Has anyone had any experience installing or using a Belluna Super Fan or a similar product?

[Random]

There is a small German firm called Belluna (belluna.eu) who markets a MaxxFan knockoff (Quite a few other companies in europe offer the very similar, if not the same unit, under their name). The companies selling the similar units are quite reputable, like Reimo, Camping Wagner, Obelink among others.

These units appear to have some advantages over the MaxxFan on paper, such as lower prices (they come with an inner part that includes the blinds and lights), lower weight, a slightly lower height, a brushless motor, and the advertised ability to work with a 9-16v power source.

Has anyone purchased or installed something similar?

 

[fishplug]

I will watch this with interest as I was planning on installing a second Maxxair and didn't know there were cheaper alternatives out there.

There's nothing all that complicated with them really so as long as they've got a quiet fan motor that pushes a sufficient amount of air around and they can be set to bring air in or out then they should be decent alternatives.

The other thing I like about the Maxxair is the ability to drive with it open but the remote control isn't great in reality and the lack of option to have a wall mounted switch is also a negative for me.

Interestingly, I saw a YouTube video recently about capturing the IR signal from a remote and effectively cloning it and then programming an IR transmitter to beam the signal to the Maxxair.

This means you can add it to HomeAssistant and control the fan from your phone without having to have a direct line of sight to the IR receiver...

It's a cannon to kill a fly, but if any of the competitors have addressed this problem then I'm all ears....

 

[Lenny HB]

Interestingly, I saw a YouTube video recently about capturing the IR signal from a remote and effectively cloning it and then programming an IR transmitter to beam the signal to the Maxxair.

This means you can add it to HomeAssistant and control the fan from your phone without having to have a direct line of sight to the IR receiver...

It's a cannon to kill a fly, but if any of the competitors have addressed this problem then I'm all ears....

Paul Two on Tour has his working via Alexa.

 

[Random]

The Belluna unit has radio remote, not IR, so no need to point.

 

[Jev88]

I see a few local installers offering Maxxfan for £500 fitted for comparison.

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[Two on Tour]

I will watch this with interest as I was planning on installing a second Maxxair and didn't know there were cheaper alternatives out there.

There's nothing all that complicated with them really so as long as they've got a quiet fan motor that pushes a sufficient amount of air around and they can be set to bring air in or out then they should be decent alternatives.

The other thing I like about the Maxxair is the ability to drive with it open but the remote control isn't great in reality and the lack of option to have a wall mounted switch is also a negative for me.

Interestingly, I saw a YouTube video recently about capturing the IR signal from a remote and effectively cloning it and then programming an IR transmitter to beam the signal to the Maxxair.

This means you can add it to HomeAssistant and control the fan from your phone without having to have a direct line of sight to the IR receiver...

It's a cannon to kill a fly, but if any of the competitors have addressed this problem then I'm all ears....

As Lenny says, I have set up our Maxxair fan up using an IR blaster and operating the fans basic features via Alexa.
Although IR is for line of sight, the blasters beam has a wide angle, plus it will bounce off of other surfaces in the van in an open area.

 

[fishplug]

I'm still researching, but I'd like to keep it all self hosted in the van if at all possible and as low a footprint as possible.

It would be even better if the things had been designed with something better thought out than IR - even if it was an 'upgrade' option.

Anyway, I'm at risk of derailing the thread. We can start a 'how to improve the IR on a Maxxair' thread elsewhere.

Would be great to hear from anyone who's got a Belluna or one of the other clones.

 

[Random]

I'm still researching, but I'd like to keep it all self hosted in the van if at all possible and as low a footprint as possible.

It would be even better if the things had been designed with something better thought out than IR - even if it was an 'upgrade' option.

Anyway, I'm at risk of derailing the thread. We can start a 'how to improve the IR on a Maxxair' thread elsewhere.

Would be great to hear from anyone who's got a Belluna or one of the other clones.

Thank you for steering it back to the Maxxfan alternatives…

 

[fishplug]

No problem Random, it was my fault it drifted away!

Just watched the Belluna video with subtitles and auto translate as I don't speak German.



5-7 Db quieter is pretty impressive.

Build quality looks really good, I like the design. Have to say I'm very tempted.

I suspect the prices will creep up once they become more popular so it's also a good time to get one....

