I need to make a fan controller.

[ratdude747]

Re: I need to make a fan controller.

So if I'm commando'ing one of my motherboards what do I set it on? wood? cardboard?

put down a few layers of packing tape or generic gray duct tape onto the mounting surface and set it on that... for tiny boards, electrical tape works too (I did that for a custom board I put in a case once...)

[Agent24]

Re: I need to make a fan controller.

On the cardboard box, or on the layer of foam the board comes in.

Watch out with that though, some of that foam can be conductive too...

[mariushm]

Re: I need to make a fan controller.

On the cardboard box, or on the layer of foam the board comes in.

As for your device, some simple mcguyver idea that comes to mind is one or two plastic dvd cases.. drill some holes that fill the holes of that breadboard and you're golden. I guess a thin plywood would also work.

[Mad_Professor]

Re: I need to make a fan controller.

There are several different types and not all may potentially be an issue when used the way you did, and I think in a lot of cases you may not get a problem because the resistance of them is very high, but it's still probably not a good idea.

So if I'm commando'ing one of my motherboards what do I set it on? wood? cardboard?

[Agent24]

Re: I need to make a fan controller.

There are several different types and not all may potentially be an issue when used the way you did, and I think in a lot of cases you may not get a problem because the resistance of them is very high, but it's still probably not a good idea.

[Mad_Professor]

Re: I need to make a fan controller.

Powering up your circuit on a conductive anti-static bag probably isn't the best idea.

scotch taped the bottom. But that's funny, I've put motherboards and other stuff on anti-static bags, never had a problem.


Didn't know those were conductive.

[Agent24]

Re: I need to make a fan controller.

Powering up your circuit on a conductive anti-static bag probably isn't the best idea.

[ratdude747]

Re: I need to make a fan controller.

Good work. Looks nice.

[Mad_Professor]

Re: I need to make a fan controller.

It is done! Fresh out of the oven!

I shall call you FRANKENSTEIN!!!

[shadow]

Re: I need to make a fan controller.

Maybe, but do you have the latest version of Arduino IDE as well?

That could be it as well.

[Agent24]

Re: I need to make a fan controller.

I can't seem to find any upload via programmer option. Maybe it is because I don't have a USB connected programmer and my laptop does not have a parallel port.

Maybe, but do you have the latest version of Arduino IDE as well?

[shadow]

Re: I need to make a fan controller.

IT WORKS!

I'm still having problems with the arduino software but the controller works as planned. Also I just realized I got the wrong voltage regulator, I got one with input 7v-35 instead of 0-35v Oh well I'll just stick it on the 12v anyway.

The problem I'm having with arduino software is when I made a board in boards.txt and tried to use the upload button but it spits out an error stating that it could not open port com 1 because com 1 is not a valid port for dapa it needs to be lpt1,2, or 3. But I can't find the setting to specify it.

I work around it using the upload via programmer option in the file menu.

This is pretty sweet.

Pretty good that it worked first time.
Congratulations.

Now onto making a more permanent solution with five fan outputs.

Upload is designed to upload through the serial port and the bootloader. If you don't have these in your circuit you must use upload via programmer. So that's not an error, it's by design.

Good to hear it goes!

In one of my previous posts, it explains how to add another 'board' in board.txt file to use a programmer to upload a program to the controller. However the blog entry may have been a bit old and outdated.

I can't seem to find any upload via programmer option. Maybe it is because I don't have a USB connected programmer and my laptop does not have a parallel port.

[Mad_Professor]

Re: I need to make a fan controller.

See http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm

It will do 5A easily, 7-8 amps with some heating up. But why daisychain... don't think that's best.

Because having 10 wires going back to the molex connector is messy.

[mariushm]

Re: I need to make a fan controller.

See http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm

It will do 5A easily, 7-8 amps with some heating up. But why daisychain... don't think that's best.

[Mad_Professor]

Re: I need to make a fan controller.

What's the max amperage for 23 awg wire? I plan on running two wires, one for ground, one for 12v to the first tip120 header then daisy chain from there?
But not sure if 23 gauge is safe for a 5 fan load? The wire came out of short piece of cat6 cable I had laying around.

[Agent24]

Re: I need to make a fan controller.

Upload is designed to upload through the serial port and the bootloader. If you don't have these in your circuit you must use upload via programmer. So that's not an error, it's by design.

Good to hear it goes!

[Mad_Professor]

Re: I need to make a fan controller.

IT WORKS!

I'm still having problems with the arduino software but the controller works as planned. Also I just realized I got the wrong voltage regulator, I got one with input 7v-35 instead of 0-35v Oh well I'll just stick it on the 12v anyway.

The problem I'm having with arduino software is when I made a board in boards.txt and tried to use the upload button but it spits out an error stating that it could not open port com 1 because com 1 is not a valid port for dapa it needs to be lpt1,2, or 3. But I can't find the setting to specify it.

I work around it using the upload via programmer option in the file menu.

This is pretty sweet.

[Mad_Professor]

Re: I need to make a fan controller.

Odd, it must be a different type of connector to what I am thinking of then, it might need a special insertion tool or something.

I managed to get them out, but I had to use an ice pick and lot of pressure to get them out.

[Agent24]

Re: I need to make a fan controller.

Odd, it must be a different type of connector to what I am thinking of then, it might need a special insertion tool or something.

[Mad_Professor]

Re: I need to make a fan controller.

There should be a piece of metal sticking out from the side of the contact that clicks into place in a hole in the plastic header.

Just push this down with a pin or stiff wire and then push towards the opening. Or you can probably grab the other end with needle-nose pliers, or stick another piece of wire in through the bottom to push the contact out.

Yeah the metal slides on the side yeah I push those down it did not slide I attack from the top with pliers and damaged one of the contacts. I give up, I'll wired directly to the breadboard.