sbc-fan-control

Single-executable fan controller. Should work with every pwmchip-capable board.

Features

• Requires only python3-periphery from package manager
• Adjusts speed based on both CPU and NVME temperatures
• Smooth curves - gradual speed adjustments
• Hysteresis - wont switch back and forth degrading the fan
• Works with multiple fans (as separate instance/service)
• Falls back at full speed in case of termination/failure
• Multi-layered security

Installation

sudo apt install python3-periphery                                              # install systemd module for python
git clone https://github.com/nobody43/sbc-fan-control.git
cd sbc-fan-control
sudo install -m 644 -o root -g root apparmor.d/sbc-fan-control /etc/apparmor.d/ # install AppArmor profile for executable
sudo apparmor_parser --add /etc/apparmor.d/sbc-fan-control                      # confine profile for executable
sudo install -m 755 -o root -g root sbc-fan-control.py /usr/local/bin/          # install the executable
sudo install -m 644 -o root -g root systemd/system/sbc-fan-control@.service /etc/systemd/system/  # install service unit

Usage

1. Choose, connect the fan, and enable PWM
2. Determine available PWM chips/fans: sudo sbc-fan-control.py --list
3. Test without service: sudo sbc-fan-control.py --device febf0020.pwm
4. Enable the service: sudo systemctl enable sbc-fan-control@febf0020.pwm.service
5. Display operational data in log with signal: sudo kill -USR1 $(pgrep -af "python3 /usr/local/bin/sbc_fan_control.py" | awk 'NR==1{print $1}')

Deinstallation

sudo apt purge python3-periphery
sudo systemctl stop sbc-fan-control@febf0020.pwm.service
sudo systemctl disable sbc-fan-control@febf0020.pwm.service
sudo rm /etc/systemd/system/sbc-fan-control@.service
sudo rm /usr/local/bin/sbc-fan-control.py
sudo apparmor_parser --remove /etc/apparmor.d/sbc-fan-control
sudo rm /etc/apparmor.d/sbc-fan-control

Hardware setup

General

You need to load PWM overlay in your boot config. Differs on every board - refer to documentation.

A PWM-capable fan (4 pins) like NF-A4x10 5V PWM or NF-A4x20 5V PWM is required. Most boards won't have corresponding 4-pin connector - additional breadboard short jumper cables are needed (male-female). Following wire colors are for Noctua.

Orange Pi 5 Plus

Load overlay inside your boot config /boot/armbianEnv.txt and reboot:

overlays=pwm14-m2

Pin layout, names

Pin layout, sequential numbers

• Connect yellow wire to 5V (PIN 4)
• Connect black wire to GND (PIN 6)
• Skip the green wire
• Connect blue wire to PWM14_M2 (PIN 7)

PWM14_M2 holds febf0020.pwm address: sudo systemctl enable sbc-fan-control@febf0020.pwm.service

PR is welcome for other board instructions