Miscellaneous Debris > Tech Corner
Using 5V and 12V P.C. fans with FARS.
mackbig:
As cool as solar would be, from a cost perspective and maintenance its probably much easier to go low volt.... I know Sam has an issue with length of run, and going under a sidewalk.. but for many a cheap $20 low volt light kit will do the job, toss the lights, and using the entire cable lenght to get to your shield. 24/7 for pennies per month....
Andrew
Anthony:
I've thought several times about using one of the solar battery chargers to run the fan in my FARS. But I've often wondered just how waterproof they are? I'd say not very waterproof since it is recommended that you place them on the dashboard of your vehicle.
The landscaping lights are a different. They wouuld be as long as you didn't alter the housing they are in. But considering they only put out about 3 volts. It would take a ton of them to run even a 5 volt computer fan.
sam2004gp:
--- Quote from: mackbig on March 22, 2009, 08:26:32 AM ---As cool as solar would be, from a cost perspective and maintenance its probably much easier to go low volt.... I know Sam has an issue with length of run, and going under a sidewalk.. but for many a cheap $20 low volt light kit will do the job, toss the lights, and using the entire cable lenght to get to your shield. 24/7 for pennies per month....
Andrew
--- End quote ---
A very valid point. :-)
I have not ruled out the Low voltage light idea as of yet. Just exploring all possibilities. When I opened the package I made sure I did it, so I could take it back if needed.
DanS:
--- Quote from: sam2004gp on March 22, 2009, 08:48:06 AM ---
--- Quote from: mackbig on March 22, 2009, 08:26:32 AM ---As cool as solar would be, from a cost perspective and maintenance its probably much easier to go low volt.... I know Sam has an issue with length of run, and going under a sidewalk.. but for many a cheap $20 low volt light kit will do the job, toss the lights, and using the entire cable lenght to get to your shield. 24/7 for pennies per month....
Andrew
--- End quote ---
A very valid point. :-)
I have not ruled out the Low voltage light idea as of yet. Just exploring all possibilities. When I opened the package I made sure I did it, so I could take it back if needed.
--- End quote ---
If you're going to go the hard wire vs. solar route you don't even need a low volt light kit. Get a wall power pack like a cable modem or router uses. Just read the spec's on it's back and make sure it has enough power to drive the fan you're using. + + :grin:
DanS:
--- Quote from: Anthony on March 22, 2009, 08:42:47 AM ---I've thought several times about using one of the solar battery chargers to run the fan in my FARS. But I've often wondered just how waterproof they are? I'd say not very waterproof since it is recommended that you place them on the dashboard of your vehicle.
The landscaping lights are a different. They wouuld be as long as you didn't alter the housing they are in. But considering they only put out about 3 volts. It would take a ton of them to run even a 5 volt computer fan.
--- End quote ---
Anthony, the panels that I've tinkered with have all been sealed in some kind of clear epoxy/phenolic type of compound, fixed to a circuit board. The plastic housing for yard type solar lights is cosmetic and not protecting the panel from rain. You do bring up an interesting idea for another project though, how many of the dollar store solar light panels would I need to run a 5v fan..... hmmm, next project. I'm guessing 2 would do it. :-k
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