Fan runs often and there is an electronic 'burn' smell
- @david
I received my TinyPilot this week. I am using it to control a Windows 10 ThinkPad laptop. Today is the first day I have used it for an extended persion. The fan is running often and fast enough for me to clearly hear it. Also, there is an electronic burn smell.
David @david2024-04-01 11:13:51.477ZHi @rls2org, I'm sorry you're experiencing these issues with your TinyPilot's fan.
If your fan is giving off a distinct electrical burning smell, I'd encourage you to stop using your TinyPilot for now. If you're comfortable with it, you can open your TinyPilot and disconnect the fan as a temporary measure. I'll note that if your TinyPilot's CPU gets too hot, it will start throttling performance.
I've reached out to our customer support team who will be able to help with your options a bit further. You should receive an email from them soon.
I hope that helps. Please let me know if you have any questions.
- TIn reply torls2org⬆:Richard Smith @tjbeach
The electronic burn smell dissipated after awhile. The fan still turns on often but I assume that is "operating as designed"?
David @david2024-04-01 18:39:16.959ZThe fan still turns on often but I assume that is "operating as designed"?
Yes - the fan turns on when TinyPilot's CPU reaches 60°C to help keep it cool. If the CPU temperature drops back down below a threshold, the fan will turn off.
The ambient temperature, airflow, and load on the CPU all factor into the temperature of the system and the fan's behavior.
I believe a member of our customer support team has reached out to you about your fan, too.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
- TIn reply torls2org⬆:Richard Smith @tjbeach
Someone from support did reach out. I am all set now.