Aqua Computer farbwerk 360 Operating manual

FARBWERK 360
User and installation manual
User and installation manualUser and installation manual
User and installation manual
farbwerk 360
aquasuite version X 17
Current as of April 2020
All information contained in this manual is subject to change without prior notice
All rights reserved
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ENGLISH: PAGE 1
DEUTSCH: SEITE 24

FARBWERK 360
Table of contents
Table of contentsTable of contents
Table of contents
1 Preface 3
2 Safety precautions 4
3 Scope of delivery 4
4 Assembly instructions 4
5 Electrical connections 5
5 1 farbwerk 360 connector overview 5
5 2 Connector “Power supply” 5
5 3 Connector “USB” 5
5 4 Connector “aquabus” 6
5 5 Connector “flow sensor” 6
5 6 Connector for temperature sensors 6
5 7 Connector “RGBpx 1/2/3/4” 6
5 8 Status LED 7
6 aquasuite software 7
6 1 Installation of the aquasuite software 7
6 2 Basic operation 7
6 3 Symbols in the headlines 8
7 Overview pages (aquasuite) 8
7 1 Desktop mode 8
7 2 Creating new overview pages and activating edit mode 9
7 3 Adding new elements 9
7 4 Editing existing elements 9
7 5 Values and names 9
7 6 Detailed data elements 9
7 7 Log data chart 10
7 8 User defined: Images, text, drawing elements 10
7 9 Export and import of overview pages 10
8 Data quick view and data log (aquasuite) 11
8 1 Log settings 11
8 2 Analyze data 11
8 3 Manual data export 12
8 4 Automatic data export 13
9 Sensor configuration 13
9 1 Hardware temperature sensors 13
9 2 Hardware flow sensor 13
9 3 Software sensors 13
10 RGBpx configuration 14
10 1 Create and configure additional LED controllers 15
10 2 Modify existing LED controllers 15
10 3 Modify LED assignments 15
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10 4 Duplicate LED controllers 15
10 5 Multi-assign LED controllers 16
10 6 Delete LED controllers 16
10 7 Transparency 16
10 8 Sound controlled effects 16
10 9 AMBIENTpx effect 16
11 Profile management farbwerk 360 17
11 1 Manual profile selection 17
11 2 Automatic profile selection 17
12 System settings farbwerk 360 17
12 1 Device information 17
12 2 Factory defaults 18
12 3 Basic RGBpx settings 18
12 4 Firmware update 18
13 Playground (aquasuite) 18
13 1 Virtual Software Sensors 18
13 2 Global profiles 19
13 3 Hotkeys 19
14 aquasuite web 19
14 1 Data export 20
14 2 Data access 20
14 3 Data import 20
15 Basic settings (aquasuite) 21
15 1 Language 21
15 2 Reorder menu items 21
15 3 Units 21
15 4 Application start-up 21
15 5 Service administration 21
15 6 Audio and video 21
15 7 Updates and update service 22
16 Technical details and care instructions 23
16 1 Technical details 23
16 2 Care instructions 23
16 3 Waste disposal 23
16 4 Contact Aqua Computer 23
1
11
1 Preface
PrefacePreface
Preface
The farbwerk 360 is an integrated RGBpx effect controller for up to 360 individu-
ally addressable LEDs
Additionally, the device is equipped with four temperature sensor inputs, one flow
sensor input as well as USB and aquabus interfaces
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FARBWERK 360
Considering the fast technical development, we reserve the right to perform alter-
ations to the products at any time It therefore is possible that your product does
not correspond precisely to the descriptions or especially the illustrations in this
manual
2
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2 Safety precautions
Safety precautionsSafety precautions
Safety precautions
The following safety precautions have to be observed at all times:
●Read this manual thoroughly and entirely!
●Save your data onto suitable media before working on your hardware!
●This product is not designed for use in life support appliances, devices, or
systems where malfunction of this product can reasonably be expected to re-
sult in personal injury Aqua Computer GmbH & Co KG customers using or
selling this product for use in such application do so at their own risk and
agree to fully indemnify Aqua Computer GmbH & Co KG for any damages
resulting from such application!
