Rhino 1EC Fan Speed Controller — Thermostat-Based Extraction Fan Control at Entry-Level Pricing
Best for: Growers wanting automatic temperature control over their extraction fan without paying for digital complexity or extra features
Our thoughts
This is a proper entry-level EC fan controller that does exactly what it should—keeps your grow room at the temperature you set, automatically adjusts your extraction fan, and doesn't rinse your budget doing it. Simple analogue dials, rock-solid performance, no faffing about with software. One we recommend a lot for growers stepping up from manual dimmers.
The Rhino 1EC is a thermostat-based EC fan speed controller designed to give you automatic climate control without the complexity. It sits between basic manual dimmers and advanced digital controllers, offering temperature-sensing automation through three simple analogue dials. Connect it directly to your Rhino Ultra EC extraction fan, set your target temperature and fan speed limits, and it handles the rest—adjusting airflow automatically to keep your grow room stable, day in, day out.
How it compares
This sits firmly in the entry-level EC controller category.
- Automatic temperature-based control — above basic manual dimmers, below digital smart controllers
- Single-fan operation — not built for dual-fan negative pressure setups (that's the Rhino 2EC)
- Analogue dial interface — simpler than digital, no learning curve
- No external power required — plugs straight into compatible Rhino fans
- Significantly cheaper than digital EC controllers or multi-purpose AC/EC units
In short: you get thermostat-level automation at a price that makes sense for a first proper fan controller.
Usage guidance
The Rhino 1EC works through three straightforward dials, each controlling a different aspect of your extraction setup:
Temperature dial
Set your target grow room temperature between 20°C and 30°C. The built-in thermal probe monitors the actual temperature and tells the controller what to do.
Maximum speed dial
Set the highest speed your extraction fan can run at—anywhere from 50% to 100% power. This is useful for reducing noise during cooler months or when you're not running a full heat load. Lower maximum speeds also cut running costs.
Minimum speed dial
Set the lowest speed the fan will run at—0% to 100%. This maintains basic air exchange and CO₂ replenishment even when the room is cool. Prevents the fan from cutting out completely.
How it works in practice
Once dialled in, the controller runs on autopilot. Temperature rises above your set point? The fan speeds up automatically. Temperature drops? The fan slows down. You don't have to be there tweaking it manually—it just keeps your environment stable.
Best suited to single-fan extraction setups where you want automatic temperature control without managing negative pressure across multiple fans.
Technical specifications
- Controller type: Analogue thermostat-based EC fan speed controller
- Temperature range: 20°C to 30°C (user-selectable)
- Maximum fan speed setting: 50% to 100%
- Minimum fan speed setting: 0% to 100%
- Fan compatibility: Rhino Ultra EC fans (direct connection, no external power supply required)
- Control interface: Three analogue adjustment dials
- Temperature probe: Included, user-positionable
- Operation mode: Fully automatic once set
Who this is for
- First-time buyers stepping up from manual fan dimmers to automatic control
- Growers with a single extraction fan who want temperature-based automation
- Budget-conscious growers who don't need digital precision or multi-fan capability
- Hands-on growers who like to experiment with temperature and airflow settings
- Busy growers who want to set it once and not think about fan adjustment
Particularly well suited to setups where simplicity and reliability matter more than granular digital control.
Our take
This is a solid entry-level EC fan controller that takes the guesswork out of climate control. You set three dials, the thermal probe does the work, and your grow room temperature stays stable. No complicated menus, no software updates, no external power cable—just honest automation.
If you're ready to move beyond manual control and don't want to pay for digital features you won't use, worth picking up while clearance stock lasts. Does exactly what it should, day in, day out.
