Logisys Wireless Remote MultiFunction Panel

[Steven B]

[page=Introduction & Packaging]
Introduction
I would like to thank Andrew of Xoxide.com (http://www.xoxide.com) for providing us with this review sample.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/glamorshot1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/glamorshot1.jpg)

Functional panels for our computers have been around for a while now, but Logisys took the standard functional panel with USB, Firewire, fan controller, and temp monitors and tricked it out one more. They created "The first remote panel in the world designed for media PC and for enhancement of all computers". The Logisys FP800BK includes almost everything you could want in a front panel device, plus you can turn your PC on and off with its handy remote!

Packaging
The unit comes in an attractive green box.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/frontbox_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/frontbox.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/backbox_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/backbox.jpg)
Front/Back of the Box

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/opened_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/opened.jpg)
The Packing inside the box. As you can see the unit itself and its wires are concealed.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/uncovered_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/uncovered.jpg)
When you remove the top, the first thing you find is the manual. It is a good idea to read this, because there are so many wires that need to be correctly arranged.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/packaged_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/packaged.jpg)
Here we can see the unit and its wires very neatly organized and protected

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/outofbox_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/outofbox.jpg)
This picture shows everything included inside the package: the panel, its wires, antenna, remote, and user's manual.

[page=The Unit]
The Unit
The panel is designed to fits perfectly into any 5.25" computer drive bay.

<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="systable">
<tr><th colspan="2" style="font-size:larger;text-align:center">Specifications</th></tr>
<tr>
<th width="100">Type:</th>
<td>FP800BK Panel</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Color:</th>
<td>Black</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Remote Buttons:</th>
<td>Power & Reset</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Panel Input:</th>
<td>5VSB & 12V</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Remote Power:</th>
<td>Alkaline Batteries</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Remote Range:</th>
<td>12-15 feet</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Fan Control:</th>
<td>3-Pin</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Temperature Sensors:</th>
<td>2 Independent Probes and Meters</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Antenna:</th>
<td>Single Telescopic Antenna</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Dimensions:</th>
<td>14.7 x 4.2 x 10cm, 5.75'x 1.63" x 5.94" (LxWxD)</td>
</table>

The unit seems to be well built, its aluminum body feels very strong. The aluminum's black color matched perfectly with my Lian Li PC-65B (review here (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/LianLi/PC-65B/)). The two meters are well placed off to the side, followed by a single fan controller, one Firewire port, and two USB ports. Above that are two lights: one red for power and one green for restart.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/controller_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/controller.jpg)
Broad view of the front of the panel

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/usbfire_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/usbfire.jpg)
Closeup of the ports, fan controller, and the two system lights.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/backofpanel_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/backofpanel.jpg)
The back view of the panel.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/side_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/side.jpg)
Side of the panel

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/electrics_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/electrics.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/trimmers_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/trimmers.jpg)
Here we can see the electronics of the unit, as well as a close up picture of some of the trimmers used for tweaking the temperature sensors and other major voltages.

Below are some various shots of connectors for the panel.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/connectors_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/connectors.jpg)
Pictured are the headers for the Power/Reset functions.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/power_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/power.jpg)
This is the unit's power connector.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/usb_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/usb.jpg)
These pins are for the USB and Firewire connection.

[page=Accessories]
Accessories
The unit has a large amount of accessories, mostly just wires. It saves you the hassle of ever having to track down any extra wires because everything you need is provided.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/antennattachment_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/antennattachment.jpg)
Above is the attachment PCI slot cover, which gives you the ability to attach the antenna.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/connector_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/connector.jpg)
These wires connect to your case's power and reset button wires.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/firewire_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/firewire.jpg)
This is the Firewire connector, it attaches externally to a Firewire card. Which means, if you got any external Firewire port your all set, they recomend you hook it up to a card (the directions are a little outdated)
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/moreconnectors_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/moreconnectors.jpg)
These wires are for connecting the panel's on/off and restart, to the motherboard's on/off and restart points.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/usbadpater_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/usbadpater.jpg)
This USB plug lets you connect to the motherboard's internal USB connectors.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/power2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/power2.jpg)
Motherboard Power Connector

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/tempwires_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/tempwires.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/sensor_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/sensor.jpg)
These are the two temperature probes. As you can see the wire length is fine, but the head of the probes are shaped in a way that you can't put them in some tight places, like in between the fins of a heat sink is a no-no.

[page=Remote Control & Spotted Issues]
Radical Remote
The most unique feature of this panel is without doubt its remote features. This panel system has the ability to turn off and on and restart your computer with the simple push of a button on a wireless remote.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/antenna_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/antenna.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/antenna1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/antenna1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/antenna2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/antenna2.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/wholeback_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/wholeback.jpg)
Pictured above is the antenna. It telescopes, so it can reach a distal range, and it easily connects to the provided PCI slot accessory.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/frontofremote_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/frontofremote.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/backofremote_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/backofremote.jpg)
Pictured above is the front and back of the remote, not bigger than a car key, the remote is lightweight and can fit right on your key chain. It uses one 12V alkaline battery.
I tested out the remote and it seems that:

It is omni-directional. I suspect it to be a radio transmitter rather than an infrared type setup. This is a definite plus.
Its range is under stated at 15 feet, I found I could use it at 15 feet without the antenna, with the antenna I got more like 25 to 30 feet, even through walls.
The unit makes a clicking sound when you hit a button, kind of like a motor with a piece metal at the end hitting another piece of metal.


