The ICC software is running great now, as is the RPi unit and VNC.

Just a question on the temps of the ICC RPi unit bought through Centurion Solar, so assuming their standard case type - mine averages 62C (from the ICC display) in a room with ambient temp of about 23C - is this temp a bit high for prolonged use or is it normal for the Pi?

I printed a basic fan stand for a 12v 60mm maglev fan on the weekend to hold the Pi unit (unit sits on top so cool air blows from beneath and out through the side holes) - hacked an old 5v cellphone charger to power the fan at 5v for the moment, so it turns enough to cool but not make too much of a noise - it has bought the RPi unit temps down to about 40C average, which to me looks much better.

What are others doing?

@HowardB,

Have you installed the two Alu cooling fins to the Pi? You should do that in any case.

5 hours ago, Sidewinder said:

@HowardB,

Have you installed the two Alu cooling fins to the Pi? You should do that in any case.

Thanks @Sidewinder

I wasn't aware there were cooling fins to be installed - the unit was supplied bundled with their ICC software loaded and I just plugged in and connected.

I haven't opened the Pi case (which looks very different to others I've seen - maybe their own proprietary version?) but will try and open up and take a look. Who would supply the cooling fins, someone like PiShop?

If you can tell me what is printed on your Pi case, I might be able to tell you if the cooling fins are installed standard. There are 3 or 4 mainstream varieties.

Else you can either post  or PM photo, and I will try to assist.

I run 2 Pi's, One run in the 60's, and other one in the low 30's on average days.

OK, just checked, the 60's Pi currently sitting at 66 and the other one at 31.9.

Pi's in general run pretty hot, but the neurotic among us like it to run much cooler

R

Thanks @Riaanh

Here's the case:

I'm one of those neurotics that have to have PC's, steppers, etc running as cool as possible!

I haven't managed to figure out how the case is opened yet, but will read up a bit about it and see what I can find.

Edited April 10, 20197 yr by HowardB

Not difficult to open, but those come with cooling fins attached.

The one of mine that runs so cool is running in the Pi Fanned case, Fan running from the 40 pin connector.

R

(Edit) PS I need to replace that fan annually, but at like R25 a pop, well worth it.

Edited April 10, 20197 yr by Riaanh

Thanks Riaan.

Will take a look and see what I can find

 

I lost a pi3 after a few weeks, all because i did not buy the cooling kit. Expensive mistake.

6 hours ago, Sidewinder said:

I lost a pi3 after a few weeks, all because i did not buy the cooling kit. Expensive mistake.

Thanks for the heads up.

I opened my ICC RPi and see it doesn't seem to have any cooling fins on the components - I'm not even sure where they are supposed to go - will see if I can find some (may have some old smallish PC VGA card fins lying around) and see if they bring the temps down at all without the fan - otherwise I may design and/or download a 3D file for printing, one with a fan in the top. I'm looking at setting up OctoPrint at some point, so may look at some dual cases/stackers with cooling options.

Have seen a few cases at PiShop, but don't really like the look of them... picky I know   

To open the ICC RPi case:

• There are two screws - one visible and one under the rubber foot (the foot diagonally opposite to the visible screw)
• The case should split open fairly easily.
• The Pi board is connected to the header attached to the top of the case (where the power button is) - pry off carefully...the header is screwed to the top of the case.

Now, I know nothing about the PI (or very little at this stage), so I have marked where I think the heatsinks must go - if someone can confirm for me and I'll give it a bash with the ones I can find. TBH, I'm not sure about that top-right marked part - what is that? I assume the processor is the lower marked  part and the middle part seems to be the wifi/LAN chip.

There are 2 heatsinks in a kit. The small one goes on the black square, and the bigger one on the silver square. The silver square with the raspberry logo remains as is. If the pi is switched on, you will feel the heat with your finger after a few minutes. Most shops that sell the pi sell them. 

Thanks @Sidewinder will try that.