Cooling Fans

[Blake]

I had heard that some poeple use computer fans to provide airflow in their lighting hoods. How do you power it? Is there an adapter for going from the computer (4v? 12v?) to a regular two prong outlet? Does this exist? Heh, at radioshack you can even find an adapter that will make your gardenhose power your surround sound system!

For Example
4" Cooling Fan

[Phill]

Blake , I beleive you answered your own question. Go to radio shack and ask. They have an adaptor/retifier that will work.

Phill

[JJGeisler]

Hi Blake,

I tried using one of the 3" whisper fans I had in my parts box and was NOT happy about the noise. Fan runs 24/7 even if lights are off, no control. I replaced that fan with an Ice Cap 4" variable speed and LOVE it. It's not the cheapest fan out there at nearly $46 but it is super quiet, has a thermal control that increased the fan speed as the temperature increases. There are a few places that are selling them now, when I tried to buy mine they where on back-order for 5 weeks. Champion Lighting @ http://www.championlighting.com/cgi-...d=828247.23034 is one place that sells them. Includes the power transformer with the fan.

JJ

[ATLANTIS]

Blake,
You can also purchase A/C fans, not just D/C fans.

A/C can be plugged into your lighting timer and only run when you lights are on.

I have purchased many fans from http://www.hosfelt.com/Fans/fan1.htm and have been very happy. You need to buy the power cords, and they also sell plastic grills.

[Kinesthesia]

Blake,
I use "computer" DC fans in my hood. At first, I used an old AT (computer) power supply (which are different than those used by modern computers). But after I got sick of the wires and the bulk, I dug through my box of "old transformers to stuff I don't know what it is anymore". I had plugin transformers for old Nintendos, tape players, etc. If you can find one who's output is around 9-12volts *DC* (very important) than you are good to go. Cut off that plug, strip wires, voila.

If you don't have anything like that, hit Radio Shack. But keep your eyes peeped for not just output voltage but amps. Granted, you don't need alot, probably 200-300ma but just something to keep in mind.

AC fans is another option mentioned above... but while AC fans of this size are generally better built, they generally move more air (good), are louder because of that fact (bad), and have steel blades instead of plastic (ouch). Also, now you have 120v AC over your tank (ok, so you already did in the lights, but yet another source of an accident) instead of 12volts.

Just food for thought.

[Kinesthesia]

I forgot to add that I have a powerstrip plugged into my timer, so the fans come on with the lights. So they don't run 24-7 and cool when it isn't necessary, otherwise I think my fans and my heater would be fighting through the night.

[toms]

I agree with JJ. I put an Icecap variable fan in my hood about a year ago. No muss, no fuss and its pretty quiet. Just put it in and forget about it.

[Doug1]

I have found getting the speed control on AC fans kinda touchy, I use AC fans out of an O2 concentrator, serious are, serious noise.
DC seem easier to speed control, the Radio Shack variable speed adaptor should work well for DC fans.
I want Icecap fans, but I may wind up mounting the fans in a ceiling mounted plenum and using drier duct to draw heat from the hood. A Ranco or Johnson temp controller would be really sweet