DIY fans in canopy......

Tim224DT · 12-24-2005, 08:37 AM

Hello, i saw a post on here wanting to know if he bought a 12volt converter from Radio Shack if it will work on his fans. The answer was yes. My question is that i used to be really into computer and have this speed controler for my computer case fans. It wil allow me to control up to 4 different fans and give 4 different temps. My question is that if i purchase this converter will i be able to run it to my fan controler and then control my fans from that? Here is a link to something similar to what have. I have two 120mm alum case fans that i plan on useing for this.

I will have to decide where i want to mount this controler. But will it work?

Tim

Doug1 · 12-24-2005, 11:44 AM

Wow Tim, thats a kewl looking gadget, My son likes those on his puters but I am cheap so I had him leave them off on mine

Anyway back to your question, The controller should run off 12vdc but I suspect that between the controller and the fans it may pull a bit more power than the 800 mw or whatever the power supply in the converters rated, if its less you'd be good to go
if its more than the convertor puts out go to a straight 12 vdc source, you dont want to vary the voltage going to your temp controller anyway

Tim224DT · 12-24-2005, 11:46 AM

Thanks Doug.... I will have to check into how much it pulls. If it pulls more than i can always find some other converter or even go buy a cheap computer power supply i might even have one in the attic somewhere. I bought that at a computer show up in Tampa for $15 about 3 years ago. Not that same one but similar.

Tim

Doug1 · 12-24-2005, 11:49 AM

thats prolly a better choice, lots of power and fairly constant output, ya know how electronics hate voltage flutuations

Tim224DT · 12-24-2005, 11:55 AM

Yeah i think i may be going with an AT power supply seeing that the ATX power supply need a motherboard to be able to turn on. AT has a button that you can press. I can put them on timers then. This is the one i have i just took a pic of it.

Tim

Tim224DT · 12-24-2005, 12:13 PM

Check this to make sure i have it correct.......
This AC-DC converter runs at 12V 1500mA http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search

I found a website that has all the tech info on my controller at the bottom of the page in the conclusion part it states that it needs 1500mA http://www.fanbus.com/reviews/fanmas...ster_Cliff.htm

So in a perfect world which we live in

this should work.

Thanks,
Tim

Tim224DT · 12-26-2005, 06:23 PM

Well i went to go cut a couple of holes in my canopy to mount these case fans for cooling and the case fans are two big for where i want to put them. I have to go buy some 80mm case fans the 120mm ones are two big.

Tim

wharyat · 12-26-2005, 10:49 PM

I found this great site a while ago for regulated power supplies.

I never thought about using a baybus for fan control, that will look very cool.

Here's how to modify an ATX powersupply to run w/o a motherboard.

Short pin 8 and 14.

Tim224DT · 12-27-2005, 06:28 AM

Thanks Vince....I will have to check it out. I have about a 2in gap between my reflector for my lights and my top of my canopy. That is where i plan on putting my controller.

Tim

Tim224DT · 12-27-2005, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wharyat

Here's how to modify an ATX powersupply to run w/o a motherboard.

Short pin 8 and 14.

If i had an extra power supply laying around i would try it. Its seems to be cheaper to buy the converter than a new power supply. But thanks for that info i will keep it in mind for other projects i might have.

Tim