This is my attempt at a tutorial on how to make a fan controller.
I dont have a degree in a electronics...or even an A level in it.
I am a normal pc enthusiast (if there is such a thing) who is a bit short of cash and wants a fan controller.
So i thought id make one and tell you all how i did it.
Its basically just a switch that changes from the 12v to the 5v rail and back.
What you need:
1. A molex through connector,
2. A pair of scissors/wire strippers,
3. A solder iron,
4. Some solder,
5. A SPDT (single pole double throw) switch.
6. Heatshrink/ Insulation tape
Before any cutting or soldering. A very crude wiring diagram that i did in paint.
1.Cut the yellow 12v wire half way between the connectors and strip it down about 3mm. As i dont have any wire strippers i like to use scissors as opposed to a knife 'cos i find it easier and more accurate.
2.Solder one of the outside pins on the switch to the yellow wire coming from the female molex.
3.Cut the red wire off as close to the male molex connector as you can.
4.Solder the red wire to the other outer pin on the switch.
5.Take the other yellow wire and solder it to the centre pin on the switch.
6.check your soldering is solid and plug your fan/s into it. Also i would advise covering the soldering with heatshrink or insulation tape to make sure you dont short anything else in the case.
This is probably the cheapest fan controller you can make.
If you dont want to open your case every time you want to change the speed of your fan then you could mount it on a bay cover pretty easily usil=ng a drill a file and some screws.
The number of watts or amps it can take is all down to what switch you get but I presume most switches will be able to take quite a few fans.
Sam.
I dont have a degree in a electronics...or even an A level in it.
I am a normal pc enthusiast (if there is such a thing) who is a bit short of cash and wants a fan controller.
So i thought id make one and tell you all how i did it.
Its basically just a switch that changes from the 12v to the 5v rail and back.
What you need:
1. A molex through connector,
2. A pair of scissors/wire strippers,
3. A solder iron,
4. Some solder,
5. A SPDT (single pole double throw) switch.
6. Heatshrink/ Insulation tape
Before any cutting or soldering. A very crude wiring diagram that i did in paint.
1.Cut the yellow 12v wire half way between the connectors and strip it down about 3mm. As i dont have any wire strippers i like to use scissors as opposed to a knife 'cos i find it easier and more accurate.
2.Solder one of the outside pins on the switch to the yellow wire coming from the female molex.
3.Cut the red wire off as close to the male molex connector as you can.
4.Solder the red wire to the other outer pin on the switch.
5.Take the other yellow wire and solder it to the centre pin on the switch.
6.check your soldering is solid and plug your fan/s into it. Also i would advise covering the soldering with heatshrink or insulation tape to make sure you dont short anything else in the case.
UglyChild said:
This is probably the cheapest fan controller you can make.
If you dont want to open your case every time you want to change the speed of your fan then you could mount it on a bay cover pretty easily usil=ng a drill a file and some screws.
The number of watts or amps it can take is all down to what switch you get but I presume most switches will be able to take quite a few fans.
Thanks for reading, all suggestions and ideas are very welcome.
Sam.
jrafael said:
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