DIY Fan Setup

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Fijikid

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 24, 2004
Messages
96
Location
Seattle
Hello!

How do I set up the following fans? What size (watts or volts) of adapter should I use? Thank you for your help.

1. 12 volts DC -.30 amps
2. 12 volts DC -.11 amps
3. 12 volts DC -.14 amps
4. 12 volts DC -.06 amps
 
Hi. You will first need a AC-DC transformer since they are powered by Direct Current. Current from the wall outlets will be Alternating Current. This can be found at Radio Shack, or any electronic parts store online, etc.

Notice that each of your fans have an Amperage rating. You will need to find a transformer that can handle those amperage. It looks like the highest is 0.3 A or 300 mA. I am running two fans on a 500 mA transformer. You could do the same.

The next step would be to splice the power cable, and connect the FANS. IF you want all 4 to come on with ONE transformer, then you hook all 4 up. If you want 2 to come on when halides are on, and 2 to come on when they go off, then you will need 2 different transformers.

I hope that makes sense.

Best,

Ilham
 
All those are going to need either mulitiple transformers or one big one. A pc power supply will work fine for as many fans as you want or any other 12v accessories.

Don
 
Elmo and Don thank you for the info. Anyone outthere have any pictures of similiar setups they are willing to post on this link?
 
Hey I whipped up a little wiring diagram for you. You need a transformer that is good for about 1 amp. Like Don said you can easily use a PC power supply I think you just ground out the green or maybe the purple wire to turn it on.
 
I finally had the opportunity to go to Radio Shack and they had no idea what to sell me. So when I go back there what size of AC adapter should I buy to setup my fans in pairs (2 together)?

Thank you for your help!
 
I think the cheapest and easiest thing to do is get an inexpesive computer power supply. They already have connectors on the outputs. You can also get some chaep pc fans with the correct plugs on them and then just extend the wires between the plugs if needed...
 
Hey DonW, the mods you made to the power supply. Does it change the units power storage?

Reason I am asking is. A power supply is ment to store power and release it as components in a PC ask for it. Not trying to discourage from useing one as I think it is a great Idea. But, there is a reason it says on the labels that if the case is opened they will not warranty it. Not thats an issue but its also to help discourage people from opening it when they are trying to fix thier PC. It takes a very long time for the electricity to drain from the transformer and one wrong move it can send you across the room. Now, a new power supply will most likely be drained of said power. Just use caution if you need to repair your mods. There could be power stored even 24 hours after you unplug it. I learned the hard way! Twice! Once from a T.V. and once from a "power supply".

Saftey first.
 
Detri said:
Hey DonW, the mods you made to the power supply. Does it change the units power storage?

Saftey first.


PC power supplies do not store power. They do have a capacitor that will save a little juice, this prevents the supply form be overloaded at start up. Discharging a used supply is usually not necessary since your not going to take it out of your pc. If you do question one that is still installed just turn it on, that will discharge the capacitor.
My mod only makes the suppply think there is a motherboard. All the new supplies have to be connected to a MB to operate, thats why the mod.


Don
 
Your right, sorry Capacitor not tranformer, sorry. Well my shock wasn't as large as the one I got from a T.V. but it was still pretty strong. A Monitor or T.V. can store up to 20,000 volts. Now a Power supply doesn't store that amount, but, it still hurts. I am just issueing a heed of caution thats all.

Like I said I like the idea, just don't want to see someone do what I did, thats all.
 
Capacitors can be fun. Many years ago I worked for a GM dealer. There was a few capacitors floating around. Someone figured out that the scope would charge them. They would end up in the funniest places, toilet seat, coffee pot handle,everywhere. Sorry you just reminded me, was fun at the time.

Don
 

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