Variable Speed Vent Fan

[Roberto]

Has anyone ever added a variable speed control to a 12v vent fan? Or can someone suggest how to do it.

Bob

[Arne]

Personally, this sounds like overthinking a simple item... some come with 3 speeds, that's enough for me.... good luck.

[Chris C]

http://members.aol.com/fantasticvent/index.htm

[vairman]

Well to make a 12-volt fan variable speed you'll need to use a rheostat that is rated for the fans amp draw and voltage, one sugestion is finding a dashlight dimmer switch out of a car, but if you have high amp fan like a "fantastic" fan you'll need something that can handle the amps of that fan... But if I were you I'd just live with the single speed or 3 speeds what ever you have...

Greg

PS. one last note, A rheostat WILL get HOT!! The power has to go some where so it's turned into heat... FYI

[mikeschn]

Just buy a Northern Breeze by Ventline. It's already variable...



Mike...

[Chris C]

Hey Mike, is that one as quiet as the Fantastic Fan? How about a link.

[Chris C]

Never mind. Found it: http://www.ventline.com/

[mikeschn]

Yes, it's as quiet as the Fantastic Fan... Quieter actually, becuase you can run it slower than the Fantastic Fan!!!

Mike...

[Gerdo]

Lets see if I can revive this thread. I also would like to replace or agument the 3 speed switch on my FantasticFan with a rheostat. Even the slow speed is too fast when sleeping. I would like to just keep the air moving a little when sleeping. There has to be an easy way to add a rheostat. Come on all you electrical geniusis. I just want to pick up a small rheostst from somewhere, like Radio Shack, and modify my fan.

[madjack]

hey Gerdo, my idea, would be to just goto RadioShack and pick an appropriate sized rheostat and mod it too the fan
madjack

[SkipperSue]

I was coming to work this morning and for some reason I thought about this post. I had remembered seeing this router control unit in a Harbor Frieght flier. I would think this little unit would work. I think I'll get one and find out soon.

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=43060

[SkipperSue]

Duh! nevermind that last post, that works on 110 volts not 12 volts.


(edit): I just went back and read the online manual for this unit and it says AC/DC, up to 250 volts DC. So I'm not sure, might work, might not.

[Alphacarina]

I also would like to replace or agument the 3 speed switch on my FantasticFan with a rheostat. Even the slow speed is too fast when sleeping. I would like to just keep the air moving a little when sleeping

They make an upgrade kit for your fan

http://www.fantasticvent.com/products/model_6600_kit/model_6600_kit.html

Don

[tonyj]

I found the upgrade kit on PPL Motor Homes website--only $233.00.

Found a Model 6600 "Buy it Now" on Ebay for $232.00.

I'll stick with my 3 speed.

[bgeddes]

Rheostats are incredibly inefficient, converting unused power into heat isn't the best way. Pulsing the DC power is the best way. This is not to terribly tough. If someone can tell me the typical amp draw of the most common fans, I think I can come up with an inexpensive answer. (How many speeds? Digital control is easier and cheaper)