Diy Computer-fan Stir-plate Build

[Dazza88]

its a 20mm+ stir bar (might even be 25mm)...I know I dont need a vortex, but I WANT ONE!!! That would make me feel like my stir plate was as cool as everyone else's!

So the bar is spinning with the fan at higher speeds? I get a vortex with 1 inch bar in volume less than a litre and sufficient movement for 1.25 l starters.

 

[1974Alby]

yep its spinning and I can see the wort moving gently, but no vortex. I thought the problem was not the volume, but the depth as the flask is nearly full.

 

[alfadog]

This power supply should do the trick, 3 bucks.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/AC-100-240V-DC-...3#ht_2674wt_957

I had three of these power supplies for my fridge fans, two of them failed within a fortnight. I am saving the last for my stir plate. Was not too happy with them

 

[alfadog]

I finally got the parts today to build my stir plate and it was a bit tricky getting the magnets on the fan. So I had to do a Macgyver job.



I placed all the magnets on a strip of blu-Tak which allowed me to get the distances perfect. I then dabbed on some silicone and placed the whole strip on to the fan assembly. Works a treat! Now to make me some starters.

 

[Acasta]

Built one of these but I guess i've done it wrong. It will only go at full speed and not move at lower settings

I used a normal 120mm fan, and a 12V power supply and of these fan speed adjusters:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/221037047346?ss...#ht_4449wt_1002

When ordering the power supply off ebay, the accidentally sent me one of these, but I'm not sure I can use it as its 12-24V>
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Wireless-Remote...9#ht_4885wt_905

I'm thinking I'll get one of those dimmers. Thoughts?

 

[glenwal]

When ordering the power supply off ebay, the accidentally sent me one of these, but I'm not sure I can use it as its 12-24V>
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Wireless-Remote...9#ht_4885wt_905

That should be fine to use. 12-24V just means you can use it on any power supply thats between 12V and 24V, so if you have a 12V supply for your fan, its perfect.

Remote controlled stir-plate sounds pretty cool.

 

[Acasta]

Cheers! Yeah, handy so I can control the speed from across the room!
Now i need a remote controlled beer tap and fetcher...

 

[Tony_N]

I have just assembled my little jobby in a lunch box, relying on this thread. Thanks Wolfy and others. Just waiting on my ebay magnet which is a rare earth bar magnet 50mmx15mmx10mm for use with a 35mm stirbar (or I will get a 50mm one if needed).

I'm wondering if I have overkilled on the size of the magnet, thinking it might be too heavy for the fan. I ask only because I don't want to superglue the magnet on to find that the fan wont spin it. Anybody know if this is too big? Or alternatively,know of some way of attaching it temporarily without it spinning off and ripping the fan apart?? Or is there any way of releasing superglue without dissolving the plastic on the fan.

Thanks - Tony

 

[glenwal]

Or alternatively,know of some way of attaching it temporarily without it spinning off and ripping the fan apart??

Would bluetac do the trick?

 

[Tony_N]

Would bluetac do the trick?

It might if I let it set for a while - praps I'll try it if there is no other solution - thanks Glen

 

[Tony_N]

It might if I let it set for a while - praps I'll try it if there is no other solution - thanks Glen

The magnet is too heavy for the fan to move...$#!%%^& - be good to extract the bar out of the flask though - it is soooo strong

 

[Arghonaut]

Got my stirplate running, thanks to the advice in this thread. Grabbed an old pc, took its 80mm case fan, which came in a convenient mounting case that is a good size for sitting a flask on. Salvaged the magnet from the HDD, and grabbed an adjustable voltage adapter i had lying around. Just bluetacked the magnet to the fan for now. Got a 2L erlenmeyer flask and a 25 and 35mm stir bar. The 25mm works a treat, only throws on the highest voltage, but the vortex is allready all the way down to the stir-bar at that point. The 35mm is no good, too long for the HDD magnet, throws on even the lowest setting.

Now eagerly awaiting some 1388 and 1084 :super:

 

[geneabovill]

Has anyone had any success using other hits of ferrous metal? I tried testing with a pop rivet - it jumps around but doesn't spin. The stir bar is on its way from the states.

 

[ian ulrick]

Is this motor controller suited to run a computor fan for the stir plate and also able to contol the mill motor that Motion Dynamics sells for a grain mill.

Speed controller http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/270859508293?ss...984.m1497.l2649

Motor http://www.motiondynamics.com.au/worm-driv...s/12v-180w.html

Baldrick

 

[warra48]

Is this motor controller suited to run a computor fan for the stir plate and also able to contol the mill motor that Motion Dynamics sells for a grain mill.

Speed controller http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/270859508293?ss...984.m1497.l2649

Motor http://www.motiondynamics.com.au/worm-driv...s/12v-180w.html

Baldrick

Geez, I'm interested whether it would work.

The motiondynamics motor is basically designed to propel a golf buggy. I have a golf buggy with just that motor, but with a stuffed circuit board, and I'll be stuffed forking out $200 quoted to replace the controls.

 

[vortex]

Is this motor controller suited to run a computor fan for the stir plate and also able to contol the mill motor that Motion Dynamics sells for a grain mill.

Speed controller http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/270859508293?ss...984.m1497.l2649

Motor http://www.motiondynamics.com.au/worm-driv...s/12v-180w.html

Baldrick

Serious? What size starters are you doing?
a 120mm PC fan with rectangle magnets spins 5L no worries @12v, total of about $10. No need to overkill that much!

 

[ian ulrick]

Serious? What size starters are you doing?
a 120mm PC fan with rectangle magnets spins 5L no worries @12v, total of about $10. No need to overkill that much!

I am using a 120mm fan. Not the mill motor :blink: . I am asking about the controller. Is the controller in the link what I am looking for for both applications. I want to control the speed on the stir plate so I can use it for other then just brewing.


Baldrick

 

[vortex]

I am using a 120mm fan. Not the mill motor :blink: . I am asking about the controller. Is the controller in the link what I am looking for for both applications. I want to control the speed on the stir plate so I can use it for other then just brewing.

Apologies, I mis-read (or more likely simply did not!). It will work, but it's massive overkill for a stir plate. I can't comment on what the mill motor would draw when crushing grain though, so I'm not sure if that speed controller will work when the amp draw increases - but it says it supports 10amp though.

All you need for the stir plate is this: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/QT156-NEW-3-Pin...3c8b&_uhb=1
I have one of these on each of my stir plates.

 

[ian ulrick]

All you need for the stir plate is this: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/QT156-NEW-3-Pin...3c8b&_uhb=1
I have one of these on each of my stir plates.
[/quote]

Thanks Vortex. I did not find that controller when searching on ebay. Looks the goods.

Baldrick

 

[Amber Fluid]

This Dimmer Switch will do the job too.

Just a note regarding the MD motor, you really don't need a speed controller for it. It does a great job without one.