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3 Scope of delivery
Scope of deliveryScope of delivery
Scope of delivery
●One farbwerk 360 controller
●Two RGBpx LED strips 32 cm, width 10 mm, 15 addressable LEDs (replace-
ment part no 53268)
●Two RGBpx cables, length 50 cm (replacement part no 53261)
●One internal USB cable (replacement part no 53215)
●Four screws M3 x 8 mm (replacement part no 91032 or 91069)
●Four hex nuts M3 (replacement part no 91017)
●Quick start manual
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4 Assembly instructions
Assembly instructionsAssembly instructions
Assembly instructions
The farbwerk 360 controller can be installed inside the PC case using the supplied
screws and nuts In order to access the mounting holes, bend the rubber insulation
away from the top cover of the farbwerk 360 controller and remove the top cover
Reinstall the top cover afterwards
Alternatively, double sided adhesive tape can be used to secure the farbwerk 360
controller inside the PC case
Make sure that the electric connectors do not have contact to metal parts or other
electronic devices inside the PC case, otherwise malfunctions or destruction of the
farbwerk 360 unit or other devices may occur!
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5 Electrical connections
Electrical connectionsElectrical connections
Electrical connections
5 1
5 15 1
5 1 farbwerk 360 connector overview
farbwerk 360 connector overviewfarbwerk 360 connector overview
farbwerk 360 connector overview
ATTENTION: Completely turn off your power supply or disconnect the mains pow-
er cord from the wall outlet before connecting or disconnecting any cables to/from
the device!
5 2
5 25 2
5 2 Connector “Power supply”
Connector “Power supply”Connector “Power supply”
Connector “Power supply”
Please connect a HDD power plug of your PSU to this connector Do not use ex-
cessive force but double check the polarity of the plug if you are having trouble to
connect
Pin assignment: Pin 1 not connected
Pin 2 GND
Pin 3 GND
Pin 4 +5 V
5 3
5 35 3
5 3 Connector “USB”
Connector “USB” Connector “USB”
Connector “USB”
This connector is used for USB communication with a PC Connect to an internal
USB header of your motherboard Take special care to make sure the pin align-
ment matches your motherboard!
The corresponding connector on the motherboard is usually
a 9 pin connector with two independent USB ports Both
rows of 4/5 pins can be used to connect an USB device
The black wires (GND) are to be connected to the side of
the missing pin, see picture with colored pin assignment
Pin assignment: Pin 1 +5 V (red)
Pin 2 D- (white)
Pin 3 D+ (green)
Pin 4 GND (black)
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Pin 5 not connected
5 4
5 45 4
5 4 Connector “aquabus”
Connector “aquabus”Connector “aquabus”
Connector “aquabus”
Reserved for future use, no compatible products available as of April 2020 Con-
nector for communication with other Aqua Computer devices
Pin assignment: Pin 1 GND
Pin 2 aquabus SDA
Pin 3 aquabus SCL
Pin 4 +5 V
5 5
5 55 5
5 5 Connector “flow sensor”
Connector “flow sensor”Connector “flow sensor”
Connector “flow sensor”
Flow sensor and special interconnecting cable are optional accessories and not in-
cluded in delivery
Pin assignment: Pin 1 GND
Pin 2 flow sensor +5 V
Pin 3 flow sensor signal
Compatible flow sensors:
●Flow sensor with 5 6 mm nozzle (53061)
●Flow sensor “high flow” (53068)
●Connection cable flow sensor for VISION (53212)
5 6
5 65 6
5 6 Connector for temperature sensors
Connector for temperature sensorsConnector for temperature sensors
Connector for temperature sensors
Connector for up to four temperature sensors
Compatible sensors:
●Temperature sensor inline G1/4 (53066)
●Temperature sensor inner/outer thread G1/4 (53067)
●Temperature sensor G1/4 (53147)
●Temperature sensor plug&cool (53025)
●Temperature sensor 70 cm (53026)
5 7
5 75 7
5 7 Connector “RGBpx 1/2/3/4”
Connector “RGBpx 1/2/3/4”Connector “RGBpx 1/2/3/4”
Connector “RGBpx 1/2/3/4”
Connectors for up to 90 addressable LEDs each
If the RGBpx product to be connected has more than one RGBpx connector, the
connector marked with the word “IN” must be used! Additional RGBpx products
may be connected to the “OUT” connector
Compatible RGBpx products:
●RGBpx LED-Strip (53268, 53269, 53270)
●RGBpx lighting set (53271, 53272)
●RGBpx Splitty4 (53267)
●RGBpx LED ring for ULTITUBE (34115)
●RGBpx LED ring for aqualis (53274, 53276)
●RGBpx LED ring for 60 mm reservoir (53277)
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●RGBpx cable (53259, 53260, 53261, 53266)
5 8
5 85 8
5 8 Status LED
Status LEDStatus LED
Status LED
The red status LED is continuously on for a period of approximately 10 seconds af-
ter start-up and then turned off The status LED is blinking during error conditions
6
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6 aquasuite software
aquasuite softwareaquasuite software
aquasuite software
The Windows software aquasuite is an extensive software suite and can be used
for configuration and monitoring The software is not required for operation
though All configuration parameters can be saved into the device's memory
Please note: Depending on the type of product you are using, some features may
not be available for your device
6 1
6 16 1
6 1 Installation of the aquasuite software
Installation of the aquasuite softwareInstallation of the aquasuite software
Installation of the aquasuite software
For configuration and monitoring of our products with USB interface, the aqua-
suite software is available for download from our website www aqua-computer de
