, provided the connected electrical load remains within the unit's rating. Can it automatically control grow-room temperature?
Yes. In automatic mode, the remote temperature sensor monitors room conditions and the controller adjusts fan speed in response to the configured temperature settings. Can I set a minimum fan speed?
Yes. Minimum and maximum fan speeds can be configured, allowing the ventilation system to operate within a defined range. What is the bandwidth setting?
Bandwidth determines the temperature range over which fan speed changes. A tighter bandwidth gives more responsive temperature control, while a wider bandwidth produces more gradual changes in fan speed. Can I use the Control Freak manually?
Yes. Manual mode allows a fixed fan speed to be selected when automatic temperature control is not required. How much fan-speed adjustment does it provide?
The Control Freak provides adjustment from approximately 10-100%, with 90 selectable speed settings for fine control. Does reducing fan speed save electricity?
Reducing fan output when maximum ventilation is unnecessary can reduce energy consumption compared with continuously operating the fan at full speed. Where should I position the temperature sensor?
Position it where it can measure a representative room temperature. Avoid placing it directly in an intake airflow, immediately beneath a grow light or against a surface that may distort the reading. Is the Control Freak 7A suitable for grow tents?
Yes. It can be used to manage compatible AC ventilation fans in grow tents as well as larger indoor grow rooms and other controlled environments. Can I connect any fan to the Control Freak?
No. The connected fan must be electrically compatible with frequency-based AC speed control and the total connected load must remain within the controller's specified rating. Always check the fan specifications before connection. What is the advantage over a basic plug-in fan controller?
The Control Freak provides automatic temperature control, fine 10-100% speed adjustment, minimum and maximum speed settings, bandwidth adjustment, two outlets and frequency-based control designed for smoother and quieter AC fan operation.
Control Freak 3A Frequency Controller - Digital AC Fan Speed & Temperature Controller
16955
£169.55
Unit price per
Please sign in to see pricing
Control Freak 3A Frequency Controller - Digital AC Fan Speed & Temperature Controller
16955
£169.55
Unit price per
Please sign in to see pricing
The Control Freak 3A Frequency Controller is an advanced digital AC fan speed and temperature controller designed to provide exceptionally smooth, quiet and efficient ventilation control in grow rooms, grow tents and other temperature-controlled environments.
Unlike basic AC fan controllers that reduce speed by crudely altering the incoming electrical waveform, the Control Freak uses dynamic frequency control. By altering the frequency supplied to compatible AC fans, it can regulate fan speed smoothly while avoiding the characteristic humming and buzzing associated with many conventional electronic fan controllers.
The 3A model is suited to smaller and medium-sized ventilation systems where the connected fan load falls within its electrical capacity. It features two sprung-covered power outlets, allowing suitable intake and extraction fans to be controlled together from a single unit.
Automatic temperature control, configurable minimum and maximum fan speeds, adjustable bandwidth, a remote temperature sensor and manual fan-speed operation give growers considerably more control over their ventilation system than a conventional plug-in speed controller.
Why choose the Control Freak 3A Frequency Controller?
- Dynamic frequency control - changes the frequency supplied to compatible AC fans for smooth speed regulation.
- Quiet AC fan operation - designed to eliminate the buzzing commonly associated with basic electronic fan-speed controllers.
- Automatic temperature control - fan speed can automatically respond to changes in grow-room temperature.
- Manual speed control - select and maintain a fixed fan speed whenever automatic temperature regulation is not required.
- 10-100% adjustment - provides fine, progressive control over compatible AC fan output.
- 90 speed settings - considerably finer adjustment than a conventional multi-position fan controller.
- Two power outlets - suitable for controlling compatible intake and extraction fans from one controller.
- Remote thermostat - measures temperature within the growing environment rather than at the controller itself.
- Configurable minimum and maximum speeds - define the ventilation system's operating range.
- Adjustable temperature bandwidth - fine-tune how fan speed responds as room temperature changes.
- Large LCD display - provides clear access to settings and operating information.
- Energy-efficient ventilation - reduces unnecessary fan output when full extraction is not required.
What is frequency-based fan control?
Standard UK mains electricity operates at approximately 50Hz. Many inexpensive AC fan controllers reduce motor speed by modifying or chopping the electrical waveform rather than changing its frequency.
While this can reduce speed, some AC fan motors respond with a noticeable electrical hum or buzz. It can also result in less refined motor operation.
The Control Freak uses a different approach. Its dynamic frequency technology alters the frequency supplied to a compatible AC fan, allowing motor speed to be controlled much more smoothly.
The result is smooth, linear fan-speed adjustment without the intrusive buzzing associated with many conventional AC fan controllers.
Automatic grow-room temperature control
In automatic mode, the Control Freak uses its remote thermostat to monitor the temperature inside the growing environment. The controller then varies fan speed according to the grower's selected temperature and ventilation settings.
As room temperature rises, extraction can increase automatically. When conditions move back towards the selected temperature, fan speed can reduce rather than the ventilation system simply switching fully on and off.
This variable-speed approach can help maintain a more stable environment while reducing unnecessary noise and power consumption during periods when maximum airflow is not required.
Adjustable minimum & maximum fan speeds
The Control Freak allows minimum and maximum fan speeds to be configured, giving the grower control over the operating range available to the automatic temperature-control system.
A minimum fan speed can maintain continuous background air exchange even when the room is cool, while the maximum setting can prevent the ventilation system operating faster than necessary.
These settings are particularly useful when balancing extraction and intake, maintaining negative pressure or reducing unnecessary ventilation noise.
Adjustable temperature bandwidth
The controller's adjustable bandwidth determines the temperature range over which fan speed changes.
