Author Topic: MPH controlled 12 volt fan controller  (Read 37828 times)

karldulle

  • Approved Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 39
    • View Profile
    • Email
MPH controlled 12 volt fan controller
« on: August 21, 2012, 02:28:04 am »
  Greetings Cristiano ,,

     I have a set of four fans, 12 volt variable speed with a 2.1 amp draw..   I am seeking a controller to output variable voltage to fans based on simulator output of MPH..  I race open wheel and want a breeze!  I have seen alot of interest around the different forums for such a device..  Maybe some interested will pipe in her to confirm interest.. I know x sim has a plugin, but it does not interest me to do the whole x-sim thing.. In the interest of simplicity I wonder if you have considered such a project?  
                                                                                           Karl Dulle
« Last Edit: August 21, 2012, 04:14:40 am by karldulle »

Mortos

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 80
    • View Profile
Re: MPH controlled 12 volt fan controller
« Reply #1 on: August 21, 2012, 03:50:12 am »
Philips shortly manufactured a number of devices under the Ambx name. These included speakers with RGB lighting on top of them, a wrist rest with vibration and two ducted fans.

All of these could be linked to games to produce feedback. Apparently they weren't very popular, as all of that was scrapped and only a wall illuminating RGB light under the cyborg brand name remains.


I've been interested in the fan portion of it ever since I played with it at an event when Ambx was new. It's an interesting way to provide a sense of speed. While a motion rig can tilt back to "push" you into your seat and good visuals in an enclosed space help, that wind in your hair feel would still be a great addition, or even a much cheaper alternative for either of them.

One issue is the type of fan to use. Something readily available would be PC case fans, available in a number of sizes and price ranges and fairly quiet.
For power an RC ducted fan could work, though they're loud and most likely power hungry. Price could also be an issue, as well as brushless types requiring a special controller.

If you do make this into a product I'd likely purchase one or two, depending on how many fans/amps one board can handle.

karldulle

  • Approved Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 39
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: MPH controlled 12 volt fan controller
« Reply #2 on: August 21, 2012, 04:00:36 am »
This is the fan I would like to use..  2.1 amp draw at 12 volts.. Moves alot of air, somewhat noisy, but headphones or insane volume fixes that!   I payed 8.95 US for these and picked up 4..     Called  TRACKER TURBO fan  Model 023-550   

Cristiano

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1360
    • View Profile
    • SymProjects
    • Email
Re: MPH controlled 12 volt fan controller
« Reply #3 on: August 21, 2012, 03:50:40 pm »
Hello.
I might have something for you.
The problem is I am going on holiday tomorrow and won't be able to help you until I came back, at the begining of July.

Basically I created a new firmware for the rev burner for a customer that drives a huge fan.
the firmware was made specifically for that model of fan but probably I can make it more general and work with any 12v fan.

The problem is that if you are already using two rev burners you can't connect a third one because SImDash wouldn't detect it. It was a quick and dirty solution that I put together for this customer. A dedicated controller would be way better and wouldn't be hard or expensive to design a new one. Maybe it could be the next project.

Anyway when I can back I will be happy to send you the firmware and discuss how to connect everything together.

is your fan at fixed speed?

Speak soon
Cristiano

karldulle

  • Approved Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 39
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: MPH controlled 12 volt fan controller
« Reply #4 on: August 21, 2012, 04:38:14 pm »
Excellent !   My fan is variable speed.. 12 volts 2.1 amps high side..   critical thing is voltage variability.. I guess..   I do have 1 rev-burner.. so I am in great shape..  The unit would need to max out at like 10 amps ..  I have the 12 volt AUX power to feed the controller..

  Hey have a great time!  I hope you mis-typed the JULY return.. If not, you are certainly enjoying a long holiday!  I  look forward to hearing from you on your return!      Karl

Cristiano

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1360
    • View Profile
    • SymProjects
    • Email
Re: MPH controlled 12 volt fan controller
« Reply #5 on: August 21, 2012, 04:45:15 pm »
I meant September!