 

[ivorantony]

I'm still researching, but I'd like to keep it all self hosted in the van if at all possible and as low a footprint as possible.

It would be even better if the things had been designed with something better thought out than IR - even if it was an 'upgrade' option.

Anyway, I'm at risk of derailing the thread. We can start a 'how to improve the IR on a Maxxair' thread elsewhere.

Would be great to hear from anyone who's got a Belluna or one of the other clones.

I have just removed two Maxxair from my written off Adria, keeping one for the next van and open to sensible offers on the remaining one,

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[fishplug]

Well, I might have another up for sale as the plan is to fit a second fan and if I do go for the Belluna then I'd want two matching ones!

I have just written to Belluna to ask if having two fans would cause any issues in terms of the remote control as I would like to be able to control them independently.

Will report back once I hear.

On paper they look a lot better. Stronger, quieter, less power consumption, more airflow, cheaper, spares are available...

There's a lot to like.

 

[Random]

No problem Random, it was my fault it drifted away!

Just watched the Belluna video with subtitles and auto translate as I don't speak German.



5-7 Db quieter is pretty impressive.

Build quality looks really good, I like the design. Have to say I'm very tempted.

I suspect the prices will creep up once they become more popular so it's also a good time to get one....

Well, that’s why I mentioned “on paper.” The specifications appear superior to MaxxFan’s, but all YouTube videos are in German, and they come from parties with potential conflicts of interest.


It seems that a Chinese manufacturer offers this product as a white-label product to various parties, who simply add their names to it.


It’s a bit of a risk, considering the limited experience with this product compared to MaxxFan, a well-known product from a known company. In fact, MaxxFan significantly reduced its prices in Europe after the introduction of this competitor. Since they haven’t taken legal action against the manufacturer, it seems they don’t have patent protection (at least outside the U.S.).


That risk I mentioned isn’t substantial, though, as I observed from one of the videos I watched that the outer base dimensions and mounts are identical between the Maxxfan and this Belluna/Vechline/Reimo/etc. unit., so in case of need this new unit may be swapped for MaxxFan without replacing the base.

 

[Random]

I have just removed two Maxxair from my written off Adria, keeping one for the next van and open to sensible offers on the remaining one,

May we please stay on topic?

 

[Random]

Well, I might have another up for sale as the plan is to fit a second fan and if I do go for the Belluna then I'd want two matching ones!

I have just written to Belluna to ask if having two fans would cause any issues in terms of the remote control as I would like to be able to control them independently.

Will report back once I hear.

On paper they look a lot better. Stronger, quieter, less power consumption, more airflow, cheaper, spares are available...

There's a lot to like.

I communicated with Cristian from Belluna on a few occasions. Interesting experience- he is answering the questions he have positive answers to very fast and in details, but just keeps silent and not answering questions which may produce negative responses…
Please let me know if he answers your question(s)

 

[fishplug]

He has answered.

Very prompt.

Hallo,

kein Problem. Es lebe Google translate.

Nun meine Antwort:

Vorteile der Funksteuerung unserer Super Fans im Vergleich zur Konkurrenz

Unsere Super Fans nutzen eine moderne Funkübertragung zur Steuerung, was mehrere Vorteile bietet:

1. Individuelle Verbindung zwischen Fernbedienung und Gerät
   
   • Jede Fernbedienung ist nur mit einem einzigen Gerät gekoppelt. Dadurch wird verhindert, dass mehrere Geräte unbeabsichtigt gleichzeitig gesteuert werden.
2. Reichweite von ca. 50 Metern
   
   • Die Funkverbindung ermöglicht eine stabile Steuerung auch aus größerer Entfernung, z. B. vom Fahrersitz oder von außerhalb des Wohnmobils.
3. Vermeidung von Frequenzkonflikten
   
   • Sollte es wider Erwarten zu Störungen durch ähnliche Frequenzen kommen, kann jedes Gerät individuell so eingestellt werden, dass es nur von einer eindeutigen Fernbedienung gesteuert wird.

Im Gegensatz dazu verwenden Konkurrenzprodukte wie MaxxFan Infrarot-Steuerungen, die nur eine begrenzte Reichweite haben und störanfälliger sind. Unsere Funktechnologie sorgt für eine zuverlässige, flexible und störungsfreie Bedienung – genau das, was Wohnmobilbesitzer im Alltag brauchen.

and again after Google Translate has done it's thing...

