New Module Idea

[Michael Panfeld]

So I was reading several threads on fan noise causing sound issues. I thought of a new module idea. How about a Cooling Module. It bolts on to replace/bypass the fan/cooling system. Haven't thought this all the way through yet, but I would use a Peltier device and a large heat sink to yield silent solid-state cooling. Obviously, not for run and gun situations, but for interviews or long takes, yeah.

 

[Bob Gundu]

Here's your run-and-gun solution!!!!

 

[Zeb B]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_pipe

 

[Michael Panfeld]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_pipe

Doesn't that still have a fan? A peltier device would obviate the need for a fan.

But if you are going down the laptop path....overclockers use an oil bath. (http://www.pugetsystems.com/submerged.php) hehe

 

[Zeb B]

If I was smart enuf to work on the Epic Engineering Team my priorities would be
1. Energy Efficiency - reduce the wattage consumption
2. Power Management - more dynamic and situational options
3. Cooling - great blow dryer currently. Not so good at long form interviews

 

[Andy Jarosz]

Peltier devices are not efficient. The amount of power they would suck to cool down your camera would negate the take-length increase. There is no magic solution.

You could get quieter fans, but I would think RED has given you the best they have.

 

[Michael Panfeld]

Power consumption should not enter the picture whatsoever in an interview situation. Wouldn't one be running off of a/c power? Besides, if one did have to run on batteries, I would trade additional batteries for silence any day of the week. Power is simply non-issue.

I would also argue that Peltier devices remove heat much more efiiciently (and quickly) than a fan.

 

[Zeb B]

Watts consumed internally = heat needed to be dispersed

Heat/Cooling all starts with device efficiency like LED's vs Incandescent

 

[Ian B. Johnson]

From what I've read, those unused contacts within the heat exhaust port are an interface for a fan. So in theory, RED has some sort of uber-cooler in development (or had, perhaps it's been abandoned.) I think this would be a great thing to have, especially for interviews and long takes where sound is important.

 

[PatrickW]

If you forgo mobility you could setup a custom water-cooling loop that would be silent and work in extreme heat.

 

[Michael Panfeld]

The great part of using a Peltier device is that it works in reverse. One could heat a super cold camera during an AM shoot on top of a snowfield in NZ, then flip a switch and shoot an interior interview in 90 degree heat on the beach that afternoon.

A Peltier device would extend EPIC's operating temperature range, as well as giving you the silent intimate interview option.