How do you change the speed of the fan? with a knob/potentiometer?

karldulle

  • Approved Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 39
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: MPH controlled 12 volt fan controller
« Reply #6 on: August 21, 2012, 05:07:00 pm »
yes  it has a dial type adjustment..   

karldulle

  • Approved Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 39
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: MPH controlled 12 volt fan controller
« Reply #7 on: September 26, 2012, 01:26:34 am »
 Any news on this Cristiano?   

Cristiano

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1360
    • View Profile
    • SymProjects
    • Email
Re: MPH controlled 12 volt fan controller
« Reply #8 on: September 26, 2012, 04:59:57 pm »
Any news on this Cristiano?   

What I have is a firmware for the rev burner that drives the fan.
you will need a couple of extra components (a transistor and a diode) to put between the rev burner and the fan.
I can help selecting the components and connecting everything together.

the rev burner with this new firmware is seen by simdash as the rev burner that drives the speedometer. so if you are already using a speedometer you can't connect the fan.

but if you are only using the rev counter, then you can use a second rev burner for the fan.

are you still interested?

regards
Cristiano


karldulle

  • Approved Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 39
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: MPH controlled 12 volt fan controller
« Reply #9 on: September 27, 2012, 04:35:28 am »
Any news on this Cristiano?   

What I have is a firmware for the rev burner that drives the fan.
you will need a couple of extra components (a transistor and a diode) to put between the rev burner and the fan.
I can help selecting the components and connecting everything together.

the rev burner with this new firmware is seen by simdash as the rev burner that drives the speedometer. so if you are already using a speedometer you can't connect the fan.

but if you are only using the rev counter, then you can use a second rev burner for the fan.

are you still interested?

regards
Cristiano




 It is a definate project for me... But I'm guessing what you have would not be sufficient in that I need it to have available ,and control, 10 amps of  12 v power..  Am I correct  in that?   

Cristiano

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1360
    • View Profile
    • SymProjects
    • Email
Re: MPH controlled 12 volt fan controller
« Reply #10 on: September 27, 2012, 05:06:33 pm »
Any news on this Cristiano?   

What I have is a firmware for the rev burner that drives the fan.
you will need a couple of extra components (a transistor and a diode) to put between the rev burner and the fan.
I can help selecting the components and connecting everything together.

the rev burner with this new firmware is seen by simdash as the rev burner that drives the speedometer. so if you are already using a speedometer you can't connect the fan.

but if you are only using the rev counter, then you can use a second rev burner for the fan.

are you still interested?

regards
Cristiano




 It is a definate project for me... But I'm guessing what you have would not be sufficient in that I need it to have available ,and control, 10 amps of  12 v power..  Am I correct  in that?   


I am sorry, I didn't understand

Shaynne

  • Approved Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 1
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: MPH controlled 12 volt fan controller
« Reply #11 on: April 26, 2013, 11:52:34 pm »
Is there any more Leadway made on this Topic? I am very Intrested, and will purchase a RevBurner if Firmware is made Available to drive PC Fans to reflect Speedometer Output from my Sim's :-)

karldulle

  • Approved Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 39
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: MPH controlled 12 volt fan controller
« Reply #12 on: May 04, 2013, 01:30:15 pm »
Is there any more Leadway made on this Topic? I am very Intrested, and will purchase a RevBurner if Firmware is made Available to drive PC Fans to reflect Speedometer Output from my Sim's :-)


    Do you really think pc fans will be noticeable?   The fans I have  shown above,  push air like a hair dryer..  at high speed.   

 I have been trying now for well over a year to get someone to proto this..  If it was of sufficient power capability , I know myself  and many of the sims I have worked on for friends etc.. would  buy a product like this.  IMHO  it would add a whole new dimension to the simulators customization abilities.    Fans hooked to air ducts on RL  dashes....  etc...   

   PLEASE    Help us Cristiano !     I'll take 3 units right off.. if they can provide 10 amps 12 volts....   Maybe lower the units to 5 amps 12 V ?  I'd have to buy 6 than!     Karl Dulle

 

hit counter