Hello,

no problem. Long live Google translate.

Now my answer:

Advantages of the radio control of our Super Fans compared to the competition

Our Super Fans use a modern radio transmission for control, which offers several advantages:

1. Individual connection between remote control and device• Each remote control is only paired with a single device. This prevents several devices from being inadvertently controlled at the same time.

2. Range of approx. 50 meters• The radio connection enables stable control even from a greater distance, e.g. from the driver's seat or from outside the motorhome.

3. Avoidance of frequency conflicts• If, contrary to expectations, interference occurs due to similar frequencies, each device can be individually set so that it is only controlled by a unique remote control.

In contrast, competitor products such as MaxxFan use infrared controls, which have a limited range and are more susceptible to interference. Our radio technology ensures reliable, flexible and interference-free operation - exactly what motorhome owners need in everyday life.

So the short answer is that I can operate each one individually with it's corresponding remote.

That's good as it's what I would want it to do.

I noticed the Belluna website (and the YouTube videos) are heavily leaning against MaxxFan as their competitor, and even this reply has included it - even though my question made no reference to them.

However, the website also lists the Reimo as an alternative competitor - although I haven't researched that yet.

I suspect my research is going to be a couple of steps behind yours Random but I'm off to check out the other clones.

Might have a quick look at AliExpress and see if they're being sold direct from China and at what price.....

I did find a slightly more critical video (why are they all in German!) of the VanVent rebadging of the same thing....

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[gus-lopez]

I cannot even get any of the belluna links on google to even open up? Just shows as 'problem loading page'?

 

[fishplug]

Odd.

Here's the link I used and it worked fine for me.....

I found a TYTXRV badged one on AliExpress for £410...

Time to dig a bit deeper.

Reimo one seems to be badged as 'CarBest'.

Need to find the source in China and buy one direct to try I think!

 

[fishplug]

I just got a follow up email from Belluna which didn't add much:

"...Thanks to radio technology, several Super Fans can be operated simultaneously in a motorhome without the signals overlapping. Each device can be individually assigned to a specific remote control, allowing precise individual control."

I've just replied to ask if the product is the same as the other brands but rebadged and we'll see if I get a reply to that!

 

[fishplug]

Well, I'm pretty impressed with the communications with Belluna.

Got this at 7pm yesterday.

"...wir haben auch die aktuellste Version (3. Generation) und haben auch Zubehör."

"...we also have the latest version (3rd generation) and also have accessories."

Montage=installation
Ersatzteile = spare parts
Reparatur nach Ablauf der Garantie=Repairs after warranty expired
Tastenbeleuchtung ausschaltbar=key illumination can be turned off
Blende bestellbar=panel can be ordered

So they're not denying that it's all a rebadged unit but they are setting out to compete both on price and on service / availability of parts / guarantee.

I've read that a lot of people were frustrated that the control panel light couldn't be turned off on earlier versions and there are various 3D printed DIY solutions to block the light out. I'm guessing they are selling the Version 3 that has resolved this and are claiming that the others are possibly still shifting old stock of the V1 and V2 models that had the issue.

 

[mikash]

The other thing I like about the Maxxair is the ability to drive with it open but the remote control isn't great in reality and the lack of option to have a wall mounted switch is also a negative for me.

The Plus and Deluxe have a wall panel, don't they? I think I even read a blog about someone hijacking the RJ45-socket for the wall panel to control the fan with a Victron GX device instead.

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[fishplug]

Interesting. I don't think it was an option when I bought mine (Deluxe) but at £20 it could be worth having. Thank you.

I've been off on made-in-china.com to see if I could find the source of the Belluna fan on there, but so far nothing.

Working on the principle that Belluna must be putting something like 100% markup on then a unit could potentially be found for £150 which is a sum I would take a gamble on.

I might even become the UK distributor of them! I just need a name...

 

[Random]

Interesting. I don't think it was an option when I bought mine (Deluxe) but at £20 it could be worth having. Thank you.

I've been off on made-in-china.com to see if I could find the source of the Belluna fan on there, but so far nothing.

Working on the principle that Belluna must be putting something like 100% markup on then a unit could potentially be found for £150 which is a sum I would take a gamble on.

I might even become the UK distributor of them! I just need a name...