You will find the setup program in the support section of the website under Down-
loads/Software
The setup program checks all connected USB devices for embedded update ser-
vice periods and offers various aquasuite versions depending on detected devices
If no device with update service for the latest aquasuite version is found, a warning
is displayed and older aquasuite versions that do not require an update service
purchase can be selected for installation For installation and update service vali-
dation, an internet connection is required
The latest aquasuite version may also be installed if no suitable update service pe-
riod has been found in a device Subsequently, update service may be purchased
or an existing key may be entered within the aquasuite These functions can be ac-
cessed in the aquasuite/Updates tab
6 2
6 26 2
6 2 Basic operation
Basic operationBasic operation
Basic operation
The program window is divided into two main areas On the left side, a list of
“overview pages”, data quick view, data logger, device pages, aquasuite web and
aquasuite configuration is displayed, the right side shows the details of the current-
ly selected list element The list can be hidden or restored by clicking the arrow
symbol in the upper left corner
List elements may be minimized or maximized for easier access by clicking the title
bar The title bars may contain various symbols that will be explained in the follow-
ing chapter
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6 3
6 36 3
6 3 Symbols in the headlines
Symbols in the headlinesSymbols in the headlines
Symbols in the headlines
Click the plus symbol in the “Overview pages” headline to create a new
overview page
Clicking the monitor symbol will toggle desktop mode for this overview
page While desktop mode is active, the color of the symbol will change
to orange
Overview page: Clicking the padlock symbol will unlock or lock this over-
view page for editing Device: Device can not be used due to update ser-
vice problems, see “Updates and update service” for details
Clicking the gear symbol will access the basic configuration page of the
selected list element
In order to save all settings into a device, click the disk symbol in the
headline
This symbol indicates that communication with this device is not possible
at the moment Check USB connection and power supply of the device if
necessary
Clicking this symbol in the lower left corner of the aquasuite window will
display the news feed on aquasuite updates
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7 Overview pages (aquasuite)
Overview pages (aquasuite)Overview pages (aquasuite)
Overview pages (aquasuite)
Current sensor readings and diagrams from all supported devices can be dis-
played in overview pages For each device a pre-configured overview page is au-
tomatically generated the first time the device is connected to the PC These pages
can be individually modified and new pages can be created Within one overview
page, data from all connected devices can be accessed
7 1
7 17 1
7 1 Desktop mode
Desktop modeDesktop mode
Desktop mode
Each overview page can be displayed directly on your desktop You can enable
desktop mode for an overview page by clicking the monitor symbol in the list of
overview pages Desktop mode can only be enabled for one overview page at a
time With desktop mode enabled, elements of the overview page may cover pro-
gram symbols on your desktop, but mouse clicks are transmitted to underlying
desktop symbols
If a overview page is unlocked for editing while desktop mode is active, the page
will be displayed in the aquasuite window for editing and the current desktop will
be displayed as background for your convenience
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7 2
7 27 2
7 2 Creating new overview pages and activating edit mode
Creating new overview pages and activating edit modeCreating new overview pages and activating edit mode
Creating new overview pages and activating edit mode
In order to create a new overview page, click the plus symbol in the headline
“Overview pages”
Existing overview pages can be unlocked for editing by clicking lock symbol in the
page listing
7 3
7 37 3
7 3 Adding new elements
Adding new elementsAdding new elements
Adding new elements
If the currently selected overview page is unlocked for editing, a plus symbol is dis-
played in the top right corner of the screen Click the symbol to add a
new element to the page and select the desired element from the follow-
ing list All available data is displayed in a tree diagram, click the arrow
symbols to access individual items
Confirm your selection by clicking the check symbol in the bottom right corner
The new element will be displayed in the upper left corner and the configuration
window is displayed Configure the element as described in the next chapters
7 4
7 47 4
7 4 Editing existing elements
Editing existing elementsEditing existing elements
Editing existing elements
If the currently selected overview page is unlocked for
editing, right-clicking an element will access a context
menu
To access the settings of an element, select “Settings”
in the context menu or simply double click the element
If you want to move an element, “drag” this element
while holding down the mouse button Release the
mouse button when the element is at the desired posi-
tion
7 5
7 57 5
7 5 Values and names
Values and namesValues and names
Values and names
If the currently selected overview page is unlocked for editing, right-click an ele-
ment and select “Settings” You may also double click the element
Font face, size and color as well as position, decimal places and unit can be con-
