Help with rack fans

To many ads? Support ODJT and see no ads!
Brian

Brian

DJ
Oct 28, 2006
1,005
10
North Carolina
www.southcharlottedj.com
Hey guys

Reciently, my neighbor helped me put together a 3-space rack fan panel. He has a machine shop in his garage, and was able to put this together with scraps he had. It looks great, but there is one problem. The fans are AC, 1800rpm motors I believe, and basically wired straight to 120volt power. As of now, they are way too powerfull and loud. When I turn them on, I can feel a strong breaze blowing up through my rack between my mixer and light controller at my face. They need to be turned down, but as they are AC motors I am not sure how. Using any type of dimmer pack wouldn't work because without the full 60hz voltage, I get that "hmmm" noise that also causes line hum and buzzing. Whats the best approach to slowing these things down? The only alternative I can think of is going to DC motors, but I don't want to if I can avoid it.

Any suggestions?

Thanks
 

Attachments

  • RackFanPics001.jpg
    RackFanPics001.jpg
    43.2 KB · Views: 3
  • RackFanPics004.jpg
    RackFanPics004.jpg
    31.3 KB · Views: 3
  • RackFanPics005.jpg
    RackFanPics005.jpg
    29.6 KB · Views: 1
Ask you neighbor to help you put a potentiometer on them. ( A Dimmer) It will let you change the amount of voltage suppied to the fans. You can have them on low most of the time if you working outside in summer you can turn them up to high. I'm unaware of the change in voltage causing a hum. I haven't been in a electonics class for over 10 years but I would guess there is some solution to this issue.

You can purchase lower RPM AC fans. You could purchase dc fans but then you would have some type of power pack.
 
You may wish to look at an AC motor controller. They're essentially the same size as light dimmers and use triacs.

This is an industrial item and can be got at www.grainger.com
 
They look like they are 80mm Fans, Get some from your old computer and then find a switching universal DC power supply. If you know what your doing, wire it up, if not get your buddy to. It is really easy, just solder all the blacks together and all the reds together. You will control the voltage on the power supply (just a little dc box)
Here is a pic of the thing im talking about
http://www.arcticstreamcooling.com/catalog/fanimg/ebaymisitems/cobyac
Give it a try, I bet it will work perfect, plus may be more legit then the rig above (I don't think CSA Would approve)
Thanks
 
Hey Brian I just wanted to say you are one cool kid! It's been a long time since I've had a 15 year old in class with even half your brains and maturity. Keep up the good work!
 
jkcomputers said:
They look like they are 80mm Fans, Get some from your old computer and then find a switching universal DC power supply. If you know what your doing, wire it up, if not get your buddy to. It is really easy, just solder all the blacks together and all the reds together. You will control the voltage on the power supply (just a little dc box)
Here is a pic of the thing im talking about
http://www.arcticstreamcooling.com/catalog/fanimg/ebaymisitems/cobyac
Give it a try, I bet it will work perfect, plus may be more legit then the rig above (I don't think CSA Would approve)
Thanks
Click to expand...

Yeah I was thinking that as a last resort I could switch to DC fans and a DC power supply like that, thanks for the link.

knardini said:
Hey Brian I just wanted to say you are one cool kid! It's been a long time since I've had a 15 year old in class with even half your brains and maturity. Keep up the good work!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the compliment, I really try to be mature and fit in with you DJs who have been in the biz for years despite my age and experience level!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back