Standalone fan speed controller

SAguy

SAguy

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I'm busy with my network cabinet build and I thought what I'm looking for would be easy to find, but it turns out it's not.

I have two Corsair AF120 12v fans that I'm going to fit into my cabinet.

I'm looking for a fan speed controller that:
  • Has a temperature probe to determine cabinet temperature
  • Automatically adjusts the fan speed based on temperature
  • 12v
  • No dependancy on motherboard or pc in any way
I've seen little ardunio builds, but nothing off the shelf really.
 
I have the exact same problem.
Everyone just keeps telling me to connect the fan to a wall plug... :mad:

Either way, I mounted my cabinet on Tuesday, I have my switch and my PC in it, and no cabinet fan. It's running ok so far.
 
If you just want to control them for speed/noise you can lower the voltage...
 
AstroTurf said:
If you just want to control them for speed/noise you can lower the voltage...
Click to expand...

On that note, 1x variable resistor, find where it makes you and the equipment happy, leave. But he needs them to vary with temperature I see, how much is one of those thermal camera's and a bloke from Zimbabwe?
 
gamer16 said:
On that note, 1x variable resistor, find where it makes you and the equipment happy, leave. But he needs them to vary with temperature I see, how much is one of those thermal camera's and a bloke from Zimbabwe?
Click to expand...
yea or he could buy one of them cheapie multi voltage power supplies.
 
Would you like a variable 12V fan speed controller built that self adjusts from temperature differences?
 
gamer16 said:
But why independent from a pc? Is it because you only have servers there?
Click to expand...
Yip, cctv equipment, routers, etc.

AstroTurf said:
If you just want to control them for speed/noise you can lower the voltage...
Click to expand...
Correct, but want to do that automatically.

AstroTurf said:
I think this would do the trick...

https://www.banggood.com/DC-12V-Fou...troller-Module-p-997793.html?cur_warehouse=CN

uses PWM so will speed up and slow down the fan as needed.
Click to expand...
Ah, did see that. Thanks
 
gamer16 said:
But then those are designed to be passively cooled? Why the need for variable control?
Click to expand...
They're going to be inside a closed cabinet, so don't really want the cabinet fan running at full speed all the time if it's not necessary. Or am I being overly pedantic, should I just let the fans ran at 100% all the time.
 
SAguy said:
They're going to be inside a closed cabinet, so don't really want the cabinet fan running at full speed all the time if it's not necessary. Or am I being overly pedantic, should I just let the fans ran at 100% all the time.
Click to expand...

Nah, but put them on a variable resistor, try 50% and adjust accordingly. Most fans these days operate on hydrodynamic bearings so you need never worry about wear.
 
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