figured for individual values
7 6
7 67 6
7 6 Detailed data elements
Detailed data elementsDetailed data elements
Detailed data elements
If the currently selected overview page is unlocked for editing, right-click an ele-
ment and select “Settings” You may also double click the element Apart from po-
sition, size and color, the style of the element can be selected and configured The
following styles are available:
●Headline only: Compact display as a headline
●Text: Displays the numerical value in a box with a headline
●Bar graph: Displays numerical value as well as bar graph
●Chart: Displays the value in chronological sequence as a chart
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●Gauge: Displays the value as a analog gauge
All display styles offer extensive configuration options, additionally statistical data
such as minimum, maximum and average can be displayed
7 7
7 77 7
7 7 Log data chart
Log data chartLog data chart
Log data chart
This element can be used to display charts on overview pages The charts have to
be created using the data log functionality of the aquasuite before they become
available for overview pages Please refer to the next chapter for details Once a
chart has been configured, it can be selected from the “Chart selection” list on the
“Display” tab of the settings dialog
7 8
7 87 8
7 8 User defined: Images, text, drawing elements
User defined: Images, text, drawing elementsUser defined: Images, text, drawing elements
User defined: Images, text, drawing elements
By using user defined controls, simple drawing elements such as circles, rectangles
and texts as well as images and more sophisticated elements can be added to an
overview page To do so, add an “User defined” element to an overview page
Switch to the “Display” tab in following dialog box, select the type of element to be
created from the drop down menu and confirm your selection by clicking the
“Load preset” button Depending on the type of element, an additional dialog may
appear before the code (XAML, Extensible Application Markup Language) of the
new element is displayed in the lower part of the dialog window You may want to
customize the code By clocking the “Ok” Button, the new control is saved to the
overview page
Step-by-step example to add an image: Select “Image” from the drop down menu
and click the “Load preset” button Select an image file using the following file se-
lection dialog The code is then displayed in the lower part of the dialog window
an can be modified Save the new control by clicking the “Ok” button The picture
will be displayed on the overview page
More complex controls such as data bindings and animations are also available
but will require some programming experience for configuration
7 9
7 97 9
7 9 Export and import of overview pages
Export and import of overview pagesExport and import of overview pages
Export and import of overview pages
Elements and complete overview pages can exported from the aquasuite and can
then be imported either on the same PC or on other PCs For export as well as im-
port, the overview page must be in edit mode
To export a complete page, right click a free spot of the page and select “Export
page” from the context menu To export individual elements, select the element or
elements, perform a right click and select “Export selected” from the context menu
For import, right click a free spot of the page and select “Import page” or “Import
items”from the context menu Using “Import page”, the current page will be delet-
ed and only the imported page items will be displayed, using “Import items” will
add the items from file to the current page without altering the existing items Dur-
ing import, the elements will be assigned to devices using the following scheme:
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If a device with identical serial number is found on the computer, no changes are
made
If no device with identical serial number is found on the computer, the element will
be assigned to the first device found of identical type
When importing complex pages with elements referring to more than one device, it
is recommended to edit the device assignment in the file using a text editor prior to
importing
8
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8 Data quick view and data log (aquasuite)
Data quick view and data log (aquasuite)Data quick view and data log (aquasuite)
Data quick view and data log (aquasuite)
All data currently monitored by the aquasuite can be accessed in the “Data quick
view” section This includes data from connected USB devices as well as hardware
data supplied by the Aqua Computer background service Displayed data may be
filtered using the text box next to the magnifier icon, a chart shows the develop-
ment over a maximum of ten minutes All data shown here is not stored perma-
nently
In contrast, the “Data log” may be used to selectively and permanently store data
from all connected Aqua Computer devices and hardware data supplied by the
background service Logged data can then be analyzed by creating charts or be
exported to files Data is only logged while the aquasuite software is being execut-
ed
8 1
8 18 1
8 1 Log settings
Log settingsLog settings
Log settings
The log settings can be accessed by clicking the “Log settings” element
below the “Data log” headline in the listing To log data, create a new
log data set by clicking the plus symbol in the upper right corner of the
settings window Enter name, time interval and configure automatic deletion of old
data to meet your requirements You may then add the data sources to log by
