Homemade usb fan to cool game consoles...
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Homemade usb fan to cool game consoles...
I'm thinking of making a usb fan to cool down the cabinet where I keep an XBOX 360, PS3, and cable box. The cabinet gets super hot and there is no ventilation. One time the XBOX actually overheated and the game crashed.
So I think I can make a usb fan by taking a regular 120mm fan (or a smaller one) and using a spare usb cable to get the power. The cable box has a usb port that I can use. I don't want to use the PS3 usb port because I don't know if there is a risk of damaging the PS3.
Is this doable? what are the risks? is this a good idea? I'm not an expert with electronic mods like this....
So I think I can make a usb fan by taking a regular 120mm fan (or a smaller one) and using a spare usb cable to get the power. The cable box has a usb port that I can use. I don't want to use the PS3 usb port because I don't know if there is a risk of damaging the PS3.
Is this doable? what are the risks? is this a good idea? I'm not an expert with electronic mods like this....
Yep, and they can be found at your local RadioShack for <$20.IsaacKuo wrote:A better solution is to use a cheap universal power adapter. These have a switch that lets you adjust the voltage between 3v and 12v. Thus, you can control airflow vs noise. It's also really easy to connect up the power, because the tip had a couple holes you just put wires into.
You don't want to run a fan off USB unless you're well aware of your current draw.
So If I use one of these adapters, I will not have to worry about the current or amperage or anything else? I'm a complete newbie when it comes to this....IsaacKuo wrote:A better solution is to use a cheap universal power adapter. These have a switch that lets you adjust the voltage between 3v and 12v. Thus, you can control airflow vs noise. It's also really easy to connect up the power, because the tip had a couple holes you just put wires into.
What about those USB fans that are sold on eBay?
i did this about 4 months ago for my ps3. its in a low unit, but theres about 5/6 inches gap between the vent and the side of the unit. i just kept the fan in the gap to push the hot air away.
it has been fine, but i was also concerned about how much power its taking from the ps3.
i just stripped the 3 pin cable on the fan and stripped the usb cable and wired it together.
it has been fine, but i was also concerned about how much power its taking from the ps3.
i just stripped the 3 pin cable on the fan and stripped the usb cable and wired it together.
Here's a page from the Scythe website showing the Slipstream 120mm fan drawing 0.1A to 0.24A depending on the rpm version.
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I was thinking...instead of buying new, look around the house for a discarded/unused wall charger (pre-USB cellphone, CD player, cordless phone, etc.). They typically output 7-9V DC and supply 200mA+. Seems perfect for a fan supply. Just be sure to use one that more that meets your fan's current req.
Plug it into a switched AC outlet so it turns on/off with your electronic appliance.
If you want to slow the fan down further and want fine control, get a Zalman Fan Mate 2.
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I was thinking...instead of buying new, look around the house for a discarded/unused wall charger (pre-USB cellphone, CD player, cordless phone, etc.). They typically output 7-9V DC and supply 200mA+. Seems perfect for a fan supply. Just be sure to use one that more that meets your fan's current req.
Plug it into a switched AC outlet so it turns on/off with your electronic appliance.
If you want to slow the fan down further and want fine control, get a Zalman Fan Mate 2.