Fan Timer

[Volusianator]

Originally Posted by bvilchez

I'm just trying to circulate it. I personally will not leave it running all the time. Maybe 1-2 minutes every 15-30 minutes.

That would be perfect. The post I didn't agree with was to let it run constantly.

I have been trying to figure out how to do this as well...I have found many different sites with CPU fans but I have not idea how to even begin setting something like this up...

Does any one know the step-by-step way to connect a CPU fan to an external power source or battery + timer?

Sorry - I didnt mean to hijack this thread - its just its basically the same question I have been trying to solve...

Thanks.

[bazookajoe]

Originally Posted by Mark7777

...Does any one know the step-by-step way to connect a CPU fan to an external power source or battery + timer?...

When I was using a cooler I used one of these fans with one of these adapters, and a timer like this. It was set to run for 15 minutes every 3 hours and kept the RH steady to within 2 points.

Originally Posted by bazookajoe

When I was using a cooler I used one of these fans with one of these adapters, and a timer like this. It was set to run for 15 minutes every 3 hours and kept the RH steady to within 2 points.

That's a good plug-&-play solution. Here's an alternative if you aren't afraid to cut some wires.

For the fans themselves, just about anything will work. Just search Computer fans and find one that looks good. You can find a lot of them for less than $10 on Newegg. Try to find one with only 2 wires. The 3 wire ones are adjustable speed, not really needed here.

Once you pick a fan, look for it's power requirement. For example:

Features
12VDC
Operation Voltage: 6.0~13.8 VDC
Rated Current : 0.16 A

So you need a power supply that will provide 12 Volts DC Output, with more than 0.16 Amps available.

This one does 12V with 500mA (0.5A) max. So you could hook 2 of the 0.16A fans to it if ya want (0.32A Total). Generally you don't want to load a power supply to it's max rating. try to keep the Amp use below 80% of max.

Then ya just cut the plugs off the fan and adapter and twist them together with some electrical tape around each pair and you should be good to go. Might want to do some testing to make sure the fan is turning the right direction.

Edit: A note on the timers too, as I've run into it before:

Make sure the timer you pick has the right number of holes for the plug on the adapter you choose. I picked up a great timer for a good price once and got home to find that the plug I was using was 3 prong (grounded), but the timer only took 2 prongs (not grounded).

here is what I have come up with thus far to have an independent reliable fan + timer. Total cost I think isnt too bad...

Dual 80mm component cooling fans with USB connection ( bottom and top)
http://www.coolerguys.com/840556090557.html

+

30" USB EXTENSION CABLE BLACK
http://www.coolerguys.com/840556088769.html

+
USB AC/DC Power Adapter
http://www.amazon.com/Power-Adapter-.../dp/B001QMOEY4

+
Intermatic DT620CL 15 Amp Indoor Astronomic Digital Timer
http://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-DT6...ref=pd_cp_hi_1


The USB cords could be run out the drain hole ( as I understand - maybe Im wrong - not even sure how) -> attach to the usb adapter and timer...This would solve the fan timer issue...I think...


Any thoughts?

Thanks.

[Wharf Rat]

Originally Posted by Mark7777

Does any one know the step-by-step way to connect a CPU fan to an external power source or battery + timer?

Thanks.

You need to find a fan and power supply whose output are the same voltage. The power supply needs to put out more amps (probably milliamps) than the fan needs. They both have to be either AC or DC - no mixing!. So, obviously you need this info, which is usually on a label on the part. Then, you connect plus to plus, etc.

The easiest timer would be one that just lets you plug the power supply into it. For example, you could get a timer that's meant to turn a light on and off while you're gone. Get a power supply that needs 120 VAC input and plug it in.