clicking the plus symbol in the “Data sources” window section You may add an
unlimited number of data sources to each log data set, the total number of log
data sets is also unlimited
8 2
8 28 2
8 2 Analyze data
Analyze dataAnalyze data
Analyze data
Logged data can be visually evaluated as charts To do so, select “Ana-
lyze data” below the “Data log” headline in the listing The chart will ini-
tially be empty, directly below the chart are eight buttons to modify the
chart In the lower section of the window, the chart data can be configured
To add data to the chart, first select the “Data sources” tab in the chart configura-
tion and select a data set to be displayed If no data sources are available, you
will have to configure the log settings as described in the chapter “Log settings” of
this manual Select the time period to be displayed on the right side of the window
and add the data to the chart by clicking the “Add data to chart” button Repeat
this procedure if you want to display more than one data set in the chart
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You may modify the chart using the “Chart setup” and “Data series setup” tabs
Finally, you can use the “Chart manager” tab to save the current chart configura-
tion and to load or delete previously saved configurations All saved chart configu-
rations will be available on overview pages for the “Log data chart” element
The currently displayed chart can be edited by using the buttons directly below the
chart and may also be saved as an image file The button corresponding to the
currently selected function is highlighted by an orange frame Please refer to the
following list for details on each function:
To save the currently displayed chart as an image file, click the floppy
disk symbol and select a name and location in the following dialog
This function can be used to add horizontal lines to the chart While this
function is activated, simply click into the chart to add a line at the current
cursor position
This function can be used to add vertical lines to the chart While this
function is activated, simply click into the chart to add a line at the current
cursor position
This function can be used to add annotations to the chart While this
function is activated, simply click into the chart to add an annotation at
the current cursor position By clicking into the text box, you may edit the
text You may also drag the little circle beside the text box to move the connecting
line to the desired position Use drag and drop to move existing annotations
This function can be used to remove horizontal/vertical lines or annota-
tions from the chart While this function is activated, simply click the ele-
ment to be removed
This function can be used to move the visible portion of the chart Press
and hold the mouse button while moving the cursor in the chart to select
the position to be displayed, then release the button
This function can be used to zoom in and out Use the mouse wheel or
select the area to be displayed You can reset the zoom settings by dou-
ble-clicking in the chart area
This function will completely remove the chart
8 3
8 38 3
8 3 Manual data export
Manual data exportManual data export
Manual data export
Saved data can be exported from the data log into a XML file To do so, select
“Analyze data” below the “Data log” headline in the listing Select the “Data
sources” tab in the chart configuration and select a data set to be exported If no
data sources are available, you will have to configure the log settings as described
in the chapter “Log settings” of this manual Select the time period to be exported
on the right side of the window and start the export process by clicking the “Export
data” button Enter a file name and path in the following dialog window
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8 4
8 48 4
8 4 Automatic data export
Automatic data exportAutomatic data export
Automatic data export
The automatic data export feature can be used to save data from the
aquasuite into an XML file on the hard disk or in the RAM (“memory
mapped file”) in a regular time interval The automatic data export will al-
ways overwrite the previously saved data, so the file always contains only the most
recent data set Select “Automatic data export” below the “Data log” headline in
the listing to access the settings screen Create a new export data set by clicking
the plus symbol in the upper right corner of the screen Enter name, path and time
interval to meet your requirements You may then add the data sources to log by
clicking the plus symbol in the “Data sources” window section You may add an
unlimited number of data sources to each export data set, the total number of ex-
port data sets is also unlimited
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9 Sensor configuration
Sensor configurationSensor configuration
Sensor configuration
Select “Sensors” from the device list below the “farbwerk 360” entry In
the upper area, the 21 available sensors are displayed including current
data In the lower area, the currently selected sensor can be configured
9 1
9 19 1
9 1 Hardware temperature sensors
Hardware temperature sensorsHardware temperature sensors
Hardware temperature sensors
The first four sensors in the list represent the temperature sensor inputs of the farb-
werk 360
If necessary, each temperature sensor can be calibrated by adding an offset of
±15 °C
9 2
9 29 2
9 2 Hardware flow sensor
Hardware flow sensorHardware flow sensor
Hardware flow sensor
The fifth sensor in the list represents the flow sensor input of the farbwerk 360
