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Lap top fan wired into multi function unit

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2012 9:52 pm
by Silverstalker
I have gone down the route of fixing a fan to the top of the multi function unit RX18.. its a litte 5v one, I would like to wire it up to the mains from the 7.2 pack and not have to have a slave power pack....

I would asume resistors are what I i need?

Could I get some info.... Or a how to guide on this please.. thank you

Re: Lap top fan wired into multi function unit

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 5:53 pm
by Dietrich
Hi Silverstalker,
I 'Believe' that the 5 Volt fan can actually cope with the 7.2 Volts of the battery pack without any resistor needed, especially if it is a metal framed one from a lap-top. I stand to be corrected if anyone knows better.....But if it does need a resistor then we will need the amp rating of the fan as well as the voltage. It should be written on the back of the fan, on a sticker that covers the back of the fans spindle....it will be 0. 'something' of an amp.... Thanks in advance for the update..
Alb.

Re: Lap top fan wired into multi function unit

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 7:45 pm
by Tankbear
I agree with Alb I think the fan will just run faster. I have a cooling fan by Ansmann racing which it says rated at 7.2v but it is basically a 5v computer cooling fan and it runs great.

If your still not wanting to risk it get a 5v voltage regulator which will cap out put to 5v no matter what the input voltage is. If you did the resistor route the fan will slow down with battery voltage.

Ian.

Re: Lap top fan wired into multi function unit

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 9:50 pm
by Silverstalker
On the back it says DC5V ... 0.35W So thats 5v direct current and 0.35 watts?? is that right. If so what can we make of this. the fan is plastic and compact excatly 1" x 1" I didnt want a 'big' fan covering all of it just help keep crud out etc


@tank bear if the numbers i have just quoted means it cant take a 7.2 pack, could I get V regulator from maplin.. and if so i asume it would be to regulate to 5V and keep it in check?

Re: Lap top fan wired into multi function unit

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 10:06 pm
by Tankbear
Hard to tell if your fan will take 7.2v it's one of those only know if you try it. You should be able to get a 5v regulator from maplins or ebay or other electronics place.

Ian.

Re: Lap top fan wired into multi function unit

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 11:00 pm
by Silverstalker
Ok I will just get a regulator and be safe :) cheers

btw i looked one up, they have 3 pins on them...erm can i get a how to on this :D

I again asume ones in ones out ones ground? where the ground go to? or is it redundant?

Re: Lap top fan wired into multi function unit

Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 6:15 am
by Tankbear
Middle pin is ground. Think from memory looking at front left is input and right is output but I'll check how I wired mine tonight to be sure.

Re: Lap top fan wired into multi function unit

Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 7:26 pm
by blimp
Hi Silverstalker, there is a 4.5v feed available from pins in the RX18's I.R. port ( CN2 ) the 3rd pin from left is the B - and the 5th is B+ , worth a try ;)

Re: Lap top fan wired into multi function unit

Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 8:26 pm
by Tankbear
Hi Silverstalker,

Checked how I connected mine up (fan for smoker but same effect) looking at the voltage regulator with print to the front and heat sink at top.
Left pin Positive input, Middle pin Negative, Right pin Positive out at 5vdc.

Also what Blimp says could be an idea to try.

Ian.

Re: Lap top fan wired into multi function unit

Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:54 pm
by Silverstalker
Cheers fellas some good ideas there, I may just wire up to the IR port like you said.... simples :D

Thanks for looking into the regulator to... every little helps and have a couple of options 8)