A tighter setting provides a more responsive reaction to changing temperature, while a wider bandwidth allows the controller to alter fan speed more gradually.
This gives growers the flexibility to tune the ventilation response to the behaviour of their individual room rather than relying on a fixed factory control strategy.
Manual fan speed control
Automatic temperature regulation is not compulsory. Manual mode allows the Control Freak to operate as a highly adjustable fixed-speed fan controller.
Fan output can be adjusted from approximately 10-100%, with 90 available speed settings providing precise adjustment.
Manual mode is useful when commissioning a ventilation system, balancing airflow, testing equipment or where a consistent extraction rate is preferred.
Two fan outlets for flexible ventilation control
The Control Freak 3A features two sprung-covered power sockets, allowing two suitable AC fan loads to be connected to one controller.
This makes it possible to run compatible intake and extraction fans together, provided the combined electrical load remains within the controller's specified 3A capacity.
Always check the electrical rating and speed-control compatibility of the connected fans before use. The combined load of all connected equipment must remain within the controller's specified limits.
Quieter & more efficient ventilation
An extraction fan does not necessarily need to operate at maximum output continuously. During cooler periods, reducing airflow can lower both fan noise and electricity consumption while still maintaining the required background ventilation.
Automatic control allows the system to increase airflow when additional cooling is required and reduce it again as conditions stabilise.
Combined with frequency-based motor control, this provides a considerably more refined approach than running fans permanently at full speed or controlling them with a simple fixed-speed device.
Setting up the Control Freak 3A
Connect compatible AC ventilation fans to the controller's power outlets and position the remote temperature sensor in a representative part of the growing environment.
Avoid placing the sensor directly in front of an air inlet, immediately beneath a grow light or against a warm or cold surface, as this may produce a reading that does not accurately represent general room conditions.
Select automatic or manual operation. For automatic temperature control, configure the desired room temperature together with the minimum fan speed, maximum fan speed and temperature bandwidth.
Monitor the environment after installation and fine-tune the settings to achieve the required balance between temperature, airflow, negative pressure and noise.
Control Freak 3A or 7A?
Both versions use the same frequency-control principle and are designed to provide smooth AC fan-speed and temperature control. The key difference is their electrical load capacity.
| Control Freak 3A | Designed for compatible ventilation systems with a total connected load within the 3A controller rating. |
|---|---|
| Control Freak 7A | Higher-capacity version for larger compatible fans or ventilation systems requiring greater electrical load capacity. |
Select the controller according to the electrical requirements of the fans rather than simply the physical size of the grow room. Always check the fan ratings before connection.
Control Freak 3A Frequency Controller specifications
| Brand | Control Freak |
|---|---|
| Product | Dynamic Frequency Controller |
| Model | 3A |
| Controller rating | 3A |
| Product type | Digital AC fan speed & temperature controller |
| Control technology | Dynamic frequency-based fan speed control |
| Fan adjustment | 10-100% |
| Speed settings | 90 selectable speed settings |
| Operating modes | Automatic temperature control & manual fixed-speed control |
| Power outlets | 2 sprung-covered sockets |
| Temperature monitoring | Remote temperature sensor / thermostat |
| Adjustable parameters | Minimum fan speed, maximum fan speed, desired temperature & temperature bandwidth |
| Display | Large LCD display |
| Primary application | AC ventilation fan control for grow rooms, grow tents & controlled indoor environments |
Control Freak 3A Frequency Controller FAQs
What does the Control Freak 3A Frequency Controller do?
It controls the speed of compatible AC ventilation fans and can automatically vary their output according to grow-room temperature or operate at a manually selected fixed speed. Why is it called a frequency controller?
The Control Freak alters the electrical frequency supplied to compatible AC fans to regulate motor speed, rather than relying solely on the waveform-altering methods used by many basic fan controllers. Does the Control Freak stop AC fan buzzing?
The frequency-control system is designed to provide smooth AC fan operation without the motor buzzing commonly associated with some conventional electronic speed controllers. What is the difference between the Control Freak 3A and 7A?
The principal difference is electrical load capacity. The 3A model is intended for compatible fan loads within its 3A rating, while the 7A version provides greater capacity for larger ventilation systems. Can the Control Freak 3A control two fans?
Yes. It has two power outlets, allowing suitable intake and extraction fans or another compatible combination to be controlled together, provided the combined load remains within the controller's rating. Can it automatically control grow-room temperature?
Yes. The remote temperature sensor monitors conditions and the controller automatically adjusts fan speed according to the configured temperature settings. Can I set minimum and maximum fan speeds?
Yes. Both minimum and maximum fan speeds can be configured to define the range within which the automatic control system operates. What is the temperature bandwidth setting?
Bandwidth determines the temperature range over which the controller changes fan speed. This allows the response to be adjusted to suit the behaviour of the individual grow room. Can the Control Freak 3A be used manually?
Yes. Manual mode allows a fixed fan speed to be selected when automatic temperature regulation is not required. How much fan-speed adjustment is available?
The controller provides approximately 10-100% adjustment with 90 selectable speed settings for fine control. Does reducing fan speed save electricity?
Reducing fan output when maximum ventilation is unnecessary can lower energy consumption compared with continuously operating compatible fans at full speed. Where should I position the temperature sensor?
Position it where it can measure a representative room temperature. Avoid direct intake airflow, intense radiant heat from lighting and surfaces that may distort the reading. Is the Control Freak 3A suitable for grow tents?
Yes. Its 3A capacity makes it particularly suitable for compatible ventilation systems used in many grow tents and smaller to medium-sized indoor growing environments. Can I connect any AC fan?
No. The fan must be electrically compatible with frequency-based speed control and the combined connected load must remain within the controller's specified rating. Always check the fan specifications before connection.