Calibration values for sensors sold by Aqua Computer can conveniently be select-
ed from a drop-down list Select the appropriate entry for the flow sensor connect-
ed to the farbwerk 360
If necessary, the flow rate can be calibrated by ±10 %
9 3
9 39 3
9 3 Software sensors
Software sensorsSoftware sensors
Software sensors
The last 16 sensors in the list are software sensors and can be used to transmit
sensor data that is not physically available to the farbwerk 360 controller from the
computer by USB connection
During installation of the aquasuite, the background service “Aqua Computer Ser-
vice” is also installed This service supplies various data from PC components and
imported data from aquasuite web, additionally sensor data provided by third par-
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ty software can be accessed In order to access third party software data, the third
party software has to be correctly installed, configured and running
Currently, the “Aqua Computer Service” supports data transfer from “HWiNFO”
(REALiX, Freeware, www hwinfo com) and “AIDA64” (FinalWire Ltd , subject to li-
cense fees, www aida64 com)
HWiNFO automatically exports all sensor values, the “Sensor Status” Window has
to be open
In the AIDA64 preferences menu, writing to WMI must be activated in the „external
applications“ sub-menu:
By clicking the plus symbol labeled “Data source”, one of the provided sensors
can be assigned to the selected software sensor
For each software sensor, a scale factor and an offset may be configured for ma-
nipulation of the displayed sensor value Data from third party software regularly
requires the scale factor to be adjusted
10
1010
10 RGBpx configuration
RGBpx configurationRGBpx configuration
RGBpx configuration
Select “RGBpx” from the device list below the “farbwerk 360” entry
In the RGBpx overview, select the RGBpx output to be configured
After selecting a RGBpx output, new LED controllers can be added Posi-
tion and number of assigned LEDs can be modified for existing LED controllers,
multiple assignments and controller settings can be modified Each LED controller
be can activated or deactivated for each of the four available profiles as well
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10 1
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10 1 Create and configure additional LED controllers
Create and configure additional LED controllersCreate and configure additional LED controllers
Create and configure additional LED controllers
After selecting a RGBpx output, new LED controllers can be added by
clicking the plus symbol Alternatively, use the right mouse button and se-
lect “New” from the context menu Select the desired effect from the su-
perimposed list of available effects The controller name can be altered from its
default as well Confirm you selection by clicking the check symbol in the lower
right corner
The configuration of the newly added LED controller can be modified in the lower
area of the window Each LED controller can activated or deactivated for each of
the four available profiles as well Most effects offer extensive customization op-
tions such as color selection or speed adjustment Additionally, many effects can
be configured to modify effect parameters depending on current sensor data
In total, up to 20 LED controllers can be configured
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10 210 2
10 2 Modify existing LED controllers
Modify existing LED controllersModify existing LED controllers
Modify existing LED controllers
Existing LED controllers can be selected by clicking the corresponding col-
or bars, the configuration of the selected controller can then be modified
in the lower area of the window Each LED controller can be activated or
deactivated for each of the four available profiles as well
By clicking the gear symbol, the effect to be displayed can be changed and the
controller name can be altered Confirm you selection by clicking the check sym-
bol in the lower right corner
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10 310 3
10 3 Modify LED assignments
Modify LED assignmentsModify LED assignments
Modify LED assignments
Existing LED controllers can be moved by using “drag&drop”on the corre-
sponding color bars The horizontal position of the color bar defines the
position of the effect on the connected LEDs The vertical position deter-
mines the priority of the LED controllers, if multiple controllers are assigned to a
range of LEDs Controllers positioned further up in the list have higher priority than
controllers further below (See chapter Transparency as well )
By using “drag&drop”, LED controllers can also be moved to another RGBpx out-
put
The length of the bar (corresponding to the number of LEDs assigned) can be
changed by moving the right/left edge of the color bar
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10 410 4
10 4 Duplicate LED controllers
Duplicate LED controllersDuplicate LED controllers
Duplicate LED controllers
Select the LED controller(s) to be duplicated and click the duplicate sym-
bol to create new LED controllers using identical configurations Alterna-
tively, use the right mouse button and select “Duplicate” from the context
menu
These duplicated controllers will initially have configurations identical to the origi-
nal controllers, but can be modified without affecting the original controllers
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FARBWERK 360
In total, up to 20 LED controllers can be configured
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10 5 Multi-assign LED controllers