Issues
Every item has its problem. This panel seems to have one that is also easily fixable.
The motherboard connector is only 20-pin, So if you have a 24 pin motherboard you are in some trouble. All you need to do to fix this, if you need to use a 24-pin connector, is to cut the wires and reroute them to the proper positions on the 24-pin motherboard connector.

As you can see the problem....
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/no_fit_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/no_fit.jpg)

...is easily solved
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/do_fit_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/do_fit.jpg)
Now this was an easy fix for my PSU connector because I could just remove the extra 4 pins for a 24-pin setup, but what about those who can't? Or who need those extra 4 pins? The only fix is to cut then rewire the wires to your motherboard connector. This mod is not too hard, but it might void your warranties.

[hr]

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/before_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/before.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/after_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Logisys/Panel/images/after.jpg)

[page=Value & Conclusion]
Value & Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The Logisys Multifunction Panel (http://www.xoxide.com/logisys-multifunction-panel-black.html) is going for about $40 USD. I found this price to be very fair, the features and functions of this panel can't be bought for anything cheaper.</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
Very nice finish/design
Remote ON/OFF & restart functionality
Temperature meters
Built in fan controller, USB, and Firewire
All wires are provided
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
Needs to be modded for 24-pin setups.
</td></tr>
<tr><th>8.9</th><td>As you can see, the panel definitely adds *bling* to your system. Its sleek and smooth, while at the same time it retains functionality and features.<br />
Its biggest feature is without doubt the remote control. The ability to start your computer when you are in a hurry or just have it ready for you when you get to your room is a big advantage. There is also the cool factor, such as when your friend is using your computer and you get into a fight about him getting off, all you got to do is get your remote and restart your computer and tell him that it's unstable and needs to be fixed.<br />
All in all the panel really stands out above the rest. The only problem you could run into is with a 24 pin motherboard connector, but the easy little mod included in the problems section should fix it right up.</td></tr>
</table>

[brendaw666]

can you tell me or show me step by step.How to fix the 20 pin psu connector on my Logisys Wireless Remote MultiFunction Panel.to transfor it from a 20 pin to a 24 pin.Please.Thank you.
I am so confuse

[calvary1980]

you need to buy an adapter (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Description=20+pin+to+24+pin&x=0&y=0)

PS, Welcome to TPU.

- Christine

[brendaw666]

Are you sure that this is what I need.Because.I am trying to run it on a Logisys Wireless Remote MultiFunction Panel.

[calvary1980]

if your motherboard connector is 24 pin and the Logisys is 20 pin it should work regardless of the missing pins, if the Logisys is 24 pin and the motherboard connector is 20 pin you have to buy the adapter.

- Christine

[brendaw666]

My Motherboard connector is a 24 pin.Thank you.I will try it again to see.Okay.

[brendaw666]

I getit to work.But.Now I am having thouble with the remote.It won't turn it On or Off.Any help would really help me....

[calvary1980]

remote might need new batteries, usually the ones they send you in any retail package are crap. if that doesn't work the remote might be defective.

- Christine

[brendaw666]

Thank you.I will try that.You guys are the best.

[brendaw666]

Hi.I bought new batteries for the Remote.But it still does not work.I e-mail support@logisyscomputer.com.But.They are talking about some sort of RMA thru my Vendor.I do not know what they are talking about.I have already sent them a copy of my Receipt by e-mail.So.Tell me what else am I suppose to do.Thank you.Confused Brenda.

[thoughtdisorder]

An RMA is a "Return Merchandise Authorization" which is usally a number that the vendor you bought it from will give you once you call and request one. That number will be used to replace your faulty product with a working product. Did you buy this from the internet or in an actual store?

[brendaw666]

From the Internet.I have the Receipt for it.Svc.Com. Is going to try to resolve the problem.Listen My antenna Has a Plastic Coating around the inside base of the slot.Do you think I should remove it.Because the picture of the Antenna cable.Does not have it on it.Do you think that is what the problem.Is.Still confused Brendaw666

[thoughtdisorder]

From the Internet.I have the Receipt for it.Svc.Com. Is going to try to resolve the problem.Listen My antenna Has a Plastic Coating around the inside base of the slot.Do you think I should remove it.Because the picture of the Antenna cable.Does not have it on it.Do you think that is what the problem.Is.Still confused Brendaw666

Is the plastic coating where it screws into the unit?

For example, when you connect the antenna cable is metal touching metal, or is this plastic in between?

(Make sure to click refresh every so often to see if someone has replied to you).:)

[brendaw666]

Metal is touching metal.But the Plastic is all on the Antenna from the mid way bottom.

[thoughtdisorder]

Metal is touching metal.But the Plastic is all on the Antenna from the mid way bottom.

Anyway you can take a pic and post it? Even a camera pic will work, doesn't need to be a great pic!

[brendaw666]

Thank you all of you for your help.I sent the Remote to my Logisys Wireless Remote MultiFunction Panel . back to Svc where I bought it from.They are going to send me a replacement Remote.
Everything else on the panel works.It just would'nt operate off the remote.It would light up.I had put new batteries in it but still nothing.I hope they can do better.Bye...Brenda

[brendaw666]

Hi its me again.I get the new remote,for the computer.And it still does not work.I think that maybe I should just call it quits and put the panel and the remote away.Talk to you guys later.Still confused?

[brendaw666]

I have a question to ask.Is it safe to put a Pc Case Handle. On a Sunbeam 9 Bay Acrylic Case.
Because I want to but I am not sure.Any help please.Thank you...

[ShiBDiB]

y r u reviving a 2month old thread in the wrong section to ask a completely unrelated question

[brendaw666]

Sorry I will look else where