PC Components used but more of an AV question

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gedc

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#106963 3-Aug-2012 15:12

Guys

Just made an AV rack inside a larg(ish)cupboard to hide away all the TV kit. - couple of receivers, PS3, DVD player etc. Looks nice but given location of kit I'm thinking it may get warm(er) than is normally suitable for electrical kit.

Its made from MDF so am thinking about putting 2 or 3 12V PC fans on the top of the unit and drilling airflow holes down through each shelf- the idea being it will draw in cooler air from the bottom and exhaust from the top. Could even install a vent cover in the cupboard door to draw in cooler air from the main room into the cupboard ?

I'm thinking of using a fan controller such as the following and would insert this kit into the rack - http://www.computerlounge.co.nz/comp...p?partid=10100

Where would I pickup the temp guages that plug into the controller and how would it be powered. Would I simply plugin a 240 to 12v converter from DSE etc, power up the controller unit and plug said fans and temp guages into that?

Just keen to get all the ducks in a row before i build and wire the kit together. Any other ideas appreciated.

Cheers

Ged

kiwijunglist

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#667135 3-Aug-2012 17:45

You don't need fancy fan controller with thermal diodes

Get something like this

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/4-channel-cooling-fan-variable-speed-controller-for-pc-50969?item=6

or

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Computer-pci-cpu-3pin-three-rpm-fans-speed-controller-/300706028190?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item460379da9e#ht_2017wt_1397

Can you 240v -> 12v adapter if the current is appropriate, or you could grab a 2nd hand PSU and use peripheral power cable with 3 pin fan adapter.

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

gedc

355 posts

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#667186 3-Aug-2012 18:53

Thx for the ideas. I really like the aerocooler look but do get your point on the features v actual benefits.

The challenge I seem to be having is sourcing a realtively cheap 240AC to molex powerpack that can carry enough load to run 4 to 6 fans other than investing in a dedicated PC powerpack.

Ive seen a few stateside but they all run on 110v inputs.

Cheers again

richms

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#667292 3-Aug-2012 23:16

There are plenty of molex powerpacks available with those dreaded USB2 to sata/ide adapters on trademe.

Chances are you are buying from someone who is just working from their garage with no clue about SDOC and other legal requirements to sell stuff like that. Unless they are screamers of fans then you should be good with a couple of amps of 12v which there are plenty of wallwarts that will supply, but no idea if the fancy stuff in the fan controller will work without 5v present as well.

Richard rich.ms