Multi-assign LED controllersMulti-assign LED controllers
Multi-assign LED controllers
Select the LED controller(s) to be multi-assigned and click the multi-assign
symbol to create multiple entries for the selected controllers Alternatively,
use the right mouse button and select “Multi assign” from the context
menu
These multi-assigned controllers share a common configuration Apart from the
position of the assigned LED area, configuration changes will always affect all of
the multi-assigned controllers
In total, up to 60 assignments can be configured
10 6
10 610 6
10 6 Delete LED controllers
Delete LED controllersDelete LED controllers
Delete LED controllers
Select the LED controller(s) to be deleted and click the delete symbol to
delete the selected controllers Alternatively, use the right mouse button
and select “Delete” from the context menu
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10 7 Transparency
TransparencyTransparency
Transparency
The default configuration defines all colors of the LED controllers in the
farbwerk 360 as “solid”, meaning without transparency If multiple LED
controllers are assigned to a LED or an area of LEDs, the LED controller
with the highest priority determines the color of the LED As described above, this
is always the LED controller the furthest up in the list of controllers
However, the opacity of almost all color definitions in the LED controllers can be
individually configured, resulting in a varying level of transparency The corre-
sponding sliders in the color selection are identified by a drop symbol This feature
can be used to blend and mix colors where overlapping LED controllers are con-
figured
10 8
10 810 8
10 8 Sound controlled effects
Sound controlled effectsSound controlled effects
Sound controlled effects
Sound controlled effects can be used to visualize the current audio output of the
computer A warning in the LED configuration area will notify you if audio analysis
has been disabled in the aquasuite In this case, please enable the feature in the
general aquasuite configuration The general aquasuite configuration can also be
used to modify existing audio filters and define custom audio filters
10 9
10 910 9
10 9 AMBIENTpx effect
AMBIENTpx effectAMBIENTpx effect
AMBIENTpx effect
The AMBIENTpx effect replicates the border area of the current monitor content on
the configured LEDs This effect is meant to be used with LED strips installed to the
rear of the monitor for background lighting A warning in the LED configuration
area will notify you if video analysis has been disabled in the aquasuite In this
case, please enable the feature in the general aquasuite configuration
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For each configured AMBIENTpx effect, please select the correct monitor, edge
and desktop range to evaluate for the effect
Prerequisites and limitations:
●The AMBIENTpx effect requires Microsoft Windows operating system version
8 1 or newer
●Screen content preventing analysis by DRM or similar methods cannot be
analyzed
●Multi monitor setups must be configured using standard procedures of the
operating system Special features of the graphics card driver like “NVIDIA
Surround” or “AMD Eyefinity” must be disabled
●AMBIENTpx is not available while “NVIDIA G-Sync” is active
11
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11 Profile management farbwerk 360
Profile management farbwerk 360Profile management farbwerk 360
Profile management farbwerk 360
Select “Profiles” from the device list below the “farbwerk 360” entry
The profile management can be used to select up to four profiles manu-
ally or automatically In order to use this functionality, LED controllers
must be assigned to the individual profiles as described above
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11 111 1
11 1 Manual profile selection
Manual profile selectionManual profile selection
Manual profile selection
Select the profile to be activated by clicking the corresponding button
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11 211 2
11 2 Automatic profile selection
Automatic profile selectionAutomatic profile selection
Automatic profile selection
The active profile can automatically be selected depending on sensor readings, a
timer or depending on running applications A variety of conditions can be config-
ured, with (applicable) conditions further down the list having a higher priority than
entries further up
The duration of the profile timer can be configured and is available for profile se-
lection as a “data source” If “Reset timer automatically” is selected, the timer will
be reset after the set period of time and count up again, otherwise the timer will
stop when reaching the maximum value
12
1212
12 System settings farbwerk 360
System settings farbwerk 360System settings farbwerk 360
System settings farbwerk 360
Select “System” from the device list below the “farbwerk 360” entry
12 1
12 112 1
12 1 Device information
Device informationDevice information
Device information
The details displayed here might be required when you contact our service for sup-
port
You may enter a “Device description” for easier identification, this text will be dis-
played in the device list and in the data quick view
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12 2
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12 2 Factory defaults
Factory defaultsFactory defaults
Factory defaults
Click the button “Reset device to factory defaults” in the aquasuite for a complete
reset of all settings You will have to completely reconfigure the device after reset-
ting it to factory defaults!
