upHere P12PARGBWT ARGB PWM Fan Hub Controller User Manual

1. Introduction

The upHere P12PARGBWT ARGB PWM Fan Hub Controller is designed to manage up to 12 ARGB (Addressable RGB) fans and 12 PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) fans simultaneously. This controller features an infinity mirror design, buck speed control for both 3-pin and 4-pin fans, and is powered via SATA. It offers universal compatibility, allowing ARGB control even without a 5V 3-pin ARGB header on your motherboard.

2. Product Features

• Universal Compatibility: Operates effectively even if your motherboard lacks 5V 3-pin ARGB headers.
• Infinity Mirror Design: Integrates a light-refracting infinity mirror for enhanced visual aesthetics.
• 12-Fan Direct Control: Provides 12 dedicated PWM 4-pin ports and 12 ARGB 5V 3-pin ports for comprehensive fan and lighting management.
• Smart Buck Circuit Speed Control: Advanced chip and Buck technology synchronize speed for both 3-pin and 4-pin PWM fans.
• Magnetic Mounting & Customization: Features a tool-free magnetic base for flexible placement, along with 5-level brightness and 4-speed modes (silent/performance) for personalized control.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in the package:

Image: Contents of the upHere P12PARGBWT package.

• Control Hub (1x)
• Remote Control (1x)
• M/B Lighting Sync Line (1x)
• PWM Signal Line (1x)
• User Manual (1x)

4. Component Identification

Familiarize yourself with the various ports and connections on the control hub and the functions of the remote control.

4.1 Control Hub Ports

Image: Diagram of the control hub connections.

• PWM Control Cable: Connects to the CPU fan interface on your motherboard for fan speed control.
• Motherboard ARGB Sync Cable: Connects to the motherboard's 5V 3-pin ARGB header for software control of lighting.
• Lighting Switch Interface: Connects to the chassis restart button for external lighting control.
• SATA Power Supply Cable: Provides power to the controller from your power supply.
• ARGB 5V 3-pin Ports (x12): For connecting ARGB lighting of fans or other components.
• PWM 4-pin Ports (x12): For connecting PWM fans for speed control.

4.2 Remote Control Functions

Image: Remote control button functions.

• ON/OFF: Powers the lighting on or off.
• M/B Sync: Toggles between motherboard ARGB control and remote control.
• MODE: Cycles through various lighting effects.
• AUTO: Activates automatic cycle mode for lighting effects.
• SPEED +/-: Adjusts the speed of dynamic lighting effects.
• FAN: Adjusts fan speed (Stop, Slow, Medium, Fast).
• LIGHT BRIGHTNESS +/-: Adjusts the brightness of the ARGB lighting.
• Fixed Monochrome Buttons (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, White): Sets static single colors.
• M1 (Full-Color Running): Activates a full-color running lighting effect.
• M2 (Colorful Gradient): Activates a colorful gradient lighting effect.
• M3 (Colorful Breathing): Activates a colorful breathing lighting effect.
• M4 (Colorful Flowing Water): Activates a colorful flowing water lighting effect.

5. Setup and Installation

Follow these steps to install and connect your upHere ARGB PWM Fan Hub Controller.

5.1 Mounting the Control Hub

Image: Magnetic mounting of the control hub.

1. Identify a suitable flat metal surface inside your PC case for mounting.
2. The control hub features a magnetic back for tool-free installation. Simply place it against the desired metal surface.
3. Ensure the hub is securely attached and does not obstruct other components or airflow.

5.2 Connecting Power and Fans

Image: Power and fan connections.

1. Connect the SATA power supply cable from the control hub to an available SATA power connector from your PC's power supply unit (PSU).
2. Connect your ARGB fans (or other ARGB devices) to the 5V 3-pin ARGB ports on the control hub.
3. Connect your PWM fans to the 4-pin PWM ports on the control hub.

5.3 Optional Motherboard Synchronization

If you wish to control ARGB lighting and fan speeds via your motherboard's software, follow these additional steps:

1. Connect the provided M/B Lighting Sync Line from the control hub to an available 5V 3-pin ARGB header on your motherboard.
2. Connect the provided PWM Signal Line from the control hub to an available 4-pin PWM fan header (e.g., CPU_FAN or SYS_FAN) on your motherboard.
3. After connecting, use the 'M/B Sync' button on the remote control to switch between remote control and motherboard software control.

5.4 Optional Chassis Restart Button Connection

You can use your PC's chassis restart button to cycle through lighting effects:

1. Disconnect the existing restart button cable from your motherboard.
2. Connect the chassis restart button cable to the 'Lighting Switch Interface' on the control hub.
3. Connect the provided jumper cable from the control hub's 'Lighting Switch Interface' to the motherboard's restart pin header.

6. Operating Instructions

Control your fans and ARGB lighting using the included remote control or motherboard software (if connected).

6.1 Fan Speed Adjustment

Image: Fan speed and light brightness adjustments.

• Press the FAN button on the remote control to cycle through four fan speed modes: Stop, Slow, Medium, and Fast.
• If connected to the motherboard PWM header, fan speed can also be controlled via motherboard software.

6.2 ARGB Lighting Control

• Press the ON/OFF button to toggle the lighting.
• Use the MODE button to switch between various pre-programmed lighting effects.
• Press AUTO for an automatic cycle through all lighting effects.
• Adjust the speed of dynamic lighting effects using the SPEED +/- buttons.
• Adjust the brightness of the lighting using the LIGHT BRIGHTNESS +/- buttons. There are 5 levels of brightness adjustment.
• Select specific static colors using the dedicated Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, White buttons.
• Choose from special effects using buttons M1 (Full-Color Running), M2 (Colorful Gradient), M3 (Colorful Breathing), M4 (Colorful Flowing Water).
• To switch between remote control and motherboard ARGB software control, press the M/B Sync button.

7. Maintenance

To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your fan hub controller:

• Keep the controller free from dust. Use compressed air to gently clean the unit periodically.
• Ensure all cables are securely connected and properly managed to prevent strain or accidental disconnection.
• Avoid exposing the unit to excessive moisture or extreme temperatures.

8. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your upHere ARGB PWM Fan Hub Controller, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

• Fans or ARGB lighting are not working:
  • Verify that the SATA power cable is securely connected to both the hub and the PSU.
  • Ensure all fan and ARGB cables are correctly plugged into the hub's designated ports.
  • Check if the PC's power supply is functioning correctly.
• Weak magnetic mounting:
  • The magnetic base may not be strong enough for all surfaces or orientations. Consider using double-sided adhesive pads for a more secure attachment if needed.
• Conflicting RGB effects when using motherboard sync:
  • If you are using motherboard software for RGB control, ensure the hub is set to M/B Sync mode using the remote control. If the remote is also sending signals, it can cause conflicts.
• Hub not responding to remote control:
  • Ensure the hub is not in M/B Sync mode. Press the 'M/B Sync' button on the remote to switch back to remote control mode.
  • Check if the remote control's battery needs replacement.
• Overload or power issues (e.g., unit overheating):
  • Each fan hub should ideally be powered by its own dedicated SATA power cable from the PSU, especially if connecting a large number of fans or multiple hubs. Sharing a single SATA cable for multiple high-power devices can lead to insufficient power delivery or overheating.

9. Specifications

10. Warranty and Support

For warranty information or technical support, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official upHere website. Contact customer service for assistance with product issues, returns, or replacements.