adding-a-quieter-power-supply-fan
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adding-a-quieter-power-supply-fan [2012/12/14 06:45] buildrob |
adding-a-quieter-power-supply-fan [2013/01/05 13:25] (current) phracturedblue |
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| The Vanilla and Duo Bukobot models come with a 350W fan-cooled power supply. Unfortunately the stock fan in the power supply is a little on the loud side and the fan speed control seems to be non-existent. | The Vanilla and Duo Bukobot models come with a 350W fan-cooled power supply. Unfortunately the stock fan in the power supply is a little on the loud side and the fan speed control seems to be non-existent. | ||
| - | The following instructions are to replace the fan with a quieter model. The power supply still makes some level of noise but it is a moderate amount better than before - much less of a high pitched whine. (Unfortunately at this size of fan a fair proportion of the noise is actually just due to air movement but better blade and motor design can definitely help). | + | The following instructions are to replace the fan with a quieter model. The power supply still makes some level of noise but it is moderate improvement compared to before - with much less of the irritating high pitched whine. (Unfortunately at this size of fan a fair proportion of the noise is actually just due to air movement but better blade and motor design can definitely help). |
| The stock power supply fan is a 60mm x 15mm 12V DC brushless fan with a simple (but non-standard) 2 pin connector. | The stock power supply fan is a 60mm x 15mm 12V DC brushless fan with a simple (but non-standard) 2 pin connector. | ||
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| Do not connect the power supply to the mains without taking adequate precautions in ensuring that electrocution cannot occur through accidental contact with the mains terminals, cables or internal power supply components. | Do not connect the power supply to the mains without taking adequate precautions in ensuring that electrocution cannot occur through accidental contact with the mains terminals, cables or internal power supply components. | ||
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| + | ===== Measurements ===== | ||
| + | The original fan was measured at 79dB (using a Radio Shack meter) at 2 inches. The meter was set to the side such that airflow was not blowing directly over the microphone | ||
| + | Using the above instructions, the sound dropped to 65dB using the same procedure. | ||
| + | In an effort to further reduce sound, the fan was then reversed so that it was pushing rather than pulling air. | ||
| + | This dropped the measurement down to 60dB (note that the change in airflow could impact the measurement, but the power supply was qualitatively quieter. | ||
| + | Lastly, the fan guard was cut out, exposing the fan directly. | ||
| + | The final result was 55dB at 2 inches. | ||
| + | The supply is still louder than I'd like, but it is a huge improvement. The next step would probably be to fabricate a new top-plate that can hold an 80mm fan to allow slower speeds and quieter operation. | ||
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| + | ===== Other ideas ===== | ||
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| + | Another user has connected a larger fan onto the top of the power supply to replace the stock internal fan. This has two advantages: | ||
| + | * a deeper, quieter fan can be used (e.g., 60mm x 25mm) | ||
| + | * the fan can simply be connected to the 12VDC terminals at the front | ||
| + | The obvious disadvantage is that the supply no longer fits underneath the Y-axis which may or may not be a consideration for you. | ||
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| + | {{:msfwebdude_supply_switch_1.jpg?400}} | ||
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adding-a-quieter-power-supply-fan.1355489145.txt.gz · Last modified: 2012/12/14 06:45 by buildrob
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