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12 312 3
12 3 Basic RGBpx settings
Basic RGBpx settingsBasic RGBpx settings
Basic RGBpx settings
All RGBpx outputs of the farbwerk 360 can be completely disabled and the
brightness of all outputs can be reduced using a slider
12 4
12 412 4
12 4 Firmware update
Firmware updateFirmware update
Firmware update
The most up to date firmware for all supported devices is always included in the
current version of the aquasuite software The button “ Update firmware now” will
start the update process for the device firmware
During the firmware update process, do not disconnect the device from the PC
and do not power down the PC! After the firmware is successfully updated, the
aquasuite software will be automatically closed
13
1313
13 Playground (aquasuite)
Playground (aquasuite)Playground (aquasuite)
Playground (aquasuite)
Click the entry “Playground” to configure Virtual Software Sensors, global profile
management and hotkeys
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13 1 Virtual Software Sensors
Virtual Software SensorsVirtual Software Sensors
Virtual Software Sensors
Virtual Software Sensors can be used for extensive yet easy to use adapta-
tion and calculation of sensor values using mathematical and logical
functions as well as filters
Create a new Virtual Software Sensor by clicking the plus symbol in the upper right
corner of the “Virtual Software Sensors” window Each Virtual Software Sensor al-
ways has an “Out” element which will provide the resulting sensor value In the
settings dialog of this element, the name and unit of the sensor can be configured
You can now add data sources and function blocks to the lower area of the sensor
window and connect inputs and outputs of the blocks with lines Connect the out-
put of the last function block with the “Out” element
The resulting virtual sensor can be used within the aquasuite software, for example
for overview pages, additionally it may be transmitted via USB connection to con-
nected devices that feature software sensors
The following (very simple) example calculates the average out of two tempera-
tures:
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13 2
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13 2 Global profiles
Global profilesGlobal profiles
Global profiles
The global profile management can be used to conveniently change set-
tings in multiple devices simultaneously and activate desktop pages Indi-
vidual actions can be defined for each of the four profiles, switching be-
tween profiles can either be done manually or automatically depending on config-
urable rules
In order to use this feature, set up profiles within the individual device configura-
tions first These profiles can then be activated using the global profile manage-
ment Not every type of device supports profiles
Buttons in the upper window area can be used to switch between global profiles
Alternatively, the profile icon in the title bar of the aquasuite window or a profile
icon in the system tray may be used
Example use cases: Switching of LED illumination settings depending on current
time of day or modification of fan settings when a graphics application is
launched
Notice for profile activation depending on running applications: During configura-
tion of the respective rule in the aquasuite, the application to be configured must
already be running The application selection within the aquasuite will always show
currently running applications and processes only
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13 3 Hotkeys
HotkeysHotkeys
Hotkeys
Hotkeys are key combinations that will be processed system-wide and can
activate global profiles or desktop pages The configured key combina-
tions will be registered in the operating system and be processed by the
background service If the configured actions only use the profile management,
the aquasuite does not have to be running for hotkeys to be operational; if desk-
top pages are used, the aquasuite must be running
Do not use key combinations for this function that are required by other applica-
tions
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1414
14 aquasuite web
aquasuite webaquasuite web
aquasuite web
Click the entry “aquasuite web” to publish data on the internet or import data from
the internet The server for this service is operated by Aqua Computer and provid-
ed for use with the aquasuite, without warranty for error free operation or perma-
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nent availability Aqua Computer reserves the right to limit or cancel this service at
any time
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14 114 1
14 1 Data export
Data exportData export
Data export
To publish data, create a new export data set by clicking the plus symbol
in the upper right corner of the “Data export” window The name of the
data set may be modified to meet your requirements You may then add
the data sources to export by clicking the plus symbol in the “Data sources” win-
dow section By clicking the gear symbol, the name of the corresponding value
can be changed Up to 30 data sources can be added to each export data set, the
total number of export data sets is limited to 10 All selected values will be trans-
mitted to the Aqua Computer server by the Aqua Computer background service
approximately every 15 seconds, even after closing the aquasuite
Notice regarding data security: All data contained in the configured export data
sets is transmitted to the Aqua Computer server with transport security The server
stores the data set in volatile memory until a new data set is received or until 10
minutes have passed Data received is not permanently stored, data is also not
correlated to IP addresses or other personal data Data on the server may be ac-
cessed by anyone without restrictions, furthermore automatic data collection and
recording through third parties is possible Use the data export feature for data
that you want to publish publicly and are allowed to do so only
14 2
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14 2 Data access
Data accessData access
Data access
Published data can be obtained from the Aqua Computer server in vari-
ous formats Generally, the “access key” is required to access data
In addition to access through any internet browser and importing data into the
aquasuite, data is also available in JSON format and compatible to Circonus
Furthermore, the server generates banner images in two different sizes from the
transmitted data, suitable to be included in forums signatures The code required
for the Aqua Computer forums is provided for your convenience
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14 3 Data import
Data importData import
Data import
To import a data set from the Aqua Computer server, the “access key” of
the data set is required The access key can be found in the aquasuite on
the computer providing the data in the “Data access” section
Create a new import entry by clicking the plus symbol in the upper right corner of
the “Data import” window Enter the access key of the data set to be imported Up
to 10 data sets (each containing up to 30 values) can be configured
In order to verify that data is being imported, use the “Data quick view” feature in
the aquasuite Navigate to “Data from Aqua Computer service”, then “aquasuite
web” For each imported data set, you should find an entry with the name of the
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