Distribution way is possible if you find the supplier (the best way to find them is to purchase a unit). My experience tells me that for the item like this buying on AliExpress or similar might be more expensive than buying from the distributors.
If you find it for 150 then they would add 100 for shipping and you will have 0 support.

 

[fishplug]

I wasn't being too serious about becoming a distributor

I would like to find the source though and see if I can buy a single unit direct.

 

[Random]

Well, I'm pretty impressed with the communications with Belluna.

Got this at 7pm yesterday.

"...wir haben auch die aktuellste Version (3. Generation) und haben auch Zubehör."

"...we also have the latest version (3rd generation) and also have accessories."

Montage=installation
Ersatzteile = spare parts
Reparatur nach Ablauf der Garantie=Repairs after warranty expired
Tastenbeleuchtung ausschaltbar=key illumination can be turned off
Blende bestellbar=panel can be ordered

So they're not denying that it's all a rebadged unit but they are setting out to compete both on price and on service / availability of parts / guarantee.

I've read that a lot of people were frustrated that the control panel light couldn't be turned off on earlier versions and there are various 3D printed DIY solutions to block the light out. I'm guessing they are selling the Version 3 that has resolved this and are claiming that the others are possibly still shifting old stock of the V1 and V2 models that had the issue.

Well, I'm pretty impressed with the communications with Belluna.

Got this at 7pm yesterday.

"...wir haben auch die aktuellste Version (3. Generation) und haben auch Zubehör."

"...we also have the latest version (3rd generation) and also have accessories."

Montage=installation
Ersatzteile = spare parts
Reparatur nach Ablauf der Garantie=Repairs after warranty expired
Tastenbeleuchtung ausschaltbar=key illumination can be turned off
Blende bestellbar=panel can be ordered

So they're not denying that it's all a rebadged unit but they are setting out to compete both on price and on service / availability of parts / guarantee.

I've read that a lot of people were frustrated that the control panel light couldn't be turned off on earlier versions and there are various 3D printed DIY solutions to block the light out. I'm guessing they are selling the Version 3 that has resolved this and are claiming that the others are possibly still shifting old stock of the V1 and V2 models that had the issue.

I was equally impressed by the speed in answering until I started asking some inconvenient questions, like why on their site they compare their price with the highest Maxxfan price from 2 years ago or do they plan on making the fan blades access as easy as on Maxxfan? For the question number one Cristian answered that he updated the website (to the highest maxxfan price now, not two years ago), to the second question I received no reply (while asking twice).

 

[Random]

I just got a follow up email from Belluna which didn't add much:

"...Thanks to radio technology, several Super Fans can be operated simultaneously in a motorhome without the signals overlapping. Each device can be individually assigned to a specific remote control, allowing precise individual control."

I've just replied to ask if the product is the same as the other brands but rebadged and we'll see if I get a reply to that!

Well, what answer did you expect to receive? Yeah, this is the same Chinese crap as everyone else is selling, but with our name on it?

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[Random]

But the original question was whether anyone had any experience with these units, and it seems the answer is “nobody” :-(

 

[Random]

I wasn't being too serious about becoming a distributor

I would like to find the source though and see if I can buy a single unit direct.

If you keep digging you might find the manufacturer, but buying direct will most probably be more expensive and without the actual support.

 

[Random]

Odd.

Here's the link I used and it worked fine for me.....

I found a TYTXRV badged one on AliExpress for £410...

Time to dig a bit deeper.

Reimo one seems to be badged as 'CarBest'.

Need to find the source in China and buy one direct to try I think!

Reimo sells all of its own products, which are white-label products under its brand, under the Carbest brand.

 

[mikash]

Seems they offer 24V version of the fan too, that's interesting. That'd be one less item on the 12V circuit if I end up with the 24V + 12V parallel system.
Also 12V/24V DC aircons available it seems.

 

[fishplug]

Well, what answer did you expect to receive? Yeah, this is the same Chinese crap as everyone else is selling, but with our name on it?

I would have respected the honesty

I have to say I'm tempted to buy one to see how I get on. The fact that Belluna have been pretty good in replying is encouraging and I guess if they're trying to build their brand by differentiating on service then it would be pretty silly of them to not honour a warranty as a negative review of an almost unknown brand when there's so little info out there at the moment would be very detrimental for them.

Will keep watching with interest until I'm ready to install a second fan (summer probably)

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