A Small Electronics Project [Fan Control]
So, I've never really done any extensive tinkering with electronics. Most of my experience with tech is either the software side of it, or the 'macro' aspect dealing with computer hardware. That said, after
reading about nifty things like the Arduino, I have a project in my mind that I want to try and flesh out. Basically, I want to built a 'customizable' high-power fan controller. Here's some of what I have planned so far...only a rough draft. This is a result of me getting fed up with crappy window fans which don't work well for exhaust/ventilation.
TLDR: I'm looking for input on how to do basic electronics tinkering and just how much labor and parts would be needed for this project. I'm not asking for anyone to do my homework, but Google seems to suggest what I'm trying to do here is far from a complex project.
Power Supply:
Capable of supplying 5A at 12V, minimum. Preferably integrated into the housing of the controller so you simply need to plug in a standard kettle plug cord. I was looking at getting a typical power brick like this and removing it from the housing. I'll need a way to split the power off this to at least three different components - two Molex power connectors for the fans and one for the controller board.
Switches/Control:
I'd like to have the main unit controlled with a basic two-way rocker switch for on/off. Additionally, I want a basic potentiometer for RPM control, unless digital controls (+/- buttons or something) could be implemented just as easily.
Fan:
Thes controller should be compatible with any PWM fan in theory. However, I've been 'designing' based on a monster Delta 120mm 4.80A 5500RPM fan which has a 4-pin PWM connector for control plus a dedicated Molex connector for power.
Connectors:
Aside from the necessary power and USB connectors if using an Arduino, I'd like to have two 4-pin PWM connectors + two 4-pin Molex connectors for control and power, respectively.
Sensors:
It would be nice to have a thermal sensor near the fan as well as inside the housing to monitor temps. Also considering some form of optical sensor to notify when the filter is dirty (see below).
Filter:
My current window fan has no filter, so I'd like to get a basic mesh filter for my new design. If it's not overly complex, I thought using an optical sensor to detect when the filter is 'clogged' and notify the user would be a nice touch.
Display & Extras:
Now I'm getting into things that aren't necessary but would make this a fun project. I'd like to have a small 20x4 LCD installed which displays the current fan RPM, air temperature, internal unit temperature and maybe something else. Additionally for shits and giggles, I thought if I could wire in an amber flasher to a large red momentary button that when pressed sets it off, that would be pretty funny to use for a multitude of reasons...
Controller etc.:
Here's where I start getting mildly confused. I'm really not sure what I should be looking at to make this simple. A basic Arduino seems like it would suffice, I was concerned about finding a 'board' capable of driving a high amperage fan, but if I can feed the fans power directly from the PSU that should simplify things, no?
Have I forgot anything? Probably...I'll likely post more soon. Here's a terrible MS Paint sketch of what I'm trying to do..sort of.
reading about nifty things like the Arduino, I have a project in my mind that I want to try and flesh out. Basically, I want to built a 'customizable' high-power fan controller. Here's some of what I have planned so far...only a rough draft. This is a result of me getting fed up with crappy window fans which don't work well for exhaust/ventilation.
TLDR: I'm looking for input on how to do basic electronics tinkering and just how much labor and parts would be needed for this project. I'm not asking for anyone to do my homework, but Google seems to suggest what I'm trying to do here is far from a complex project.
Power Supply:
Capable of supplying 5A at 12V, minimum. Preferably integrated into the housing of the controller so you simply need to plug in a standard kettle plug cord. I was looking at getting a typical power brick like this and removing it from the housing. I'll need a way to split the power off this to at least three different components - two Molex power connectors for the fans and one for the controller board.
Switches/Control:
I'd like to have the main unit controlled with a basic two-way rocker switch for on/off. Additionally, I want a basic potentiometer for RPM control, unless digital controls (+/- buttons or something) could be implemented just as easily.
Fan:
Thes controller should be compatible with any PWM fan in theory. However, I've been 'designing' based on a monster Delta 120mm 4.80A 5500RPM fan which has a 4-pin PWM connector for control plus a dedicated Molex connector for power.
Connectors:
Aside from the necessary power and USB connectors if using an Arduino, I'd like to have two 4-pin PWM connectors + two 4-pin Molex connectors for control and power, respectively.
Sensors:
It would be nice to have a thermal sensor near the fan as well as inside the housing to monitor temps. Also considering some form of optical sensor to notify when the filter is dirty (see below).
Filter:
My current window fan has no filter, so I'd like to get a basic mesh filter for my new design. If it's not overly complex, I thought using an optical sensor to detect when the filter is 'clogged' and notify the user would be a nice touch.
Display & Extras:
Now I'm getting into things that aren't necessary but would make this a fun project. I'd like to have a small 20x4 LCD installed which displays the current fan RPM, air temperature, internal unit temperature and maybe something else. Additionally for shits and giggles, I thought if I could wire in an amber flasher to a large red momentary button that when pressed sets it off, that would be pretty funny to use for a multitude of reasons...
Controller etc.:
Here's where I start getting mildly confused. I'm really not sure what I should be looking at to make this simple. A basic Arduino seems like it would suffice, I was concerned about finding a 'board' capable of driving a high amperage fan, but if I can feed the fans power directly from the PSU that should simplify things, no?
Have I forgot anything? Probably...I'll likely post more soon. Here's a terrible MS Paint sketch of what I'm trying to do..sort of.
Comments
He's definitely interesting.
"Isn't that sex on a stick" o.O
Those are rated as 12V 4A max, or 48W each at full load.
https://emc2arduino.files.wordpress.com ... uno_bb.png